The Wisconsin Supreme Court enteredcyberspace this summer when it

became the latest addition to the State Barof Wisconsin’s web site, located at http://www.wisbar.org/sct/. Clicking on theofficial Supreme Court photograph bringsthe information-packed site to life.

The site is a useful tool for people ofall ages, from grade school students firstlearning the basic nuts and bolts of thecourt system, to reporters reviewing theupcoming court calendar.

The home page features colorful pho-tographs and biographies of each SupremeCourt justice. For those who have not vis-ited the State Capitol, the site offers a tourof the Supreme Court Hearing Room withinformation on the murals and art fixturesthat adorn the majestic courtroom.

Scanning through the many links,visitors can find information on court-related volunteer programs, Supreme Court

history and the Speaker’s Bureau, whichmatches judges of all levels of the court andclerks of circuit court with speakingopportunities in their communities.Visitors can read recent Supreme Courtdecisions by clicking on the “SupremeCourt Search Engine.”

The State Bar web site, directed by StateBar Webmaster Patrick A. McKenna, alsoincludes home pages for State Bar sections,divisions and committees, as well as dis-cussion groups allowing registered mem-bers to deliberate on legal topics. ❖

Supreme Court On the Internet

InsideJudge’s Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Legislative Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Janet Reno . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

People in the News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Retirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12The Supreme Court home page at http://www.wisbar.org/sct/

A PUBLICATION OF THE WISCONSIN JUDICIARYVol. 5, No. 3 Summer 1997

The Third Branch

In the waning days of July, the biennial budget bill remains in thehands of state Senate Democrats—where it has been since mid-

June. There is no indication as to when the Senate will take action.The court is affected by the delayed budget because of a pro-

posed $2 increase in the court automation fee scheduled to takeeffect October 1. These funds are to be used by the Circuit CourtAutomation Program (CCAP) to replace outdated computers andby the court system to implement its strategic information tech-nology plan.

Even if the budget is passed by October 1, the fee increase wouldbe delayed due to the time it takes to revise and distribute fee sched-ules and educate the relevant state and county employees. Thisdelay reduces available funds for CCAP and the rest of the courtsystem.

The budget has a long road ahead, said Budget Officer DavidSuchman. Once the Senate passes a version, their changes must beincorporated into a substitute amendment of the version adopted

by the Joint Finance Committee. This process takes about a week,said Suchman. Then the bill moves to the State Assembly, who willmost likely pass a different version of the budget. Again, a new draftmust be made.

Next, the Conference Committee, comprised of members fromboth Houses, must agree on a compromise and draft a new amend-ment. Neither House can amend this version—they may only voteit up or down.

Finally, the budget bill will go to Governor Tommy G.Thompson who has approximately one month to decide whichitems to veto. However, the budget is far from reaching the gover-nor’s desk.

No work will be done on the new state budget in early Augustsince 23 members of the Wisconsin Legislature, including six SenateDemocrats, will be attending the annual National Conference ofState Legislators in Philadelphia.

It is hoped that budget negotiations will recommence August 11.❖

Budget Impasse Impacts Courts

The Third Branch

by: Joseph M. Troy Outagamie County Circuit Court Judge

(Ed. note: The guest column is a new additionto the publication. Each issue, a judge or othercourt employee will be asked to submit anarticle about unique initiatives in his or hercounty. Judge Joseph M. Troy met our requestfor this issue.)

Ap p l e t o nprides itself

as being “a greatplace to raisekids.” That senseof security wasrocked in spring1994 with newsof the gang-related murder ofone youth fol-lowed by a triplesuicide of three

other teenagers who were responsible forthe murder.

As shock and concern echoed through-out the community, two local attorneys,Deborah Agate and Neelam Davison, joinedme in planning and implementing the firstJuvenile Diversion Program.

The essence of our program is to matchyouth referred for delinquency problemswith an adult mentor and to provide theyouth with some opportunities to experi-ence success and self-discipline. The Out-agamie County Bar and State Bar ofWisconsin responded with initial financialsupport and provided all the mentors forour early years of operation.

The Diversion Program is rigorous—only about 70 percent of the juveniles suc-cessfully complete the entire program. Thejuvenile must agree to maintain goodschool attendance, have at least a C average,participate in regular family counseling,complete community service and restitu-tion responsibilities and keep in contactwith his or her mentor.

Equally important, the program pro-vides opportunities for the youth to expe-rience achievement. All youth complete TaeKwon Do and CPR training, receive privi-leges at the local YMCA for physical activ-ities and participate in a prison visitationprogram run through the Green Bay andTaycheedah Correctional Institutions.

The Diversion Program also sponsorsspecial events for youths and their mentorssuch as baseball games, hockey games, cul-

tural events and bowling outings. Theseactivities give mentors an opportunity toget to know their youth and to open updialog between them.

While we are very pleased with the lowrecidivism rate of successful participants(more than 80 percent have no further con-tact with the juvenile court system), we aremore encouraged by the significant changesthat have occurred in many youth.

For many youth and their family, theprogram has served as an opportunity tochange old patterns and forge new relations.Rather than simply providing lecturesabout self-esteem, we have attempted tooffer them experiences to help develop it.The program goes beyond holding youthsaccountable for their past conduct—itencourages future achievements.

As we enter our fourth year of operation,we have made plans to increase the numberof youth that we are serving. We continueto work at developing opportunities tochallenge and reward the young people inour program for their efforts. ❖

For more information on the JuvenileDiversion Program, contact Judge Joseph M.Troy at (414) 832-5245.

Guest Column:Outagamie County Juvenile Diversion Program

by: Sheryl A. GervasiLegislative Liaison

While budget negotiations are con-suming most of the Legislature’s

time and energy this summer, several otherbills have been introduced and given pre-liminary action.

As reported in the last issue, a compre-hensive crime victims’ rights bill is beingworked on and companion bills have beenintroduced in the Senate and Assembly asSenate Bill (SB) 195 and Assembly Bill(AB) 342. Introduced at the request of theAttorney General, they have the bipartisansponsorship of 67 legislators. The billrequires notice to victims, if requested, ofmost stages of a criminal proceeding andguarantees their right to be present at suchproceedings, including plea agreement

negotiations. In addition, the bill requiresthe court to inquire at sentencing if the dis-trict attorney has complied with all of thenotice requirements. The bill is expected tobe acted upon in the fall.

The Governor’s truth-in-sentencing ini-tiative was removed from the budget (aswere most policy issues) and introducedas AB 351. This bill increases the maximumprison penalty for felonies, eliminatesmandatory release and parole and providesthat a defendant must serve 100 percent ofthe sentence before being released to com-munity supervision. It has been adopted bythe Assembly on an 86-8 vote and presentlyresides in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

After the bill was adopted by the Assem-bly, the Governor and the Attorney Generalagreed to a compromise version of the bill,introduced as SB 233. This bill increases the

maximum penalties for felonies, eliminatesparole and requires the court to imposea bifurcated sentence in felony cases. Thebifurcated sentence must include a prisonterm and a period of community supervi-sion, which must be at least 25 percent ofthe prison confinement.

At the same time, the Governorannounced the creation of an 18-memberCrime Commission to revise the existingcriminal code. The commission is expectedto report back to the legislature beforeeither one of the two truth-in-sentencingbills (whichever one is acted upon)becomes effective. This will most likelyoccur by July 1, 1999. Action on the bills isexpected in the fall.

AB 410, a trailer bill to the juvenile jus-tice act from last session, has been

Legislative Update

2 THE THIRD BRANCH

Judge Joseph M. Troy

Continued on page 18

Chief JusticeShirley S.

Abrahamson hasbeen elected afellow of the Amer-ican Academy ofArts and Sciences, ahighly prestigioussociety with diversemembers suchas United StatesSupreme Court Jus-

tices Stephen Breyer, Ruth Bader Ginsburg,Lewis Powell (ret.) and David Souter;former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger;columnists Anna Quindlen and William

Safire and authors Saul Bellow, NormanMailer, Toni Morrison and Kurt Vonnegut.

“This is a great honor for me, and forthe Supreme Court of the state of Wis-consin, and I am thrilled to have beenchosen,” Abrahamson said.

According to the Academy’s originalcharter (written in 1780) it is a group of“men of genius and learning” devoted tocultivating “every art and science whichmay tend to advance the interest, honor,dignity, and happiness of a free, indepen-dent, and virtuous people.”

The Academy was chartered by theMassachusetts Legislature during the Amer-ican Revolution by individuals who figured

prominently in the founding of the newnation. John Adams, who later became thesecond president of the United States,played a central role in the Academy’s for-mation and served as its president. OtherAcademy presidents have been John QuincyAdams and Roscoe Pound.

Today, the Academy honors achievementin science, scholarship, the arts and publicaffairs. It also conducts a variety of pro-grams, projects and studies to address theneeds and problems of society. Recent Acad-emy projects have focused on technology,ethnic and racial conflict, strategic arms lim-itation, public understanding of science andthe environment and ecology. ❖

Chief Justice Named Academy Fellow

by: Rebecca L. Ferber

Judge P. Charles Jones proudly accepted his “Judge of the Year”award in front of family and friends at a reception on June 26

in Milwaukee. The Wisconsin Chapter of the American Board ofTrial Advocates (ABOTA) presented Jones with a study lamp com-memorating his judicial achievements.

