S T U V W X T V

      

¢¡¤£¦¥¨§¦©

¦ ¦ ¦

+*-).E =F

C)D # G

¨ 

'1. 

C)DIHKJ)# 8 #

&')(*,+*-). /'102* '10

!"$# % # %1354)676 # 8 9

')   ')0)

: 8 # 354 # %

 .  0

C)CIL 8 # 6 8

;< = 01 0 010)

# 4 # 354 8

 

C)MON 4G1%

>@?AB. -)

;  '  '10  PR 0)  '1.

C 3 % 6 8P354 8 97QP4)6 8 # # 4)% 354 8

YZ¦[¦\^]`_badcd]fe¦gih¦jkh¦\¨l¦e¦lnmo\ph¦q¦]`rZ¦\tsurvre¦wx]By z{en|}[¦cd]&y w¦en_b]f\ph~]feomIy e¦c

he New York City-based JEHT (Justice, Equality, attorneys, public defenders, the bar, advocacy and treatment THuman dignity and Tolerance) Foundation has awarded groups, the Department of Corrections and community isconsin Judiciary the Wisconsin Court System a $573,000 grant over the next leaders. The grant will help encourage collaboration by two and a half years to support research and development of providing training, research, planning and support to partners the most promising strategies for improving the effectiveness in the criminal justice system. Funding will be disbursed of the state’s criminal justice system. only as outlined in the grant application, said Erin “This grant will help all stakeholders in the criminal justice Slattengren, who administers the grant for Court Operations. system work effectively together toward solutions that Widespread interest in effective justice strategies has been enhance public safety and, where appropriate, reduce driven by growing fiscal concerns, incarceration rates,

a publication of the W excessive reliance on incarceration,” said Wisconsin recidivism rates and other factors that reflect a need to Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson. employ new practices. Specifically, the grant will help fund the project Enhancing During the last 15 years, the state has experienced Public Safety: Effective Justice Strategies, which is intended unprecedented growth in prison, jail and community to build on local, evidence-based practices that deliver corrections populations. The prison population has doubled effective outcomes for communities, victims and defendants. over the past decade, from 11,000 prisoners to more than Examples of effective Justice Strategies initiatives include 23,000 prisoners and has tripled since 1990. The growth has the formation of Criminal Justice Coordinating Councils had a significant impact on the costs, workload volume and (CJCC) and problem-solving courts. These efforts have overall operations of the criminal justice system across the helped address underlying issues, such as drug addiction, state. alcohol abuse, domestic violence and mental health Objectives of the effective justice strategies effort include: problems. Many of these underlying issues come to light in enhancing public safety and reducing recidivism; providing the courtroom, and the public relies on the judiciary to play a courts with better information to deliver the most effective leadership role, along with its justice system partners, in sentences; identifying and fostering support for local, court- safely and effectively addressing these challenges. centered programs; and recommending a comprehensive Effective solutions depend on collaboration and state-level strategy to promote and implement effective

cooperation among county boards, law enforcement, district criminal justice strategies and evidence-based practices. ¢

YZ¦[¦\K]c€jeƒ‚ w¦Z¦g„enrZ¦[¦\ qxe¦j‡†v[xl¦m¦e¦c

our new judges have been appointed to fill the (Racine) Journal Times, was quoted as saying she held Fterms of retiring judges, including one to the Court on to the dream that she would someday become a judge of Appeals and three to circuit court branches – one but didn’t count on it becoming a reality. each in Dane, Rock and Taylor counties. “It was always there, that I would always love the opportunity. To get on the bench, the stars really do Neubauer sworn in as District II Court have to align,” Neubauer was quoted as saying. of Appeals’ Judge Neubauer, the first woman to serve on the District II District II Court of Appeals’ Judge Lisa Neubauer was Court of Appeals, credits her parents with instilling in sworn into office during a her a strong commitment to public service. She will small ceremony in Racine serve out a term ending July 31, 2008. on Jan. 7. Neubauer, who Neubauer served as an attorney at Foley & Lardner was appointed by Gov. LLP since 1989 and was previously a law clerk for Jim Doyle, replaces Judge Barbara B. Crabb in the U.S. District Court for retiring Deputy Chief the Western District of Wisconsin. She received a B.A. Judge Neal Nettesheim, in Political Science from UW-Madison and her J.D. who is now a reserve from the University of Chicago Law School with judge. honors. “Lisa Neubauer will be Neubauer is a former member of the Wisconsin an excellent judge,” Federal Judicial Nominating Commission and has been Doyle said in announcing named a 2006 and 2007 Wisconsin Super Lawyer. She Judge Lisa Neubauer her appointment. “Her has served as a board member for the Racine Area legal experience and United Way, Legal Action of Wisconsin, and the Equal expertise, community involvement, and commitment to Justice Fund. Lisa and Jeff live in Racine, where they the community will serve her well in this position.” raised their three children, Katherine, Greta and Sam. www.wicourts.gov Neubauer, who was recently featured in a story in The see New judges on page 14

’

ˆŠ‰‹}Œ}Ž

“” •p–¦—¦˜f™¦•fš ›€—¦™Iœ ¦ž„Ÿ¦ ¢¡£Ÿn˜¤¦–n•p™¦¥x¦¨§n” ˜f¤n©¤I” –¦ª`«ux›d˜B” —¦–n¬­¦•p¥¦¤x¥¦ž®›d™xŸ u}}‘ THIRD BRANCH knew it was going to be a long, cold THE Icommute when the alarm went off at 5 a.m. January 24. It was below zero and only expected to get colder and snowier as I ventured off on a two-day, four-county tour with Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson. Driving proved harrowing at times, but the trip was well worth it. It isn’t often one gets the opportunity to learn so much from the people who make the justice system operate and from the Chief Justice herself. (She fired me in jest three times, but had no choice but to rehire me, or face a long walk home). Photo by Patrick Brummond I also was fortunate enough to attend a Chief Justice Abrahamson and Director of State Courts A. John Voelker, center, retirement party for Tenth District Court visit with Trempealeau County Sheriff Richard Anderson, far left, Jackson County Administrator Gregg Moore Sheriff Duane Waldera and Trempealeau County Circuit Court Judge John A. on his home turf, where it Amon, far right, on the set of Anderson’s cable television access show in Whitehall. was clear how much his talent and friendship have been appreciated. The journey begins There was one definite theme that came Let me take you along for the ride to Jackson, through during the trip, whether discussing Trempealeau, Eau Claire and Chippewa counties - stops 45, issues with the Chief in the car, talking to 46, 47 and 48, respectively on the Chief’s 72-county tour of judges, court staff, lawyers, and law the state. We also visited with Ho-Chunk Nation judicial, enforcement, or recognizing the contributions executive and legislative leaders, who kindly invited us for of valued staff: The justice system in this state a visit. The Chief visited the other 44 counties by herself. has many very talented folks who are A. John Voelker committed to serving the people of this state. I Thursday, Jan. 24 am very fortunate to be in a position to 6:20 a.m. After a quick pit stop for coffee, including a advocate for such a dedicated group of people, even if it cup for the Chief, I arrive at her house. I was nervous that means an occasional white-knuckle drive. she may not be ready because she had an evening speech

see Director’s column on page 9

¯x•&” ­¦¥Iœ,—bœ –¦•P°n˜•p¥ƒ” ŸI” Ÿ¦±n–}²¦³Iœ ™¦•¨–¦›´©µ©¬·¶p¸¢›d–Iœ ª¹•p–¦³¦•¨–¦›d–¦Ÿ¦˜f–¦¦ºœ ” ˜B” ±¦¥¦Ÿ¦˜f›

By Ann Zimmerman, State Pro Se Coordinator

ribal court clerks from the Stockbridge Munsee, Lac Training was coordinated by the State-Tribal Justice TCourte Oreilles, Forest County Potawatomi, and Oneida Forum, a committee made up of five circuit court judges, Indian Tribes in the state of Wisconsin gathered in Madison five tribal court judges, one district court administrator, a on November 9, 2007 to receive training on CCAP, WCCA, representative from the State Bar Indian Law Chapter and and providing assistance to self-represented litigants. one representative from the Legislative Council’s State- Frank Fischer, a Business Process Consultant with CCAP, Tribal Relations Committee. The director of state courts is provided training on Consolidated Court Automation an ex-officio member, and Erin Slattengren, a special Programs (CCAP) and how it helps the Wisconsin circuit programs manager with the Director’s Office staffs the courts, and also gave an interactive demonstration of committee. The committee’s general charge is to promote Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA). and sustain communication, education, and cooperation Ann Zimmerman, state pro se coordinator provided an among tribal and state court systems and to promote overview on current court-based projects to assist self- initiatives outlined in the final report of the 2005 Walking represented litigants in Wisconsin, and presented materials on Common Ground Conference developed for Wisconsin Court System staff in 2006 by (www.walkingoncommonground.org/web- policy analyst Marcia Vandercook on providing legal content/WOCG_Report.pdf). ¢ information to court users.

