State v. Donald W. Jorgensen, 2008 WI 60, reversing unpublished decision For Jorgensen: Martha K. Askins, SPD, Madison Appellate Issue/Holding: ¶39 Jorgensen’s right to confrontation was also violated during the prosecutor’s closing argument. The prosecutor took what the jury had improperly heard during the trial a step further. She “testified” that Jorgensen was a “chronic… Read more
2007-08 Term
State v. David G. Straszkowski, 2008 WI 65, affirming summary order For Straszkowski Philip J. Brehm Issue/Holding: The sentencing court may consider uncharged and unproven offenses, ¶36; id n. 20: State v. Leitner, 2002 WI 77, ¶45, 253 Wis. 2d 449, 646 N.W.2d 341. See also State v. McQuay , 154 Wis. 2d 116, 126, 452 N.W.2d 377 (1990) (“Evidence of unproven offenses involving the defendant… 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
State v. Keith A. Davis, 2008 WI 71, on Certification For Davis: Chris A. Gramstrup Issue/Holding: ¶38 In the case at hand, we conclude, as did the circuit court, that the defendant’s statement was voluntary. The record contains no evidence that would give rise to any concerns regarding his personal characteristics. Davis, at the time this occurred… Read more
State v. Keith A. Davis, 2008 WI 71, on Certification For Davis: Chris A. Gramstrup Issue/Holding: ¶20 Principles applicable to polygraph testing are equally applicable to voice stress analysis. See Wis. Stat. § 905.065(1); 7 Daniel D. Blinka, Wisconsin Evidence§ 5065.1 (2d ed. 2001) (concluding that there is little reason to treat the forms of honesty testing mentioned in § 905.065 differently, “at least… Read more
State v. Keith A. Davis, 2008 WI 71, on Certification For Davis: Chris A. Gramstrup Issue/Holding1: Admissibility of a statement made in connection with a voice stress analysis (or other form of “honesty test”) turns on whether the statement is “totally discrete” from the testing procedure as gauged by the following factors: ¶23 Under the totality of the… Read more
State v. Ronell E. Harris, 2008 WI 15, affirming unpublished decision For Harris: Ralph J. Sczygelskis Issue/Holding: Various discovery and evidentiary violations amounted to harmless error, whether taken singly (¶¶41-59, ¶87-90) or cumulatively (¶¶109-113).Harmless error discussions are largely fact-specific, and this case is no exception. But it is noteworthy for its recognition that the “court… Read more
State v. Bruce Duncan MacArthur, 2008 WI 72, on Certification For MacArthur: Alex Flynn Amicus: Robert R. Henak Issue/Holding: ¶50 Our approach to tolling is guided by United States v. Florez, a Second Circuit Court of Appeals opinion that articulated the requisite burden of proof and standard of review for the federal tolling provision. Florez, 447 F.3d at… Read more
