JUSTICE FOR ALL
A LionArt Media Documentary 
Co-Produced with the Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson Legacy Committee
Join us in our newest project: a feature-length documentary about the life and legacy of Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson.
With the rule of law and judicial independence under pressure, how can the trailblazing story of Shirley Abrahamson, Wisconsin’s first woman justice, guide us in the fight for justice for all?
The film will intertwine Abrahamson’s inspirational personal story with the pivotal events that define the current trajectory of our judicial system. We explore how her legacy continues to influence the people who are fighting back against injustice and corruption, and we look to a future in which we rebuild our institutions and work toward true justice for all.
“She didn’t just shatter the glass ceiling. She also looked for ways to lift others through the gap.”
-Megan McDermott
About the Film
Shirley Abrahamson is sometimes compared to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. In Abrahamson’s more than four decades on the Wisconsin Supreme Court she was:
But Justice for All is not just a biopic. Instead, we go beyond the conventional biographical framework to create an innovative documentary that not only tells a riveting story, but also spurs viewers to action, empowering them with knowledge and a deeper understanding of the third branch of government at a time when the rule of law is threatened and public trust in the judiciary is being tested. This is not just a film about Shirley Abrahamson, but instead, it is the film we hope that Abrahamson would want to be made in these times.
"To ensure a truly just legal system, one that reflects the history and hopes of this state, there must be greater public participation in the justice system." -Shirley S. Abrahamson (1996)
Impact
WHY NOW?
Current events demonstrate the vital importance of our nation’s court system, as well as a desperate need for deeper public understanding about the way that system works. The arts and humanities have always played a key role in public education about complex topics, and we hope to use this film to address that need.
WHY US?
In 2009, Shirley Abrahamson sat down with Justice Ann Walsh Bradley to record her oral history, in which she tells the story of her life—from growing up in New York City to becoming the Chief Justice. We received permission to access these recordings before they were released to the public, and we have been working closely with Justice Bradley to use these recordings to bring Abrahamson’s story to life.
IMPACT CAMPAIGN
We will create a suite of resources that can be used in classrooms across Wisconsin and across the country, specifically designed to teach people of all ages about the role of judges in our society and the inner workings of the justice system.
Inspired by, and building upon Abrahamson’s educational programs such as Court with Class and Tootsie the Goldfish, these resources will include lesson plans, a viewing guide for the film, and a sequel to the Tootsie the Goldfish game.
“Each of us must work to give the majestic phrases of the constitution—due process of law, equal protection of the law—real meaning to every person. We are each called upon to perform our part in a constitutional democratic system. Each of us in our own way has a firm obligation to do whatever can be done to achieve the ultimate objective of a just and humane society.” -Shirley S. Abrahamson (1985)
Team
Justice for All is a co-production of LionArt Media and the Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson Legacy Committee.
Amy is a lawyer practicing in the areas of victim representation and civil rights in her hometown of Madison, Wisconsin. Her practice has focused on representation of victims of sensitive crimes and Federal Title IX.