Braun v. Vote.org
No. 2023AP76
Without intervention as a possibility, individuals and organizations with unique perspectives and crucial information will be excluded from important cases. This could lead to more fragmented and chaotic litigation, with multiple lawsuits filed in different courts instead of a unified proceeding where all interests are considered. It will increase litigation costs, slow down court proceedings, and diminish the quality of judicial decisions by forcing courts to make decisions based on incomplete information.
Our brief also highlights how the Court of Appeals’ decision, if allowed to stand, would disproportionately benefit legislative leaders who granted themselves a statutory right to intervene, while marginalizing the voices of private citizens and organizations in cases that shape the future of Wisconsin. This could diminish public trust in the courts and make it harder for everyday Wisconsinites to have a say in cases that directly affect them.
Restoring a clear, workable standard for intervention is essential to maintaining an efficient and equitable judicial system. We urge the Wisconsin Supreme Court to take this case and ultimately to reverse the Court of Appeals’ decision. By doing so, the Supreme Court will protect the public’s right to be heard and ensure that the legal system remains open and fair to all.
Case Timeline
CASE CATEGORY:
Good Governance
JURISDICTION:
Supreme Court of Wisconsin
CASE STAGE
Closed
Sept. 12, 2024
Brief filed.
Sept. 27, 2024
The Court accepted our amicus brief.
Dec. 10, 2024
The Court denied the petition for review.