Ä »Š¼½}¾¿}À

NEW FACES Á}Â}Â}Ã THIRD BRANCH

Williams joins Court Operations staff on improving the processing of domestic violence cases THE Jeanne Williams joined the Office of Court Operations as under the Violence Against Women Act. the Children’s Court Slattengren joined the court system in May 2005. Improvement Program Training Coordinator on Foster hired as program assistant January 28. Williams has Sara Foster has been hired as program assistant to the a master’s degree in adult Supreme Court and will provide administrative and education from Penn publications support for the director’s office and the State University and a Wisconsin Supreme Court. Foster bachelor’s degree in moved to the Madison area from journalism from the Chicago in 2006. She now lives in University of Iowa. McFarland, having worked most She has worked in recently as a substitute teacher in Jeanne Williams several Madison suburbs. Children’s Court Improvement adult education for Progam Training Coordinator eleven years, including Foster’s also worked as a summer- work at Penn State in school teacher for the Madison continuing and distance education, and then cooperative Metropolitan School District, an extension. For the past six years, while working at equipment-training facilitator for Starbucks Coffee in Chicago and as Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville, she has been Sara Foster responsible for coordinating curriculum, distance education an account coordinator and program assistant initiatives, and the design and development of professional assistant account executive at development experiences for faculty and staff within the marketing companies. Wisconsin Technical College System. She worked in the Foster has a master’s degree in teaching, elementary office of Medical Mediation from 1994-95. education, from Concordia University (River Forest, Ill.), Jeanne lives in Evansville with her husband and two and a bachelor’s degree in literature and creative writing teenage sons. from Purchase College at State University of New York.

Slattengren Johnson returns to Wisconsin, district named special court administrator post projects manager Scott Johnson has returned to Wisconsin to serve as Tenth Erin Slattengren District court administrator after serving as deputy chief accepted the newly clerk in the federal court created position of system in Iowa. Johnson special projects manager started as sixth district in the Office of Court court administrator in Operations, effective Feb. November of 1999 and 4. While Slattengren is transferred to the ninth taking on different duties, district several years later. Erin Slattengren she will continue her He has had three active special projects manager work with the Planning military tours during his and Policy Advisory (PPAC) Committee’s Effective Justice time while working as a Strategies Subcommittee and the Assess, Inform, and DCA including service in Measure (AIM) pilot projects. Part of her new duties will Afghanistan, Kuwait and include administration of the JEHT (Justice, Equality, Iraq. Previously he has Scott Johnson Human dignity and Tolerance) Foundation grant. worked in the Oregon, Tenth District court administrator She will continue to assist PPAC and its subcommittees Minnesota and North until her replacement for the policy analyst position can be Dakota court systems as trial court administrator, court found. She’ll also continue to manage the Services, administrator and deputy to the presiding judge. ¢ Training, Officers, Prosecutors (STOP) grant, which focuses

Î

ŊÆÇ}ÈÉ}Ê ËuÌ}Ì}Í

THIRD BRANCH

çè ç

ÓÒ ã¦×pߦÛ~é á æ¦Ð¦×^ÝtÚÜÛIÓ ÝBÓ Ø~ÝBÓ Þ{ßnádЦê„ê„ئ×Kٴרߦâ¦æ¦×^Ý`Ø}ÞdØIÓÒ ØxÑIÒ ßnæ¦ÛIÒÓ Û¦ß

THE By Michelle Jensen-Goodwin and Bridget Bauman, Court Operations

he Children’s Court Initiative (CCI) Summary Report, Twhich compiles the data, findings, and best practices from the CCI on-site reviews conducted in 30 counties, was Key Findings from CCI Summary Report issued in January 2008. CCI is a comprehensive county circuit court review Strengths:

process designed to strengthen court processing in child ë Documenting “contrary to the welfare,” “reasonable welfare and termination of parental rights cases. The project efforts to prevent removal” and “reasonable efforts to establishes safety, permanency, due process, and timeliness achieve the goals of the permanency plan” findings on performance measures that are based on state and federal law, best practice principles outlined by the American Bar written orders Association Center on Children and the Law, and areas ë Providing parents with notice of hearings

evaluated in both the federal Child and Family Services ë Giving priority to CHIPS and TPR cases, consistent Review (CFSR) and Title IV-E review related to court with case-processing standards

practice. ë Filing orders in a timely manner and using standard The counties reviewed include: La Crosse, Pierce, circuit court forms Washington, Rock, Waukesha, Iowa, St. Croix, Dane, Sheboygan, Washburn, Burnett, Adams, Waupaca, Green, Barron, Marquette, Columbia, Milwaukee, Racine, Needs Improvement: Crawford, Jefferson, Shawano, Trempealeau, Clark, Brown, ë Guardian ad litem performance Manitowoc, Jackson, Rusk, Pepin and Buffalo. ë Complying with the Indian Child Welfare Act

The on-site reviews in these counties occurred between ë Sending notice of hearings to caregivers and June 2005 and August 2007, during which time a total of participation in court

834 child in need of protection or services (CHIPS) and 343 ë Complying with statutory change of placement notice termination of parental rights (TPR) court files were requirements reviewed; 260 hearings were observed; and over 300 focus ë Providing adversary counsel for children 12 and older group sessions were conducted. ¢ in CHIPS cases The report can be found at: ë Consistently making detailed, child-specific “contrary wicourts.gov/about/organization/programs/ccip.htm#1 to the welfare”, “reasonable efforts to prevent removal” Questions about the CCI Summary Report may be and “reasonable efforts to achieve the goals of the directed to Bridget Bauman at (608) 267-1958 or permanency plan” findings orally on the record [email protected], or Michelle Jensen-Goodwin at (608) 266-1557 or michelle.jensen-

[email protected].

ÏuЦÑIÒÓ ÔÖÕ¦Ó Ñ¦×pئ×AÙ@ÚÜÛIÓ Ý&Ó Ø}Ý&Ó Þàßnádâ¦×pߦئãxádä¢å¦ØIÓ Û¦á´Û¦Ø~Ý&Ó æ¦Û¦ØƒÒdØ}ÝfÝfߦۦÝ&Ó æ¦Û

By Ann Zimmerman, State Pro Se Coordinator

ptly enough, the Third Judicial District is the third from other state courts and national library publications. In Adistrict in Wisconsin slated to hold workshops to October 2007, Wisconsin’s Public Library Initiative was acquaint public libraries with the latest law related resources featured in LibraryJournal.com available for assisting self-represented litigants. (www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6488200.html?desc+top On March 6th and April 8th, workshops will be held in story) and will be the subject of a feature article in an Waukesha and Horicon, respectively. These workshops stem upcoming edition of Public Libraries Magazine, the official from a pilot project the Wisconsin Court System first journal of the Public Library Association unveiled in April 2007 in the Tenth Judicial District. (www.ala.org/ala/pla/plapubs/publiclibraries/publiclibraries.c Dubbed the “Public Library Initiative,” it is designed to fm). further assist people who are representing themselves in This project is the latest in a series of steps the court court proceedings. The project’s goal is to foster system has taken to improve access to the courts for people communication between local courts and public libraries in who are representing themselves, and it is hoped that the an effort to better meet the legal information needs of self- program can be replicated around the state to reach as many represented litigants. public librarians as possible. In September 2007, the Ninth The success of this Wisconsin model is gaining attention see Library on page 13

¢¡¤£¦¥¨§¦©

ìkíî ïkð¦ñ¦òuó¦óºî ó¦ð¦ô¦ó¦õ¨ö€ñ¦÷}ø{óIíîdùú¦û„û„ñ¦÷Ií üý€þ}ñ¦ödüBí ÿ¦ónùú¦ñ¦÷xÿIí î ¦ ¦ ¦ by Beth Bishop Perringo, Deputy Court Administrator, District One THIRD BRANCH ilwaukee’s Community Justice Council, under the establishment of a community criminal justice council, now Mchairmanship of Chief Judge Kitty K. Brennan, had called the Community Justice Council. THE its first public meeting on Jan. 23, 2008. The Council is The Executive Committee is composed of Chief Judge composed of 27 members from all levels of government and Kitty K. Brennan, Chair, Milwaukee County Sheriff David a variety of agencies, legal groups and non-profits. The A. Clarke Jr., Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, mission of the Council is “to efficiently and collaboratively Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Milwaukee Police Chief Ed coordinate services and to effectively allocate financial Flynn, Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm, resources to ensure crime reduction, victim support, offender Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office Inspector Kevin Carr, accountability and restorative community-based programs.” Milwaukee County Supervisor Willie Johnson Jr., State of “The creation of the Wisconsin First Assistant Community Justice Council Public Defender Tom Reed provides us with a unique and Benedict Center vehicle for change,” said Executive Director Kit Chief Judge Kitty Brennan. Murphy McNally. “I am pleased with the The Council has six cooperation and conviction of standing committees: Data all members of the executive Analysis and Housing, Jail committee and their and Huber, Programs and commitment to positive Interventions, Public change in Milwaukee Outreach and Education, County.” Juvenile Justice and Public The Executive Committee Health. Various issues of of the CJC has been meeting importance to the Milwaukee monthly for approximately community will be discussed seven months to develop the through several standing structure and mission of the Chief Judge Kitty K. Brenna addresses the first public meeting committees which will make Council. The idea for the of Milwaukee’s Community Justice Council on Jan. 23, 2008 recommendations to the formation of the CJC came Executive Committee. At the from several different fronts. Some years ago then-Chief January 23 meeting, the Council discussed the House of Judge Michael Skwierawski created a version of the Council Correction plan to restructure the electronic monitoring that did not survive due to a variety of reasons. Then in the program. This issue will be forwarded to the Jail and Huber fall of 2006, Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. invited the National Utilization standing committee for action. Institute of Corrections (NIC) to Milwaukee County to Community groups, government agencies and other conduct an assessment of the criminal corrections system. interested community members will be invited to join the One of the recommendations the NIC made was to create a Council for discussion on various issues affecting criminal justice coordinating council. The Milwaukee Milwaukee County’s criminal justice system. ¢

