The chief justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court alleges that the liberal majority has orchestrated a “coup.”

MADISON, Wis. — The conservative chief justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Monday told the new liberal majority in a scathing email that they had staged a “coup” and conducted an “illegal experiment” when they voted to weaken her powers and fire the director of state courts.

Chief Justice Annette Ziegler, in two emails obtained by The Associated Press, said that firing and hiring a new state court director was illegal and ordered interim state court director Audrey Skwierawski to stop signing orders without her knowledge or approval.

“I have serious concerns about the long-term impact you are having on the judiciary, the court, and the institution,” Ziegler expressed in a message to her fellow justices and Skwierawski. “We need to put an end to this situation. … I lack faith in the recent aggressive takeover and the disruptive consequences it has had on the court, staff, and the overall smooth operation of the courts.”

After winning the election in April, Justice Janet Protasiewicz began her 10-year term on Aug. 1, giving liberals a 4-3 majority. For the previous 15 years, conservatives had held the majority. The recent emails indicate increasing tensions within the court since the liberals gained control.

During their initial week in authority, the justices with liberal leanings decided to dismiss the director of the state court, appoint Skwierawski, and establish a committee responsible for many tasks previously handled by the chief justice. This action had a notable impact on Ziegler, diminishing her position considerably. Despite this setback, she was reelected by the conservative majority for a second three-year term as chief justice in May.

On Monday, Ziegler sent Skwierawski an email telling her to stop signing orders under her name.

“I have noticed that you have been signing my reserve judge orders without my knowledge or consent,” stated Ziegler in the email. “You never sought my permission, and I do not grant it. Cease this action. These orders bear my name, and you lack the legal authority to sign them. If you have signed any other documents using my name, please inform me promptly.”

Skwierawski did not respond to a request for comment via email.

Ziegler also did not respond to an email asking her if she was going to rescind the orders assigning reserve judges to hear cases, or sign them herself so the judges could remain on the cases.

Ziegler once again sent a strongly worded email to all the justices, accusing liberals of unlawful actions that have negatively impacted the court’s internal workings and public image. Ziegler declined to arrange regular meetings with the committee formed by the liberal justices, which she referred to as the “made-up committee.”

“I refuse to break my oath or disregard the constitution,” she expressed. “You are aware that this fabricated ‘committee’ goes against your oath, the constitution, and established court procedures. It lacks legitimacy and cannot be enforced.”

A request for comment from the four-justice liberal majority, left with Supreme Court spokesperson Tom Sheehan, was not returned.

Ziegler also repeated her claim, made when Skwierawski was hired, that the meeting to fire her predecessor was illegal and that she cannot hold the position because she is an elected Milwaukee County circuit judge. Skwierawski is on a leave of absence to take the court director job.

“I cannot reword.”

Ziegler stated her intention to launch a nationwide advertising campaign in search of a fresh director for state courts.

She also claimed that the committee established by the liberal justices is in violation of the constitution.

“I will not support or approve of this unlawful dismantling of the constitution, the judiciary, or the court,” expressed Ziegler. “Throughout the past four decades, the responsibilities and authority of the Chief Justice have been acknowledged and honored. Your immediate objectives will result in lasting and irreversible harm to the judicial system. This will be remembered as a shameful moment in history.”