ABOTA is a national organization whose membership is com-prised equally of plaintiff and defense attorneys in civil litigation.The 50 attorneys in the Wisconsin Chapter unanimously choseJones as the recipient of the award, given annually since 1990.

“The award is a wonderful tribute from the finest litigators inthe state. It is an honor to receive it and to be in the company of theesteemed judges who have received the award in the past,”said Jones.

Past award recipients include: Judge James C. Eaton, 1996; JudgeAllan J. Deehr, 1995; Judge N. Patrick Crooks, 1994; Judge RobertW. Landry, 1993; Judge Susan Steingass, 1992; Judge George A.Burns, Jr., 1991 and Judge Patrick P. Fiedler, 1990.

Jones, who has been on the bench in Dane County since 1972,began as a probate judge. He was elected to his current position incircuit court in 1976 and was re-elected without opposition in1983, 1989 and 1995. He has presided over all three judicialrotations—civil, criminal and juvenile. Jones will return to the civildivision of the Dane County Circuit Court in August after com-pleting a four-year rotation in the criminal division.

In addition to his years in circuit court, Jones acted as the firstSecretary of the Judicial Conference in 1978 and served for six yearsas deputy chief judge for District V.

Jones’ interest in judicial education led him to chair the com-mittee of the Civil Volume of the Judicial Benchbook. Prior to thisappointment, he served on the Judicial Education Committee andas a faculty member of the Judicial College for nine years. Jones isalso serving a five-year term on the Wisconsin Civil Jury Instruc-tions Committee.

With a long list of accomplishments behind him, Jones hopeshis future holds continued service as a judge and continuedinvolvement in judicial education and teaching.

Earning the public’s respect as a judge is difficult today, Jonessaid. However, it is aided by being courteous to litigants and coun-sel, prepared and knowledgeable on the issues and decisive on therulings. ABOTA’s bestowal of “Judge of the Year” award upon Jonesis evidence that he does not merely endorse this behavior, butimplements it in his courtroom.

Jones and his wife, Ronni, who is also a lawyer and serves inthe Office of Judicial Education as municipal judge educationcoordinator and Benchbook research attorney, celebrated 35years of marriage at the end of June. They have two daughters:Meghan and Brenna. Outside of work, Jones enjoys golf, traveland bridge. ❖

Judge P. Charles Jones Honored with “Judge of the Year” Award

THE THIRD BRANCH 3

George Curtis, President of the Wisconsin Chapter of ABOTA (left) presentsJudge P. Charles Jones with an engraved lamp.

Chief JusticeShirley S. Abrahamson

In a one-day trip to Wisconsin in May,U. S. Attorney General Janet Reno hur-

riedly met with the chief justice, the gover-nor and state legislators. In between stops,she sat down with court-related volunteersto ask what the federal government can doto help them.

Reno held a round table discussion inthe Supreme Court Conference Room witheight Court Appointed Special Advocates(CASA), Court Volunteer Nora Cusack,Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson andJustices Ann Walsh Bradley, Janine P. Geske,N. Patrick Crooks and William A. Bablitch.

Reno told the group that she was thereto listen and to focus on the needs of com-munity efforts such as CASA, which areoften funded by a mixture of private andpublic sources.

Leading much of the discussion, Cusackresponded to Reno’s question concerningthe role of the federal government. Cusacksaid that while gathering data for theVolunteers in Court-Related Programscatalog—a joint publication of the SupremeCourt and the State Bar of Wisconsin—sheheard many people express a need for paidvolunteer coordinators.

People around the state understand thevalue of having volunteers aid the courts,Cusack said, but programs need consistentstaffing to recruit, train and supervise vol-unteers. Cusack suggested that the federal

government help implement county-widevolunteer positions through grant funding.

The CASA volunteers, who work withjuvenile offenders to make sure they receivethe appropriate care and comply withjuvenile court orders, expressed concernover the potential liability of volunteersand the agencies that use them. Theyasked Reno if federal legislation couldexempt volunteers from legal liability.Reno said that there is pending legislationon this matter.

One CASA volunteer discussed theimportance of leadership by example. Renotold the group that she and her Wash-ington staff have a goal of 50 hours ofvolunteer service per year—a goal shemet last year and is on the way to meetingthis year.

Reno, accompanied by her special secu-rity agents, spent a half-hour in an engageddiscussion with the volunteers and justicesbefore speaking with offenders at the Juve-nile Detention Center. ❖

Reno, Court-Related Volunteers Meet in Madison

4 THE THIRD BRANCH

Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson gives attorney General Janet Reno a copy of the court-related volunteer catalog—the first of its kind in the nation.

Court Volunteer Nora Cusack explains the needs of court-related volunteers inWisconsin to Attorney General Janet Reno.

District attorneys’ offices in Wisconsin will ease into the 21stcentury with the speed and efficiency of DA Net, a computer

automation project designed to enhance office manageability.The initiative is a partnership between the Circuit Court

Automation Program (CCAP) and the Bureau of Justice Informa-tion Systems (BJIS). BJIS was created by the Department ofAdministration in the 1995-97 budget to provide automation todistrict attorneys. Under contract with BJIS, CCAP will install thecomputers, configure the hardware and software and train the dis-trict attorneys to use the new technology.

Since the project began last fall, CCAP has successfully equippedeach of 72 district attorneys’ offices with a personal computer,printer, link to the Internet, e-mail exchange, legal research toolsand a complete Windows package.

After installation is complete, the next phase is to pilot a LocalArea Network System in three counties. This means that all theadministrators in each of the pilot counties—Fond du Lac, Man-itowoc and Washington—will be on the same computer network.To do this, CCAP/BJIS encourages counties to equip theiremployees in the district attorney’s office with the same type ofcomputers as the district attorney.

The entire office will benefit from the ability to share e-mailexchange and word-processing documents. For example, thesupport staff usually creates documents, such as criminal

complaints. Under the new system, the district attorney will be ableto access these documents for editing at his or her own computer,without hassle.

Funding for the district attorneys’ computers is provided byBJIS. The counties agreed to match the cost of providing comput-ers for the county employees. The project will continue throughthe next fiscal year. ❖

District Attorneys’ Offices On-linewith help from CCAP and BJIS

THE THIRD BRANCH 5

Update: 5th Standard for Involuntary MentalCommitmentAt the end of July, the Attorney General’s Office had grantedten approvals to filings under the fifth standard, accordingto Asst. Attorney General Steven Tinker. The AG’s Officeapproved one filing in Bayfield, Dane, Marinette and Out-agamie Counties. Six filings were approved in WaukeshaCounty since May. No federal challenges have been issuedyet, said Tinker.

District Court Administrator Steven R. Steadman and SeniorPolicy Analyst John Voelker made presentations at the

National Association for Court Management in Washington D.C.from July 11-18. The conference included the Knowledge Fair, aforum that invites selected individuals to share information oninnovative projects. Steadman shared information concerningVolunteers in the Courts and Voelker presented findings gatheredduring the consumer research project.

“Not only were we able to share our experience about the useof volunteers in the courts in Wisconsin,” Steadman said, “welearned about innovative programs from other judges and courtmanagers.”

Steadman and District Court Administrator Gregg T. Mooreaccepted awards for their work on the mid-year conference in Min-neapolis with the Wisconsin Clerks of Court Association. State LawLibrarian Marcia J. Koslov also attended the convention on behalfof the state.

Three counties sent representatives to attend the convention.Waukesha County sent Chief Judge Mark S. Gempeler, BusinessManager Robert M. Snow, Register in Probate Sally Mohr Lunde,Chief Deputy Clerk Carol Stigler, Chief Deputy Clerk Diane M.Burd, Deputy Clerk of Juvenile Court Jackie Roller and Clerk of

Juvenile Court Linda Martinez. Winnebago County sent ChiefJudge Robert A. Haase and Clerk of Court Diane M. Fremgen.Washington County sent Clerk of Court Kristine M. Deiss and Reg-ister in Probate Kay F. Morlen. ❖

The National Association for Court Management Conference

District Court Administrators Gregg T. Moore (left) and Steven R. Steadmanaccept an award for their work on the mid-year conference in Minnesota.

6 THE THIRD BRANCH

Judge Maxine A. White, Milwaukee County Circuit Court,speaking at a debate on the nation’s drug problem, was quoted

in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as saying she advises people whoconfide in her about drug abusers in their families to seek solutionsthat don’t involve the courts. “Don’t expect the criminal justicesystem to do a darn thing but complicate it,” she said.

Judge William D.Dyke, Iowa County Circuit Court, was featuredin the Wisconsin State Journal and the Dodgeville Chronicle for hiswork to establish Teen Court in Iowa County. In Teen Court, minorscharged with first-offense misdemeanors are prosecuted anddefended by “teenage lawyers” and judged by a jury of their peers. Areal judge presides. Judge John A.Damon, Trempealeau County Cir-cuit Court, is also working to start Teen Court; Judge Bruce K.Schmidt, Winnebago County Circuit Court, is having great successwith the program, which he helped launch in December.

