How is the Wisconsin court system structured?
In Wisconsin, there are two federal district courts, a state supreme court, a state court of appeals, and trial courts with both general and limited jurisdiction.
How many circuit courts are in Wisconsin?
69 circuits
The Wisconsin circuit courts are the general trial courts in the state of Wisconsin. There are currently 69 circuits in the state, divided into 10 judicial administrative districts. Circuit court judges hear and decide both civil and criminal cases.
What 3 divisions are in the circuit courts?
Within the divisions of the circuit courts there are three levels of jurisdiction: the circuit, the associate circuit, and the municipal levels. The circuit level has original jurisdiction over all cases whether criminal or civil.
What are the four levels of court in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin Courts Description of the different levels of courts within Wisconsin: municipal, circuit, Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.
What cases do circuit courts handle?
All criminal cases (felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions, like traffic tickets); Small claims cases and appeals of small claims cases; Appeals of civil cases involving $25,000 or less; and. Appeals of infraction (like traffic) and misdemeanor cases.
Are circuit court judges elected in Wisconsin?
The Court of Appeals is composed of 16 judges from four districts. The judges are elected to six-year terms in district-wide, non-partisan April elections. Vacancies are filled by gubernatorial appointment and the appointee is required to stand for election to a full six-year term the following spring.
How much do Wisconsin circuit court judges make?
Salaries for circuit court judges and appellate level judges can be found in the judicial branch section of the Wisconsin Blue Book. As of Jan. 6, 2019, circuit court judges earned $141,773; appellate court judges earned $150,280; and supreme court justices earned $159,297 annually.
How are the circuit courts divided?
The courts are divided into 13 circuits, and each hears appeals from the district courts within its borders, or in some instances from other designated federal courts and administrative agencies. Appeals from the circuit courts are taken to the Supreme Court of the United States.
What are Article 3 courts special?
The Constitution also allocates authority between the Supreme Court and other courts, as Article III describes the Supreme Court as having “original” jurisdiction over certain kinds of cases—which means that cases can start (originate) at the Supreme Court—and appellate jurisdiction over others.