[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 25 (Tuesday, March 2, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E271]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CELEBRATING WISCONSIN'S LEGAL HISTORY

                                 ______
                                 

                           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.

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