County Board then passed a resolution requiring the



ó ¦ðIî¦ó¦ödú¦ñ¦õpÿ¦ónùóx÷¦üóxõ ödüfðtîí )üfö´ö Ií õ&í üfö´ïní ¨ü Ií ü ¦ðxö

By Kate Roherty, Library Associate, Milwaukee Legal Resource Center he Milwaukee Legal Resource Center staff, along with many of my regular activities but whenever there has been a Tother courthouse employees, attorneys, family and need, someone has stepped forward. Many people have friends, demonstrated support of cancer patients during the volunteered to come with me and support me during my Christmas season. weekly sessions. Kate Roherty came up with the idea of On behalf of our co-worker and friend, Rebecca Knutson, sharing this overwhelming kindness and generosity with who is currently receiving chemotherapy at the Oncology other patients.” Alliance at Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital, a gift bag was The project began as we brainstormed a way to try to have assembled for each patient who receives treatment at the a positive impact on patients as they received treatment clinic. during the week of Christmas. Thinking there would be According to Rebecca: “Since being diagnosed last May, maybe 20 patients, we decided on a gift bag for each person I have been receiving weekly chemotherapy treatments. I containing items to help make the treatment a little easier. know how difficult and depressing the hours in the chemo After checking with the clinic we were shocked to learn chair can be, and the side effects and other complications of that at least 60 people receive treatment for cancer at CSM cancer can be devastating. But I am amazed every day at each week. We were unsure how to proceed. Should we how incredibly kind people have been in offering me their scale back the number of people who would get a bag, or help, support, prayers and love, and I am so grateful for their give them something smaller? care and concern. Then people around us who knew about Rebecca’s “Thankfully at this time I am still able to work and do situation came forward and got involved by giving their see Gift bag on page 6

' ¢¤ ¦ ¨!¦"

#%$¦$¦& WISCONSIN CONNECTS THIRD BRANCH White named to Milbank Memorial Fund language program included judges, lawyers, police, THE Technical Board journalists and representatives from other government Judge Maxine A. White has accepted an appointment to a groups and organizations. three-year term as one of six On Dec. 20, Gonzalez participated in a one-hour digital members of the technical board video conference on the subject of combating domestic of the Milbank Memorial Fund. violence. Gonzalez made the video appearance on the She becomes the first member program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s of the judiciary to be named to Bureau of International Information Programs and the U.S. this board since its inception. Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina with the technological The Board of the Milbank help of UW-La Crosse. Memorial Fund established the technical board in 1922 to Voelker nominated for COSCA board provide it with general advice Director of State Courts A. John Voelker has been about its priorities and nominated to serve on the board of directors of the Conference of State Court Administrators, a national programs. Historically, its Judge Maxine A. White members have consisted of association. medical doctors and chief executives of major health Final selection of board members will be made this organizations. summer at the group’s annual meeting, said Shelley During her term on the technical board, Judge White will Rockwell, COSCA association manager. serve with an attending neurologist at a major health center, Nominees are selected based on a variety of factors, a former secretary of a state department of health and three including diversity, geography, state population and length chief executive officers and presidents of health of service. Responsibilities of the board include policy organizations. development, program planning, project conceptualization The Milbank Memorial Fund is an endowed operating and oversight. foundation that works to improve health by helping inform decision makers in the public and private sectors. The Fund Bradley teaches at has engaged in nonpartisan analysis, study, research, and International communication on significant issues in Judicial Academy health policy. Justice Ann Walsh Bradley was invited to be a member Gonzalez makes international of the faculty of the presentations International Judicial Circuit Court Judge Ramona Gonzalez, La Academy. Along with three Crosse County, visited the Dominican federal court judges, she Republic Oct. 11-12, 2007 to give a recently spoke at a seminar in presentation at a conference on the Hague Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Convention on Child Abduction. The seminar, hosted by the Justice Ann Walsh Bradley seminar was set up by the Dominican Academy, focused on various Central Authority on Children’s Issues. issues relating to insurance law. ¢

Judge Ramona Gonzalez Audience members for the Spanish- (*),+.-0/¦132 continued from page 5 time, talents or donations for the bags. Said State Law and how amazed they were that people they had never met Librarian Jane Colwin: “It was such a great idea, I couldn’t could do such a kind and generous thing for them at a time help but contribute.” when it was badly needed. Together we knew we could provide a bag for each patient Once we saw the impact the gift bags had on the patients and they would be as wonderful as we had imagined. Each we pledged to do it again next Christmas. We invite anyone bag contained candy, a Christmas ornament, gift card to who would like to be involved by giving their time, talents Barnes & Noble or Schwartz Bookshops, homemade or donations of items or money to contact either Rebecca at Christmas cookies and a holiday mug. [email protected] or Kate at Each patient was given a bag as they checked in and they [email protected] or by calling the Milwaukee were able to enjoy the contents while receiving treatment. Legal Resource Center at (414) 278-4322. We would Rebecca’s oncologist Dr. Scott Maul had this to say: “You sincerely like to thank everyone who contributed. We spent would not believe what a difference this made for people. a very enjoyable Sunday afternoon putting the bags together. The fact that a person going through chemotherapy went to The results were powerful and moving to everyone who was the effort of reaching out to others going through the same involved. Thanks to all for making the project such a huge process meant a lot and touched many hearts.” success. ¢ Nurses and patients shared with us the impact that the bags had on people, saying how their demeanor brightened

^

U¢V¤W¦X¨Y¦Z

465798:<;>=@?BA 857C:D8;E:GFH?I:G=JA 5JA 5KL8:DMF:N798OPH0K:G8PQH0RFSA 5KO8;>QJA¤T FM [¦\¦\¦]

by Danielle Basil Long, Policy Analyst, Director of State Courts Office THIRD BRANCH THE ourt Operations staff members are compiling from the Office of Court Operations. Crecommendations of two separate focus groups, which Overall, focus group results demonstrate that current met last year to assess current restraining order practices in practices and access to restraining orders in Wisconsin are Wisconsin. quite good. While there is certainly room for improvement, The focus groups were funded by a grant through the respondents were mostly positive about the status quo. Wisconsin Office of Justice Assistance under a project to Promising practices were shared among participants and they assess needs and problem areas and identify potential were charged with making recommendations for corrective actions concerning domestic abuse restraining improvements. Although practices vary significantly across orders. counties, participants agreed on many areas where system The first focus group was conducted in June 2007 with improvements could be made statewide.

eleven clerks of court or their designees. Participants and Some_ of the clerk recommendations include: their respective counties: Jim Smith, Milwaukee, Vicki using a decision or filing tree to help petitioners (at the Gilbertson, Dane; Sheila Reiff, Walworth; Diane Fremgen, time of filing a TRO) determine the most appropriate remedy

Winnebago; Lora Walters, Marathon; Lisa Wilson, Brown; for_ their situation,

Pam Radtke, LaCrosse; Roselle Urness, Buffalo; Cindy _ sharing ideas and best practices statewide, Kimmons and Dawn Dunbar from Lincoln; and Jane Putskey, providing training for all parties (clerks, judges, sheriffs, Waushara. court commissioners) on both the processing of TROs and The second focus group was conducted in October 2007 domestic abuse sensitivity.

with nine judges and court commissioners. Participants and Judge_ and commissioner recommendations include: their respective county or municipality: Judge Michael having a consistent agency or person (preferably an J.Rosborough, Vernon County; Judge Faye M. Flancher, advocate or volunteer lawyer) onsite at every courthouse to

Racine; Judge Douglas T. Fox, Price; Judge Scott R. assist_ petitioners with the process Needham, St. Croix; Commissioner David Reddy, Walworth; having someone within the system (preferably the clerk) Commissioner Marjorie Schuett, Madison; Commissioner verify proof of service of the temporary restraining order Sandy Grady, Milwaukee; Commissioner Dolores Bomrad, rather than relying on the petitioner to do so, and create a Washington; and Commissioner Dan Bissett, Winnebago. best practices protocol to be used statewide. Both focus groups were facilitated by Mary Crave from the Focus group findings will be compiled into a report which University of Wisconsin - Extension. will include participant recommendations for Also in attendance: District II Court Administrator Kerry improvements.¢

Connelly and Danielle Long, Sara Ward and Erin Slattengren

`aA HO85HbA 5HF?N?I8dc8SA 5`aAeT MJTeA 79FfgA 8JT =¦?I8:Nhi8;jQ=O?

