Wisconsin Access to Justice Commission Public Hearing

In May 2012, alum blogger Michael Gonring wrote about Wisconsin’s lack of funding for civil legal aid for poor people and the importance of our shared pro bono oath. These posts highlight a formidable challenge facing our profession, the courts, and society at large. Our poorest residents often cannot get legal help with civil legal problems. Resources have declined dramatically in recent years for low income Wisconsin residents who have critical civil legal needs, depriving many of access to justice.

On Thursday, September 13, 2012, Wisconsin’s Access to Justice Commission will hold a public hearing at Marquette Law School from 5-7:30 p.m. The purpose of the hearing is to gather and share information about access to justice issues in Wisconsin, civil legal services for low income residents, and the great and growing unmet legal needs of poor and vulnerable Wisconsin residents. All are welcome to attend the hearing and provide testimony.

This public hearing is a project of the Wisconsin Access to Justice Commission. The Access to Justice Commission was created by the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the State Bar of Wisconsin to develop and encourage means of expanding access to justice for low income Wisconsin residents. More information about the Commission can be found at www.wisatj.org.

Continue ReadingWisconsin Access to Justice Commission Public Hearing

From Council to Counsel: Reflections of a Lawmaker Turned Law Student

At the time I applied for admission to law school, I had been serving on Racine, Wisconsin’s City Council for six years. Attorneys I knew told me that my experience as a legislator would help me with my legal studies. They were right, but I don’t think any of us considered that it would be a two-way street.

Before I go further, I should note that being an Alderman in Racine is a vastly different experience from serving on a council in a city like Chicago or Milwaukee. My job is most decidedly part time, as is the pay. The relative size of the jobs, however, isn’t the only thing that makes them different.

Chicago Alderman Proco Moreno recently illustrated this. Chick-fil-A’s CEO made public statements opposing gay marriage, which upset, among many others, Alderman Moreno. “Because of this man’s ignorance,” said Alderman Moreno, “I will now be denying Chick-fil-A’s permit to open a restaurant in the First Ward.” In Mr. Moreno’s world, this likely unconstitutional action will probably go unchallenged in any real way. In my world, I would get a rebuke from the City Attorney, a hammering in the local press, and probably a lawsuit.

Continue ReadingFrom Council to Counsel: Reflections of a Lawmaker Turned Law Student

Is Wisconsin Ready for Another Sentencing Commission?

Wisconsin has already had two sentencing commissions, now both defunct.  Is it time to think about a third?  Sentencing commissions have proven their worth over the long haul in a number of other states, including Minnesota, North Carolina, and Virginia.  A successful sentencing commission promulgates guidelines that channel judicial sentencing discretion and reduce sentencing disparities, collects and analyzes sentencing data in order to support evidence-based decision making, and provides information and recommendations to the legislature than can help to blunt some of the political system’s tendencies to excessive harshness.  Although it is certainly not cost-free, a good commission may ultimately save the state far more than is required to fund its operations.

With these considerations in mind, the latest edition of the Marquette University Law School Poll asked respondents their views of commissions and of judicial sentencing discretion.  (For my earlier posts on the Poll, see here and here.)  The results indicate that there is substantial support for a commission, but that Wisconsinites also appreciate what their locally elected judges bring to the table as sentencers.  

Continue ReadingIs Wisconsin Ready for Another Sentencing Commission?