In a recent Federalist Society White Paper, WCJC Legislative Director Andrew Cook provides a comprehensive national survey of recent court decisions on challenges to existing civil justice laws and newly enacted civil justice legislation. The first portion of the paper describes state and federal cases related to different civil liability issues and the second half […]
Senate Passes Limit on Liability for Parents of Minor Drivers
Date Thu, Mar. 20, 2014 - 6:28pm By Hamilton
On Wednesday, March 12, the Wisconsin Senate passed SB 592 (Sen. Grothman/Rep. Jim Ott) that would place a $300,000 limit on liability for parents of minor drivers. Wisconsin is currently one of roughly 12 states that imposes unlimited liability on parents of drivers ages 16 to 18. Unexpectedly, Rep. Jim Ott, the Assembly Judiciary Chairperson […]
Patent Troll Legislation Passes Assembly; Not All Businesses Support the Legislation
Date Thu, Mar. 20, 2014 - 4:57pm By Hamilton
Despite last minute efforts to exempt manufacturers, the Assembly on Thursday, March 20, passed SB 498. The bill addresses so-called “patent trolls,” which are individuals or companies that attempt to enforce patent rights against accused infringers in order to collect licensing fees, but does not manufacture products or supply services based upon the patents in question. The […]
Training for Law Enforcement Changes in Domestic Abuse Cases
Date Thu, Mar. 20, 2014 - 3:53pm By Hamilton
A new bill changing the training standards for law enforcement officers regarding domestic abuse incidents and complaints was passed the final hurdle of passage, and now goes to Governor Walker’s desk for signature. The original bill required: A law enforcement officer to prepare a report if that officer does not make an arrest because that […]
Assembly Passes Asbestos Trust Fund Transparency
Date Thu, Mar. 20, 2014 - 12:00am By Hamilton
The Wisconsin Senate on Wednesday, March 12 passed asbestos trust fund transparency legislation (AB 19). The bill passed on a party-line vote (17-16). The bill was amended and was passed by the Assembly late this week. This is a significant victory for Wisconsin businesses. This legislation forces plaintiff attorneys filing asbestos lawsuits in Wisconsin courts to […]
Senate Passes AB 19 Providing Transparency in Trust Fund Legislation
Date Wed, Mar. 12, 2014 - 12:03pm By Hamilton
The Wisconsin Senate on Wednesday, March 12, passed asbestos trust fund transparency legislation (AB 19). The bill passed on a party-line vote (17-16). The bill was amended and therefore needs to go back to the Assembly for final concurrence. Below is a summary of the legislation: Requires asbestos plaintiffs to disclose any and all claims […]
Act Amending Wisconsin’s Lemon Law Goes into Effect
Date Thu, Mar. 6, 2014 - 6:11pm By Hamilton
2013 Wisconsin Act 101, which amends Wisconsin’s lemon law, went into effect on March 1. Prior to Act 101, Wisconsin notoriously had one of the worst lemon laws in the country. The law placed unreasonable and unworkable requirements on vehicle manufacturers that allows lawyers like self-proclaimed “Lemon Law King,” Vince Megna, to win outsized awards […]
Public Hearing on Bill Limiting Liability for Parents Negligence of Minor Drivers
Date Fri, Feb. 14, 2014 - 10:39am By Hamilton
Legislation (AB 706) was introduced by Rep. Jim Ott (R-Mequon) and Sen. Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) that would protect parents from unlimited liability when their minor child is involved in an automobile accident. Wisconsin is currently one of only 12 states that imposes unlimited liability to parents who sign their child’s driver’s license application. AB […]
Committee Passes Legislation Allowing Strip Searches – Bill Headed to Assembly for Vote
Date Fri, Feb. 14, 2014 - 10:18am By Hamilton
Legislation (AB 556/SB 447) introduced by Rep. Duey Stroebel (R-Saukeville ) and Sen. Joe Leibham (R-Sheboygan) amends Wisconsin’s current law to allow strip searches if a person is lawfully arrested or detained by law enforcement and if the person will be incarcerated or detained in a jail or prison with one or more persons. Under […]
Wisconsin Recognized As Leader in Judicial Hellholes Report
Date Thu, Dec. 19, 2013 - 9:45am By Hamilton
Although the American Tort Reform Association’s (ATRA) Judicial Hellholes report is renowned for documenting abuses of the civil justice system in jurisdictions that are among the most unfair and out of balance in the nation, the report also highlights those jurisdictions and states where positive reforms are taking place. For the third year in a […]