2020
| 12/29/20 | Wisconsin Supreme Court oral argument - January 2021 The Wisconsin Supreme Court's January 2021 oral argument calendar and synopses of the cases to be heard can be found here. The synopses provided are not complete analyses of the issues. More information about any particular case before the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals can be found on the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Access website. Previously released opinions issued by the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals can be found here. Read more. |
| 12/25/20 | Statement of Chief Justice Patience Drake Roggensack, Wisconsin Supreme Court I am concerned about recent comments aimed at members of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. I acknowledge that all members of the public have the constitutional right to speak in criticism of public servants, which certainly includes all justices on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. However, no justice should be threatened or intimidated based on his or her religious beliefs. Wisconsin has a long history of protecting the right to freely worship, as well as the right to freely speak. Also, threats of actual or proposed violence have no place in public discourse in a democratic society. As we are about to begin a new year, let us all refocus on coming together where possible and treating those with whom we disagree with the respect that each of us would like to receive. — Chief Justice Patience Drake Roggensack, |
| 12/20/20 | Former Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson, state's longest serving justice, dies at 87 Former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson died Dec. 19, 2020, just two days after her 87th birthday, an Abrahamson family member confirmed on Dec. 20. Read more. |
| 12/17/20 | Wisconsin Supreme Court accepts seven new cases The Wisconsin Supreme Court has voted to accept seven new cases, and the Court acted to deny review in a number of other cases. The case numbers, counties of origin and the issues presented in granted cases are listed. More information about pending appellate cases can be found on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Access website. Published Court of Appeals opinions can be found here, and the status of pending Supreme Court cases can be found here Read more. |
| 12/15/20 | Oral argument in Tavern League of Wis., Inc. v. Andrea Palm moved to Dec. 17 Oral argument before the Wisconsin Supreme Court in Tavern League of Wisconsin, Inc. v. Andrea Palm, 20AP1742, has been rescheduled to Thursday, Dec. 17th at 9:45 a.m. The Wisconsin Supreme Court's December 2020 oral argument calendar and synopses of the cases to be heard can be found here. More information about any particular case before the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals can be found on the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Access website. Previously released opinions issued by the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals can be found here. Read more. |
| 12/03/20 | Wisconsin Supreme Court oral argument - December 2020 The Wisconsin Supreme Court's December 2020 oral argument calendar and synopses of the cases to be heard can be found here. The synopses provided are not complete analyses of the issues. More information about any particular case before the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals can be found on the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Access website. Previously released opinions issued by the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals can be found here. Note: A synopsis of Tavern League of Wisconsin, Inc. v. Andrea Palm, scheduled for 9:45 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 14, will be provided at a later date. The synopses provided are not complete analyses of the issues. Read more. |
| 11/11/20 | Wisconsin Supreme Court oral argument - November 2020 The Wisconsin Supreme Court's November 2020 oral argument calendar and synopses of the cases to be heard can be found here (Rev. 11/11/20). The synopses provided are not complete analyses of the issues. More information about any particular case before the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals can be found on the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Access website. Previously released opinions issued by the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals can be found here. Read more. |
| 11/06/20 | Wisconsin Supreme Court accepts four new cases The Wisconsin Supreme Court has voted to accept seven new cases, and the Court acted to deny review in a number of other cases. The case numbers, counties of origin and the issues presented in granted cases are listed. More detailed synopses will be released at a later date. More information about pending appellate cases can be found on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Access website. Published Court of Appeals opinions can be found here, and the status of pending Supreme Court cases can be found here. Read more. |
| 11/05/20 | Chief Justice Roggensack delivers State of the Judiciary Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Patience Drake Roggensack delivered the 2020 State of the Judiciary address Nov. 5 at the opening of the first ever remotely held Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Judicial Conference. The text of the speech, along with remarks by Director of State Courts address by Hon. Randy R. Koschnick, is available here. Read more. |
| 11/04/20 | Chief Justice Roggensack to deliver State of the Judiciary address Nov. 5 Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Patience Drake Roggensack will deliver the 2020 State of the Judiciary address on Thursday, Nov. 5, at the opening of the first ever remotely held Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Judicial Conference. Read more. |