Judge Robert E. Eaton, Ashland County Circuit Court, was ona blue ribbon panel to select a winner in the “Bay Area Bird CallingContest” which featured about 30 fourth, fifth and sixth grade stu-dents from communities in the Chequamegon Bay area.

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Kitty K. Brennan wasfeatured in Milwaukee’s Daily Reporter for her handling of emo-tionally charged domestic violence cases. To deal with the stress,she told the paper, she jogs at noon.

Chippewa County Circuit Court Judge Thomas J. Sazama, fea-tured in the Chippewa Herald, revealed that golf is his love outsideof the law and his family. In fact, he is a regular on the tourna-ment circuit.

Judge Joseph M. Troy, Outagamie County Circuit Court, got inkin the Appleton Post-Crescent for his help in organizing the Juve-nile Diversion Program, a volunteer program that targets troubledyouths in the community and, among other things, matches themup with adults for one-on-one mentoring. “They [the participat-ing teen-agers] present a significant risk to become more involvedwith juvenile problems if they don’t change,” Troy told the Post-Crescent, “We’re trying to interrupt that cycle of criminal activity.”

Judge Jean W. DiMotto appeared on thefront page of the Lifestyle section in theMilwaukee Journal Sentinel. DiMotto dis-cussed the “alternative route” she has takenfrom her work as a kidney dialysis nurse tobecoming a successful lawyer, then an at-home mother and most recently a newlyelected Milwaukee County Circuit Courtjudge. The reporter described DiMotto’sunique style: “No pat answers, no preparedspeeches. She’s a woman who takes her

time to think about things before opening her mouth.”Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Christopher Foley

received an autographed football and a box of Wheaties from GreenBay Packers defensive end Reggie White at a benefit luncheon forChildren’s Service Society of Wisconsin. Foley, the recipient of theannual Service to Children award, was pictured in the MilwaukeeJournal Sentinel next to the Super Bowl champion.

In the spring issue of The Third Branch, Wood County CircuitCourt Judges James M. Mason and Edward Zappen were reportedas being supporters of Gov. Tommy Thompson’s Truth In

Sentencing proposal. In fact, they strongly oppose it. They supportthe Department of Corrections Task Force Proposal, calling it“intelligent, far-sighted, well-thought out and non-political.”

Supreme Court Justice William A.Bablitch, interviewed by Milwaukee’sDaily Reporter, told about his love forfishing, the judiciary and public service.The reporter, who interviewed Bablitch inhis chambers surrounded by his fishingtrophies, called him “an avid fisherman andlover of the outdoors who has traveleddown many streams and tributaries…”

Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson,Barron County Circuit Court JudgeEdward Brunner and Reserve Judge Nancy

E. Wheeler appeared in the June issue of Wisconsin Lawyer. Theywere lauded for their key roles in the first-ever Volunteers in theCourts conference, which attracted the attention of U.S. AttorneyGeneral Janet Reno.

Reserve Judge Nancy E. Wheeler and Court Volunteer NoraCusack appeared in The Capital Times for their role in “anambitious project to help promote and spread volunteerism”with the Supreme Court’s new catalog of court-related volunteerprograms.

Court of Appeals District IV Chief JudgeWilliam Eich was surprised when the TVcrew from WXOW in La Crosse showed upin court to tape oral arguments of a “notparticularly flashy case.”Afterward, reporterVicki Sylvar told the Chief Judge that herrecent introduction to him at a media con-ference in Madison had piqued her inter-est in the judiciary—especially the appellatecourts. The result—a feature story on theevening news.

On a cold, windy Memorial Day inJanesville, Rock County Circuit Court Judge James P. Daley gavea heartfelt address to the nearly 300 attendees of the annual Memo-rial Day commemoration. “Today is a time for all Americans topause and think about what we have, to remember what it costto achieve and to think about—and thank —those responsible forour lives, liberties and the country we enjoy,” he said.

Although the Green Bay School District is slightly above thestate’s average for school attendance rates, Brown County CircuitCourt Judge J.D. McKay, along with others on the Brown CountyTruancy Task Force, are taking a hard look at the current truancypolicy in hopes of offering recommendations for improvement,reported the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Dane County Circuit Court Judge Robert DeChambeau wasincluded in a story about adoptions in the Wisconsin State Journal.DeChambeau remarked that “adoption day” in court is a refresh-ing break from the habitual dealings with “dysfunctional familiesand juveniles in trouble.”

In an attempt to curb underage drinking at graduation parties,Vernon County Circuit Court Judge Michael Rosborough

People in the News

Judge Jean W. DiMotto

Justice William A. Bablitch

Chief JudgeWilliam Eich

Continued on next page

THE THIRD BRANCH 7

Forty-seven law students traveled fromaround the nation to spend a summer

in Wisconsin as part of the first-evernational court internship program.

The initiative, spearheaded by Chief Jus-tice Shirley S. Abrahamson, provides stu-dents who have completed one or two yearsof law school with practical, hands-on expe-rience working in the judicial system.

The program’s goal is to send thestudents back to law school in the fall with a new perspective on the Wisconsinjudicial system.

The 47 interns, representing 25 lawschools, are paired with 68 judges, includ-ing the Chief Justice, four Court of Appealsjudges and 63 circuit court judges. Theyare serving in more than 30 counties,three Court of Appeals districts and theSupreme Court.

To gauge the need for interns, ChiefJustice Abrahamson sent letters to judgesstatewide last fall inviting them toparticipate in the program. The responsewas overwhelming. More than 100judges expressed interest in hosting alaw student.

The Office of Court Operations then sentnotices to more than 150 law schools seek-ing student volunteers. As the placement

results show, the program was well-receivedby both the students and Wisconsin judges.

Illustrating the program’s success, St.Croix and Pierce Counties expressed inter-est in continuing the law internshipthroughout the school year by inviting lawstudents from Minnesota to participate.District Court Administrators Gregg T.Moore and Steven A. Steadman have takenthe lead in expanding the program. ❖

Volunteer Summer Law Clerk Program a Hit

addressed high school seniors and their parents about the risksinvolved in attending or hosting parties that serve alcohol to minors.

Rock County Circuit Court Judge John W. Roethe shared hisphilosophies about the judicial system with The Edgerton Reporter.The primary focus of the system, he said, should be a search for truth.

After delivering the spring commencement address at CardinalStritch College, Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson rode alongwith a Greenfield police officer on what turned out to be an event-ful evening. Abrahamson observed a drunk driving accident andlater a double domestic violence dispute. Abrahamson said thatthe unique perspective ride-alongs offer is important in her lineof work.

Columbia County Circuit Court JudgeDaniel S. George presided over a trial ofnotables such as Mother Teresa, EleanorRoosevelt, Jack the Ripper and Adolf Hitler.The mock trial was a communications pro-ject by Portage High School students,reported the Portage Daily Register. The stu-dents presented the case of Good v. Evil.

The Daily Jefferson County Unionreported that Jefferson County CircuitCourt Judge William F. Hue addressedhigh school seniors and their parents at the

local Rotary Club’s annual “Top 10 Percent” luncheon. “I’m luckyenough to be able to make a difference every day,” said Hue. “Myhope is that you, too, will have the opportunity to make a differ-ence in someone’s life.”

The Iron County Miner featured Iron County Circuit CourtJudge Patrick Madden’s address at the Mercer Cemetery onMemorial Day.“We are the guardians of the freedom won through

the sacrifices of those persons we come here to memorialize. Thisfreedom is their gift to us,” he said.

Because of a long waiting list at the Milwaukee County Com-munity Correctional Center, some defendants began serving theirwork-release jail sentences at home under an electronic braceletprogram, reported the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. WhenMilwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Kitty K. Brennan learnedabout this practice from a defendant in a domestic violence case,she responded,“I don’t give bracelet sentences in domestic violencecases. We can’t have this going on. Judges don’t lightly give jailsentences.” Learning of Brennan’s concern, House of Correc-tions Superintendent Richard Cox stopped the alternativebracelet sentencing and offered to discuss the issue with Brennanand her colleagues.

Winnebago County Circuit Court Judge Robert A. Haaseearned praise from The Oshkosh Northwestern for a new, stream-lined jury selection process which is designed to save money forthe county and headaches for prospective jurors.

Justice Janine P. Geske tried to “sneak”into the Barron County Courthouse inJuly. Geske sat on the bench for JudgeJames Eaton. The Eau Claire Leader-Telegram heard the news and printed it onthe front page the next day. Geske—whowanted to remain low-profile in her visitonly because she wanted to do it for theexperience, not for the press—said that shehad a wonderful time in her two days inBarron County and enjoyed being in thetrenches again. ❖

Justice Janine P. Geske

Judge Dan George

Laura Lepak, a University of Wisconsin law student who participated in the program,spent the summer volunteering for Taylor County Circuit Court Judge Gary L. Carl-son and for the District III Court of Appeals. Early on, Carlson told Lepak that herjob, was “to be nosy and learn what she had not learned in law school.” At summer’send, Lepak was confident that she had had a better summer than anyone she wouldbe sitting with in Antitrust class this fall.

