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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 Amanda Todd.
Current issue - Spring 2009
Use the links below to navigate the current issue or view the PDF version  (printable version)
Featured stories
Courts welcome 13 new judges; four incumbents re-elected over challengers
The spring election brought new faces to the bench in counties across the state. Voters also re-elected four of five incumbents who faced challenges.
Director's column: Financial situation creates "new reality" for state, court system
The state's budget deficit swelled by $1 billion this spring. It's not yet clear how that will affect the court system, but we know we are dealing with a new reality as we explore how to continue to meet the needs of the people we serve.
Technology links Madison court interpreter to courts in Door, Trempealeau
What if certified court interpreters could participate in court hearings without traveling hundreds of miles? Several experiments this spring demonstrated new possibilities.
Committee to study impact of allowing unpublished opinion cites
Beginning July 1, unpublished Court of Appeals opinions may be cited for their persuasive value in Wisconsin. A plan to assess the impact of this new rule has just been drafted, and it's poised to serve as a model for other states.
Leadership: Mediation program targets foreclosures
Iowa County's innovative new program aims to send foreclosure cases to mediation. Judge William F. Dyke explains how he designed the program and why it's benefitting homeowners and lenders alike.
'My brilliant child'
What's the use of paying for a college education if you can't brag publicly about your brilliant child? We invited Wisconsin judges to do just that.
State Law Library launches redesigned Web site
The Wisconsin State Law Library Web site is easier than ever to use. Among the most popular changes: Home page buttons that point users to oft-requested items such as divorce, foreclosure, and name change forms.
Interactive online program will focus on serving self-represented litigants
Believed to be the first of its kind in the nation, an online course is being developed to help clerks of circuit court and their employees give appropriate assistance to self-represented litigants.
Community Resource Center addresses FAQs in District Nine
The Ninth Judicial District has developed a literature display that offers members of the community easy access to sample forms, self-help brochures, legal assistance referral sources and more.
Innovations might improve access to legal assistance
A project to connect people in rural areas with online pro bono legal assistance is one possible innovation to emerge from the 2009 Wisconsin Equal Justice Conference in Madison.
A focus on criminal justice improvements
A quick update on a project to reduce recidivism and improve the effectiveness of the criminal justice system.
New orientation developed for juvenile clerks
An orientation for newly assigned juvenile clerks has been developed as part of this year's Wisconsin Juvenile Court Clerks' Association (WJCCA) annual conference.
Appleton opens doors to new drug court
After years of effort, Outagamie County recently celebrated the first session of its new drug court. The court is serving five offenders who are on probation for drug-related crimes.
State-Tribal Forum launches 'Cracker Barrel Conversations'
The State-Tribal Justice Forum focuses on improving communication and cooperation between state courts and tribal courts. A new project in partnership with Fox Valley Technical College will kick off in Trego in late May.
Legislature considers items of interest to courts
Two items currently before the Legislature that bear watching: Decriminalization of the offense of operating with a revoked license, and primary enforcement of seat belt violations.
Courts across Wisconsin celebrate Law Day
Courthouses across Wisconsin welcomed hundreds of visitors on May 1 to celebrate Law Day. Here are two reports, from celebrations at the top and bottom of the state.
Connelly retires
BBE changes
Awards
Regular features
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