June 5, 2009 - The Wisconsin Supreme Court issues an order for a new rule authorizing the Access to Justice Commission long sought by the State Bar of Wisconsin. The commission is charged with developing means of expanding access to the civil justice system for unrepresented low income Wisconsin residents.
Order directs new chapter of Supreme Court Rules for Access to
Justice Commission
June 5, 2009 – The Wisconsin Supreme Court ordered a new rule directing the creation of
a commission to oversee moderate and low-income people’s access to
civil justice.
The order, entered on June 5, follows a May 13 meeting at which the
justices agreed to the commission, but deferred the exact wording of the
order.
Establishment of an Access to Justice Commission has been a key
objective of the State Bar of Wisconsin, following the release of a
State Bar report documenting a serious lack of
civil legal services available to the less affluent. State Bar President
Diane Diel had championed the proposal for a commission throughout the
term of her presidency with the support of Past President Tom
Basting.
Additionally, the State Bar Board of Governors has set aside up to
$300,000 for at least the first three years of the commission’s
operation.