By Nancy Rottier, Legislative Liaison

n April 1, 2008, Wisconsin will become the 28th state to join DNR staff had extensive discussions with staff from the Office Othe Wildlife Violator Compact (the Compact). The of Court Operations and Consolidated Court Automation Legislature authorized Wisconsin to join the Compact in 2005 Programs (CCAP) and with several clerks of court to simplify the Wisconsin Act 282; the provisions of the compact can be found at administrative rules and the procedures required of the court s. 29.03, Wis. Stats. All the states surrounding Wisconsin are system by the compact. Consultations have continued with the already members of the Compact. DNR and with the recently-hired Wildlife Violator Compact Compact member states must agree to recognize the suspension Administrator. of wildlife license privileges of any person whose license The Records Management Committee is developing a new form privileges have been suspended by a participating state. The for implementing the Wildlife Violator Compact, as well as a new suspension must be treated as if it had occurred in the home state. form to be used for court suspensions or revocation of wildlife In addition, each member state must allow a violator to accept a licenses permitted under ch. 29, Wis. Stats. The procedures and wildlife citation and to proceed on his or her way without delay, the forms will be very similar to the current ones used to notify regardless of residency, if the violator’s home state is party to the the Department of Transportation of the suspension or revocation compact. of a driver’s license. CCAP staff is also making appropriate Before joining the compact, the Wisconsin Department of programming changes for the new procedures. The forms and Natural Resources (DNR) developed administrative rules to assure procedures will most likely be implemented in June 2008. Watch due process is afforded to individuals subject to administrative for bulletins from the Director’s office explaining the forms and suspensions in this state or who are suspended in a member state. procedures. ¢

t k¢l¤m¦n¨o¦p

q%r¦r¦s AWARDS THIRD BRANCH

THE Nettesheim, Fleishauer honored with jurist awards The State Bar of Wisconsin Bench and Bar Committee has programs for judges and was Dean of the Wisconsin Judicial selected two Wisconsin judges for the exceptional College, which provides orientation and training for newly contributions they have made to their elected or appointed judges and a refresher for sitting communities and the justice system over the judges, from 1987 to 1993. Judge Nettesheim is also active years. in the State Bar, where he has served on the Mentor Council Judge Neal P. Nettesheim, who recently and the Bench Bar Committee, which studies the retired from the District II Court of Appeals, organization, operation and general administration of will receive the bar association’s “Lifetime Wisconsin courts, including practice and procedure issues. Jurist Achievement” award; Judge Frederic W. Judge Fleishauer, who has served on the bench since Fleishauer, Portage County Circuit Court, will 1981, was praised by his peers as a model of integrity, receive the “Judge of the Year” award at the patience and respect in all of his contacts with attorneys, State Bar of Wisconsin’s Annual Convention in other county personnel and persons appearing in his May. courtroom. Katherine Munck, Executive Director of The Lifetime Jurist Achievement Award Justiceworks, Ltd. of Portage Judge Neal P. Nettesheim recognizes a jurist who has served more than one County, which promotes the full term as a circuit court judge and who has principles of restorative justice, demonstrated outstanding, long-term judicial service during noted that Judge Fleishauer has his or her years as a sitting judge. “expended an enormous amount The Judge of the Year Award honors an outstanding circuit of personal time and effort in court trial judge who has exceeded the call of judicial office forwarding initiatives to improve and who has improved the judicial system in some fashion the justice system and to involve during the past year. the community in that endeavor.” Judge Nettesheim, who was Wisconsin’s second-longest Munck said Fleishauer worked sitting judge at the time of his retirement last year, was in collaboratively with stakeholders private practice from 1966 to 1975, when he became a in Stevens Point and Portage Waukesha County judge. He served as a Waukesha County County to build community Circuit Court Judge from 1978 to 1983, when he joined the awareness of the justice system Judge Frederic W. Fleishauer District II Court of Appeals. He served as Chief Judge from and to promote restorative justice. 1990 to 93. He was praised by William J. Domina, Judge Fleishauer is widely recognized for the efficiency Milwaukee County Corporation Counsel, as a jurist who and professionalism of his courtroom. Past recipients of the defended both “the rule of law and the rule of common Lifetime Jurist Achievement Award include the Hon. sense” and as the embodiment of “fairness, scholarship and Edward R. Brunner, Lee E. Wells, Peter G. Pappas, Patrick excellent judicial temperament.” T. Sheedy, Mark J. Farnum, P. Charles Jones, Edwin C. In addition to serving on the bench, Judge Nettesheim has Dahlberg and Myron L. Gordon. played an exceptionally active role in promoting judicial Past recipients of the Judge of the Year Award include education and excellence. He served on the state’s Judicial Kitty K. Brennan, Mark S. Gempeler, John J. Perlich, Education Committee, which oversees continuing education Gerald C. Nichol and Maxine A. White. ¢

