Madison, Wisconsin (August 4, 2025) – The Wisconsin Supreme Court will hear oral argument in two cases at the Richland County Courthouse in Richland Center on Monday, October 27, as part of the Court’s Justice on Wheels outreach and education program.
Justice on Wheels gives students, teachers, and the general public an opportunity to observe the Supreme Court at work without having to travel to Madison, where oral arguments are normally held at the State Capitol. Richland will be the 32nd county outside Dane, where the Court has held oral arguments since the program began in 1993.
During oral argument, lawyers present their strongest legal reasons why the Court should decide a case in their client’s favor. Justices have an opportunity to respond or ask questions directly of the lawyers during carefully timed presentations.
As part of the program, a member of the local bar association will briefly meet with students and other attendees to explain the judicial process and the issues involved in each case. The Supreme Court accepts for review only cases that present novel legal questions of statewide importance.
Attorney introductions are scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m., with oral argument scheduled at 9:45 a.m. and 11 a.m., respectively. The hearings will be held in the historic Richland County Courthouse. Overflow seating will be available in the Richland County Board Room. Oral arguments are scheduled to be streamed live on the WisconsinEye Public Affairs Network.
Seating to observe an argument is free and open to the public. However, space is limited. Registration is recommended and may be made by e-mail to Dan Converse, Daniel.Converse@wicourts.gov, by Oct. 1. Area high school teachers and students are especially encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Mr. Converse at (608) 266-1298.
Also, as part of Justice on Wheels, the Court sponsors a civics education contest designed to help local fifth graders learn about the Wisconsin and U.S. constitutions. Students may submit essays, videos, artwork, or music. For contest rules and submission information, contact Morgan Young, Legal Counsel to Chief Justice Jill J. Karofsky, at Morgan.Young@wicourts.gov.
Educational materials for teachers, students, and others interested in learning about the judicial branch of government can be found on the Wisconsin court system website at: www.wicourts.gov/courts/resources/index.htm.
Since 1993, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has held arguments in the following counties: Brown, Eau Claire, Marathon, Milwaukee, La Crosse, Douglas, Rock, Kenosha, Sauk, Dodge, Oneida, Outagamie, Portage, Racine, Fond du Lac, Walworth, Waushara, St. Croix, Winnebago, Iowa, Washington, Columbia, Green, Sheboygan, Waukesha, Grant, Bayfield, Jefferson, Monroe, Marquette, and Ozaukee.