| 11/04/20 | State Bar recognizes court team's quick, innovative response to pandemic A Wisconsin court system team led by Director of State Courts Randy R. Koschnick is being recognized for its quick response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the innovative use of technology in keeping courts operational and accessible. Read more. |
| 10/02/20 | Wisconsin Supreme Court amends May 22 order On Oct. 1, the Wisconsin Supreme Court amended a May 22 order regarding the extension of orders and interim rule concerning jury trials, statutory deadlines and remote hearings during the COVID-19 pandemic. A copy of the order can be found here. Read more. |
| 09/30/20 | Wisconsin Supreme Court accepts seven new cases The Wisconsin Supreme Court has voted to accept seven new cases, and the Court acted to deny review in a number of other cases. The case numbers, counties of origin and the issues presented in granted cases are listed. More detailed synopses will be released at a later date. More information about pending appellate cases can be found on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Access website. Published Court of Appeals opinions can be found here, and the status of pending Supreme Court cases can be found here. Read more. |
| 09/24/20 | Supreme Court October 6 public rules hearing agenda A copy of the Wisconsin Supreme Court's Oct. 6, 2020 public rules hearing agenda is available here. Copies of the petitions with additional information and comments can be found on the Pending petitions page. Information about the Supreme Court's rule-making process can be found here. Read more. |
| 09/24/20 | Wisconsin Supreme Court oral argument - October The Wisconsin Supreme Court's October 2020 oral argument calendar and synopses of the cases to be heard can be found here. The synopses provided are not complete analyses of the issues. More information about any particular case before the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals can be found on the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Access website. Previously released opinions issued by the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals can be found here. Read more. |
| 09/21/20 | Wisconsin Supreme Court oral argument - Sept. 29, 2020 The Wisconsin Supreme Court's September 29, 2020 oral argument calendar and synopses of the cases to be heard can be found here. The synopses provided are not complete analyses of the issues. More information about any particular case before the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals can be found on the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Access website. Previously released opinions issued by the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals can be found here. Read more. |
| 09/03/20 | Kenosha County Courthouse to reopen September 8 The Kenosha County Courthouse will reopen on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, per the following order. Read more. |
| 08/31/20 | Wisconsin Supreme Court oral arguments - Sept. 8, 11, 14, 2020 The Wisconsin Supreme Court's September 2020 oral argument calendar and synopses of the cases to be heard can be found here. The synopses provided are not complete analyses of the issues. More information about any particular case before the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals can be found on the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Access website. Previously released opinions issued by the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals can be found here. Read more. |
| 08/31/20 | Court interpreter orientation training offered via Zoom, starting Sept. 13 The Director of State Courts Office is accepting applications for a virtual court interpreter orientation training program to be held on five dates over three upcoming weekends. The orientation will start on Sunday, Sept. 13 and continue on the following Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 19-20, and Sept. 26-27. Read more. |
| 08/28/20 | Wisconsin Supreme Court accepts five new cases The Wisconsin Supreme Court has voted to accept five new cases, and the Court acted to deny review in a number of other cases. The case numbers, counties of origin and the issues presented in granted cases are listed. More detailed synopses will be released at a later date. More information about pending appellate cases can be found on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Access website. Published Court of Appeals opinions can be found here, and the status of pending Supreme Court cases can be found here. Read more. |
| 08/26/20 | Kenosha County Courthouse to open remotely Aug. 27 The Kenosha County Courthouse remains closed. Court operations will resume remotely on Thursday, August 27, 2020, per the linked order. Read more. |
| 08/21/20 | Technology helps Office of Judicial Education deliver during pandemic Being sent home during your first week on a job is usually not a good sign. But for Morgan Young, it was just one of the things she's had to adjust to since starting as Director of the Office of Judicial Education on March 16. Read more. |
| 08/04/20 | New Wisconsin judges bring varied backgrounds, experience to the bench Wisconsin’s newest circuit court judges bring varied backgrounds and experience to the bench, in addition to being accomplished lawyers in a number of areas of the law. On Aug. 1, six newly elected circuit court judges took office in Chippewa, Dodge, Marinette, Milwaukee and Waukesha counties. They join a number of judges appointed by Gov. Tony Evers since the beginning of the year in Dane, Kenosha, Marathon, Milwaukee, Shawano-Menominee and Washington counties. Read more. |
