Daily News Article - April 29, 2025
1. a) What charges have been brought against Milwaukee County circuit Judge Hannah Dugan?
b) If convicted, how much jail time might Judge Dugan receive?
2. a) What charges was Eduardo Flores-Ruiz facing in court when the judge helped him escape? (What did he do?)
b) What is Flores-Ruiz's immigration status?
3. For what reason were federal agents from ICE and the FBI intending to arrest Flores-Dias after his court appearance?
4. What evidence do agents give in the complaint against the judge that demonstrates probable cause?
5. Describe the events that led to the judge's arrest.
6. If you were one of Flores-Ruiz's victims waiting in court all day for his hearing, how would you react to news that the judge had adjourned the case and attempted to help him escape ICE agents?
7. Dugan retained former U.S. Attorney Steven Biskupic to represent her and he said in a statement that the judge will "defend herself vigorously and looks forward to being exonerated."
"Judge Hannah C. Dugan has committed herself to the rule of law and the principles of due process for her entire career as a lawyer and a judge," Biskupic said in a statement.
Attorney General Pam Bondi responded to the statement by stating that everyone is entitled to their day in court but reiterated that so are victims of crimes.
"They didn't get it because she let a criminal defendant walk out a door. She helped them. She obstructed justice," Bondi said.
a) If an average citizen had attempted to help Flores-Ruiz escape, they would most likely be convicted of a crime.
Do you think the judge should go to jail for trying to help Flores-Ruiz escape? Explain your answer.
b) What do you think of Judge Dugan's commitment to the rule of law?
CHALLENGE: Read the commentary under "Background" below. Mr. Geraghty argues that the facts make it difficult to exculpate Judge Dugan. Do you agree that her actions, as described, clearly violate the law, or should judges have some discretion to act based on their personal beliefs about justice? Explain your answer.