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On Point is a judicial analysis blog written by members of the Wisconsin State Public Defenders. It includes cases from the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, Supreme Court of Wisconsin, and the Supreme Court of the United States.

Mitchell v. Wisconsin oral argument: commentary and transcript

Scotusblog’s Amy Howe has published this post about today’s oral argument in Mitchell v. Wisconsin, which addresses the constitutionality of our implied consent statute’s authorization for taking a blood sample from an unconscious person. A transcript of the argument is here.

TPR court erred in granting partial summary judgment at grounds phase

Brown County DHHS v. L.F.H., Sr., 2019AP145, District 3, 4/23/19 (one-judge decision; ineligible for publication); case activity

The County filed a petition to terminate L.F.H.’s parental rights based on a continuing denial of his periods of physical placement or visitation with his son, Leon (a pseudonym). The circuit court granted the County’s motion for summary judgment at the grounds phase, but that was error because the County failed to prove the CHIPS dispositional order satisfied the requirements of § 48.415(4).

TPR court had insufficient information to conclude it had jurisdiction

J.P. v. A.P., 2018AP1775 through 2018AP1778, District 4, 4/18/19 (one-judge decision; ineligible for publication); case activity

In this unusual case, the court of appeals agrees with a parent in a TPR proceeding that the circuit court may not have subject matter jurisdiction under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act because of an order issued in another state governs custody of the children.

SCOTUS to hear arguments in State Public Defender appeal on Tuesday!

ASPD Andy Hinkel will argue Mitchell v. Wisconsin to the United States Supreme Court on Tuesday.  The issue is whether a statute authorizing a blood draw from an unconscious motorist provides an exception to the Fourth Amendment warrant requirement. Click here to read SCOTUSblog’s preview of the case. It points out that 29 states have […]

SCOW splits 3-3 over when a defendant’s right to counsel attaches

State v. Nelson Garcia, Jr., 2019 WI 40, 4/19/19; case activity (including briefs) ASPD Pam Moorshead briefed this appeal and argued it to SCOW less than two weeks ago. The lead issue was whether the Sixth Amendment right to counsel attaches upon the finding of probable cause and setting of bail by a court commissioner. Justice […]

SCOTUS changes rules, reduces word limit for initial briefs

If you’re seeking review in SCOTUS, be advised that the court recently changed its rules. Read SCOTUSblog’s summary here, which links to the amendments.

Misdemeanor criminal justice

According to a new empirical study, the prosecution of misdemeanors varies widely from jurisdiction. And they disproportionately impact the poor and people of color. Read all about it here.

John Oliver stages a dramatic reading of Richard Sackler’s deposition

You know Sackler–the former chairman of Purdue-Pharma, maker of Oxycontin. You also know John Oliver, which means you probably want to want to see this dramatic reading of Sackler’s deposition!

The Strickland standard stinks

You don’t have to say that 3 times fast . . . or slow. We all know it’s true. Here is a study that confirms the point. While the article focuses on death penalty cases, its conclusions apply broadly. Want to challenge Strickland? This article is a place to start.

Prosecutorial overreach and mass incarceration

Here is The New Yorker’s review of Emily Bazelon’s new book, Charged, which looks at two cases where prosecutorial misconduct put 2 people through hell, why bail is hard to get, and why public defenders are often inadequate.

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On Point provides information (not legal advice) about important developments in the law. Please note that this information may not be up to date. Viewing this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship with the Wisconsin State Public Defender. Readers should consult an attorney for their legal needs.