court of appeals decision (not recommended for publication), reversed, 2011 WI 32; for Burris: Byron C. Lichstein; BiC; Resp.; Reply Answer to Jury Question – Misleading Definition of “Utter Disregard” Trial court answer to jury question misleading as to whether jury could consider post-shooting conduct as bearing on “utter disregard” element, entitling Burris to new… Read more
25. Jury
court of appeals decision (not recommended for publication) Closing Argument – Arbitrary Time Limit 30-minute time limit on defense closing upheld, ¶¶20-24. Moreover, majority not persuaded that closing counsel never had opportunity to make would have persuaded jury, ¶25-26. Judge Fine dissents, stressing significance to trial process of closing argument, ¶¶27-32… Read more
court of appeals decision; for Lesik: Anthony Cotton Overbreadth challenge to 948.02, sexual assault of a child Sexual assault (intercourse) of a child, § 948.02, isn’t unconstitutionally overbroad, against a theory that it criminalizes acts undertaken for “proper medical purpose.” Although the statute is silent with respect to medical conduct, potential overbreadth may be cured… Read more
Waiver of Escalona argument; claim of self-defense where crime includes “utter disregard of life” element Click here for court of appeals decision, PFR filed 8/3/09 (opinion originally issued 4/23, withdrawn 5/12, reissued 5/21, withdrawn 6/12, reissued 7/2. Groundhog Day? Not quite: the withdrawn opinions found that trial counsel was ineffective for not seeking a lesser… Read more
State v. Mark H. Tody, 2009 WI 31, reversing unpublished opinion For Tody: Byron C. Lichstein, UW Law School Issue/Holding: ¶32 … The correct principle of law that should have guided the circuit court judge is that a circuit court judge should err on the side of dismissing a challenged juror when the challenged juror’s presence may… Read more
State v. Kelly R. Ferguson, 2009 WI 50, reversing unpublished opinion For Ferguson: Jefren E. Olsen, SPD, Madison Appellate Issue/Holding: Where it was clear not only that Ferguson obstructed the police outsideher apartment but also that the jury so found, arguable omission of a “complete” instruction on whether the police acted with lawful authority in entering her apartment was… Read more
See summary of State v. Thomas Scott Bailey Smith, Sr., 2005 WI 104, here. Omitted Issues – Stalking: Submission to Jury of Prior Conviction for “Violence” Despite Stipulation State v. Jeffrey A. Warbelton, 2009 WI 6, affirming 2008 WI App 42 For Warbelton: Paul G. Lazotte, SPD, Madison Appellate Issue/Holding: On a trial for stalking… Read more
Walworth Co. DHHS v. Andrea L.O., 2008 WI 46, on Certification TPR – Elements, Ground of Continuing Need of Protection and Services, Generally Issue/Holding: ¶6 There are four elements to this ground for termination. First, the child must have been placed out of the home for a cumulative total of more than six months pursuant to… Read more