8 THE THIRD BRANCH

by: Rebecca Ferber

Eighty percent of the counties in thestate hosted activities for the first-ever

statewide Law Day celebration. Below is asampling of activities that took placearound the state.

• Barron County awarded three local stu-dents with savings bonds for their entriesin the Law Day essay contest,—“A CircuitCourt Through the Eyes of an EighthGrader.”

• In Buffalo County, more than 200 chil-dren par ticipated in Law Day activities atthe courthouse. They toured the jail andlearned tips on bicycle and farm safety.

• In Chippewa County, high school stu-dents gained a better understanding ofthe legal system through a mock jurytrial. Also, lawyers offered free legal adviceand judges greeted the public in celebra-tion of Law Day.

• In Dane County, middle school studentspresented two mock trials. Judges Paul B.Higgenbotham and Sarah B. O’Brienpresided.

• Jackson County organized a Law Dayessay contest.

• In La Crosse County, 200 fifth graderswatched a re-enactment of the State v.Fred Rogers. Selected students acted asjudge, district attorney, defense attorney,clerk of court and jurors.

• Manitowoc County Courthouse turnedits courtrooms into classrooms as judgesspoke to high school students.

• Ozaukee County hosted a Law Day openhouse featuring free legal advice fromlocal bar association attorneys.

• In Sheboygan County, area studentscelebrated Law Day as they toured thecourthouse, sat in on a jury trial, talkedto judges and participated in a mock trial.

• In St. Croix County, Law Day participantstoured courtrooms, government officesand jail facilities. Lawyers offered legaladvice to interested citizens.

• In Trempealeau County, local lawyersheld sessions offering legal information tothe community.

• In Washara County, more than 300people participated in Law Day events.Grade school students watched a mocktrial and high school students deliveredoral arguments. Visitors and staff touredthe historical museum.

• In Winnebago County, more than 1,500students participated in Law Day events,including: real and mock trials, court-house tours and legal information booths.

• In Wood County, Judge James M. Masonpresided over a mock trial re-enacted byarea high school students. ❖

Law Day Celebrations Across the State a Success

Since September 1993, the JacksonCounty Circuit Court has been working

with its county’s Health and HumanServices Department to provide analternative to penalties levied against under-age drinkers.

The result is the Jackson County Under-age Alcohol Violation Program (UAVP),funded with state grant money, offeredthrough Health and Human Services and

supervised by Mental Health CoordinatorEsther Hinshaw. Instead of simply finingyoung adults, or suspending their licensesas part of an underage alcohol conviction,Circuit Court Judge Robert W. Radcliffe hasbeen referring first offenders to UAVP.

Under UAVP guidelines, the offendersare required to meet with their schoolcounselors for an overall school perfor-mance evaluation, to complete an alcohol

assessment with the Franciscan SkempBehavioral Health Center, to attend a two-hour educational/counseling class and tocomplete 10 hours of community service.

A parent or guardian must come withthe juvenile to both the assessment and theclass. In class, juveniles discuss the situationthat brought them into court and the con-sequences of their actions. They also watch

Jackson County Confronts Underage Drinking Problem

Continued on next page

Manitowoc Circuit Court Judge Allan J. Deehr (ret.) addresses students from Rancalli High School as part of Law Day activities.

THE THIRD BRANCH 9

In a 75-page manuscript, Dennis D. Austin, Court ServicesLibrarian, recorded 161 years of Wisconsin State Law Library

(WSLL) history, citing amusing quirks, including a mid-1800s rulewhich banned visitors from sitting near the books.

Austin, writing out of a sheer love for history, said that impor-tant milestones in the library’s development need to be writtendown to preserve a link to the past.

Austin traced the library’s history from Belmont, where it had1,500 volumes and a $5,000 budget, to its present location in theState Capitol with 175,000 volumes and a fiscal year 1996–97budget of $983,200.

According to Austin’s report, the same act that created the Ter-ritory of Wisconsin in 1836 allowed for a state library because Con-gress thought that this “distant state” would need the assistance ofbooks, in particular law books.

In a library older than the state itself,Austin worked for a year and a half dustingoff the bindings of old Wisconsin Board ofTrustees meeting minutes and personalnotes from former librarians to recreate thelibrary’s history in ink.

Half of the detailed document, whichAustin also condensed into a 16-page ver-sion, outlines early library budgets, per-sonnel changes and devastation caused bynumerous fires.

The manuscript, which State LawLibrarian Marcia J. Koslov called “a realgem,” details early expenditures, includinga five dollar payment to a worker in 1838for hauling wood to the library fireplace.

A hundred years ago, the librarian wasresponsible for keeping a strict record of allbooks borrowed from the library. If anentry was missing, a dollar was subtractedfrom the librarian’s salary. This drew laugh-ter from the library staff when Austindebuted his works at a presentation inearly summer. Other 19th century rules

have not changed—the 25 cents-per-day library fine, establishedin 1851, is still in effect.

Austin kept the group’s attention by recounting a 1903 fire inthe Capitol which spread to the north wing, home of the law library.Governor Robert M. LaFollette arrived to direct fire-fightingefforts, which were aided by downtown Madison residents andabout 200 university students. Austin asked the group to imaginestudents throwing stacks of books out the windows to snow banksbelow in an attempt to save them from the flames.

WSLL is now under the authority of the Supreme Court due toa 1977 decision to repeal the power of the Board of Trustees, setup in 1851. Times have changed, but the library’s mission hasremained constant—to provide materials and information aboutthe law to the citizens of Wisconsin. ❖

Austin Documents 161 Years of State Law Library

Dennis D. Austin presented his 75-page documentation of WSLL history to his colleagues before his retirementthis summer.

two videos entitled Teens and Alcohol andRumor. The videos address such issues asgaining control over actions, losing carprivileges, hurting friends, having a marredreputation and dealing with depression.

A parental class is then held separately.The parents discuss chemical dependencysigns and symptoms, tips for better parent-ing and the laws that apply to the offenses.

Community service sites, approved inadvance by the judge, include: local schools,city police departments, city parks, therecreation department, the county forestryand parks department and the county nurs-ing home. Offenders might also work withthe elderly and others in need in the NativeAmerican community.

Compliance with the judge’s orders re-sults in a dismissal of the charge. Defaultresults in a mandatory appearance beforethe judge.

If the judge convicts an underage personof drinking a second time, a 15-day licensesuspension is ordered. More than 100 caseshave been referred to the UAVP programsince its inception.

Deputy Clerk Ruth E. Ciriaks monitors thecases from start to finish, tracking compliancewith assessment, class, completion of com-munity service, report filings and dismissal orreview. In addition to her work on UAVP, shehandles all traffic, adult forfeitures and otherjuvenile, non-delinquent offenses. ❖

Underage DrinkingContinued from page 9

10 THE THIRD BRANCH

Municipal Judge Charles S.Blumenfield and law

enforcement officials in the Vil-lage of Bayside want to workproblems out locally.

The focus of a new ordi-nance, passed by the BaysideVillage Board in June, is toexpand the judge’s availablesentencing options in order todeal more effectively with juve-nile matters at the local level,alleviating the need to sendjuveniles to circuit court.

The ordinance grants themunicipal judge power to sus-

pend the driver’s licenses of juveniles who break municipal ordi-nances, such as those prohibiting littering, trespassing and

vandalism. It also allows the judge to sentence juveniles tocommunity service or require them to attend a drug or alcoholabuse program.

Blumenfield used community service and participation in drugor alcohol abuse programs as alternative sentences in the past, butthey were on a voluntary basis. Now, he can order them.

“We are asking them (the juveniles) to give back to the com-munity,” he said. “They have taken something from thesocial fabric.”

Blumenfield wants juveniles who have broken the law to appre-ciate the consequences of their actions. “A penalty that requires akid to dish out food at a soup kitchen may be more meaningfulthan having parents shell out money,”Blumenfield said.“They needto learn respect for the law.”

As far as suspending driving privileges, he said that is a harshpenalty that would only be used as a last resort.

Other communities around the state have already expanded sen-tencing options or are looking into doing it. ❖

Bayside Ordinance Aimed at ExpandingJudge’s Sentencing Options

Judge Charles S. Blumenfield

by: John VoelkerSenior Policy Analyst

In June, the Wisconsin Supreme Court submitted a grant appli-cation to the Bureau of Justice Assistance requesting $148,600

for the implementation of videoconferencing in the court system.The project has three primary objectives:

1. Implementation of a fully-functional model videoconfer-encing demonstration site in one county. This would include pur-chasing the necessary equipment and using the system for selectproceedings.

2. Development of a “standards of good practice” referencemanual based on the experience in the pilot county. The manualwould address questions, such as:

• What entities inside and outside government, such as the StateBar of Wisconsin and State Medical Society of Wisconsin,should be included in the development of this system?

• What technological standards and equipment specifications areappropriate in applying videoconferencing to the legal system?

• What type of application will ensure maximum connectivity withother agencies involved in the legal system?

• Which individuals or organizations can provide either financialor expert assistance during implementation?

3. Formation of an interdisciplinary committee of justice systemrepresentatives and technology consultants to supervise the pilotcounty to ensure that the videoconferencing system addresses theneeds of all potential beneficiaries.

