CONTACT: Teresa Weidemann-Smith
State Bar of Wisconsin
(800) 444-9404, ext. 6025
twsmith@wisbar.org
Shilling Honored with Scales of Justice Award
MADISON, August 1, 2006 -- The State Bar of
Wisconsin's Legislative Oversight Committee recently presented the
Scales of Justice Award to Representative Jennifer Shilling (D-La
Crosse) for her outstanding efforts toward improving the administration
of and access to justice. Additional award recipients include Senator
Luther Olsen (R-Ripon), Senator Mark Miller (D-Monona), and Senator Ted
Kanavas (R-Brookfield).
"The State Bar is committed to the vital role it plays in positively
impacting the legislative process on issues of importance to the courts,
the legal profession and the public," said John Walsh, Chair of the
Legislative Oversight Committee. "The Scales of Justice Award was
created to formally recognize and thank policymakers for aiding the
association in fostering and maintaining the high standards of the legal
profession."
Shilling was recognized for her work with the Children and the Law
Section in addressing an oversight in the criminal code. In 2003, La
Crosse County investigators reported a case of sexual assault of a 16
year old foster child by his 36 year old foster mother. This "sexual
relationship" spanned many months and included various forms of contact,
including intercourse. However, given the child's age and issues
surrounding whether or not the relationship was "consensual," local
prosecutors were disappointed to learn that the only charging option was
that of misdemeanor sexual assault. Because of Representative
Shilling's leadership, such contact is now punishable as a Class C
felony (2005 WI. Act 277). This measure received wide bipartisan
support and was co-sponsored by La Crosse area legislators, Assembly
Majority Leader Mike Huebsch and Senator Dan Kapanke.
"I would like to thank the State Bar for this award, and for their
support of AB 511," Shilling said. "Any person who has sexual contact
with a child should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Whether
someone is a foster parent, a legal guardian, or parent by birth, when
they exploit their child's trust, the damage is the same. The passage
of AB 511 ensures that abusive foster parents will receive the same
punishment as any other sexual abuser."
For more information, visit www.wisbar.org or www.legalexplorer.com.
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