As it relates to the current state of Wisconsin politics, the words “John Doe” have been omnipresent for what seems like Governor Walker’s entire tenure in office. The probe may be close to a conclusion as another challenge to the probe has been eliminated. In the spring of 2014 Eric O’Keefe, Executive Director of Wisconsin […]
U.S. Supreme Court Will Not Take Up John Doe Case – Decision Pending in Wisconsin Supreme Court
Date Sun, May. 31, 2015 - 7:44pm By Hamilton
Election Update: The Supreme Court and a New Senator
Date Fri, Apr. 17, 2015 - 9:32am By Hamilton
On April 7th, 2015 Wisconsin voters went to the polls and voted in many local races, but those who follow Wisconsin politics watched the race for supreme court justice, the special election for the 20th Senate District and the open seat for Waukesha County Executive. Supreme Court Justice Justice Ann Walsh Bradley easily won re-election […]
JFC Takes First Executive Action on State Budget
Date Fri, Apr. 17, 2015 - 9:29am By Hamilton
The Joint Finance Committee (JFC) held its first executive session this week on Governor Walker’s proposed 2015-2017 state budget. The committee took action in a number of areas, including the Secretary of State, the Public Service Commission (PSC), State Treasurer, Department of Revenue-Lottery Administration, Department of Administration – Division of Gaming, the Supreme Court, Circuit […]
Chief Justice Abrahamson Sues to Keep Her Position as Chief Administrator
Date Fri, Apr. 17, 2015 - 9:13am By Hamilton
On April 7, Wisconsin voters chose to amend Art. VII §4(2) of the Wisconsin Constitution to allow state supreme court justices to elect the chief justice among themselves. The elected chief justice would have a two-year term. The amendment passed with 53% of the vote. The next morning Chief Justice Abrahamson sued her fellow justices […]
Highest Court Denies to Hear Voter ID Challenge
Date Fri, Apr. 3, 2015 - 9:00am By Hamilton
The U.S. Supreme Court refused to take up a challenge to Wisconsin’s Voter ID law, ending the dispute and upholding the law that was passed in 2011. In June 2014, the Wisconsin Supreme Court issued its long awaited opinions (League of Women Voters v. Walker and Milwaukee Branch of NAACP v. Walker) upholding Wisconsin’s controversial Voter ID […]
State Court Decides on Municipalities Ability to Revoke Conditional Use Permit
Date Thu, Feb. 26, 2015 - 4:06pm By Hamilton
On Thursday, January 8, 2015 the Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the case Oneida Seventh Generation Corp. v. City of Green Bay (2013AP591). The supreme court will decide whether the court of appeals properly applied the substantial evidence test, which can effect when a conditional use permit can be revoked by a municipality. […]
Supreme Court to Decide on PSC Wind Turbine Siting Rule
Date Thu, Feb. 26, 2015 - 3:35pm By Hamilton
On Thursday, February 5, 2015, the Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the case Wisconsin Realtors Ass’n v. PSC (2013AP1407). The Court will decide whether the Public Service Commission (PSC) followed state statute when promulgating PSC 128, relating to wind turbine siting restrictions. Background The Legislature passed Wis. Stat. §196.378(4g)(b) which authorized the PSC […]
Supreme Court to Determine Wrongful Death Case
Date Thu, Feb. 26, 2015 - 3:25pm By Hamilton
On Wednesday, February 4, 2015, the Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the case Christ v. Exxon Mobile Corp. (2012AP1493). The Court will decide whether the discovery rule will apply to third parties in wrongful death and survival actions. Background This case contains wrongful death and survival actions involving nine former employees of Uniroyal […]
UPDATE: Legislation on Chief Justice Selection
Date Thu, Jan. 29, 2015 - 4:47pm By Hamilton
The Wisconsin State Legislature has passed legislation that would potentially change how the Wisconsin Supreme Court chief justice is selected. The proposed amendment will now appear on the spring ballot as a referendum, and if a majority of voters approve it, the state constitution will be amended. The amendment would require the chief justice be […]
Legislation on Chief Justice Selection
Date Thu, Jan. 15, 2015 - 5:49pm By Hamilton
UPDATE Jan. 20, 2015: The Wisconsin State Senate has passed legislation that could change how the Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice is selected. The State Assembly will vote on the legislation on Thursday afternoon. If passed, the legislation will be appear as a referendum on the April 7th ballot. If the referendum is approved, the […]