2021

Date Headline
12/10/21 REVISED - Wisconsin Supreme Court oral argument - December 2021
The calendar of cases being heard by the Wisconsin Supreme Court during December can be viewed here. The synopses provided are not complete analyses of the issues. Please note, the oral argument for 18AP2205 State v. C.G., previously scheduled for today, Dec. 10, will be rescheduled for a later date. Read more.
11/24/21 Wisconsin Supreme Court accepts four new cases
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has voted to accept four 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 here. 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.
11/17/21 State Bar newsletter provides update on Commercial Docket Pilot Project
The State Bar of Wisconsin's Inside Track newsletter today posted an article and video updating progress of the Wisconsin court system's Commercial Docket Pilot Project, which was established in 2017. The coverage features interviews with members of the Business Court Advisory Committee, including a business litigator and two judges who preside over commercial dockets. Read more.
11/08/21 Judge Sutkiewicz named ABOTA 'Trial Judge of the Year'
The Wisconsin Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates has recognized Sheboygan County Circuit Court Judge Angela W. Sutkiewicz as its Trial Judge of the Year. See article here. Read more.
11/03/21 Chief Justice Ziegler delivers State of the Judiciary
Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Annette Kingsland Ziegler delivered the State of the Judiciary address Nov. 3 at the 2021 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.
11/02/21 Chief Justice Ziegler to deliver State of the Judiciary on Nov. 3
Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Annette Kingsland Ziegler will deliver the State of the Judiciary address in Green Bay on Wednesday, Nov. 3, at the opening of the Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Judicial Conference. Read more.
11/01/21 Wisconsin Supreme Court accepts four new cases
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has voted to accept four 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 here. 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.
09/29/21 Wisconsin Supreme Court accepts 12 new cases
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has voted to accept 12 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.
09/28/21 Seating still available for Oct. 15 Supreme Court oral argument in Port Washington
Some seating is still available for the public to observe oral argument before the Wisconsin Supreme Court at the historic Ozaukee County courthouse in Port Washington on Friday, Oct. 15. Read more.
09/13/21 Wisconsin Supreme Court to hear cases in Port Washington Oct. 15
The Wisconsin Supreme Court will hear oral argument in two cases at the historic Ozaukee County courthouse in Port Washington on Friday, Oct. 15, as part of the Court's Justice on Wheels outreach and education program. Read more.
09/02/21 Oral arguments to resume in Supreme Court Hearing Room Sept. 9
The Wisconsin Supreme Court will resume hearing oral arguments in the Supreme Court Hearing Room at the state Capitol on Sept. 9. The occasion marks the first oral arguments of the Court's new 2021-2022 term, and the first time cases will be heard at the Capitol since March of 2020. The calendar of cases to be heard during September and synopses of cases scheduled for Sept. 9 and Sept. 13 are available here. Read more.
08/24/21 Wisconsin Supreme Court accepts four new cases
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has voted to accept four 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 here. 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.
07/30/21 Wisconsin Supreme Court sets precedent for increase in women judges
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has set one precedent that's been tough for lower courts to follow, but they're catching on. Read more.
07/22/21 Marathon County judge selected to chair Committee of Chief Judges
Ninth Judicial Administrative District Chief Judge Gregory B. Huber, Marathon County Circuit Court, has been selected by his fellow chief judges to serve as chair of the Committee of Chief Judges, effective Aug. 1. Read more.
07/16/21 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 below. 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.
07/14/21 Wisconsin Supreme Court appoints Samuelson to head OLR
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has appointed U.S. Assistant Attorney and former circuit court judge Timothy C. Samuelson as Director of the Office of Lawyer Regulation (OLR), effective Aug. 15. Samuelson will replace retiring Director Keith Sellen, who has led the office since it was established in 2000. Read more.
07/01/21 Supreme Court appoints Court of Appeals chief judge, re-appoints five circuit court chief judges
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has appointed Judge William W. Brash, III as chief judge of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, and the Court re-appointed five circuit court judges to continue serving as chief judges of their respective judicial administrative districts, effective Aug. 1. Read more.
06/25/21 Wisconsin court system eFiling program expands to appellate courts
On July 1, electronic filing (eFiling) will become mandatory for attorneys who practice in the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, and the Wisconsin Supreme Court will launch an eFiling pilot program on a select set of cases by invitation. Read more.
06/18/21 Supreme Court issues four administrative orders
The Wisconsin Supreme Court today issued four administrative orders that terminate and supersede applicable portions of the Court's orders of May 22, 2020 regarding: remote hearings in the appellate courts during the COVID-19 pandemic; filing of court documents in the circuit and appellate courts (temporary mailbox rule) during the COVID-19 pandemic; remote administration of oaths and deposition via remote audio-visual equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic; and appellate court operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Copies of the orders can be found here. Read more.
06/18/21 Article highlights work of Judicial Engagement Teams in improving practice of child welfare law
An article published June 17 by the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Children & the Law Section highlights the work of Judicial Engagement Teams (JETs) in improving the practice of child welfare law in the state. Wisconsin currently has a number of counties participating in the JET initiative, which brings together members from every aspect of child welfare, including prosecutors, judges, adversary counsel, guardians ad litem, social workers and service providers. JETs are in part the result of a collaborative effort of the Wisconsin Judicial Committee on Child Welfare and the Wisconsin Children’s Court Improvement Program. Read more here. Read more.
