Third Branch eNews

Milwaukee Public Schools students observed Wisconsin’s appellate courts in action on March 19 when the Court of Appeals District I held oral argument at Rufus King International High School.

Event organizers converted the school’s auditorium into a courtroom, giving about 100 students a firsthand look at how appellate cases are argued and decided.

The court heard arguments in State of Wisconsin v. Kimberly D. Zapata, Case No. 2025AP425-CR. The appeal stems from a 2024 conviction related to absentee ballot requests submitted under false names. During the hearing, attorneys for both sides presented their legal arguments, and judges asked questions about the issues raised on appeal.

Before the hearing began, students received a brief introduction to the appellate process from Chief Judge of the First Judicial District Carl Ashley. Following the arguments, the students participated in a question-and-answer session with the District 1 Court of Appeals judges, asking about how courts reach decisions, how judges approach impartiality, and what paths can lead to careers in the legal field.

Judge Sara Geenen explained that the event models the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s Justice on Wheels program, which brings court proceedings into communities across the state.

“You never know if that’s going to hook them,” Judge Geenen said. “I was glad their questions got to the heart of it. It showed they were thinking about how these issues play out in the real world.”

The program concluded with a presentation recognizing Chief Judge Maxine A. White, who is retiring after more than three decades of judicial service.

Judge White was appointed to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court in 1992 and later served as Chief Judge of the First Judicial Administrative District. Throughout her career, she has been a leader on issues involving access to justice, domestic violence, racial equity, and judicial education. A feature article on Judge White is coming in a future edition of the Third Branch.