The court anticipates that the proposed strategy would improvecase processing and the administration of justice. In the short term,the pilot county would determine the immediate benefits ofvideoconferencing, such as reduced transportation costs and secu-rity risks. In the long term, a reference manual and a designatedcourt resource person would provide counties around the state withthe basic tools to successfully implement videoconferencing.

Information regarding the outcome of this grant application isanticipated by October. For more information, contact JohnVoelker at (608) 266-8861. ❖

Videoconferencing:Supreme Court Seeks Grant Funding

THE THIRD BRANCH 11

by: R. Lynne Bruley(Former Jackson County Register in Probate)Senior Computer Support Analyst

People may not know who the local register in probate is, orwhat that person does. However, when a family member dies

or is placed under guardianship, they learn fast.The register in probate first became a statutory position for Mil-

waukee County in 1880. The register was responsible for the careand custody of probate, trust, guardianship, mental commitmentand cemetery and adoption records. By 1895, the law was amendedso that registers were appointed in all Wisconsin counties.

Due to modifications in probate law since the late 1950s, theresponsibilities of registers in probate have expanded. With 77years of combined service, Joyce Slouka, Walworth CountyDeputy Register and Register in Probate, and Carol M. Will, PriceCounty Register in Probate, have worked through many of thefollowing changes:

• In 1971, the age of majority was lowered from 21 to 18. Thismeant that individuals could inherit at an earlier age andguardianships terminated earlier.

• Changes in spousal rights laws required registers to becomefamiliar with inheritance tax laws.

• In 1973, the state legislature passed a law allowing for informaladministration of estates, which gave registers the additional titleof “Probate Register.” Under this law, registers gained the abilityto make quasi-judicial determinations as to heirship, grantdomiciliary letters, approve the final distribution of estates andadvise personal representatives regarding procedures in thepreparation of estate documents.

• After court reorganization in 1978, county judges became circuitjudges. This change meant that the judges were handling all

other aspects of court work, somore probate work was given to theregisters.

• The Wisconsin Supreme Court’sdecision in State ex rel. Watts vCombined Community Services in1985 required registers to identifythe guardianships affected by thecase and set up annual reviews.

• Marital Property Law took effect in1986, causing changes in howspouses could inherit. The registershad to adopt new probate proce-dures under this system.

In addition to statutory changes, the language of the law haschanged, said Slouka and Will.

“When I first started, there were terms such as dower, executor,letters testamentary, legatee and devisee,” said Will. “Now, spouse,personal representative, domiciliary letters and heir are used.”

Even though basic statutory duties have remained unchangedsince the first appointment in 1880, the scope of the work hasincreased. Currently, registers meet with the family members ofthe deceased, review annual reports prepared by guardiansand assist new attorneys with probate issues. They also workwith the Department of Health and Social Services and mentalhealth providers.

While today’s registers face heavier workloads, the imple-mentation of the Circuit Court Automation Program (CCAP)in 1991 has made the job more manageable, according to Willand Slouka.

“I really thought I was too old to learn how to use a computer,”Will said, “but it is making my job easier.” ❖

Century-old Position Still Mystery to Many

After 41 years of service inPrice County, Carol M. Willearns the distinction of beingthe longest-serving register inprobate in the state.

For everyone who participates in court outreach programs, hereare a few items of feedback:

• The spring edition of National Judicial College (NJC) Alumnimagazine featured Wisconsin’s Judicial Ride-Along program. InWisconsin, legislators, county board members and reporters havespent half days on the bench with local judges The goal is to havethese individuals see the courts from a new perspective andenhance communication between the co-equal branches of gov-ernment. Rides are being organized again this fall.

• NJC also featured the localized visitors’ guides—a project to edu-cate people who come into county courthouses. This joint effortbetween the State Bar of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin SupremeCourt was well-received by counties throughout the state.

• An editorial in the March/April Judicature highlighted severalWisconsin court outreach programs, noting that the Wisconsincourts “have devised a series of programs to include the publicin the delivery of justice.” Among other initiatives, the article

mentioned the News-Media Seminar, which took place at theState Capitol in the spring. This seminar brought judges and jour-nalists together in an educational forum.

• The June issue of State-Federal Judicial Observer printed a coverstory on Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson and Wisconsincourt programs that promote public confidence. A half-dozenWisconsin programs were detailed.

• The features on Wisconsin initiatives in these publications andothers have sparked interest nationwide. The Court InformationOfficer is regularly contacted by people who are interested in cre-ating similar programs in their own states. So far, courts inAlabama, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky,Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana,Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Washington,D.C., have expressed interest in duplicating one or more of Wis-consin’s court outreach programs. ❖

In the Nation’s Eye:Wisconsin Court Outreach Programs

Dennis D. Austin

Dennis Austin, 55, retired afterserving more than 26 years as

Court Services Librarian.Austin began working in the Wis-

consin State Law Library (WSLL) asa cataloguer in 1964. After spendingfour years in the Air Force, Austinreturned to WSLL to fill the need fora librarian. He did not expect tospend the next quarter-century inthe position.

At first, working in the law librarywas challenging for Austin since hehad no legal background. But his

unfamiliarity with the material made the job interesting, he said.Although his know-how has expanded over the years, the constantflow of unique questions has kept the job exciting.

In a recent interview, Austin recalled a contest he had with DistrictIV Court of Appeals Judge Paul Gartzke. Judge Gartzke used to callAustin with baffling legal questions and Austin would search on endfor the response. “He never did stump me,” said Austin chuckling.

Over the years, Austin’s position has changed as technology hasadvanced. The development of computer research allows broaderand easier access to information. However, Austin continues to relymainly on books, stressing that they are still his passion.

Given the chance to explore his penchant for written material,Austin recently created a historical manuscript on the law library—calling it a “nice closure” to his career (see page 9).

“The manuscript will have a life of its own,” Austin said, refer-ring to future use of the manuscript after his retirement.

Austin said he will miss the library patrons and his colleagues.However, he looks forward to escaping the cold winters and thenine-to-five lifestyle he grew accustomed to in Wisconsin. He andhis wife, Barbara, are headed to the Gulf of Mississippi where Austinplans to spend time with his in-laws, enjoy the warm weather, fishand gamble. ❖

Judge Jack Aulik

Dane County Circuit Court Judge Jack Aulik, 63, is leaving thebench August 30, one year before his term expires. Concerned

about his recent bout with cancer, Aulik told the Wisconsin StateJournal that he wants to “enjoy more of my own time in otherendeavors—travel, fishing.” A trip to visit relatives in Czechoslo-vakia is in his near-future retirement plans.

He said that his health is good, but if the cancer returns, it wouldbe terminal.

Aulik earned his law degree from the University of Wisconsin in1958 and was elected judge in 1986 after 27 years of private practice.

Aulik’s chief legacy is the Drug Diversion Program, nicknamed“drug treatment court,” which he pushed into existence a year ago.Between 40 and 50 people have participated in Dane County so far.

Chief Judge Daniel R. Moeser called Aulik a “real workhorse forthe judiciary” and said he is looking forward to having Aulik workas a reserve judge.

Aulik has two daughters and five grandchildren. ❖

Judge Allan J. Deehr

A fter 24 years on the bench in Manitowoc County, JudgeAllan J. Deehr will be missed by his colleagues there and all

across the state.Manitowoc Circuit Court Judge Fred H. Hazelwood told the

Herald Times Reporter that Deehr is an “accomplished jurist anda good friend,” a judge who seldom, if ever, lost his temper onthe bench.

Deehr earned his law degree from the University of Wisconsinin 1967. Seven years later, he was appointed to the bench by formerGovernor Patrick Lucey. At the age of 31, he was one of the youngestjudges in the state.

In his tenure, Deehr was named the Judge of the Year by theWisconsin chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates andpresided over the county’s longest jury trial—it lasted abouttwo months.

Prior to his appointment, he worked in private practice andserved one term as district attorney of Manitowoc County, wherehe spent his childhood.

Deehr, 54, and his wife, Linda, were married in a churchin Greece at the end of June. They moved to California in earlyAugust shortly after more than 300 friends, family and colleaguesgathered to pay tribute to the Deehrs. ❖

Judge John F. Foley

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge John F. Foley decidednot to run for re-election last April. For him, it was time to

relax. After 29 years on the bench, he earned it.Foley, referred to as “the robeless judge” in The Milwaukee Jour-

nal Sentinel last year, remarked on his somewhat laid-backdemeanor in the courtroom. His robe, hanging untouched on hiscoat tree, illustrates this informality.

“Very rarely did I sit,”Foley said, referring to his courtroom style.“I would stand right down with the lawyers.” In doing so, Foleywanted to come across as more approachable. He hoped to “addsomething to the quality of life” of those before him.

Foley, 69, said that his judicial career was the product of two,driving interests. As a young attorney and an active member of theState Bar of Wisconsin, he took part in court rule-making. He alsowanted to help shape educational policy, prompting his successfulbid for the Milwaukee School Board race in 1958.

Ten years later, Foley combined these interests and was electedto Milwaukee County Children’s Court. Almost three decades later,he is hanging up his robe—for good.

