The Third Branch
Supreme Court makes 22nd 'Wheels' visit
On Oct. 5, the Wisconsin Supreme Court's 22nd "Justice on Wheels" trip took the justices to Portage, where they heard oral argument in three cases. The Court brought in standing-room-only crowds for all three cases heard at the Columbia County Administration Building and attended a luncheon with local officials and the Columbia County Bar Association.
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Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson presents Rusch Elementary School fifth-grader Elise Kilde with a plaque for her winning essay about civil rights. The award was presented during the Supreme Court's Justice on Wheels visit to the Columbia County Courthouse in Portage on Oct. 5. Photo credit: Jen McCoy/Portage Daily Register |
Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson opened the first oral argument by telling attendees that the Court has faced difficulties but is working to improve itself in the new term.
The effort was apparent to onlookers, including one high school student who told the Portage Daily Register that she was surprised to see the justices laughing together.
“It's more relaxed than you think. There's a little joking,” she said.
Justice on Wheels began in 1993 and may mark its 20th anniversary in 2013 by rolling out an expanded schedule for visits. Abrahamson presented the idea at a recent administrative conference, and Justice David T. Prosser Jr. developed a detailed proposal in support of twice-yearly trips.
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