The Wisconsin circuit courts were established by the Constitution of Wisconsin, ratified by referendum May 8, 1848. There were originally five circuit courts—each with one judge. In the first version of the constitution, and, until 1853, the circuit court judges also served as the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The number of courts was expanded via legislation as the population of the state grew. There are currently 69 circuit courts in the state with 249 current judges. The circuit courts are organized into nine judicial administrative districts.