Judge Foley is going to enjoy his retirement with his wife, fourgrown children and grandchildren. He also plans on doing somereserve work. ❖

Judge William D. Gardner

Joy Gardner wants her husband to learn to bake bread. After 18years in the Milwaukee Circuit Court, he decided the time is

right for baking—and retirement.Judge William D. Gardner was elected to circuit court in 1979.

In his tenure, he presided over misdemeanor, felony, civil and chil-dren’s court, spending nearly four years in each.

Retirements

12 THE THIRD BRANCH

Dennis D. AustinCourt Services Librarian

A native of Wisconsin Rapids and life-long Wisconsin resident,Gardner graduated from Marquette University Law School in 1960.However, a law degree had not always been his mission.

Gardner spent the previous seven years in seminary training, butdecided not to pursue the Catholic priesthood. As a retirement gift,his colleagues at the court contributed money to the seminary. Theseminary will use the donation to host a guest speaker, in the judge’shonor, to lecture on “Morality and Law.” Gardner said he was“deeply touched” by the gift.

Prior to his election to the bench, Gardner served as the deputydistrict attorney in Milwaukee County for 10 years.

In retirement, Gardner is considering arbitration-mediationwork and reserve judging. He will also be active in adult literacyprograms in Milwaukee. The Gardners have two sons and threegrandchildren—all in the Milwaukee area. ❖

Judge Richard G. Greenwood

After serving 20 years on the bench in Brown County CircuitCourt, Judge Richard G. Greenwood finished his final term

on August 1.Greenwood, 69, was appointed by Governor Martin J. Schreiber

in 1977 and was elected in 1979, 1985 and 1991. Along with thelawyers and courthouse staff, Greenwood indicated he will missthe days spent presiding over trials.

Greenwood began legal practice in his hometown of Green Bayin 1958 and served there as the assistant city attorney and city attor-ney before becoming a judge.

A former carrier pilot in the U.S. Navy, Greenwood continues tohave an interest in aviation. His retirement plans include a trip toNewfoundland, where he will visit the region’s air museum. Green-wood also intends to make use of balsa wood and razors and startbuilding the model airplanes that he has put on hold for 20 years.

While travel and hobbies will consume much of Greenwood’stime during retirement, he hopes to remain involved in the legalsphere by serving as a reserve judge and by doing some mediation-arbitration work. ❖

Judge Kent C. Houck

Judge Kent C. Houck retired on August 1 from Richland CountyCircuit Court. Houck was appointed by Governor Warren P.

Knowles in 1965 and has been re-elected five times since.Houck said that he will miss working with the variety of people

that are involved in the one-judge county courthouse, where hehandles any type of case that comes his way. Though there are dis-advantages to being a generalist rather than a specialist, Houck said,the opportunity to try many different types of cases and to workwith a diverse group of attorneys has made his career interesting.

Looking back, Houck noted that the law has changed dramat-ically over the last 32 years, especially family, juvenile, probate andconsumer protection. In his opinion, most changes have beenimprovements.

After retirement, Houck will continue to live on a farmnorth of Richland Center with his wife, Marilyn, and numerousdomestic animals. He intends to travel and pursue his hobbies—studying technological history, collecting old machinery andtree farming. ❖

Judge Daniel L. LaRocque

The District III Court of Appealsis saying good-bye to Judge

Daniel L. LaRocque after 12 years ofservice. LaRocque, who turned 60 inJuly, began his career in MarathonCounty as a District Attorney for 11years before becoming a circuit courtjudge for seven years. LaRocque,appointed in 1985 to the Court ofAppeals by Governor Anthony S.Earl, has become “a legend” in locallegal community, according to sec-retary Carolyn C. Alvanos.

Looking back, LaRocque said, “Idon’t think the public appreciates how hard the staff work.” Hewould like to publicly thank all the secretaries, law clerks and sup-port staff who work “behind the scenes to get the job done.”

His friends and family gathered for a golf outing in mid-July tocelebrate his newfound freedom. LaRocque, who recently married,will reside in Sun Prairie with Jean, his wife, upon retirementand will serve as a reserve judge.

When asked about his post-retirement plans, he said: “I like totravel; I like to bike and I am probably going to look for warmweather in the winter.” ❖

Roger J. Thomas

In February 1964, Roger J. Thomas, 57, became a court reporter.Thirty-three years later, he bids farewell to Winnebago County

Circuit Court Judge Thomas S. Williams and the rest of his col-leagues. Upon retirement, his plans are a bit uncertain, he said. Hewould like to spend some time with his family at his cabin in north-ern Wisconsin where he likes to fish, snowmobile and hunt. ❖

Judge Clair H. Voss

Judge Clair H.Voss wrapped up 37years on the bench with his

August 1 retirement.Voss, 76, was elected to the

Waukesha County Circuit Court in1985 and re-elected in 1991.

Upon graduating from Mar-quette University Law School in1948, Voss began practicing law inWaukesha. He served as the Wauke-sha County Assistant District Attor-ney from 1953-1959. Since 1960, hehas served as judge and deputy chiefjudge in county and circuit courtsand as a judge and reserve judge in

the Wisconsin Court of Appeals.A decorated military veteran,Voss has received the Purple Heart,

Navy Cross and Presidential Citation for his service in the UnitedStates Marine Corps.

In his spare time,Voss enjoys hunting, fishing and studying CivilWar history. ❖

THE THIRD BRANCH 13

Continued on page 19

Judge Daniel L. LaRocque

Judge Claire H. Voss

14 THE THIRD BRANCH

Willis Replaces Deehr in Manitowoc County

Patrick L. Willis, a life-long resi-dent of Manitowoc, has served

as city attorney for 20 years. He wasappointed to fill the vacancy createdby Judge Allan J. Deehr’s mid-termretirement. He begins August 23.

“I am honored to be following inJudge Deehr’s footsteps,” said Willis.“He has set such a high standard andbrought a great amount of respect tothe office.”

Willis is past state chairman ofthe League of Wisconsin Municipal-ities Attorneys Section. Currently, heserves as director of the State Bar ofWisconsin’s Administrative and

Local Government Law Section. He is also vice president of theBoard of Directors of the Cities and Villages MutualInsurance Company.

Willis graduated with honors in 1975 from the University ofWisconsin Law School where he was an editor of the WisconsinLaw Review.

Willis and his wife, Jean, have three children: Amanda, Ben andCarly. He is a former member of the Manitowoc Area CatholicSchools Board of Education. An active father, Willis donates histime to coaching boys and girls basketball, baseball and softball. ❖

Bain Appointed to Bench in Marathon County

Dorothy L. Bain, 44, is “thrilled”to have taken the bench in

Marathon County Circuit Court.Governor Tommy Thompson

appointed Bain to fill the seat ofJudge Michael Hoover, who movedto the District III Court of Appealsin August.

Since graduating from the Uni-versity of Wisconsin Law School in1989, Bain has worked in privatepractice. Currently, she is a familylaw and civil trial attorney with theWausau firm of Ruder, Ware &Michler.

Active in the Wausau community, Bain serves on the Board ofDirectors of Judicare, an organization which provides legal assis-tance to low-income individuals, and acts as the president of theBoard of Family Counseling Services. For the past eight years, shehas coached the D.C. Everest Senior High School mock trial team.

Bain is married to William Skarie, a dentist. She has a son andtwo stepsons. In her free time, she enjoys playing golf, cookingand traveling. ❖

New Faces in the Courts

Patrick L. Willis Dorothy L. Bain

We Received 62 Responses to Survey QuestionsWhen do you generally read The Third Branch?

Although many of you read The Third Branch on the day itarrives, most read it the same week.

The Third Branch is available on the State Bar of Wisconsin’s website (http://www.wisbar.org\sct\). Would you prefer electronicaccess?

Readers prefer direct mail over electronic access.

How can The Third Branch be improved?• 17 readers asked to see more information on legislation and

budget matters

• 25 requested more features on new court initiatives and programs, both successful and unsuccessful

• 17 suggested more profiles on judges and other court employees

• 12 readers wanted more “People in the News” information

• 15 would like more administrative news

Readers requested additional coverage of:

• retiring judges

• registers in probate, clerks of court and juvenile court staff

• long-range court system planning

• municipal courts and judges

• rapidly changing technology

Several readers commented that information in The ThirdBranch is not as timely as they would like. As a quarterlypublication, we include information from the last three months.However, we will strive to bring you the most up-to-date infor-mation available.

We appreciate your participation in this survey. We incorporateda number of reader suggestions in this issue and will continue todo so in future editions. Please continue to contact Court Infor-mation Officer Amanda K. Todd with comments, (608) 264-6256.❖

Director of State Courts Communication Survey

by: Rebecca L. Ferber

Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley S. Abra-hamson and Judge John R. Storck, Dodge County Circuit

Court, traveled to China in July to participate in a judicial educa-tion program.

The goal of the seminar, sponsored by the Ford Foundation andthe Shanghai Judges’ Association, was to give Chinese judges anintroduction to civil procedure in Germany and the United States.A German judge and a Japanese academic joined Abrahamson andStorck as speakers at the seminar.

