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Features

Wisconsin Supreme Court: 2024-25 Term Review and 2025-26 Preview

The 2024-25 Wisconsin Supreme Court term wrapped up with some high-profile decisions, including on abortion, administrative rulemaking, and the governor's partial veto power. This article summarizes some of the court’s most notable 2024-25 rulings, including several that implicate democracy and state constitutional law.

By Bryna Godar

Significant Recent Wisconsin Federal Court Decisions

This article reviews eight federal decisions in 2024 and 2025 interpreting and applying Wisconsin statutes and common law relating to, among other issues, economic duress in contract cases, public and private nuisances, abnormally dangerous activities, the product liability statute of repose, negligent inspection liability, and the relationship between insurers’ duties to defend and indemnify.

By Daniel A. Manna

Traffic Stops: Driver and Passenger Rights & Responsibilities

What should drivers and passengers do and not do when a law enforcement officer pulls over a vehicle? This article explores police roadside encounters for both drivers and passengers, so practitioners can assist their clients in avoiding pitfalls both criminal and civil.

By Peter R. Heyne

Opinions, Voices & Ideas

President's Message
A New Year, a New President and a Continuing Commitment to Members
We are a diverse membership, and that is a source of strength, Dan Gartzke says. He aims to use these columns to add to that strength.

Editor's Note
Jill Rothstein Takes the Helm as New Executive Director
Joe Forward introduces Jill Rothstein, the State Bar's new executive director, succeeding Larry J. Martin who has retired.

Practice Pulse
When AI 'Lies': The Legal Risks of Hallucinations
The legal profession is built on accuracy, precedent, and trust. When AI hallucinations infiltrate legal work, it threatens to undermine these foundations in several ways. Brent Hoeft explains.

Solutions
Behind the Scenes: Coordinating Pro Bono Projects and Empowering Lawyers to Serve
Abrielle Newman highlights the role of pro bono coordinators in bridging the gap between legal aid needs and attorney participation in pro bono activities.

Ethics
Ethical Screens and Lawyers' Conflicts of Interest
Dean Dietrich says a conflict of interest of one lawyer at a firm or a governmental organization does not necessarily foreclose other lawyers with the same entity from representing the client or taking on the matter.

Final Thought
The Future is Bright: Another Successful Summer for the Diversity Clerkship Program
Marisol González Castillo says 16 students and employers participated this year, imparting skills to help students in their work as future lawyers.