Director’s awards announced McMonigal, nominated Slattengren for this award based on Director of State Courts A. John Voelker has announced her work with PPAC and the Office of Court Operations. the winners of the 2007 Director’s Recognition Awards: Slattengren’s contributions in the management of grant Kevin Grittner, Randy Peterson, Shannon Spranger funds such as the STOP and JEHT grants have been critical Bill Severson and John Hutchins, Consolidated Court to the success of this expanding area of court operations. Automation Programs. Director Jean Bousquet nominated Slattengren’s work in staffing PPAC with dedication and this group based on its role in the CCAP Database Team’s enthusiasm has resulted in renewed vitality for ongoing successful work in migrating all CCAP circuit court initiatives and the successful beginning of new court system databases from Sybase to PostGres. The team’s efforts and programs and projects. individual performance in this large-scale project were keys Mary Hoeft Smith, trust account program administrator, to the success of this crucial initiative. Grittner, Peterson, Office of Lawyer Regulation. Severson and Hutchins are database administrators; Springer Keith Sellen nominated Mary Hoeft Smith for this award is a senior technical support engineer. based on her work with the revisions of the trust account Erin Slattengren, policy analyst, Court Operations (now rules that will substantially improve the professional practice special projects manager). of law and protection of funds of clients and other persons. Sheryl Gervasi, court operations director, along with the Hoeft Smith’s work was critical to the Supreme Court’s Policy and Planning Advisory Committee (PPAC) Planning adoption of the Trust Account Petition. ¢ Committee, Hon. Carl Ashley and Hon. William €ƒ‚„† ˆ‡<‰N‚‹Š,Œ¢ ˆ‰ƒŽ†‘ court andcriminaljusticecoordinatingcouncil. Whitehall. Chair BarbSembandRep.BarbaraGronemus,D- again) visitwithleadersofthejusticesystem,countyboard Grounds restaurantforanotherluncheon(nowedidn’ T minutes ofunpackingatthehotel, the the courthouse,itwasof volunteers withinthecourtsystem atanawardsceremony asked somegreatquestions. minute showsoundedlong,butitwentveryquickly behind schedule… drumming andsinging. guests ofthetribeataluncheonthatincludedtraditional the importancetraditioncanplayinHo-Chunknation. impressive roundfirepitinthecenterprovidedaglimpseof nation’ Matha wrappedupwithastopintheroomthathouses scheduled cable-access courthouse. trailer isnowhousedinaverywell-designedandattractive new over theyears. It wasamazingtoseetheprogresstribalcourthasmade classification andfundingfordistrictattorneys. have developed. facing thesystem,aswellcreativeresponsesthat discussion aboutthejusticesystem. government fromgatheringinthecourtroomfora many duringourtour move on–leavingahighnote,ofwhichtherewere facing thecourtsatlocallevel.Itwasaperfecttimeto identifying newapproachestoaddressthefundingissues commended theChiefJusticeforherleadershipin advocated closingdownthecourtstosavemoney Jackson Countyboardchairman,S to moveoninorderstayschedule.Beforeweleft, Court the occasion.It was agreateveningatnicerestaurant picked usupfor dinner Proctor anddistrict courtadministratorGreggMoore, unof enforcement, thelocalbar that didn’ bank temperaturesignreadsminus18.Itfeltbittercold,but quickly appearedfromherhouse,suitcaseintow quite late.Myfearsoonsubsided,however the nightbeforeinMilwaukeeandwouldhavearrivedhome rempealeau CountySherif Our nextstopin 6:15 p.m. 1:00 p.m. T W It wasagreatopportunitytohearaboutthechallenges 1 8:45 a.m 1:30 a.m. radition continuedtobeevidentaswewereinvited e coveredalotoftopicsquicklybeforeSeventhDistrict ficial welcomingcommittee–Chief JudgeBenjaminD. W Administrator PatBrummondletusknowweneeded s traditionalcourt–awoodpaneledroomwithan a EhiHoci,orcourtfacilityoftheHo-ChunkNation. t deteranumberofpeoplefromthemedia,law W . W W W A e talkedaboutthecounty’ W e arriveinBlackRiverFalls,andInoticethe e arrivein e arriveinEauClaire,andafter a few tour ledbyHo-Chunk e pullintotheparkinglotofrelatively A W court systemthatonceoperatedoutofa Whitehall wasunique–anappearanceon e discussedvideoconferencing,inmate . . Greggevengot hiscarwashedfor TV All ofthehospitalityputusabit f toEauClaire. Whitehall atthe , courtstaf f Richard show After recognizinganumberof . Initially continued fromp teve Dickinsen,whoonce f, andcounty Anderson’ T T s drugcourt,teen rial Judge enth District’ Alternative , Ithoughta30- , astheChief s regularly . age 2 , T odd , andhe s t eat home safelyfromaveryproductive trip. of ChiefJustices whileIslept. decisions. Claire totherationalebehindrecentSupremeCourt we addressedissuesrangingfromjudicialneedinEau then metwithaseriesofindividualsinreception,where filled withgoodconversation. on publicfinancingforSupremeCourtraces. good thingsthatarehappeninginthecommunityandbriefly innovative programs,thediscussionfocusedonmany T I metwiththeeditorialboardofEauClaireLeader local televisionstation,JudgeProctor W the county Circuit Courtjudgestoassessthestateofjudiciaryin circuit courtstaf good signfortheridebacktoMadison. business hours. mentioned itwasthefirsttimesheclosedherof Chief (whatamI,choppedliver?),theclerkofcircuitcourt the crowdedcourtroom.Inorderforherstaf branches, fieldingavarietyofquestionsfromindividualsin Chippewa Herald. with thejudgesandpublisherareporterfrom Unfortunately find theparty–GreggMoore’ read directionsasweheadedforChippewaCounty… sandwich inonehand,steeringwheeltheother service. contributions tothecourtsystemduringhis24yearsof room veryfull,Greggwashonoredforhissignificant close hereyesonafewoccasionsduringthetriphome. Justice wastiredorafraidtowatchmedrive,butshedid than adozencarsinthemedian.Idon’ many driversdon’ were ontheothersideofinterstate.Despiteweather then somefreezingdrizzle.Itseemsthatallthesalttrucks the roadsimproved. as weheadsouth. here… many peoplewereawareof.Iwon’ it allowedmetotellafewstoriesaboutGreggthatnot elegram. BecauseEauClaireCountyhasanumberof 6:00 a.m. Saturday 1 8:30 a.m. Friday 12:15 a.m. 4:45 p.m. 1:15 p.m. Midnight 7:45 p.m. e metmanyofthehard-workingmembersclerk 1:45 a.m. The programwasapropersendof , Januar , theChiefJusticeandItouredcourthouse. , Januar The Chiefprepared toleavefortheConference After meetingwiththeEauClaireCounty W W W I droptheChiefof At theconclusionofabriefinterviewwith I pullintomydriveway , thesnowhadstartedtofall,andthatwasn’ e arriveinChippewaCounty e brushof ith thenavigationsystemon,weheadoutto f, whoarethepublicfaceofsystem. y 25 t reducetheirspeed,andweseemore The Chiefthen“heldcourt”inoneofthe T o mychagrin,neithertheweathernor y 26 W e passedthroughsomesnowand f thecar s retirementpartythatis. ¢ f athome. , hopingforbetterweather t gointosordiddetails , happytomakeit , theChiefJusticeand t knowiftheChief W ith thebanquet f forGregg,and , meetingfirst f tomeetthe W fice during ith a , theChief - W t a e ,

THE THIRD BRANCH u¢v¤w¦x¨y¦z {¦|¦|¦} ~

Ÿž ’”“–•%—I˜¦™

š¦›¦›¦œ OBITUARIES

THIRD BRANCH ¡Ÿ¢Ÿ£Ÿ¤,¥¦ ¡Ÿ¡¬«Ÿ­

¯¡Ÿ¢Ÿ£Ÿ¤,¥°¦ ¡Ÿ¤,¥Ÿ²Ÿ³ ³ §©¨%ª

THE District attorney and was a member and past president of the

®

ªµ´ ªƒ¶ §©± Portage County Bar Association. He also served on the Judge Ronald S. Brooks, who economics committee of the State Bar of Wisconsin. He was was known as Ronald S. chairman of the Portage County Republican Party for many Goldberger before changing his years. On the recommendation of the county bar association, name in 1999, died Wednesday, Jenkins was appointed County Judge by then-Gov. Warren Jan. 30, 2008 in Florida. He Knowles in 1969. Jenkins served first as county judge and was 64. Brooks sat on the later circuit court judge until his retirement in 1988. He bench in Milwaukee County continued to serve as reserve judge until 2000. Circuit Court from 1988 to Jenkins served two terms as a city alderman and was a 2000. He retired at age 56. member of the town of Hull Board. He was a member and past president of the Kiwanis Club, Izaak Walton League, Portage County Taxpayers Judge Ronald S. Brooks Association, Jaycees and

(Ronald S. Goldberger) Serra Club. He was chairman

³° ¯¡Ÿ²Ÿ³ ³Ÿ¢Ÿ«Ÿ»,¢Ÿ­

¥ of the UW Alumni

·B¸ ·

¡ £ ³ ¡ ¢ £Ÿ¢Ÿ¥ ¡ £ ³ ¡ ¢ » » ª‹¹º¦§

´ Association and of the first

¼ ¸ ¼ ¸ ¸

¡ ¥ ³

´ º ¹¾½ ª‹¹ ´ º ¹¾½¿º ªCÀ ¹

ª‹¹ parish council at St. Peter

¸ ·B¸

ª‹¹ ´ º Catholic Church. He was a Judge Robert Curtis Jenkins, who served both as a county member of the St. Michael’s and circuit court judge in Portage County, died Wednesday, Hospital Board, Portage Jan. 9, 2008 after a brief illness at St. Michael’s Hospital in County Red Cross, American Stevens Point. He was 85. Legion Post 6 and Chamber Jenkins attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, of Commerce Board. where he majored in accounting before his college education Surviving Jenkins is his Judge Robert C. Jenkins was interrupted by enlistment in the U.S. Army during World wife of 64 years, Betty June; War II. After the war, Jenkins earned a law degree from the a daughter, Elizabeth Susan Goetting (Chandler), Amherst; a UW Law School and returned to Stevens Point, where he son, William Frost Jenkins (Teri), Stevens Point; a son, Jason entered practice with his father. Jenkins, Seattle; a daughter, Holly Jenkins, California; and Jenkins was a highly respected and active attorney. He was two grandchildren, William Frost Jenkins II and Jillian Page a Justice of the Peace, served three terms as Portage County Jenkins both of Stevens Point. ¢

LEADERSHIP

Á¦ÂÃÃ9ÂÄDÅÆÇÈÉÆÊÇËIÌ0ÈÉÆÊÄ<ËIÅ”Í ÎÊÇÏ@ÐÇÂÑÒÏÎÅÂÓ¤ÎÅÅbÔ ÕÇÖ>ÂÇËNÅÌÅËIÂÖ

ast year, the Jefferson County Circuit Court launched a allowed for more efficient scheduling and the ability to Lnew system for case assignments. At the six-month process cases in a more timely manner. Court-related offices mark, the new system had moved the county up significantly and agencies, such as the District Attorney, Public Defender in statewide rankings in the median age at and Human Services also benefit by the increased disposition measurement in case processing, efficiencies which come along with specialized court according to Jefferson County Circuit Court assignments in that they are required to assign personnel to Presiding Judge Randy R. Koschnick. The fewer branches on an ongoing basis. Public safety is main objectives of the new system are to enhanced as criminal cases are given scheduling priority and make better use of tax money, improve the are thereby resolved promptly. level of service to the public and enhance The new system was implemented without the need to hire public safety. additional personnel, so there is no additional cost to the Under the new system, individual branches taxpayers, Koschnick said. Due to some personnel changes specialize in specific areas. The four within the new system, the county actually saved over branches are assigned to the following two- $12,000 in personnel costs in 2007 and expects to realize year rotations: criminal/traffic (two ongoing annual savings of similar amounts, Koschnick said. Jefferson County Circuit branches); civil/family (one branch); and A key component of the new system is the use of video Court Judge Randy R. juvenile/probate/general (one branch). Two conferencing. The probate court branch was equipped with a Koschnick full-time court commissioners assist by new video conference system in early 2007 as part of the handling family cases, small claims cases, injunction court reorganization plan. As a result, mental commitment hearings and criminal intake. This case assignment plan has patients receiving care at the Winnebago and Mendota see Jefferson county on page 16