In the first set of lectures, Abrahamson and Storck spoke withjudges from the Shanghai court system. Next, they traveled to Xianto meet with judges of the Shaanxi Province.

Chinese judges were anxious to learn about the civil trial systemin the United States, Storck said, because the development of amarket economy has created a demand for reform.

“Many attributes of our civil trial system, which we take forgranted, are non-existent in China,” said Storck.

For Example, the Chinese have an inquisitorial judicial systemin which the judges play an active role in collecting evidence. Fur-thermore, there is no pretrial discovery by the parties, Chinesejudges have minimal legal training and there is an inadequatenumber of practicing attorneys—due to the Cultural Revolution.

“The lack of judicial independence is a great concern for thejudges in China,” Storck added.

As part of the program, Abrahamson and Storck role-played acase from the creation of the cause of action through a jury trialand an appeal. The Chinese judges greatly enjoyed this unfamiliarmethod of teaching, said Storck.

A seasoned lecturer, Abrahamson has met with women’s lawyers’and judges’ groups and with law students in Bulgaria, China, Egypt,India, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, SriLanka, as well as here in the United States.

Storck has been on the bench since October 1994 and is amember of the Wisconsin Judicial Education Committee. He pre-pared videotapes and other audiovisual materials on Wisconsincourts as part of the American team’s presentation in China. ❖

Abrahamson and Storck Travel to China

THE THIRD BRANCH 15

Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson and Judge John R. Storck in Shanghai,China at the closing ceremony after six days of lectures to the Shanghai Judges’Association.

A group of female judges from Shaanxi Province at a seminar in Xian, Chinawith Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson and Judge John R. Storck.

ObituaryJudge Robert W. Hansen

Robert W. Hansen, a state SupremeCourt justice from 1968 to 1977, died

on June 9 at Shorehaven Health Center inOconomowoc. He was 86.

Hansen was elected to the SupremeCourt in 1967, defeating George Currie andbecoming the only person in Wisconsin his-tory to oust a sitting chief justice.

He was praised for his eloquence andnoted for the colloquial style of his writtenopinions. In one decision involving obscen-ity and redeeming social value, Hansen

wrote,“An orange floating in an open sewerdoes not change it into a fruit salad.”

As a district judge, Hansen established aprogram to help “salvage” families whoappeared before him.

“A family court judge is not to be just asurgeon, cutting the family ties,” Hansensaid. “He must also seek to be a physician,to heal the wounds and restore family soli-darity.”

Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson saidof Hansen: “He loved the law and he lovedto discuss it. It didn’t matter whether youagreed with him or not.”

Former Chief Justice Nathan S. Heffer-nan called Hansen a “person who provesthat it’s hard to tell who’s a liberal and who’sa conservative.” While Hansen was consid-ered a man with strong conservative opin-ions, Heffernan noted that he was also oneof the most liberal justices on labor law.

After his retirement from the SupremeCourt in 1977, he served as a Court ofAppeals reserve judge in Waukesha andMilwaukee until a few years ago.

Hansen is survived by his wife, Dorothy,and four children: Susan, John, Jamesand Karen. ❖

16 THE THIRD BRANCH

by: Karen Leone de Nie

The Wisconsin court system is taking aproactive role in improving access to

the courts for the deaf and hard of hearingby sending representatives to an AmericanJudicature Society (AJS) workshop inChicago on September 13-14.

The event, funded by a grant from theW.K. Kellogg Foundation, brings judges,court managers, judicial educators andadvocates for the deaf and hard of hearingtogether to exchange ideas and develop aplan of action for improving access. AJSencourages attendees to implementworkshop ideas in their home districts,

said District II Court of Appeals JudgeRichard Brown, faculty member ofthe workshop.

Wisconsin will send Milwaukee CountyCircuit Court Judge Jeffrey A. Kremers,District Court Administrator Sam Sheltonand Charlene Allen of the Office of CourtOperations. “An advocate from a deaf andhard of hearing organization is in theprocess of being selected,” said AJS ProjectCoordinator Wynne Harrison.

A few components of the workshopinclude: a plenary session on legal obliga-tions to provide equal access to court pro-grams and services, a discussion ofinterpretation options and existing tech-

nology and a brainstorming session ondeveloping court-advocate relations.

The Chicago workshop is the last in aseries of regional workshops focusing onthis issue. Information attained from theworkshops will be used by AJS to develop aCourt Access Improvement Curriculumand a Workshop Replication Guide, sched-uled to be available in the summer of 1998.Silent Justice, a video that highlights barriersto effective communication in the courts, isnow available for purchase. For more infor-mation, please contact Project DirectorJohn C. Domino at (312) 558-6900, ext.109. ❖

Improving Court Accessibility for the Hearing Impaired

The VolunteerConnectionTwelve new programs have been added to the Court-

Related Volunteer Programs in Wisconsin cataloguesince its debut in April.

• To obtain a copy of the catalog contact:

State Bar of WisconsinP.O. Box 7158Madison, WI 53707-7158

• To receive an update to the catalog—outlining 12 addi-tional programs in Dane, Eau Claire, La Crosse, Milwau-kee, Trempealeau, Walworth and WaukeshaCounties—Please contact the Wisconsin Supreme Courtat (608) 266-1298.

• Information on Volunteers in the Courts is also availableon the Supreme Court’s home page on the State Bar ofWisconsin’s web site at:

http://www.wisbar.org/sct/

• Background information on the volunteer programs listedin the catalog is availble at:

Wisconsin State Law Library310 East, State CapitolMadison, WI 53702(608) 266-1600 ❖

Wisconsin JudicialConferenceSeptember 24-26The Country Inn, Pewaukee

Harvard Law Professor Arthur R. Miller, a nationally-recognized authority on the right of privacy, is directing

the media program on Friday, September 26.A seasoned moderator, Miller has hosted the acclaimed

PBS series The Constitution, Health Care in America andThe Presidency. For almost 20 years, Miller has appearedregularly on ABC’s Good Morning America as the program’slegal editor.

His savvy style will make for an educational and vibrantpanel discussion. Panel members include five representativesfrom print and broadcast media, three attorneys, two judges,a law enforcement official, a victim and a layperson. ❖

Reminder: Registration deadline for the Judicial Confer-ence is Friday, August 29. Please contact the JudicialEducation Office to purchase tickets for your guests.

THE THIRD BRANCH 17

Supreme Court Art Brochure Reprinted

The Wisconsin Sesquicentennial Commission graciously agreedto fund the printing of 10,000 Supreme Court Art brochures

with the sesquicentennial logo on them. The brochure, authoredby Retired Chief Justice Roland B. Day, may be ordered in bulk (free of charge) for distribution in courthouses by calling (608)266-1298. ❖

Supreme Court Commissioner Joseph M. Wilson was honoredfor his 25 years of court service at a surprise gathering in the

Supreme Court Chambers in early June.Wilson, who began as a commissioner under Chief Justice E.

Harold Hallows in 1972, envisioned staying in the position for onlyfour or five years. Eighteen justices later, he is still here, he said witha laugh. He enjoys being at the forefront and cutting edge of thelaw, he added. The job changed most drastically in 1978 with thereorganization of the court and the formation of the Court ofAppeals.

As court commissioner, Wilson prepares memoranda andmakes recommendations to the court regarding matters broughtwithin the court’s discretionary jurisdiction.

He and Joyce, his wife of 29 years, have two sons and two grand-children. Together, they are very active in the community. TheWilsons, along with 10 other musicians, entertain people with aDixieland band, Schnickelfritz, meaning “trouble-makers” inGerman. On the weekends, the Wilsons can be seen around townsounding their trumpet and clarinet in nursing homes, singing anddancing in variety shows and country line dancing. ❖

Wilson Marks 25 Years asCommissioner

Supreme Court Commissioner Joseph M. Wilson receives plaque honoring his 25years of service from Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson.

18 THE THIRD BRANCH

The Special Committee on Gender Neutrality is seeking infor-mation concerning gender discrimination that may exist in

the Wisconsin court system. This information will assist theWisconsin Supreme Court in taking appropriate and necessaryaction to ensure that the state court system serve all the citizens ofWisconsin, regardless of gender.

The Special Committee was appointed by the Wisconsin JudicialConference, an organization of all state court judges, to contactcourt system employees, attorneys and the public concerninggender discrimination. The committee, chaired by District IIICourt of Appeals Judge Thomas Cane, will evaluate and monitor

gender bias issues and report to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Thecommitee will annually review the issues with appropriate personsand entities inside and outside the court system.

Information regarding this issue is essential to the Special Com-mittee’s work.

Please contact:Court Commissioner William MannWisconsin Supreme CourtP.O. Box 1688Madison, WI 53701-1688(608) 266-6708 ❖

Report on Gender Discrimination Issuesin the Wisconsin Court System

Court with Class—an outreach effort to increase access to theState Supreme Court—earned high honors by winning the

1997 “LEXIS-NEXIS Public Service Achievement Award” from theNational Association of Bar Executives.

The award was given at the “Gala of Public Service AwardsBreakfast” in San Francisco at the end of July.

Close to 1,000 students from 50 schools watched Supreme Courtoral arguments during the last court calendar year and met with ajustice afterward. The program is intended to provide students andteachers with an exciting law-related educational experience.

