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Wisconsin Jury Instruction Updates

by Carol Hassler

New updates are available for the Wisconsin Jury Instructions. The Wisconsin Jury Instructions are created and edited by the Wisconsin Jury Instructions Committees of the Wisconsin Judicial Conference.

Children's instructions

Two instructions were updated last month. Download the children's update release to see all the changes.

Updated: 324, 372

Civil instructions

One instruction was updated, and one new instruction was added last month. Download the civil update release  to see all the changes.

Updated: 53 (New), 1023.14

Criminal instructions

Fifty instructions were updated, one instruction was withdrawn, and 32 new instructions were added last month. Download the criminal update release to see all the changes.

Updated: 790, 825, 830, 832 (New), 1030, 1031, 1032, 1187, 1192, 1201, 1201B (New), 1203, 1203A (New), 1205, 1205A (New), 1208, 1208A (New), 1209, 1209A (New), 1211, 1211A (New), 1212, 1212A (New), 1213, 1213A (New), 1214, 1214A (New), 1215, 1215A (New), 1216, 1216A (New), 1217, 1217A, 1217B, 1217C (New), 1217D (New), 1217E (New), 1219, 1232A (New), 1238 (Withdrawn), 1238A (New), 1266, 1276, 1277, 1296, 1297, 1396A (New), 1398A, 1398B, 1398C (New), 1421, 1423 (New), 1424, 2102, 2102A, 2102D, 2102E, 2102F (New), 2102G (New), 2104, 2104A (New), 2105A, 2105B, 2105C (New), 2105D (New), 2124, 2130, 2130A (New), 2131, 2131A (New), 2137A, 2137B, 2137C (New), 2137D (New), 2138A, 2138B (New), 2139, 2139A, 2139C (New), 2139D (New), 2620A, 2664B

For information on the status of the Committees' work, please contact: 

Bryce Pierson Legal Advisor - Jury Instructions, Office of Judicial Education E-mail: Bryce.Pierson@WIcourts.gov 

The printable releases can be downloaded at any time from the “Update releases” pages under each jury instruction title.

Blank pages have been inserted in the printable releases to make double sided printing easier. File updated instructions, along with the updated table and index in your print set. Complete printable files of each instruction set and finding aids are also available for those who need to print a complete set. Download them at https://wilawlibrary.gov/jury/ Contact Carol Hassler for filing instructions help.

Celebrating America’s 250th

by Noelle Brasch

Check out this month’s display related to the U.S.’s evolving legal history. These materials cover founding ideas and documents relevant to the 250 year history of the American Experiment. Read the documents themselves as well as analysis on their impact. Stop in to the library to see the display in person or click below for access.

In this display

New perspectives on the legal treatise
KF 240 .Y35 2025

The Constitution of the United States of America: analysis and interpretation
KF 4528 .C6 2022

The dynamic constitution: an introduction to American constitutional law and practice
KF 4550 .F35 2013

Our republican Constitution: securing the liberty and sovereignty of We the people
KF 4541 .B3128 2016

U.S. Constitution & other important American documents
KF 4527 .U55 2006

Essential Supreme Court decisions: summaries of leading cases in U.S. constitutional law
KF 4547.4 .V55 2018

David Brearley and the making of the United States Constitution
KF 4520 .S33 2005

Constitutional law in a nutshell
KF 4550 .Z9 B35 2013

The law book: from Hammurabi to the International Criminal Court, 250 milestones in the history of law
K 150 .R64 2015

Bills, quills, and stills: an annotated, illustrated, and illuminated history of the Bill of Rights
KF 4750 .M39 2014

American law and the American legal system in a nutshell
KF 386 .B59 2006

New Books

by Noelle Brasch

New Book! Recognizing and serving clients with mental health concerns by Amber L. Ault and others Call number: KFW 2765 .R436 2026 This new State Bar of Wisconsin publication focuses on the intersection of mental health and the law. The purpose of this title is to provide a framework for legal professionals working with minors and vulnerable adults. With a preface by Justice Rebecca Bradley, ethical responsibilities and protections are highlighted in this new book. Topics include: Legal responsibilities of mental health professionals Adult guardianship Informed consent Employment protections

New Book! Sexual orientation, gender identity, and the law in a nutshell by Ruth Colker Call number: KF 4754.5 .C65 2026 The fourth edition of this title presents a compact overview of topics related to gender identity, sexual orientation, and the law. Author Ruth Colker highlights timely federal, state, and local laws as well as cases for reference. Pick up this succinct guide to gain insight into this ever-evolving area of law. Topics include: Religious freedom Nondiscrimination laws and ordinances Regulation of parenthood Title IX

Don't miss our new books list for June, listing all new books received or updated in the past month.

