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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 Tom Sheehan.
Current issue - Fall 2009
Use the links below to navigate the current issue or view the PDF version  (printable version)
Featured stories
Drunk Driving proposal nears final approval
Both the Senate and the Assembly have approved bills that will change current drunk driving laws. Both bills contain similar provisions, but there are also a few differences between them.
Appointments bring two new judges
Gov. Jim Doyle has appointed two new judges to fill vacancies on the bench. Judge Gary Sherman will take the District IV Court of Appeals seat being vacated by Judge Burneatta "Burnie" Bridge, and Judge Stephen E. Ehlke will fill the Dane County Circuit Court Branch 15 vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Stuart A. Schwartz.
Director's Column: Taking a break to appreciate what we do have
Director of State Courts A. John Voelker takes a moment to reflect on all he has to be thankful for during this holiday season.
Chief Justice: Tough times present courts with opportunities
At the 2009 Judicial Conference, Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson focused on success stories during these trying economic times.
Jurors celebrated throughout Wisconsin during September
This September, circuit courts celebrated the second annual Juror Appreciation Month across the state. Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson was on hand in several counties to help the courts show their appreciation.
Leadership: ASTAR prepares three Wisconsin judges to serve as resource for colleagues
Judges Mark J. McGinnis, Daniel P. Anderson, and Dale T. Pasell have been chosen fellows in the national Advance Science and Technology Adjudication Resource Center. In this role, they will serve as resources for judges handling cases involving scientific and technological matters.
Davis elected 'chief of chiefs'
Chief Judge J. Mac Davis has been elected to serve as the chair of the Committee of Chief Judges.
Wisconsin emerging as leader in interpreter services
The Brennan Center for Justice has released a report that names Wisconsin as an example for other states to follow in interpreter services for civil cases.
Collaboration is key to helping children in court
The Third National Judicial Leadership Summit on the Protection of Children was held in October. The summit focused on improvements needed for abused and neglected children.
'Evidence-based' training session held
A one-day training workshop was held in each of the ten judicial districts to address the issue of drug and alcohol abuse in the criminal justice and child welfare systems.
Milwaukee Justice Center's Brief Legal Advice & Referral Clinic opens
A clinic offering free legal consultation and referrals opened in October. The volunteer clinic is offered through a partnership between the Milwaukee Justice Center and Marquette Law School's Volunteer Legal Clinic.
Teaching Institute helps teach teachers
The three-day program designed to assist teachers in presenting the courts and justice system to students was once again offered in Madison.
Supreme Court hears cases in Iowa County
The Supreme Court justices travelled to Dodgeville to hear cases as part of the Justice on Wheels program.
Wisconsin Connects: Wisconsin group attends international law seminar at the Hague
A Supreme Court justice, six circuit court judges, and a staff member of the Director of State Courts Office traveled to the Netherlands in September to attend the fifth Sir Richard May Seminar on International Law and International Courts.
Wisconsin adopts Indian Child Welfare Act
Gov. Jim Doyle has signed a bill that codifies the federal Indian Child Welfare Act. The new legislation improves compliance with the act in Wisconsin.
Grants boost Milwaukee Drug Treatment Court
Two federal grants will allow Milwaukee County fund its first treatment court and expand its treatment capacity.
Green County opens new justice center
Green County celebrated the opening of the new justice facility on Oct. 30. Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David T. Prosser was among those who spoke during the dedication ceremony.
Newspaper reveals inner workings of Milwaukee Courthouse
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel featured a story on a day in the life of the life of the Milwaukee County Courthouse, detailing the events that occurred from the time the building opened in the morning, until it's closing at the end of the day.
O'Brien thanked for dedication to Dane County Drug Court
The Advisory Board of the Dane County Drug Treatment Court honored Judge Sarah B. O'Brien for her role in the success of the specialty court.
Pro se training expands to District 10
As part of the Wisoconsin court system's continuing effort to assists litigants who represent themselves, a training was offered in Menomonie and Washburn for Tenth Judicial District court staff.
Online course assists court staff in helping self-represented litigants
CourtNet users can now take an online course designed to improve service provided to self represented litigants.
Fifth and Seventh Judicial District implement Public Library Initiative
Public library staff were instructed by court staff on the resources available to self represented litigants through the courts and on the Internet. The training was offered as part of the state-wide initiative to provide better service to pro se litigants.
Waukesha County undertakes emergency training
Waukesha County government officials attended a federally funded training on emergency management systems in Maryland this summer.
Waushara County develops court evacuation plans
After attending the Court Safety and Security Conference, county and government officials in Waushara County have created evacuation procedures to address courtroom security issues.
Campaign funding, OWI on legislative agenda
Fifty new laws were enacted and hundreds of new bills were introduced during the fall floor period of the Wisconsin Legislature. Many of the new laws and bills will impact the court system.
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