Wisconsin Supreme Court to hear challenge to power of court commissioners
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September 24, 2011
Madison, Wisconsin: The Wisconsin Supreme Court has accepted a case that could have a transformative effect on the Wisconsin judiciary. The court will hear a challenge to the power of court commissioners to issue search warrants and perform other judicial functions by a Beloit man.[1]
Douglas M. Williams was charged with multiple marijuana offenses after a search of his residence in 2008. However Williams and his attorney assert that the search was unlawful, as the warrant was issued by a Rock County court commissioner and not a judge. In Wisconsin, court commissioners can hear some criminal and probate matters and can officiate weddings, but they are not elected and do not have judicial powers. Though court commissioners are not elected officials, they must have similar educational backgrounds and pass a screening process.[1]
The Wisconsin Supreme Court will hear the case during the 2011-2012 term.[1]
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