06/15/21 Order addresses process for filing documents in the Supreme Court, effective July 1
The Wisconsin Supreme Court today issued an order establishing requirements applicable to filing documents in the Supreme Court, beginning July 1, 2021, and continuing until mandatory electronic filing begins in the Supreme Court. Read more.
06/04/21 Wisconsin Supreme Court accepts two new cases
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has voted to accept two 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 here. 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.
05/19/21 Judges Smeltzer, Stengel receive State Bar's 'Lifetime Jurist Award'
Two Wisconsin circuit court judges are being honored by the State Bar of Wisconsin with the 2021 Lifetime Jurist Award: Judge Rod W. Smeltzer, Dunn County Circuit Court, and Judge L. Edward Stengel, Sheboygan County Circuit Court. The award, traditionally presented to one judge annually, recognizes "jurists who, during their tenure on the bench, were fair and impartial, demonstrated high ideals and personal character along with outstanding, long-term judicial service." In announcing the award this year, the Bar indicated two judges exceeded qualifications for the award. Read more here. Read more.
05/19/21 State Bar recognizes Judge Ramirez as 'Judge of the Year'
Judge Ralph M. Ramirez, Waukesha County Circuit Court, has been selected as the State Bar of Wisconsin's 2021 'Judge of the Year.' The award recognizes an outstanding circuit court judge who has improved the judicial system through leadership in advancing the quality of justice, judicial education, or innovative programs. Ramirez is featured in an InsideTrack article published today . Read more.
05/14/21 Judge Ramona A. Gonzalez, La Crosse County Circuit Court, interviewed by NBC
La Crosse County Circuit Court Judge Ramona A. Gonzalez was recently interviewed by NBC News national desk for a two a two-part series on domestic and family violence and the importance of judicial education on those matters. Read more.
05/10/21 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 here. 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.
05/01/21 Wisconsin court system highlights educational resources on Law Day
In recognition of Law Day today, the Wisconsin court system is highlighting a number of free educational resources for students, teachers, parents and anyone else interested in learning more about our courts and the legal system. The resources include lesson plans, videos and other materials on a wide range of legal topics from a number of sources that can be used in the classroom or at home. Read more.
04/23/21 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 here. 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.
04/23/21 Wisconsin Supreme Court order makes way for expanded appellate court eFiling
The Wisconsin Supreme Court today issued an order approving a comprehensive electronic filing (eFiling) system in the appellate courts, and the Court amended the rules of appellate procedure needed to implement the system. In the Court of Appeals, eFiling will become mandatory for attorneys on July 1, 2021. Mandatory use of eFiling in the Supreme Court will be phased in, according to a schedule to be set by the Court. A copy of the order can be found here. Additional information, including public input received on Rule Petition 20-07, can be found here. Read more.
04/21/21 New judges elected to Wisconsin Court of Appeals, 11 circuit court branches
Two new Court of Appeals judges and 11 new circuit court judges, including four in newly created branches in Calumet, Dunn, Jackson and Marathon counties, will take office on Aug. 1 as a result of the Spring Election. Read more.
04/14/21 Justice Annette Kingsland Ziegler elected as next chief justice
Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Annette Kingsland Ziegler today was elected by her fellow justices as the state's next chief justice, effective May 1, 2021. Ziegler will take over from the current Chief Justice Patience Drake Roggensack, who did not seek re-election to the post but remains on the Court. Read more.
03/10/21 Wisconsin Supreme Court accepts nine new cases
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has voted to accept nine 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 here. 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.
03/09/21 Virtual court interpreter training offered during April
The Wisconsin Director of State Courts Office is accepting applications for Spring court interpreter training to be held over two consecutive weekends on April 10 and 11, and April 17 and 18. This virtual interpreter training is offered to those who want to explore work as an interpreter for the Wisconsin court system. A similar virtual training was successfully offered in September of 2020 using Zoom technology. Read more.
02/02/21 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 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.
01/25/21 Wisconsin Jury Instructions now available via State Law Library website
In cooperation with the University of Wisconsin Law School, Director of State Courts Hon. Randy R. Koschnick announced today that the Office of Judicial Education, in partnership with the Wisconsin State Law Library, is now providing free online access to updated criminal, civil, and juvenile jury instructions. Read more.
01/05/21 Wisconsin Supreme Court accepts four new cases
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has voted to accept four 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.
01/05/21 Flags ordered to half-staff for Justice Abrahamson
Gov. Tony Evers has ordered flags of Wisconsin and the United States to fly at half-staff today, Jan. 5, in honor of the late Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson, who died Dec. 19, 2020. Abrahamson served on the Court from 1976 to 2019 and was Chief Justice from 1996 to 2015. A copy of the governor's press release can be found here, and a copy of Executive Order #102 can be found here. Read more.
01/04/21 Director accepts State Bar's 'Legal Innovator' award
Director of State Courts, Hon. Randy R. Koschnick, recently accepted a Legal Innovator Award from the State Bar of Wisconsin for the court system's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Video of the award presentation, including Koschnick's remarks can be found here. The award was announced in November and presented remotely in December. Read more.