The Third Branch
The Third Branch is a quarterly publication of the Director of State Courts Office, providing news of interest to the Wisconsin Court System. Comments and suggestions may be directed to Tom Sheehan.
Current issue - Winter 2012
Use the links below to navigate the current issue or view the PDF version 
(printable version)
Featured stories
NCSC EJS report completed
Two years after beginning work on the project, the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) has delivered its findings and recommendations on Effective Justice Strategies in Wisconsin. A final draft of the report was delivered to the Director of State Courts, Supreme Court and the Planning and Policy Advisory Committee (PPAC) on Feb. 28.
New judges appointed
Gov. Scott Walker has appointed six new judges to fill vacancies on the circuit courts and one former circuit court judge to serve on the Court of Appeals.
Director's column: The evidence tells us we are on the right track
A report released by the National Center for State Courts shows the Wisconsin Court system is on the right track in pursuing effective justice strategies.
Leadership: Counties join forces for outreach program
The court system shouldn’t consider itself a "bystander" when its image is being tarnished, Barron County Circuit Court Judge James C. Babler writes in introducing a joint communications outreach program.
Awards
Kluka honored for lifetime achievement
State Bar, Law Journal honor Sumi
Judge White named Leader in Law
Cooper receives Founders Award
Primary election narrows judicial candidates
Voters in six counties narrowed the field of candidates vying for circuit court judgeships this spring.
Use of COMPAS expands
Developing criminal justice-related programming, policy and procedures based upon research in a collaborative environment within counties is an evolving concept. But the risk and needs assessment known as COMPAS shows promise.
Universal screening underway in Milwaukee County
After months of preparation, Milwaukee County began implementation of universal screening of pretrial defendants on Jan. 14.
Sentencing seminars hosted
The latest social science research on offenders and sentencing was presented during seminars on smarter sentencing held recently in Waukesha and Eau Claire.
PPAC update
Subcommittees of the Supreme Court's Planning Policy and Advisory Committee address longer range planning, court security, recordkeeping and effective justice strategies.
Court adopts updated security rule
The Supreme Court in January unanimously adopted amendments to SCR 70.38 and 70.39, making a number of changes to the 1994 rule that governs court security and facilities.
Rule petition addresses treatment courts
A rule petition pending before the Supreme Court would make it easier for judges to participate in specialty treatment courts without concern of violating ethics rules related to ex parte communications.
Judge enjoys working on 'the chain gang'
Outagamie Circuit Court Judge John A. Des Jardins is in his 11th season working at his hobby job along the sidelines at Lambeau Field.
Legal resource clinic, justice center in demand
More and more people are depending on the free law-related services in the Milwaukee County Courthouse, including the Milwaukee Legal Resource Center (MLRC) and the Milwaukee Justice Center.
OLR offers lawyer information online
On Jan. 12, the Wisconsin court system and the Office of Lawyer Regulation debuted a new online search program that provides information about lawyer status, standing, and discipline history.
Chief judge meets with local government executives
Chief Judge Jeffrey A. Kremers, Milwaukee County Circuit Court, met with members of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Council of Milwaukee County (ICC) on Feb. 13.
Judges take the plunge
Four Wisconsin circuit court judges plunged into the chilly waters of Half Moon Lake in Eau Claire on Feb. 26.
Children's court report issued
The Children’s Court Initiative Summary Report, which compiles the data, findings, and best practice examples from the CCI on-site reviews conducted in 71 counties, was issued in January.
Chief judge plays role in student video
Chief Judge Scott R. Needham, St. Croix County Circuit Court, played the role of a judge in the New Richmond High School drunk driving awareness video.
Law Day planning underway
The Wisconsin court system, the State Bar of Wisconsin and several local bars will celebrate Law Day 2012 with a variety of activities, including, among other things, courthouse tours, classroom discussions and free legal advice clinics.
A personal take on life of Judge Sheedy
District Court Administrator Michael Neimon writes of his admiration for the late Judge Patrick T. Sheedy.
Featured photos:
Racine County judges meet with media
Supreme Court holds videoconference on rulemaking process
High school compete in mock trial competition
Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson speaks with government students from Janesville
The Committee of Chief Judges meet with the Supreme Court in January
In every issue:
New faces
People
Retirements
Obituaries