The Wisconsin Supreme Court will bring its Justice on Wheels program to Chippewa County on October 13, 2026, giving students, local attorneys, judges, and members of the public an opportunity to observe oral arguments at the Heyde Center for the Arts in Chippewa Falls.
The Court is scheduled to hear two cases: State v. John R. Phelan, 2024AP777-CR, at 9:00 a.m., and Friends of Blue Mound State Park v. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 2024AP577, at 10:30 a.m.
The visit will mark the program’s 34th stop since Justice on Wheels began in 1993. It also brings the Court to the community where Justice Susan M. Crawford grew up.
Justice on Wheels is the Supreme Court’s long-running outreach and education program, through which the Court hears oral arguments outside of Madison. Arguments are normally held in the State Capitol.
“Our courts belong to the people of Wisconsin,” Chief Justice Jill J. Karofsky said. “Justice on Wheels helps make that real by bringing Supreme Court oral arguments into communities across the state and giving students and the public a chance to see the judicial branch at work.”
The Chippewa County visit will include opportunities for students and other attendees to learn more about the Court, the cases being argued, and the appellate process. As part of the program, the Court will work with local attorneys to provide brief, plain-language introductions before arguments.
Seating will be free and open to the public, with area students and teachers especially encouraged to attend. A livestream will be available for anyone unable to attend in person. For more information, visit the event page.
Those interested in attending can register here.
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