Celebrating Wisconsin's Legal History Hon Tammy Baldwin
CELEBRATING WISCONSIN'S LEGAL HISTORY-HON. TAMMY BALDWIN (Extensions of Remarks - March 02, 2004)
HON. TAMMY BALDWIN
OF WISCONSIN
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2004
Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of an important historic program that celebrates famous cases throughout Wisconsin's legal history and honors Wisconsin's Women Jurists.
This year, Wisconsinites have had the opportunity to take part in a traveling exhibit showcasing the rich history of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The exhibit examines several of the influential cases Wisconsin has confronted during its over 150 years, including slavery, women's suffrage, and mandatory education for children. I commend the members of the Wisconsin Legal History Committee for their efforts in developing this exhibit so that this generation has the opportunity to learn from Wisconsin's extensive legal history.
On March 17, 2004, for the first time in Wisconsin's history, Judge Maxine A. White, District Director of the National Association of Women Judges, with the assistance of over 25 sponsoring legal associations and community groups, will unveil the portraits of fifteen Wisconsin Women Jurists who are retired or deceased. I am excited that the changing face of the Wisconsin judiciary is being recognized in this exhibit. These 15 female jurists served the courts of Wisconsin between 1972 and 2003 and covered eight different counties across the State-Olga Bennett, Vernon County Court (1969-75); Vel R. Phillips, Milwaukee County Court (1971-73); Martha Bablitch, Court of Appeals, District IV (1978-85); Leah M. Lampone, Milwaukee County Circuit Court (1978-93); Donna J. Muza, Dunn County Circuit Court (1979-98); Arlene D. Connors, Milwaukee County Circuit Court (1980-98); Janine P. Geske, Milwaukee County Circuit Court (1981-93), Wisconsin Supreme Court (1993-98); Vivi L. Dilweg, Brown County Circuit Court (1982-99); Marianne E. Becker, Waukesha County Circuit Court (1985-2003); Paulette L. Siebers (1985-86), Dane County Circuit Court; Susan R. Steingass, Dane County Circuit Court (1985-93); Virginia A. Wolfe, Sauk County Circuit Court (1988-2000); Louise Tesmer, Milwaukee County Circuit Court (1989-2001); Jacqueline Schellinger, Milwaukee County Circuit Court (1992-2003); Nancy E. Wheeler, Racine County Circuit Court (1993-98).
I have had the privilege of getting to know several of these amazing women, and it has been such an honor to learn from them.
I would also like to congratulate and commend Judge White on her leadership of this event, and Wisconsin Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, who will receive the prestigious American Judicature Society's "Herbert Harley" Award at the March 17 event. The "Herbert Harley" Award is given to individuals who have made outstanding efforts to improve the administration of justice in their State. Justice Ann Walsh Bradley is certainly deserving of this award for her tireless work on behalf of Wisconsin.