÷Ÿ÷ î¢ï¤ð¦ñ¨ò¦ó

RETIREMENTS ô¦õ¦õ¦ö

THIRD BRANCH

æù æ ç ç

Û ÞÞØÝÞúÛä Ûßûã Ûü>ÛÞß ë¦ÝÙÚÛaø her life and to being a grandma to 8-month-old grandson

After 20 years on the bench, Brown Luke. She started working in January 1969 at the age of 23, in THE County Circuit Court Judge Peter J. the Veterans service office with Leroy Harmon until Naze will retire March 21. September 1973. From there, she worked part time, then full “I’ve been thinking about it and time in the register in probate office. concluded it’s time,” Naze told the “I have really enjoyed working with Green Bay Press Gazette in a story the people of Burnett County,” Richard that appeared Jan. 4. “I’m going to said. “The best part of my job was miss the work, and I’m going to miss having such variety (of things to do). I the people… but it’s time to move never knew what the day would bring. on.” Working with three judges (Gunderson, Naze said he’ll travel more and Taylor and Gableman) was very good, further pursue his interest in Judge Peter J. Naze and the job would not have been half bicycling during retirement. He also hopes to work as a as enjoyable without these three reserve judge and handle mediation cases. Among things Naze judges,” Richard told the newspaper. said he has enjoyed the most over the years is bringing students into the courtroom. He recalls receiving many thank-you notes from such visits A plaque signed by Benjamin D. over the years – one said he did a better job than Judge Judy; Proctor, chief judge of the Wisconsin 10th Judicial District; Scott R. another young girl suggested she’d date him if she were a Needham, deputy chief; and Gregg grandmother. Moore, district court administrator for The newspaper outlined some of the more prominent cases the past 24 years, was presented by handled by Naze over the years, including the John Maloney Moore to Dorothy Richard at the homicide trial in 1999. … “Maloney, a former Green Bay retirement party given for her Friday, Jan. 4, in the courtroom of the Burnett police arson investigator, was convicted of killing his wife, County Government Center. Sandy, and burned her house and body to cover up the crime.” Photo by: Brian Moore Appeals are still pending, reporter Andy Nelesen wrote. Retiring Tenth District Court

Administrator Gregg Moore poses

ç ç

ý3þ ÛÛ ÿÛbÚJã äß¨Û ä

with Chief Justice Shirley S.

ç æ ç ç

¢¡Þ Øá ßIÛ Ûßûã Û ã Abrhamson at a retirement party in Madison. Moore also was honored at Three Registers in retirement party in Chippewa Falls. Probate from northern Abrahamson jokingly accused Moore Wisconsin counties are of being a “quitter,” despite 24 years retiring after many years of of service to the Wisconsin Court System. service: Dorothy Richard, Burnett County; Diane

Erickson, Iron County; and ×ØÙÚÛ

Ü Ùä

Rosalind Wilhelm, Ashland ØÝÞߨàâáJã åCæç County. Richard served 39 ÛèéÛJêeêßIØ Photo by: Ericka Nelson

years in several capacities; ë¦ÝÙÚÛ

ç ØääÞÛ The 10th district RIPs in Erickson, 14 years; and ìíê attendance at the Tenth Judicial Wilhelm eight years. District meeting in October at the Dodge County Circuit Richard was featured in Barron County Justice Center Court Judge Daniel the Inter-County Leader surprised Gregg Moore and W. Klossner, who was Dorothy Richard with a cake. newspaper, which reported first elected in 1984, more than 80 people and who has been gathered for a retirement party on Jan. 4 in Siren. elected three times Tenth District Court Administrator Gregg Moore, who made since then, retired a presentation, called Richard a great resource and mentor for February 12. Klossner In honor of his last two days serving the citizens of Dodge new registers in probate. Richard was always on the lookout County, Judge Daniel Klossner thanked the ladies at the was a court for ways to save taxpayers’ money, Moore was quoted as Justice Facility with corsages. Judge Klossner is retiring commissioner in saying. on February 12, 2008 after 23 years on the Bench. Dodge County prior Retired Burnett County Circuit Court Judge James Taylor to his election as judge. He is also former chair of the Board of Bar Examiners. ¢ said Richard’s reputation was built on the way she did her job - with compassion and empathy, according to the newspaper. Richard said that she is looking forward to the next part of

 £¥¤§¦©¨ ©

©© PEOPLE THIRD BRANCH On Dec. 10, 2007, the Wisconsin Supreme Court made Sawyer County Record newspaper reported on Nov. 14, THE headlines statewide in announcing its unanimous support for 2007. realistic, meaningful public campaign financing for Judge Norman L. Yackel, Sawyer County Circuit Court, Supreme Court races. and James Mohr, Lac Courte Oreilles tribal judge, listened “Public financing of Supreme Court campaigns is a timely to attorneys representing parties seeking to modify child- and vital subject, important to the maintenance of a fair, custody placement at a Nov. 6. The hearing was held, in neutral, impartial, non-partisan judiciary in Wisconsin. We part, to determine placement and whether that decision commend the legislature and governor for considering this would be in tribal court or the county circuit court, the issue,” members of the Court wrote to legislators and Gov. County Record reported. Jim Doyle. In 2001, Sawyer County and the Lac Courte Oreilles The letter did not endorse any particular bill or proposal, signed onto a protocol to help resolve questions about where nor address financing for any other races. a case in dispute should be heard. “A cornerstone of our state is that the judiciary is fair, “Although the judges have had a number of discussions neutral, impartial, and non-partisan. The risk inherent in any and transferred cases between their respective courts, this non-publicly funded judicial election for this Court is that was the first situation requiring an on-the-record hearing,” the public may inaccurately perceive a justice as beholden County Record news editor Terrell Boettcher reported. to individuals or groups that contribute to his or her campaign. Judges must not only be fair, neutral, impartial Board of Bar Examiners Director John Kosobucki and and non-partisan but also should be so perceived by the his wife, Noelle, celebrated the birth of their first child, public,” the letter stated. Lara Elizabeth Kosobucki at 12:27 a.m. on January 2.

“For the first time since the early 1980s, two judges - one Court Information Officer Amanda Todd and her state and one tribal - sat side by side on the judicial bench… husband, Jim Beal, celebrated the birth of their third boy, to hear a civil case in Sawyer County Circuit Court,” the Joseph Scott Beal on Feb. 7 in Madison.

