State v. James E. Erickson, 227 Wis.2d 758, 596 N.W.2d 749 (1999), on certification For Erickson: Glenn L. Cushing, SPD, Madison Appellate Issue/Holding: Though a juror gave a seemingly hedged answer (“I think so”) to whether she’d be fair and impartial, the trial court’s refusal to strike for cause is upheld given appellate deference to trial-level determination… Read more
1998-99 Term
State v. Edron D. Broomfield, 223 Wis.2d 465, 589 N.W.2d 225 (1999), affirming unpublished decision For Broomfield: Charles B. Vetzner, SPD, Madison Appellate Issue: Whether Broomfield was denied fair trial because juror overheard, prior to trial, prejudicial extraneous information relating to Broomfield’s past misconduct. Holding: Exposure to extrinsic information implicates the rule against verdict-impeachment, R. 906.06(2). The… Read more
State v. Judith L. Kiernan, 227 Wis.2d 736, 596 N.W.2d 760 (1999), affirming State v. Kiernan, 221 Wis.2d 126, 584 N.W.2d 203 (Ct. App. 1998) For Kiernan: Chad A. Lanning, Dennis M. Melowski, Barry S. Cohen, S.C. Issue: Whether prospective jurors who had been part of a jury that two days earlier returned a verdict of guilty… Read more
State v. Edron D. Broomfield, 223 Wis.2d 465, 589 N.W.2d 225 (1999), affirming unpublished decision For Broomfield: Charles B. Vetzner, SPD, Madison Appellate Issue/Holding: One prospective juror heard, before trial, other prospective jurors describe Broomfield as a “gangster” who beat up kids and was involved in “drive-bys.” The juror was chosen for the petit jury; he… Read more
State v. James E. Gray, 225 Wis.2d 39, 590 N.W.2d 918 (1999), affirming unpublished decision For Gray: Helen M. Mullison Issue/Holding: Gray was originally convicted of three counts. On postconviction motion, the trial court vacated and dismissed with prejudice one count for lack of proof, and ordered a new trial on a second count. The… Read more
State v. Yolanda M. Spears, 227 Wis.2d 495, 596 N.W.2d 375 (1999), affirming State v. Spears, 220 Wis.2d 720, 585 N.W.2d 161 (Ct. App. 1998) For Spears: Richard D. Martin. SPD, Milwaukee Appellate Issue/Holding: Spears killed the “victim” (Young) after he assaulted her and took her purse. She entered an Alford plea to a homicide charge. At sentencing… Read more
State v. Timothy M. Secrist, 224 Wis. 2d 201, 589 N.W.2d 387, cert. denied, __ U.S. __ (1999), reversing, 218 Wis.2d 508, 582 N.W.2d 37 (Ct. App. 1998) For Secrist: Patrick M. Donnelly, SPD, Madison Appellate. Issue/Holding: The issue presented to the court is whether the odor of a controlled substance may provide probable cause to arrest, and… Read more
State ex rel. Fuentes v. Wisconsin Court of Appeals, 225 Wis. 2d 446, 593 N.W.2d 48 (1999) For Fuentes: Robert T. Ruth Issue/Holding: ¶6. The availability of habeas corpus relief arises out of the common law and is guaranteed by both the state2 and federal3 constitutions as well as by statute.4 Although a habeas corpus petition normally arises… Read more
