Chief Justice speaks of changing times, enduring values

Madison, Wisconsin - Oct. 16, 2002

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In her annual State of the Judiciary address, Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson today discussed the effect of the economy and changes in society on the work of the courts, and noted that 2003 marks the 150th anniversary of the Wisconsin Supreme Court (the state kept its territorial appellate court system for five years after statehood).

Abrahamson said that Wisconsin's 19th century boom in logging and milling filled court dockets with contract disputes and cases centering on damage to property. In the 20th century, the introduction of automobiles brought new cases involving personal injury and property damage. "What will the 21st century hold in store? What are the ethical and philosophical questions, the social and scientific issues that might confront us as a society and drive the future work of the courts?" Abrahamson asked, noting that genetic engineering, cloning, and cyberterrorism might be just the start.

Abrahamson spoke to a gathering of nearly 300 judges from around the state at the annual Wisconsin Judicial Conference at Monona Terrace in Madison. She pointed out that the number of non-English speaking people in the courts has increased dramatically, reflecting Wisconsin changing demographic, and also noted that more and more people are choosing to represent themselves in court rather than hire an attorney. "[J]ust as our caseload changes to reflect society's current issues, so must our way of doing business adapt to meet the needs of self-represented persons," she said.

Abrahamson noted that the Supreme Court recently adopted a rule giving guidelines to the clerks of court for helping the many self-represented people that come to their offices with questions. She also touched on several of the other initiatives that are underway in the court system, including a program to improve courthouse safety that recently won a national award and a program to train court interpreters.

"Over the last 150 years," she said, "much had changed. But the core values of the legal system remain the same. Our judicial system provided then, as it provides now, a forum for the resolution of disputes in a fair, efficient manner according to the laws of the state. Enduring values in changing times."

For more information contact:
Amanda Todd
Court Information Officer
(608) 264-6256

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