For the first time in four years, the Wisconsin Supreme Court is hitting the road. On Monday, Oct. 27, the Court will convene at the Richland County Courthouse, giving local residents, students, and educators a rare opportunity to watch the state’s highest court hear real cases as part of its Justice on Wheels program.
Justice on Wheels is designed to bring the Supreme Court to communities around the state, offering students, teachers, and local residents a chance to see the Court in action without traveling to Madison. Richland County will be the 32nd county to host the program since it began in 1993.
The Court will hear two cases: Wren v. Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital Milwaukee, Inc. at 9:45 a.m. and State v. K.R.C. at 11 a.m. Attorney introductions will begin at 9:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m., respectively. Overflow seating will be available in the Richland County Board Room. Proceedings will also be streamed live by WisconsinEye.
In addition to observing oral arguments, attendees will hear from local attorneys, who will provide background on each case and explain how the Court operates. Local fifth-grade students are also invited to take part in a civics education contest in connection with the visit. Entries may include essays, videos, music, or artwork that explore themes from the Wisconsin or U.S. Constitution.
Admission is free, but space is limited. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register by Oct. 1 by emailing Dan Converse at Daniel.Converse@wicourts.gov.
Third Branch eNews is an online monthly newsletter of the Director of State Courts Office. If you are interested in contributing an article about your department’s programs or accomplishments, contact your department head. Information about judicial retirements and judicial obituaries may be submitted to: Sara.Foster@wicourts.gov