Learn what’s happening in Civil Justice issues as reported in the news and press releases. For general inquiries about the Wisconsin Civil Justice Council, contact Robert Fassbender or Andrew Cook.
Media Coverage of Major Issues
September 2011 Special Session Legal Reforms
WCJC Fact Sheets
- WCJC Supports the Trespasser Responsibility Act: Would codify existing common law as it pertains to a landowners duty of care to trespassers. Special Session AB 22/SB 22.
- Setting Reasonable Interest on Judgments: Sets the interest rate on judgments for tort cases and consumer protection cases at one percent plus the prime rate. Special Session Assembly Bill 14/Senate Bill 14.
- “Fair Employment Act” Protects Convicted Felons, Costs Employers: AB 286/SB 207 would protect businesses by reducing unjustified litigation threats while aligning Wisconsin law with the vast majority of other states. AB 286/SB 207
- Proposed Bill would Repeal Punitive and Compensatory Damages under the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act: Last session, Gov. Jim Doyle signed into law 2009 Wisconsin Act 20, which allows circuit courts to award punitive and compensatory damages in cases of employment discrimination, unfair genetic testing, or unfair honesty testing. This legislation would repeal the punitive and compensatory damages. AB 289/SB 202
Related News Coverage
- How Disqualifying Are Conviction Records?, Joe Vanden Plas, In Business: Madison, January 2012, at 32.
- Trespasser liability: Wisconsin Legislature votes to codify existing law: State Bar of Wisconsin, Nov. 16, 2011
- Judgment Interest: Bill reducing interest rates on court judgments awaits final signature: State Bar of Wisconsin, Nov. 16, 2011
- Employers, felons fight over hiring bill: Wisconsin Reporter, Oct. 24, 2011.
- Wisconsin Assembly bill would limit attorney fee judgments: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Oct. 24, 2011.
- Wisconsin legislation could restrict punitive damages for job bias: Green Bay Press Gazette, Oct. 24, 2011.
Wisconsin Supreme Court
- Primary to narrow Supreme Court race: The Daily Cardinal, Feb. 8, 2011.
- Four vie for Supreme Court seat: La Crosse Tribune, Feb. 8, 2011.
- Supreme Court remains divided over court spending: Superior Daily Telegram, Feb. 7, 2011. The seven members of Wisconsin’s Supreme Court are feuding over what some of them see as the abuse of power by Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson.
January 2011 Special Session Legal Reforms
Press Releases
- Cooperative-Sought Legislation Ensures Sound Science in Expert Testimony: Cooperative Network Press Release, Jan. 28, 2011.
- Walker Keeps Pledge, Reforms Lawsuits: WCJC Press Release, Jan. 27, 2011.
- WMC Hails Governor Walker Signing Significant Legal Reforms: WMC Press Release, Jan. 27, 2011. Lawmakers, Walker Praised for Improving Business Climate.
- Wisconsin Small Business Cheers Governor For Signing Tort Reform As Part of Larger Economic Growth Strategy: NFIB Press Release, Jan. 27, 2011. NFIB says Governor and legislative leaders showed courage in standing up to trial lawyers, special interests groups.
- ATRA Lauds Wisconsin’s Governor, Legislators for ‘Reasonable,’ Economy-Boosting Tort Reforms: ATRA Press Release, Jan. 27, 2011.
- WAJ Criticizes Signing of Bill That Limits Rights of Wisconsin Citizens: WAJ Press Release, Jan. 27, 2011.
- Legal Reforms Mean Business for Wisconsin: WCJC Press Release, Jan. 20, 2011. Legislature Passes First Walker Jobs Bill.
- Lawsuit Reforms Needed to Help Job Creation: WMC Press Release, Jan. 11, 2011. Comprehensive Lawsuit Reforms Merit Swift Passage.
- WMC: Pass Comprehensive Lawsuit Abuse Reform Plan: Press Release, Jan. 2011. Governor Walker, Legislative Allies Team Up for Job Creation.
- Food Processors Applaud Civil Justice Reforms: Press Release, Jan. 6, 2011.
- Wisconsin Small Business says Tort Reform Must be Part of Larger Economic Growth Package: NFIB Press Release, Jan. 5, 2011. NFIB urges lawmakers in special session to make sensible reforms that will discourage predatory lawsuits against small businesses.