The Chronotype newspaper in Rice Lake touted the benefits of Barron County’s restorative justice program in an editorial on Feb. 6. Since introducing the program 10 years ago, director Polly Wolner, her staff and volunteers have had a positive effect on the entire community. A new study by Eric Kapser, assistant professor of political science at UW-Barron County seems to support these claims. The study shows a strong correlation between the restorative justice program and a decrease in the number of juvenile crimes in the county, according to the newspaper. The program focuses on the harm that is caused by criminal behavior through educating offenders on the In the media room at the Walworth County Judicial Center, a consequences of their actions and allowing victims to take a team from WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee prepares to do a remote more active role in the justice system. Programs like victim- broadcast on the Mark Jensen murder trial. Scott Keske, left offender conferencing, teen court, truancy intervention, is the broadcast engeneer while Michael Iammi, right is the victim impact panels and Prime for Life have been cameraman and Heather Shannon does the reporting. Photo by: Terry Mayer/Special to the Janesville Gazette established in the county’s courts, law enforcement agencies and schools. The success of the program has lead to As reported statewide, January 8 brought tornadoes to additional state and federal funding, as well as interest from southern Wisconsin. The strange winter weather forced other counties hoping to create similar programs. an emergency evacuation of the upper floors of the Walworth County Courthouse – right in the middle of the The Governor’s Commission on Reducing Racial high-profile Mark Jensen murder trial that had been Disparities in the Wisconsin Judicial System made moved to Elkhorn from Kenosha. Kenosha County Judge headlines when it released its report in early February. The Bruce E. Schroeder told the Elkhorn Independent that report, which recommended changes in the system to he was happy to interrupt the trial rather than chancing a promote fairness, calls the gaps in incarceration rates “a tornado strike during testimony – although he admitted genuine crisis for the country and the state of Wisconsin. It having ridden out tornado warnings in the past. “Years is not merely a problem of appearance; it is a calamity that ago, there was a tornado warning (in Kenosha) and I had builds on itself. The criminal justice system has to own its the jurors stay in the courtroom,” the judge was quoted as part of the problem, even though it cannot solve all aspects saying. “But that’s an old masonry building from 1923.” of the problem.” One of the areas the report focused on was disparity in see People on page 15 usually include: elected bytheattendinglibrarians. Featuredspeakers an overviewof afternoon programpresentedby Jane Colwin,whoprovides presentation typicallylasts3.5to 4.5hours. currently availabletoassistself-represented litigants. about thevariouscourt-relatedservicesandinformation program, whichisaimedatinformingpubliclibrarystaf given judicialdistricttypicallyco-sponsorsandhoststhe S coordinated inapartnershiparrangementwiththedistrict, Judicial Districtreplicatedtheprogram. Coordinator By BethBishopPerrigo,DeputyCourt D. MichaelBaierJr Children’ committee todeveloptheFirstJudicialDistrictFamilyand Information gatheredfromtheseeventswassharedwiththe with JudgeJohn Summit onUnifiedCourtsinBaltimore,Maryland,along and Division; JudgeMary Judge Maxine in 2006andcreatedaUnificationcommittee,consistingof: initiative fortheFirstDistrictChildren'sandFamilyCourt children andfamilies. T Divisions forthepurposeofsharingcasespecific Unification ef and DeputyDCA Judge, presidingjudgesfromChildren’ Susan CarbonofNewHampshire,whometwiththeChief and LaCrosse. other countieswithunifiedfamilycourts,includingKenosha judicial decisionsandresourcesavailabletofamilies. families andthetaxpayersincreasewisdomof or ateamofjudgestoavoidinconveniencesandcosts goal istogetallofonefamily’ that provideservicestochildrenandfamilies. Children’ matters throughthecombinedandcoordinatedef accessible wayofresolvingFamilyandChildren’ Project istoprovidechildrenandfamilieswithamore Support Enforcement;andSusanMedina,Paralegal. Court Coordinator;JanetNelson,Lead District Court Family CourtCommissioner;BethBishopPerrigo,Deputy Children's Division;JudgeKarenChristenson;MikeBruch, "!$#"%'&(%*) +-, tate LawLibrarianJaneColwin,andS Implemented atthejudicialdistrictlevel,programis Chief JudgeKittyBrennanannouncedaUnification The Milwaukeeef In launchingitsinitiative,Milwaukeejoinsanumberof The missionoftheFamilyandChildren’ .*/10324, Jane Colwin,state lawlibrarian; The districtchief judge; analyze casesinvolvingboththeChildren’ T initiative toimprovetheresolutionofcasesinvolving he FirstJudicialDistricthaslaunchedaunification riggiano attendedthe s CourtUnificationProjectgoals: s Court,FamilyCourtandotheradjunctagencies /105.6, Ann Zimmerman. continued fromp forts inherstate.Inaddition,Judges Administrator; LizFinnGorski,Children's A.White, PresidingJudgeoftheFamily W Albert andtheDaneCountyteam. 780:98;<, isconsin’ Perrigo todescribethesuccessful ., courtinformationintern fort hadtheearlyassistanceofJudge T riggiano, PresidingJudgeofthe s legalframework,isoften =>, American Bar 78?©06, age 4 s casesinfrontofonejudge A library systemwithinthe @8;BA-='[email protected](EF?8GA8/IH8A8?8J-KL?8M Administrator s andFamilyCourt Attorney Child tate Association s Unification An optional Pr s andFamily o Se The project’ forts of s Court , DistrictOne,and White The f s coordinator [email protected] further information,contact information relatedtoavailable circuit courtresources.For foster personalworkingrelationships andtoprovidefurther each publiclibraryintheirrespective countiesinorderto Clerks ofCircuitCourtmakepersonal follow-upvisitsto second componentinwhichlocal RegistersinProbateand information; each othertoimprovetheprocessingofafamily’ and Children’ pertinent informationrelatedtoallcourtcases. sends ittoallcorrespondingcourts. completes aChildren’ corresponding Paternity/Familycourtcases.Shethen Automation Programs(CCAP)todetermineifthereareany filings atChildren’ Medina isresponsibleforcrossreferencingallnewcase Paralegal positionheldbySusanMedina.Inthisposition, Chief JudgecreatedtheFamily/Children’ miles westofdowntown. downtown MilwaukeeandtheChildren’ court isthephysicaldistancebetweenFamilycourtsin and preventfutureharm; resources; the useofalternativedisputeresolution,whenappropriate; Family CourtandChildren’ to theinitiative; Children’ involved intheinitiative. and management, culturalcompetency areas ofsubstantivefamilyandjuvenilelaw development anddomesticviolence; and substanceabuse,mentalhealth,childwelfare, Courts casesintheinitiative; In additiontothesegrouppresentations,theprojecthasa A Ann Zimmerman, A A Any The judicialdistrictcourtadministrator; improve accesstothecourts; provide betterprotectiontovictimsofabuseandneglect increase theuseandavailabilityofcommunitycourt improve thecasemanagementofFamilyandChildren’ eliminate duplicativehearings; reduce theadversarialnatureoflegalprocessthrough provide specializedtrainingandcontinuingeducationto improve thequalityofjudicialdecision-makingin provide professionalandcourteousservicetoallpersons improve andexpandtheuseoftechnologyincourts; significant challengetoMilwaukee’ local clerkofcircuitcourt;and local registerinprobate; pr s andFamilyCourtbyassigningappropriatecases o se . s courtjudgesarenowcommunicatingwith coordinators withintheDistrict; see s CourtinConsolidated W s/Family CourtUnificationFormand First district isconsin CourtSystem’ T s Courtjudgesandstaf Ann Zimmermanat o initiallyaddressthisissue,the . ¢ , family on p The formdetailsall age 15 s successfulunified s CourtCentersix s Unification dynamics, alcohol , case s state The Family s cases. f inthe pr o se s

THE THIRD BRANCH ¥§© © ©©© 

WX

Y:Z"[]\6^©_a`"Z"b N¥O§P©Q R©S

continued from page 1 TU©U©V THIRD BRANCH Forbeck said the appointment is a privilege and an honor.

THE Knox-Bauer sworn in Taylor County “I intend to undertake this responsibility and to serve the Judge Ann Knox-Bauer citizens of Rock County with the fairness, the integrity and was sworn in as Taylor the compassion required of the position,” Forbeck said. County Circuit Court judge Forbeck has served as an attorney at Forbeck, Elliott & on Jan. 3. She was Monahan for the past 34 years and previously worked in the appointed by Gov. Jim Rock County District Attorney’s Office. He received his Doyle to fill the vacancy bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and created by the retirement of subsequently his law degree from Marquette University Judge Gary L. Carlson. Law School in 1970. Forbeck is active in the Stateline She will begin serving in Boys and Girls Club, the Roy Chapman Andrews Society, late January for a term Beloit 2020 and serves as Vice President of the Beloit ending July 31, 2009. Public Library Board of Trustees. He and his wife, Nancy, “Ann is a respected live in Beloit. Judge Ann Knox-Bauer lawyer in the Taylor County community,” Doyle said. Colas appointed to “Her dedication to the people of Wisconsin and to justice Dane County Circuit will make her an asset on the bench. She brings great Court experience and leadership, and I know she will serve well in Gov. Jim Doyle announced the this judgeship,” Doyle added. appointment of Juan B. Colas to Knox-Bauer said she felt privileged to serve the people of the Dane County Circuit Court to Taylor County and to continue the legacy established by fill the vacancy created by the Judge Gary L. Carlson during the past 28 years. retirement of Judge Angela B. “I am looking forward to fulfilling my duties as Circuit Bartell. Colas was scheduled to Court Judge with integrity, civility and enthusiasm,” Knox- be sworn in on Feb. 22 for a Bauer said in the announcement. term ending July 31, 2009. Ann Knox-Bauer has served as an attorney at Salm & “Juan Colas possesses the Judge Juan B. Colas Knox-Bauer since 1991. She has served as a Taylor County legal knowledge, integrity, and Court Commissioner since 1999 and as Taylor County temperament that is required of Circuit Court judges,” Family Court Commissioner since 2006. Knox-Bauer Doyle said. “He is a well-respected member of his received her bachelor’s degree from the UW-Eau Claire and community and will make an excellent addition to the her law degree from Hamline University School of Law in court.” 1991. Knox-Bauer is a member of the Kiwanis, has Juan Colas has served as an Assistant Attorney General in volunteered for the Chippewa Fire District, and has the Department of Justice since 1992. He also served as formerly served as a Mock Trial judge. She and her legal counsel for Gov. Tony Earl and in the Office of the husband, John, live in Medford with their two children, State Public Defender. Joseph and Amanda. “I am grateful to Governor Doyle for entrusting me with this charge,” Colas said. “I am eager to serve the people of Forbeck appointed in Dane County and the State of Wisconsin in this new Rock County capacity.” Gov. Jim Doyle has appointed Colas received his bachelor’s degree from UW-Madison Kenneth Forbeck to the Rock and his law degree from the UW Law School. Colas has County Circuit Court, to fill the been an attorney since 1981. He is a member of the vacancy created by the resignation Wisconsin Hispanic Lawyers Association, volunteers as an of Judge John W. Roethe. ESL teacher at the Literacy Network of Dane County and Doyle said Forbeck brings a formerly served as a Mock Trial judge and as an instructor wealth of legal expertise and in the UW Law School Lawyering Skills Course. Colas was experience to the bench and that he born in Colombia and will be Dane County’s first Hispanic will serve the people of Rock Judge Kenneth Forbeck judge. He and his wife, Amy, live in Madison with their two County well. daughters, Elena and Grace. ¢

lm

n"o$prq8sut:ovq8swpDovx"s c¥d§e©f g©h

continued from page 13 i©j©j©k

Paternity testing has been streamlined between the Crosse County; Circuit Court Judge Karen E. Christenson, THIRD BRANCH

