Years have passed since our last comparison of midwestern supreme courts, so let’s return for a look at four indicators: (1) the number of decisions filed; (2) the length of these decisions; (3) the number of separate opinions; and (4) the … [Continue reading]
Observers of the US Supreme Court have devised methods for determining which justices author the most consequential majority opinions. For instance, cases described as unusually “salient,” “significant,” or “important” have been identified by the … [Continue reading]
Previous posts[1] in this series have noted an increase in the number of original-action petitions accepted by the supreme court, and today we’ll see if this trend continued over the past three terms. Although most cases reach the justices in more … [Continue reading]
These tables are derived from information contained in 379 Wisconsin Supreme Court decisions that were turned up in a Nexis Uni search for decisions filed between September 1, 1927, and August 31, 1928. The total of 379 decisions does not include … [Continue reading]
These tables are derived from information contained in 385 Wisconsin Supreme Court decisions that were turned up in a Nexis Uni search for decisions filed between September 1, 1928, and August 31, 1929. The total of 385 decisions does not include … [Continue reading]
The season provided the closest competition in the league’s history, with all four teams separated by only six points, and two teams—the Gavels of the State Public Defender’s Office and the Affirmed—finishing in a tie atop the standings. In … [Continue reading]
These tables are derived from information contained in 14 Wisconsin Supreme Court decisions filed between September 1, 2023, and the end of the court’s term in the summer of 2024. The total of 14 decisions omits orders pertaining to various motions, … [Continue reading]
As it commenced the 2023-24 term, the Wisconsin Supreme Court attracted national attention. With a new liberal majority poised to review significant controversies, observers anticipated rulings that would depart abruptly from the holdings of … [Continue reading]
With the term’s last three substantive decisions now in the books, the door has opened for our annual series of posts inspecting the justices’ labors. The term did not lack unusual and dramatic features, one of which serves as our focus today. … [Continue reading]
Each of the three decisions filed this week provided points to fantasy-league teams—and, in the process, shook up the standings in stunning fashion. After languishing in the cellar for several weeks, the Gavels of the State Public Defender’s Office … [Continue reading]
Alan Ball is a Professor of History at Marquette University in Milwaukee.
alan.ball@marquette.edu