| 08/01/20 | Justice Karofsky takes non-traditional swearing ceremony in stride Competitive runners often receive a T-shirt and goodie bag just for competing in a race—maybe even a medal if they're lucky enough to place. But on Saturday, Aug. 1, Judge Jill Karofsky took home a new title: Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice. Read more. |
| 07/30/20 | Wisconsin Supreme Court accepts three new cases The Wisconsin Supreme Court has voted to accept three new cases, and the Court acted to deny review in a number of other cases. The case numbers, counties of origin and the issues presented in granted cases are listed. More detailed synopses will be released at a later date. More information about pending appellate cases can be found on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Access website. Published Court of Appeals opinions can be found here, and the status of pending Supreme Court cases can be found here. Read more. |
| 07/27/20 | Expanded Court of Appeals' eFiling pilot project begins Aug. 3 On Monday, Aug. 3, a voluntary eFiling pilot program will begin in Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District III, which serves the northern half of Wisconsin. Attorneys who want to try out appellate eFiling can use their existing eCourts accounts to file new cases or opt in to pending cases to file new documents. Read more. |
| 07/16/20 | Wisconsin Supreme Court re-appoints four administrative chief judges The Wisconsin Supreme Court has re-appointed circuit court judges from Barron, Kenosha, Marathon, and Marinette counties to serve new two-year terms as chief judge of their respective judicial administrative district. Read more. |
| 07/01/20 | Commercial Docket Pilot Project expands to additional jurisdictions On February 12, 2020, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ordered the extension of the Commercial Docket Pilot Project for an additional two years and expanded to additional regions in the state. Commencing July 1, 2020, District 10, District 2, and Dane County will be jurisdictions included and commercial docket judges will be assigned to commercial docket cases. These regions are in addition to District 8 and Waukesha County, where commercial docket judges have been hearing cases since July 2017. Read more. |
| 06/26/20 | Chief Judge Robert P. VanDeHey elected chair of Committee of Chief Judges Seventh Judicial Administrative District Chief Judge Robert P. VanDeHey, Grant County Circuit Court, today was elected chair of the Committee of Chief Judges, effective Aug. 1. Read more. |
| 06/23/20 | Wisconsin Supreme Court accepts three new cases The Wisconsin Supreme Court has voted to accept three new cases, and the Court acted to deny review in a number of other cases. The case numbers, counties of origin and the issues presented in granted cases are listed. More detailed synopses will be released at a later date. More information about pending appellate cases can be found on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Access website. Published Court of Appeals opinions can be found here, and the status of pending Supreme Court cases can be found here. Read more. |
| 06/12/20 | Wisconsin court system delivering 600,000 face masks to circuit courts statewide Wisconsin state court system staff are distributing 600,000 face masks purchased through the Director of State Courts office to assist circuit courts statewide in advancing local plans to resume in-person proceedings and jury trials. Read more. |
| 06/03/20 | Judges discuss Wisconsin Courts COVID-19 Task Force Report in WisconsinEye interview WisconsinEye's Steve Walters recently interviewed Director of State Courts Randy R. Koschnick, Bayfield County Circuit Court Judge John P. Anderson and retired Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge John J. DiMotto about the Wisconsin Courts COVID-19 Task Force report and circuit court operations. A recording of the Newsmakers episode is available here. Read more. |
| 06/03/20 | Director Koschnick addresses circuit court planning for resumption of in-person proceedings, jury trials The State Bar of Wisconsin recently interviewed Director of State Courts Randy R. Koschnick about circuit court planning for the resumption of in-person proceedings and jury trials, as directed by Supreme Court orders and guided by the Wisconsin Courts COVID-19 Task Force report. A video of the interview and related article from the InsideTrack newsletter can be found here. Read more. |
| 06/01/20 | Wisconsin Supreme Court accepts six new cases The Wisconsin Supreme Court has voted to accept six new cases, and the Court acted to deny review in a number of other cases. The case numbers, counties of origin and the issues presented in granted cases are listed. More detailed synopses will be released at a later date. More information about pending appellate cases can be found on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Access website. Published Court of Appeals opinions can be found here, and the status of pending Supreme Court cases can be found here. Read more. |
| 05/22/20 | Supreme Court order addresses process for resumption of in-person circuit court proceedings The Wisconsin Supreme Court today issued three administrative orders addressing issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The orders address: (1) the Final Report of the Wisconsin Courts COVID-19 Task Force; (2) the extension of orders concerning appellate court operations and remote proceedings; and (3) the extension of orders and an interim rule concerning jury trials and remote hearings in the circuit courts. Read more. |
| 05/15/20 | Chief Justice's Wisconsin Court COVID-19 Task Force issues report Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Patience Drake Roggensack today announced that the Wisconsin Courts COVID-19 Task Force has issued its final report, including a framework to guide counties and circuit courts as they work together to reopen facilities, return to in-person proceedings, and begin to normalize operations. Read more. |