With cooperation from the State Bar of Wisconsin, teachers areprovided with an informational packet about the court prior totheir visit. The packet includes biographies of the justices, a syn-opsis of the case to be heard at oral arguments and other law-relatedmaterials intended to help students prepare for their day in court.

Wisconsin Court of Appeals Districts I, II and IV are in theprocess of replicating the program. ❖

Court with Class Honored

Students in the Court with Class program gather outside the Supreme CourtHearing Room after listening to oral arguments.

introduced by Rep. Bonnie Ladwig andSen. Calvin Potter. The bill revisesprovisions relating to original adult courtjurisdiction, restitution and forfeitures,sanctions and contempt, rules of evidenceand the disclosure of juvenile court records.The bill is in the Children and FamiliesCommittee. No action is expected untilthe fall.

While no action has occurred withrespect to AB 92 and SB 46, two pending

substitution bills that were reported on inthe spring issue, another bill, AB 441, hasbeen introduced by Rep. Scott L.Walker andSen. Alberta Darling. This bill wouldeliminate substitution of judges in criminalmatters while retaining existing disqualifi-cation provisions. Unlike the other twobills, no reference to an affidavit ofprejudice is created under this bill. This billis in the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

The Director of State Courts’ Officerecently released Informational Bulletin(IB) 97-10, regarding a potential change tothe retirement system with respect to themultiplier used for creditable service earned

prior to January 1, 1998. Companion billsSB 245 and AB 421, co-sponsored by Sen.Calvin Potter and Rep. John P. Dobyns, wereintroduced to accomplish this task. Noaction is expected on this bill until the fall.

Lastly, Director of State Courts J. DenisMoran will submit a bill for introductionthis summer that creates six additionaljudgeships, one in each of the followingcounties: Fond du Lac, Jefferson, La Crosse,Lincoln, Rock and Milwaukee. The judge-ships would go into effect August 1, 1999.The bill, in the drafting stage, will likely beacted upon in the fall. ❖

Legislative UpdateContinued from page 2

Four Wisconsin judges were appointedby Judge Michael G. Harrison, incom-

ing chair of the American Bar AssociationJudicial Division, to serve as committeechairs and vice chairs for the NationalConference of State Trial Judges for the1997-98 year.

The new leaders are Eau Claire CountyCircuit Court Judge Thomas H. Barland,chair Jury Management Committeeand vice chair Long Range Planning

Committee; Brown County Circuit CourtJudge Vivi L. Dilweg, vice chair Member-ship Committee; Portage County CircuitCourt Judge Frederic W. Fleishauer, vicechair Ethics Committee; and OutagamieCounty Circuit Court Judge Harold V.Froelich, vice chair Judicial ServicesCommittee.

Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson hasencouraged active participation byWisconsin judges in national judicial

organizations and was delighted to hearabout the new appointments.

The mission of the National Conferenceof State Trail Judges is to improve the admin-istration of justice, promote judicial inde-pendence, increase public understanding ofthe judicial system, provide a national forumto exchange information on common issuesand represent the interest of the nation’s gen-eral jurisdiction trial judges to build a moreeffective dispute-resolution system. ❖

Wisconsin Judges Serve in National Judicial Organizations

Representative Scott L. Walker is nostranger to the courts.

In his second Judicial Ride-Along,Walker joined Judge Patricia D. McMahonon the bench in Milwaukee County CircuitCourt July 30.

The program—designed to improvecommunication between judges and law-makers—invites legislators to spend a halfday on the bench with circuit court judgesstatewide. Because of the program’s successin 1993 and turnover in the legislature, it isbeing repeated this summer in Judicial Dis-tricts I and V and will be expanded toinclude the rest of the state this fall.

The goal of the program is to show howvarious pieces of legislation affect courtoperation. Walker said that his day in civilcourt with McMahon was “absolutely” in-line with this objective. The unique per-spective from the bench, Walker said, willhelp him evaluate the legislative intent of

bills and better understand how they will becarried out.

Walker, who represents the 14th Assem-bly District, was paired through the pro-gram with Milwaukee County CircuitCourt Judge Timothy Dugan in 1993. Sincethen, he has made frequent contact withother judges in Milwaukee County, includ-ing Judge Robert W. Crawford and JudgeDennis P. Moroney.

His most recent day in court was spentobserving civil proceedings in the morningand criminal with Judge John A. Franke inthe afternoon. He also attended a meetingwith McMahon and court volunteers andtoured the Legal Research Center.

In civil court, Walker said he learnedabout case management. McMahonemphasized the importance of allotting thecorrect amount of time for each case, basedon its complexity. They also discussed thebenefit of mediating cases before they enter

the court process. Walker said he saw first-hand the “reality of numbers” troubling theMilwaukee County Circuit Courts.

McMahon said that she learned a greatdeal from her discussion with Walker aboutissues and concerns that relate to Milwau-kee County. The benefit went both ways,Walker responded. ❖

Judicial Ride-Along Program an Early Success

THE THIRD BRANCH 19

Judge Warren Winton

Washburn County Circuit CourtJudge Warren Winton announced

his retirement after 26 years on the bench.

He began his career in 1966, serving first ascounty judge and later as circuit courtjudge until his 1986 election defeat. Re-elected in 1991, he served another six years.In his tenure on the bench, Winton servedas chairman of the Wisconsin Board ofJuvenile Court Judges and was elected by hiscolleagues to the office of Chief Judge to the13th Judicial Administrative District.

Upon retirement, Winton plans to workas a part-time reserve judge. When he is notworking, he and his wife, Lucy, will be vis-iting family. “We have six children, so wewill travel around to see them and ourgrandchildren,”Winton said. They will alsoparticipate in activities of the WashburnCounty Historical Society, where he servesas vice president. ❖

RetirementsContinued from page 13

Representative Scott L. Walker

Judge Patricia D. McMahon

The Third BranchEditorTrina E. Haag

Contributing WritersRebecca L. Ferber, Sheryl Gervasi,Judge Joseph M. Troy, R. Lynne Bruley,John Voelker, Karen Leone de Nie

Editorial CommitteeHon. Mike RosboroughVernon County Circuit Court

Gregg T. MooreDistrict 10 Court Administrator

Gail RichardsonDistrict 5 Court Administrator

Carolyn OlsonIowa County Clerk of Circuit Court

The Third Branch is a quarterly publica-tion of the Director of State CourtsOffice, providing news of interest to theWisconsin Judiciary. Send questions andcomments to: Amanda K. Todd, CourtInformation Officer, P.O. Box 1688Madison, WI 53701-1688. Phone (608)264-6256.

The Third BranchWisconsin Supreme CourtP.O. Box 1688Madison, WI 53701-1688

Bulk RateU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 844Madison, WI

On behalf of the Wisconsin courtsystem, I would like to welcome Trina

E. Haag as the editor of this issue of TheThird Branch. Trina is a May 1997 graduateof the University of Wisconsin. GraduatingPhi Beta Kappa, Trina earned a doublemajor in journalism and French. Duringeight months of her senior year, Trina vol-unteered as a student intern at the court,

assisting Court Information OfficerAmanda K. Todd with a wide range of pro-jects. Her work was excellent and we werepleased that she agreed to become theInterim Court Information Officer duringAmanda’s summer maternity leave. I hopeall of you have contacted Trina throughoutthe summer with your questions andsuggestions. ❖

Chief Welcomes Interim CourtInformation Officer

Birth Announcement:Court Information Officer Amanda K. Todd and her husband, Jim C. Beal, wel-

comed Maxwell Robert Warren Beal into the world on May 18, 1997. Max and motherare both doing well and enjoying the hot summer months at home with Max’s olderbrother, Jake, who turned two in July.

SPECIAL INSERT THE THIRD BRANCH

INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN 97-11

Tremendous growth in the demand fortelecommunications services is causing a

shortage of available telephone numbers in east-ern Wisconsin. As a result, this region will soonhave two area codes, 414 and 920.

July 26, 1997, is the beginning of a threemonth optional dialing period. During thistime, both the new and old area code numberswill work. Starting October 25, 1997, the 920area code must be used to complete calls to thisarea. It will be necessary to change all speed dialsprogrammed for the effective area, includingphones, fax machines, modems and routers. Itis important to remember to use the 8 + 1+ areacode + seven digit number for dialing long dis-tance. The “8 + 1” pattern was especiallydesigned to be used with an area code where themiddle digit is not a “0” or “1”.

The geographical area retaining the 414 areacode is the seven county area in the southernportion of the current 414 area, including Mil-waukee, Racine and Kenosha. Two-thirds of Jef-ferson County and all other areas in thenorthern part of 414 will get the new area code,920. This affects the District Court Administra-tors’ offices in Oshkosh (District VI) and GreenBay (District VIII). Several circuit court officesare included: Brown, Calumet, Dodge, Door,Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Jefferson, Kewaunee,Manitowoc, Oconto, Outagamie, Sheboyganand Waushara.

If you have any questions, call the Ameritechspecial information hotline, 1-800-378-222, orthe Office of Information Technology Serviceshelpline, 608-264-6923.

New Area Code in Wisconsin