Tech Tip

by Heidi Yelk

No more shouting - quick fix to upper case copy & paste

Copy & Paste is a real time-saver.  However, when one copies something that's ALL CAPS, the choice is either to leave it that way or spend more time fixing it. There's an easy solution.  

In Microsoft Word, simply select (highlight) the text and hit FN+Shift+F3 on your keyboard. Some users also report Shift+F3 works. 

When using Outlook, access the "Format Text" menu and choose "change case." Select lowercase, UPPER CASE, Capitalize Each Word, or Sentence case. After you’ve done that, your text will read the way you want it to – with no more unintentional shouting. 

User tips

Special thanks to attorney Victor Forberger for his feedback on our tech tip about  Gmail and AI. Atty. Forberger shares a great tip for opting out of AI but still retaining features such as spell check.  He writes:

“Another option for avoiding AI with Gmail but still having access to spell check and other resources is to use an IMAP client like Thunderbird for access to a Gmail account (rather than through a web browser).”

Thunderbird can configure IMAP account access automatically, and the IMAP settings for Gmail are available online. For Thunderbird to have IMAP access to a Gmail account, there is nothing a person needs to do to change settings in Gmail.

Library News

by Carol Hassler

New summer webinars

Please reach out to Jaden Henneman with questions about registering.

The Dawning of a New Era: Combing Extractive and Generative AI for New Possibilities
Wednesday, June 17, Noon-1:00 PM
Live webinar - Register for The Dawning of a New Era: Combing Extractive and Generative AI for New Possibilities

Join an expert from Lexis to learn more about AI and legal work. Chances are, you're already using extractive Artificial Intelligence (AI) in some areas of your legal practice - whether that be for case search, client management, document preparation, or some combination of these. Now, generative AI - the type of AI that powers tools like ChatGPT - is on the verge of changing the way you research again.

Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace: Legal Implications of Using AI in Employment Decisions
Wednesday July 8, Noon-1:00 PM
Live webinar - Register for Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace: Legal Implications of Using AI in Employment Decisions

Join us online as Lexis presents emerging issues and trends of any employer’s use of artificial intelligence for employment decision making. Discussion will include attempts from state and local governments to combat the growing trend of bias and discrimination that is weaving its way into employers hiring, promotion, and firing decisions. Finally, this course will discuss the implications and ethical responsibilities lawyers have surrounding this topic as well as how lawyers may advise their employer clients

Ethics for Legal Professionals When Using Technology
Wednesday, August 19, Noon-1:00 PM
Live webinar - Register for Ethics for Legal Professionals When Using Technology

Technology continues to reshape every aspect of our personal and professional lives. This ethics course is designed for new and seasoned legal professionals - attorneys, paralegals and staff members alike - to review and reinforce common ethical duties related to the use of technology. The course zeroes in on the most common ethical issues that arise daily across all legal roles and best practices for using social media and the open web, conducting legal and factual research, and adopting emerging AI technology solutions.

Office of Lawyer Regulation’s June webinars

Time Management for Lawyers, building autonomy, reducing stress, and creating space for what matters
June 25, 2026, 12-1 PM
Live webinar – Register for Time Management for Lawyers, building autonomy, reducing stress, and creating space for what matters.

We’re human too! Acknowledging & managing trauma to serve our clients and stay healthy
June 30, 2026, 12-1 PM
Live webinar – Register for We’re human too! Acknowledging & managing trauma to serve our clients and stay healthy.

June Snapshot

View of Independence Hall from Chestnut Street; Philadelphia, PA
Photo by Noelle Brasch

First constructed in 1732, this building was intended to house the three branches of Pennsylvania’s colonial government. Its iconic steeple was added in the 1750s and restored to its current design in the 19th century. The Liberty Bell, now located in a museum across the street, famously hung in Independence Hall. Many great moments of American history occurred here including the debating and signing of both the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the Constitution in 1787.

Independence Hall is protected and maintained by the National Park system and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

We are accepting snapshots! Do you have a photo highlighting libraries, attractions or points of historical interest? Send your photo to the editor at carol.hassler@wicourts.gov to be included in a future issue.

Wisconsin State Law Library  

Questions? Email the library or call (608) 267-9696
Send comments to the editor, Carol Hassler