Walker orders flags lowered in honor of Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Patrick Crooks

MADISON -- Governor Scott Walker on Tuesday, September 22nd ordered the Flag of the United States of America and the Flag of the State of Wisconsin be flown at half-staff in memory of state Supreme Court Justice N. Patrick Crooks, who passed away on Monday.

“For almost two decades, Justice Crooks demonstrated his commitment to the citizens of Wisconsin through his service on the state Supreme Court,” Governor Walker said.  “His service extended beyond the bench as well, as Justice Crooks also proudly served his country as an officer in the U.S. Army.  I am deeply sorry to hear of his passing, and Tonette and I offer our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Additionally, the Wisconsin Supreme Court held a moment of silence for Justice Crooks.

The moment of silence came Tuesday just before oral arguments. Justice Shirley Abrahamson draped Crooks' judicial robe over his vacant chair, which is next to where she sits.

Chief Justice Pat Roggensack said Crooks was "an outstanding legal scholar and dedicated public servant." She said he will be sorely missed.

Abrahamson read from one of the last opinions Crooks wrote, where he gave his view of the importance of an independent judiciary.

The Dane County Medical Examiner's Office says 77-year-old Crooks died of natural causes.

Justice Crooks was elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 1996 and again in 2006.  He had previously served 19 years on the bench in Brown County and served as a U.S. Army officer at the Pentagon from 1964 to 1966.  He also worked in private practice and taught business law at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.