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Gerald Ptacek

Sep 16, 2020

Ptacek betters Wisconsin courts through behind-the-scenes leadership

Retired Racine County Circuit Court Judge Gerald Ptacek continues to go beyond the bench to make Wisconsin courts better.

Dec 21, 2016

High court to weigh in on Racine property tax assessment challenge

The Wisconsin Supreme Court is scheduled Thursday to weigh in on a tax assessment dispute between the city of Racine and the owner of a nine-building, 72-unit apartment complex.

Dec 5, 2016

Walker appoints judge to Racine County bench

Gov. Scott Walker has appointed Wynne Laufenberg to replace Gerald Ptacek on the Racine County Circuit Court’s bench.

Jun 1, 2015

The push for privacy: New rules will change how court records must be filed

Without laws prohibiting names and other identifying information from appearing in court documents, a nasty case involving "sextortion" in a New Berlin school only became more of a nightmare for the victims once details were posted online.

Apr 28, 2015

Court gives initial OK to privacy rule (UPDATE)

Lawyers and others who file court documents will be responsible for removing Social Security numbers and similar personal information beforehand, under a rule petition adopted by the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Tuesday.

Apr 24, 2015

Hearing set for rule to protect personal information in court records

The Wisconsin Supreme Court will be holding a public hearing on a petition to create a new statute that protects personal information in circuit court records.

Aug 17, 2014

State’s drug courts grow, but racial disparities persist

Even before Dane County Circuit Judge Sarah O’Brien crunched the numbers, she knew something was amiss. Her strongest evidence: “The courtroom didn’t look right when I walked in.”

Apr 22, 2014

State’s slashing of early release options violated ex post facto law prohibition

Prohibitions against ex post facto laws are supposed to protect defendants from changes in the laws that increase punishment after a crime has been committed or sentencing has occurred, according to pro se defendant Aman D. Singh.

Nov 20, 2013

Court of Appeals weighs in on collective bargaining

The Wisconsin Court of Appeals again has tried to shed light on the ramifications of state laws that severely limit collective bargaining rights for public sector employees.

Oct 24, 2011

Judge pleads no contest to disorderly conduct (UPDATE)

Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Linda Van De Water avoided trial and pleaded no contest to a disorderly conduct ordinance violation Monday morning in Racine County.

Jul 12, 2011

Judge to face disorderly conduct charges

Embattled Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Linda Van De Water will stand trial this fall for disorderly conduct charges. On Monday, Racine County Circuit Court Judge Gerald Ptacek set a trial date of Oct. 27 after denying a motion for recusal filed by the defense against District Attorney Michael Nieskes. According to court officials, Van […]

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