The Wisconsin Supreme Court has released its calendar of oral arguments for February 2019. There will be several notable cases argued this month, addressing issues including medical malpractice, crime insurance, governmental immunity, and the federal Communications Decency Act. Cases of interest include: Leicht Transfer & Storage Co. v. Pallet Central Enterprises, Inc. (Crime Insurance […]
Koss Corp. v. Park Bank (Liability for Embezzlement)
Date Fri, Feb. 1, 2019 - 12:02pm By Hamilton
In Koss Corp. v. Park Bank (2019 WI 7), the Wisconsin Supreme Court found that Park Bank was not liable for failing to protect Koss Corp. from its executive’s embezzlement. The court issued a plurality opinion written by Chief Justice Roggensack and Justice Ziegler, with a concurring opinion by Justices Anne Walsh Bradley, Abrahamson, and […]
Steadfast Insurance Co. v. Greenwich Insurance Co. (Duty to Defend)
Date Fri, Feb. 1, 2019 - 12:02pm By Hamilton
In Steadfast Insurance Co. v. Greenwich Insurance Co. (2019 WI 6), the Wisconsin Supreme Court said a previous insurer had a duty to defend Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) for losses related to a rain event that occurred when MMSD had coverage with a subsequent insurer. MMSD contracted with private companies to operate and maintain […]
Lee Quality Home Care LLC v. DHS (DHS Authority)
Date Fri, Feb. 1, 2019 - 12:01pm By Hamilton
In Lee Quality Home Care LLC v. DHS (2017AP1216), the Court of Appeals District IV held that the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has the authority to recoup payments from a personal care provider for services performed by workers not trained according to DHS rules. First, the court affirmed that the plaintiff Lee Quality […]
State of Wisconsin ex rel. Annette Flynn v. Kemper Center, Inc. (Public Records)
Date Fri, Feb. 1, 2019 - 11:59am By Hamilton
In State of Wisconsin ex rel. Annette Flynn v. Kemper Center, Inc. (2017AP1897), the Court of Appeals District II held that private corporation Kemper Center, Inc. is not a “quasi-governmental corporation” subject to the Wisconsin Public Records Law. Kemper Center is a private corporation that leases property from Kenosha County and operates and maintains the […]
Myers v. Department of Natural Resources (DNR Authority)
Date Fri, Jan. 18, 2019 - 12:23pm By Hamilton
In Myers v. Department of Natural Resources (2019 WI 5), the Supreme Court held that DNR does not have the authority to amend an expired construction permit. DNR issued a permit to Philip and Terrie Myers to build a pier on Lake Superior. Over ten years later, DNR issued an amendment to the permit, requiring the […]
Yacht Club at Sister Bay Condo Association, Inc. v. Village of Sister Bay (Public/Private Nuisance)
Date Fri, Jan. 18, 2019 - 12:21pm By Hamilton
In Yacht Club at Sister Bay Condo Association, Inc. v. Village of Sister Bay (2019 WI 4), the Supreme Court determined that each nuisance-causing event at a town concert venue is a new “event” triggering a new 120-day notice period for filing a claim against the town. The Village of Sister Bay built an outdoor concert […]
AG Kaul Announces Wisconsin DOJ Appointees
Date Fri, Jan. 18, 2019 - 11:42am By Hamilton
After taking office on Jan. 7, newly elected Attorney General Josh Kaul has announced several appointments within the Department of Justice (DOJ). Appointees include current DOJ employees and alumni, as well as some new faces. Kaul’s appointments include: Deputy attorney general – Eric J. Wilson. Wilson comes to DOJ from Godfrey & Kahn. His previous […]
Wisconsin Supreme Court Candidates Finalized
Date Fri, Jan. 18, 2019 - 11:41am By Hamilton
Court of Appeals Judges Brian Hagedorn and Lisa Neubauer have both officially filed to run for the Wisconsin Supreme Court in the April 2019 election. Hagedorn and Neubauer will compete to replace Justice Shirley Abrahamson, who announced in May she will not run for re-election after four terms on the bench. With just two candidates running, […]
2019-20 Judiciary & Courts Committees
Date Fri, Jan. 18, 2019 - 11:40am By Hamilton
Senate and Assembly leadership have finalized committee assignments for the 2019-20 session, including those committees that will likely be tasked with legal reform bills. Lists of committee members are below. Senate Committee on Judiciary & Public Safety Van Wanggaard (R-Racine), Chair Andre Jacque (R-DePere), Vice-Chair Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) Fred Risser (D-Madison) Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee) […]