| 05/04/20 | Oral argument in Wisconsin Legislature v. Palm to be livestreamed May 5 The Wisconsin Supreme Court will hold oral argument in Wisconsin Legislature v. Andrea Palm, 20AP765-OA, on Tuesday, May 5 beginning at 10 a.m. Read more. |
| 04/28/20 | Chief Justice Roggensack creates Wisconsin Courts COVID-19 Task Force Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Patience Drake Roggensack announced today: "In my administrative capacity as the Chief Justice, I have established a State-wide Wisconsin Courts COVID-19 Task Force to recommend a framework of criteria under which Wisconsin courts throughout the state can safely continue court proceedings, including jury trials." Read more. |
| 04/16/20 | State Bar interviews Director Koschnick on courts during COVID-19 The State Bar of Wisconsin recently interviewed Director of State Courts Randy R. Koschnick about steps the court system has taken to ensure courts remain open and accessible during the COVID-19 pandemic. A video of the interview and related article from the Inside Track newsletter can be found here. Read more. |
| 04/15/20 | Wisconsin Supreme Court April oral arguments to be livestreamed The justices won't be on the bench. The attorneys won't be presenting from the podium. And the Supreme Court Hearing Room at the State Capitol won't be full of people as it usually is during oral arguments. Read more. |
| 04/15/20 | Supreme Court oral argument - April 2020 The Wisconsin Supreme Court's April 2020 oral argument calendar and synopses of the cases to be heard can be found here. The synopses provided are not complete analyses of the issues. More information about any particular case before the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals can be found on the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Access website. Previously released opinions issued by the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals can be found here. Read more. |
| 04/13/20 | Wisconsin Supreme Court issues temporary order for those unable to eFile The Wisconsin Supreme Court has issued a temporary order pertaining to the filing of paper documents in circuit and appellate courts by those unable to access and use the electronic filing system (eFiling). The order does not alter existing rules pertaining to eFiling. A copy of the order can be found here or under the COVID-19 tab on this page. Read more. |
| 04/10/20 | Wisconsin courts turn to livestreaming to keep courts open, accessible An increasing number of Wisconsin courts are taking advantage of online videoconferencing and livestreaming services to keep courts operating and accessible to litigants and the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more. |
| 04/06/20 | Wisconsin Supreme Court issues amended order in Wisconsin Legislature v. Tony Evers The Wisconsin Supreme Court has issued an amended order in Wisconsin Legislature v. Tony Evers, setting forth its reasoning in support of the order issued previously on April 6, 2020. A copy of the order can be found here. Read more. |
| 04/06/20 | Wisconsin Supreme Court issues order in election case, Wisconsin Legislature v. Tony Evers The Wisconsin Supreme Court today issued an order in Wisconsin Legislature v. Tony Evers, granting a petition for leave to commence an original action under Wis. Stat. § (Rule) 809.70. A copy of the order can be found here. Read more. |
| 04/03/20 | Supreme Court order affecting appellate filings extended The Wisconsin Supreme Court has extended the effect of an order that modifies appellate filing procedures during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Copies of the original order, issued March 17, and the new order, issued April 2, can be found at wicourts.gov under the COVID-19 tab. Read more. |
| 03/27/20 | Wisconsin Supreme Court accepts three new cases The Wisconsin Supreme Court has voted to accept three new cases, and the Court acted to deny review in a number of other cases. The case numbers, counties of origin, and the issues presented in granted cases are listed. More detailed synopses will be released at a later date. More information about pending appellate cases can be found on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Access website. Published Court of Appeals opinions can be found here, and the status of pending Supreme Court cases can be found here. Read more. |
| 03/26/20 | Order allows remote administration of oaths at depositions The Wisconsin Supreme Court has issued an order temporarily allowing for the remote administration of oaths at depositions by audio-visual means during the COVID-19 pandemic. A copy of the order can be found here. Read more. |
| 03/25/20 | Wisconsin Supreme Court eases step in process for new law school grads The Wisconsin Supreme Court has cleared the way for the state's next class of law school graduates to take the first formal step in their budding legal careers, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more. |
| 03/22/20 | Wisconsin Supreme Court puts hold on jury trials, halts in-person proceedings statewide in favor of phone and video appearances In an effort to protect the public, attorneys, court staff and judges from the health risks associated with COVID-19, the Wisconsin Supreme Court today issued orders postponing jury trials and temporarily suspending in-person proceedings statewide, with certain limited exceptions. Read more. |
| 03/18/20 | Courts remain operational with some limitations in service; Supreme Court cancels March 18 oral argument The Wisconsin Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and Circuit Courts remain operational but with reduced calendaring sufficient to accommodate high priority cases. Read more. |
