Wisconsin. Supreme Court

The basic powers and framework of Wisconsin's court system is laid out in Article VII of the state constitution. Judicial power was vested in a Supreme Court, circuit courts, courts of probate, and justices of the peace. According to the 1848 constitution, the state was divided into 5 judicial circuit districts and the five judges presiding over these circuits were to meet at least once a year at Madison as a Supreme Court until the legislature could establish the Supreme Court as a separate body. The state legislature did so in 1853, when the first Supreme Court was established with a membership of three. Since 1903, the number of justices on the Supreme Court has been seven. Justices are elected for 10-year terms at the nonpartisan April election.

Under the Constitution, the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in certain cases of statewide concern and discretionary appellate jurisdiction in all other cases. It is the final authority on the State Constitution and the highest judicial tribunal for any action begun in the state courts, except when a federal question, allowing an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, is raised. The court in its discretion hears cases on appeal from the Court of Appeals, cases permitted to bypass the Court of Appeals, and cases certified to it by the Court of Appeals. No testimony is taken, the cases are decided on the basis of written briefs and, in some cses, on oral argument. Decisions are in writing and are published in the Wisconsin Reports and in the North Western Reporter.

The constitution also provides that the Supreme Court has superintending and administrative authority over all courts in the state. The Supreme Court appoints the Board of Attorneys Professional Competence (WIHV87-A819), the Board of Attorneys Professional Responsibility (WIHV87-A610), and the state law librarian. It licenses attorneys to practice law, and, after a hearing, may disbar attorneys for cause. Since 1929, the Supreme Court has promulgated rules of pleading, practice, and procedures for all courts in the state. The Judicial Council acts in an advisory capacity in matters of pleading, practice and procedures and proposed rule changes to the court.

From the description of Agency history record. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 145776542