- Wisconsin Defense Counsel Supports Proposed Civil Liability Reforms: Press Release, Jan. 4, 2011. Gov. Walker’s Proposals Provide Fairness and Equity.
- Special Session Legal Reforms a Boon to Economic Development: WEDA Press Release, Jan. 4, 2011. Gov. Walker’s Reforms Will Enhance Wisconsin’s Litigation Atmosphere.
- Restaurants Support Lawsuit Reforms: Wisconsin Restaurant Association Press Release, Jan. 4, 2011.
- Quality Improvement Act Talking Points: Wisconsin Hospital Association, January 2011.
- Governor-elect Walker’s Civil Liability Reforms Send a Strong Signal to Employers: WCJC Press Release, Jan. 4, 2011. Tort Reforms Place Wisconsin Back In the Mainstream.
Editorials
- Lawsuit reform for better economic climate, better patient care (opinion): Waukesha Freeman, Jan. 26, 2011. On Jan. 3 Gov. Scott Walker convened a special session of the state Legislature to help create jobs and foster economic growth. The first bill introduced int he special session was a long-awaited reform of our legal system. I had the honor of serving as the chief sponsor of the bill in the state Senate.
- Let reality parallel perception in tort law (opinion): Racine Journal Times, Jan. 13, 2011. A solid case will remain a solid case. What may fall away are cases where the harm or proof are vague, and that is not necessarily bad because vague cases consume energy, time and money, all resources that could be put to more productive uses.
- A promising start, but also a few misses (opinion): Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 8, 2011. Gov. Scott Walker should stay focused squarely on job creation. His initial proposals look promising for the most part, but there appear to be distractions as well.
- A cure for excessive government (opinion): Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 5, 2011. Can a state with a rooted and genuine taste for provident government offer it with fewer costs and downsides? Will reduced-fat Madison satisfy? Here’s hoping, and credit to Walker for having the guts to try.
Related News Coverage
- Lawsuit reform concerns advocate for elderly: Stevens Point Journal, Jan. 28, 2011.
- Legislature OKs $67 million tax cut for businesses: Wisconsin State Journal, Jan. 27, 2011. Republican Gov. Scott Walker scored more victories Thursday, signing a major lawsuit reform bill into law and watching as the Legislature approved a tax cut for businesses that he says will create new jobs.
- Walker signs bill limiting court awards in injury cases: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 27, 2011. Gov. Scott Walker continued on his roll of victories Thursday, signing a bill making it more difficult to win damage awards in civil suits and seeing lawmakers approve a business tax cut.
- Wis. GOP caps punitive damages in tort reform bill: Bloomberg, Jan. 14, 2011. Senate Republicans revised a sweeping civil lawsuit reform bill Friday to cap punitive damages plaintiffs can collect from defendants.
- Governor stands by jobs pledge: Wisconsin Radio network, Jan. 10, 2011. Walker says it will take tax cuts for small businesses and less red tape for companies that want to expand.
- Walker proposes supermajority requirement for tax hikes: Lakeland Times, Jan. 7, 2011. Business groups hail tort reform proposals.
WCJC Press Releases
WCJC Honors Sen. Rich Zipperer and Rep. Jim Ott for Commitment to Lawsuit Reforms: WCJC Press Release, Dec. 2011
Gov. Walker, Wisconsin Legislature Receive National Accolades for Enacting Lawsuit Reforms: WCJC Press Release, Dec. 2011
Walker Keeps Pledge, Reforms Lawsuits: WCJC Press Release, Jan. 27, 2011.
Legal Reforms Mean Business for Wisconsin: WCJC Press Release, Jan. 20, 2011. Legislature Passes First Walker Jobs Bill.
Governor-elect Walker’s Civil Liability Reforms Send a Strong Signal to Employers: WCJC Press Release, Jan. 4, 2011. Tort Reforms Place Wisconsin Back In the Mainstream.
WCJC & Friends Media Events
Governor Walker Signs Landmark Legal Reforms
Wisconsin Public Television, “Here and Now,” January 7, 2011 – WCJC President Bill Smith discusses Governor Walker’s legal reform legislation.
Wisconsin Public Radio, “Joy Cardin Show,” January 5, 2011 – WCJC President Bill Smith discusses Governor Walker’s legal reform legislation.