The Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of State v. Demone Alexander on March 14, 2013 at the state Capitol. This case examines whether a criminal defendant has a constitutional right to be present when a trial court questions a sitting juror and dismisses that juror for cause, or whether that right may be waived by counsel without the trial court conducting a personal colloquy with the defendant.

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of State v. Brandon M. Melton on March 13, 2013. This case examines whether a circuit court has “inherent authority” to order the destruction of a presentence investigation (PSI) report after entry of judgment not related to charges in the original sentencing proceeding.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of Paul Davis Restoration of S.E. Wisconsin, Inc. v. Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast Wisconsin on March 14, 2013 at the state Capitol. This case arises from a dispute over business territory between two Paul Davis Restoration franchises. The Supreme Court examines issues related to whether a judgment entered against only an entity’s trade name is enforceable against the trade name and the underlying entity.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of Showers Appraisals, LLC v. Musson Bros., Inc. This case involves a lawsuit over water damage that occurred to a privately owned building during a road construction project in Oshkosh in the summer of 2008.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of Village of Elm Grove v. Richard K. Brefka on March 13, 2013 at the state Capitol.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of Manitowoc County v. Samuel J.H. on February 26, 2013 at the state Capitol. In this certification, the Supreme Court examines a possible inconsistency in provisions of Chpt. 51, the state’s involuntary commitment law.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of Outagamie Co. v. Melanie L. on February 26, 2013 at the state Capitol. This case examined the statutory standard for determining whether a person is competent to refuse medication and treatment for mental illness.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of Office of Lawyer Regulation v. Sharon A. Riek on February 26, 2013 at the state Capitol.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of State v. Matthew Lonkoski on February 25, 2013 at the state Capitol. This case examined what constitutes interrogation and what constitutes custody under Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966).

The Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of State v. Gregory M. Sahs on February 25, 2013 at the state Capitol. This case examined whether a defendant’s statements to his probation agent, in which he confessed to a new crime of possession of child pornography, were statements compelled as a matter of law in the context of probation.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of State v. Samuel Curtis Johnson, III on February 25, 2013 at the state Capitol. The Supreme Court reviews several issues and underlying questions arising from the defendant’s request to view therapy records of the girl he is accused of assaulting.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of State v. Matthew R. Steffes on February 12, 2013 at the state Capitol. This case examined several issues arising from a prison phone-bill scam. The central question before the Supreme Court is whether the electricity used to power a telecommunications service may be considered “tangible property” under Wis. Stat. § 943.20, the state’s theft statute.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of Marilyn M. Brown v. Acuity, A Mutual Insurance Company on February 12, 2013 at the state Capitol. This insurance case arose from an automobile collision involving a volunteer firefighter who ran a red light in his personal car while responding to the station for a call. The Supreme Court was asked to examine whether driving by a volunteer firefighter on the way to the fire station in response to a call is a discretionary activity, entitling the firefighter to government immunity from tort liability.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court  heard oral arguments in the case of Joseph McLeod v. Patricia Mudlaff on February 12, 2013 at the state Capitol. This certification involves two consolidated cases. The Court of Appeals asked the Supreme Court to decide whether, under Wis. Stat. § 767.313(2), a court has the authority to entertain an action to declare a marriage void after one of the spouses has died.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of State v. Burton on January 1, 2013 at the state Capitol. This case examines whether a defendant is entitled to withdraw a guilty plea if there is no evidence in the record that he was advised, either by trial counsel or by the circuit court, of his right to have a jury trial on the issue of mental disease or defect.