State v. Dennis H., 2002 WI 104, on certification For Dennis H.: Ellen Henak, SPD Milwaukee Appellate Issue: Whether the “fifth standard” for mental commitment, § 51.20(1)(a)2.e. (roughly: refusing treatment due to incapacity for making rational treatment decision), is constitutional. Holding: The statute isn’t vague — the state must prove the various “elements” of this standard (which the… Read more
2001-02 Term
Dunn County v. Judy K., 2002 WI 87, on certification Issue: Whether a county is required to find an fund an appropriate placement under § 55.06(9)(a). Holding: ¶28. We therefore determine that in protective placements pursuant to § 55.06(9)(a), counties must make an affirmative showing of a good faith, reasonable effort to find an appropriate placement and to secure… Read more
State v. Ronald G. Sorenson, 2002 WI 78, affirming as modified, 2001 WI App 251, 248 Wis. 2d 237, 635 N.W.2d 787 For Sorenson: T. Christopher Kelly Issue: Whether, given the constitutional protections afforded Ch. 980 respondents, issue preclusion applies so as to prevent Sorenson from attacking the reliability of his qualifying conviction with evidence… Read more
State v. Adam S. Gonzales, 2002 WI 59, on certification For Gonzales: Suzanne L. Hagopian, SPD, Madison Appellate Issue: Whether an amendment to the Wisconsin constitution takes effect upon vote of the electors, or only when the chair of the Elections Board certifies the statewide canvass of votes. Holding: The legislature has authority under Article… Read more
State v. Anthony J. Leitner, 2002 WI 77, affirming 2001 WI App 172, 247 Wis. 2d 195, 633 N.W.2d 207 For Leitner: Jefren Olsen, SPD, Madison Appellate Issue: Whether the sentencing court erred in considering the facts of convictions expunged under § 973.015. Holding: ¶46. If information about the underlying facts of an expunged conviction come from a source other… Read more
State v. Carroll D. Watkins, 2002 WI 101, affirming as modified 2001 WI App 103, 244 Wis. 2d 205, 628 N.W.2d 419 For Watkins: Steven P. Weiss, SPD, Madison Appellate Issue/Holding: Accident has long-existed as a defense that “excuses” homicide, and therefore is incorporated in § 939.45(6) as a privilege “for any other reason.” ¶37. It is… Read more
State v. Tony Nollie, 2002 WI 4, on certification For Nollie: Erich Straub Issue: Whether defendant was entitled to assert the privilege of self-defense to the charge of carrying concealed weapon. Holding: ¶24. To argue self-defense, Nollie’s offer of proof must indicate that he had an actual and reasonable belief of actual or imminent unlawful… Read more
State v. Debra Ann Head, 2002 WI 99, reversing 2000 WI App 275, 240 Wis. 2d 162, 622 N.W.2d 9 For Head: John D. Hyland, Marcus J. Berghan Issue/Holding: ¶123. We conclude that evidence of a victim’s violent character and of the victim’s prior acts of violence of which a defendant has knowledge should be… Read more