Children’s and Family divisions. DNA test results are now Milwaukee County; District Two Court Administrator Kerry THE shared to avoid duplicative testing. Children in Need of Connelly; District Seven Court Administrator Pat Protection and/or Services (CHIPS) DNA tests that have a Brummond; Children’s Court Improvement Program 99 percent or greater probability of paternity are being used Director Michelle Jensen-Goodwin; and Milwaukee County to establish paternity in Family Court. Medina completes a Children’s Court Coordinator Liz Finn Gorski. Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgement Form or paternity As a result of the meeting, the group will continue to interview and forwards the forms to Child Support explore areas that could assist jurisdictions in their efforts to Enforcement so a PA/FA case can be filed downtown. Since unify their court systems. Area of common interest the same family is more likely to initially appear at included: CCAP enhancements, legislative changes Children’s Court, DNA testing prevents the family from including those affecting confidentiality laws, conflicting having to make a trip to the downtown courthouse, reducing standards and burdens, and mediation services. The group the likelihood of non-appearance of the parent in the agreed that they would keep in contact to explore additional paternity case (especially incarcerated parents who are unification efforts statewide. produced to appear at Children’s Court hearings) and The First District also is starting a limited pilot project expediting the support determinations. that will assign all family related cases, including CHIPS, Additionally, on Nov. 14, 2007, a statewide unification Termination of Parental Rights, Guardianship, Family, group met in Madison to discuss unification efforts that are Paternity and Juvenile Injunctions to one judge. Judges and currently working in Wisconsin. In addition to Brennan, Clerks in both divisions will be cross trained separately in White, Triggiano and Bishop Perrigo, attendees included: February of 2008 to better understand the legal requirements Dane County Circuit Court judges John C. Albert and for all case types. ¢ Shelley Gaylord; Circuit Court Judge Todd W. Bjerke, La

PEOPLE continued from page 12 sentencing for drug offenses between blacks and whites for the same offense. The report states that these policies and Bev Butula, past President of the Law Librarians practices need to be re-examined. Association of Wisconsin, recently wrote about many of the The report also stressed the important changes being made helpful features of the Wisconsin State Law Library in her at the local level. “Currently, there is a lack of data and/or Wisconsin Law Journal online blog. lack of tracking data by race at all stages of the judicial “The various items offered on the WSLL Web site can system, from initial law enforcement contact through assist in quickly locating information,” Butula writes. probation, incarceration and parole,” the report states. Butula likes the “Legal Research Guides” section, “which “Local jurisdictions need to have data so they have an gathers and organizes online pathfinders to assist when understanding of what is happening in their communities initiating your research. (Like when you have to do a and can begin the discussion locally.” legislative history for the first time in many years).” She’s

Includedy in the reports recommendations: also a fan of the “Historical Documents” section, which Increasing and improving the validity and reliability of “provides links to numerous documents and collections.” data (e.g. collecting and making data available) throughout Library cardholders can borrow materials as well as access

they state. legal databases from a desktop. More information can be Developing a tracking system to found at: wsll.state.wi.us/refform.html identify race and age at all stages of In 2007, the Wisconsin State Law contact with the Library Web site received over half a

justicey system in local jurisdictions. million hits. Developing information technology resources to pull together data from The January issue of Wisconsin different databases to the extent Counties magazine, a publication of the

possible.y Wisconsin Counties Association, focuses Developing consistent and reliable on the relationship between the Supreme data across the systems and across Court and county governments. Among the

jurisdictions.y many articles is a look at significant Breaking down the barriers that Wisconsin Supreme Court decisions that prevent juvenile justice system and affect county governments. Also included child welfare system workers from is an article by Director of State Courts A. sharing information about youth in John Voelker, who touts the benefits of a either system. strong partnership between state courts and The full report can be found at: January 2008 issue of Wisconsin county governments. ¢ www.equaljustice.wi.gov Counties magazine

Chief Justice

z4{<| }-~€8:zƒ‚8}8„85 I†8‡ˆ8{‰ -ŠŒ‹‚-~€8Š16Ž †BuŽ ‚<| 8„-†8zƒ‚8}8‡D Shirley S. Abrahamson Director of State Courts A. John Voelker alumet County launched a new domestic offender will be placed on probation and must violence court in January. The new participate in domestic abuse and drug and Co-Editors C Amanda K. Todd program is under the direction of Calumet alcohol abuse assessment. The probation Tom Sheehan County Circuit Court Judge Donald A. Poppy, officers and treatment providers from Harbor Associate Editor with the assistance of Calumet County District House will work together with the court to Sara Foster Attorney Ken ensure the offender is participating in their Contributing Writers Kratz, the rehabilitation. D. Michael Baier Jr. Wisconsin If an offender does not cooperate or fails to Bridget Bauman Department of meet the deadlines established by the court, he Sara Foster Corrections and or she will face additional jail time. Michelle Jensen-Goodwin Judge Randy R. Koschnick Harbor House Cooperation in the program and progress made Danielle Basil Long Domestic Abuse by the offender will be rewarded with Beth Bishop Perrigo Programs, modifications in their probation conditions. Kate Roherty headquartered in The regularly scheduled hearings designed to Nancy Rottier Appleton. monitor the progress of the offender will be Tom Sheehan A. John Voelker The program overseen by Bureau of Community Ann Zimmerman was designed by Corrections probation agent Patricia Oaks. In Judge Poppy her role as court officer, she will ensure that all Editorial Committee Calumet County Circuit Court Hon. Michael J. Rosborough along with the information is present for the court to make Vernon County Circuit Court Judge Donald A. Poppy Calumet informed decisions. Carolyn Olson County Coordinator Response Team after The primary goal of the new program is to Iowa County Clerk of Circuit Court Judge Poppy attended two national seminars increase the safety of victims and hold sponsored by the National Counsel of Juvenile offenders accountable, while insuring they Graphic Design/Layout and Family Court Judges and the U.S. receive treatment, Judge Poppy said. Sara Foster Department of Justice. The goal of the new Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice The Third Branch is a program is to increase offender accountability Shirley Abrahamson expressed her concern on quarterly publication of the and victim safety through the use of rewards domestic violence and the Supreme Court’s Director of State Courts and penalties during probationary periods. role in providing training for judges to address Office, providing news of Under the new program, offenders convicted the problems facing the community when she interest to the Wisconsin of domestic violence will be recommended for attended the Response Team’s final planning court system. the program by the district attorney. This meeting. Send questions, comments, recommendation will be based on the nature Since its start in January, five offenders have and article ideas to: and severity of the assault, and the offender’s been placed in the new program. ¢ Tom Sheehan criminal record. Once in the program, the

Court Information Officer

{8}8’8Š1“8{zƒ‚-}8„85 Œ”•{8~–Ž—|˜ Izƒ‚8}-‡D(©™8š8{8„-›8ŠœŠ1<| Ÿž—“8<| šš8‡ˆ‚8 ‡ˆ{8~ P.O. Box 1688 ‘ Madison, WI 53701-1688 phone (608) 261-6640 he Waukesha County Family Court Self- possible for each appointment. These screenings e-mail THelp program has expanded its offerings to allow the volunteer attorneys to make the best [email protected] include a Family Legal Clinic. Thirteen attorneys use of the litigants’ 20-minute consultation. As fax have volunteered for the clinics and provide free of Feb. 7, 2008, they have offered 5 clinics (608) 267-0980 Family Court related legal advice. The Self-Help assisting 20 litigants. So far, attorneys have staff screen each litigant prior to the committed to volunteer at 96 clinics in 2008. ¢ consultations to ensure as much assistance as

LEADERSHIP continued from page 10 Mental Health Institutions no longer have to transport savings within the first two years. leave those facilities to be transported by Plans are currently underway to equip the other sheriff’s deputies to appear at commitment courtrooms with video conference systems at hearings. Now, with the video conferencing two year intervals with the cost likewise offset system, they can appear from the hospital via by transport savings. video conference. Not only does this save money The change has meant many people had to in transportation costs, Koschnick said he leave behind their long-standing procedures to believes it is also a more dignified option for make room for the new system, but Judge those patients and they no longer have to risk Koschnick said he believes that the positive missing treatment to appear. The video changes will far outweigh any negatives. ¢ www.wicourts.gov conference system cost will be offset by