| 03/18/20 | COVID-19 circuit court emergency orders posted on wicourts.gov A number of Wisconsin circuit courts have issued orders or are making temporary changes to some court calendars and procedures as a result of the public health emergency created by COVID-19. Copies of those orders can be found under a COVID-19 tab atop the court system's homepage. Attorneys or litigants with questions about a particular court activity or appearance should check with the clerk of circuit court's office in the appropriate county. Read more. |
| 03/18/20 | Court interpreter orientation program canceled A Wisconsin court interpreter orientation program that was scheduled for April 4-5 in Pewaukee, and interpreter testing that was scheduled to take place on May 1 in Waukesha, have been canceled due to COVID-19 health precautions. Read more. |
| 03/13/20 | Attendance limited at Supreme Court oral arguments during March As a precautionary measure in light of a declared state health emergency due to COVID-19 coronavirus, Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Patience Drake Roggensack today issued an order limiting attendance at the Court's March 18 and March 30 oral arguments. Read more. |
| 03/11/20 | Wisconsin court system responds to COVID-19 concerns The Director of State Courts and court administrators, judicial administrative district chief judges, presiding judges and circuit court judges continue to monitor state and local health guidance and information as COVID-19 coronavirus proliferates and concerns grow across Wisconsin. Read more. |
| 03/11/20 | Judge Koschnick discusses new circuit court branches Director of State Courts Randy R. Koschnick spoke with Wisconsin Public Radio’s Morning Show on March 11 regarding the new judgeships in Wisconsin created by 2019 Wisconsin Act 184. Read more. |
| 03/09/20 | Four counties named to receive additional circuit court branches in 2021 As authorized by newly enacted legislation, Director of State Courts Randy R. Koschnick today named the four Wisconsin counties selected for new circuit court branches, effective Aug. 1, 2021. Read more. |
| 03/06/20 | Supreme Court oral argument - March 2020 The Wisconsin Supreme Court's March 2020 oral argument calendar and synopses of the cases to be heard can be found here. The synopses provided are not complete analyses of the issues. More information about any particular case before the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals can be found on the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Access website. Previously released opinions issued by the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals can be found here. Read more. |
| 03/05/20 | Governor Evers Signs Bill Creating 12 New Circuit Court Judgeships Gov. Tony Evers signed Assembly Bill 470 into law today at the District III Court of Appeals in Wausau. 2019 Wisconsin Act 184 creates 12 new circuit court branches in the state, four each in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Read more. |
| 02/21/20 | Wisconsin Supreme Court denies review in a number of cases The Supreme Court has acted to deny review in a number of cases. As the state's law-developing court, the Supreme Court exercises its discretion to select for review only those cases that fit certain statutory criteria (see Wis. Stat. § 809.62). Except where indicated, these cases came to the Court via petition for review by the party who lost in the lower court. Read more. |
| 02/12/20 | Supreme Court Appoints Triggiano Chief Judge in Milwaukee The Wisconsin Supreme Court appointed Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Mary E. Triggiano to be the Chief Judge of the First Judicial Administrative District in Milwaukee County. Read more. |
| 02/04/20 | The Third Branch, fall/winter 2019-20 The fall/winter edition of The Third Branch, the quarterly newsletter of the Wisconsin court system, is now available. Read more. |
| 02/03/20 | Supreme Court oral argument - February 2020 The Wisconsin Supreme Court's February 2020 oral argument calendar and synopses of the cases to be heard can be found here. The synopses provided are not complete analyses of the issues. More information about any particular case before the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals can be found on the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Access website. Previously released opinions issued by the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals can be found here. Read more. |
| 01/30/20 | Wisconsin Supreme Court accepts five new cases The Wisconsin Supreme Court has voted to accept five new cases, and the Court acted to deny review in a number of other cases. The case numbers, counties of origin, and the issues presented in granted cases are listed. More detailed synopses will be released at a later date. More information about pending appellate cases can be found on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Access website. Published Court of Appeals opinions can be found here, and the status of pending Supreme Court cases can be found here. Read more. |
| 01/10/20 | Supreme Court oral argument - January 2020 The Wisconsin Supreme Court's January 2020 oral argument calendar and synopses of the cases to be heard can be found here. The synopses provided are not complete analyses of the issues. More information about any particular case before the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals can be found on the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Access website. Previously released opinions issued by the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals can be found here. Read more. |
| 01/07/20 | Supreme Court January 17 public rules hearing agenda A copy of the Wisconsin Supreme Court's Jan. 17, 2020 public rules hearing agenda is available here. Copies of the petitions with additional information and comments can be found on the Pending petitions page. Information about the Supreme Court's rule-making process can be found here. Read more. |