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Federal Funding and Wisconsin's Water Infrastructure

To protect the nation's water supply, in 2021 Congress enacted the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. One goal of the Act is to ensure that Americans in disadvantaged communities receive priority for financial assistance for water infrastructure. This article discusses the interpretation of the term "disadvantaged communities" as used in the Act and analyzes Wisconsin's approach to funding water infrastructure. 95 Wis. Law. 8 (Dec. 2022)

By Prof. Melissa K. Scanlan & Misbah Husain

The Imperfect Victim & Defamation Suits

People accused of engaging in assault or abuse, whether in a formal criminal complaint or on social media, often respond by saying that the accuser is lying. And sometimes the people accused elevate the response to a defamation suit. Lawyers can help victims understand what it means for the truth to be a defense if a victim is threatened with a defamation suit by the perpetrator, and can believe and support victims who do speak out. 95 Wis. Law. 16 (Dec. 2022)

By Amanda R.R. Mayer, Megan E. Lee, Patrick Nicholas Barker Shirley, Kayleigh Cowan & Alexis Bauer

Significant Recent Wisconsin Federal Court Decisions

Federal court interpretations of Wisconsin law are of persuasive value to, but not binding on, Wisconsin courts. Yet, they affect how Wisconsin law is argued and develops. This article reviews seven Wisconsin federal court decisions from 2022 interpreting Wisconsin law. 95 Wis. Law. 22 (Dec. 2022)

By Daniel A. Manna

Opinions, Voices & Ideas

President's Message
Thankful for a Focus on Wellness
Focusing a few minutes each day on the things for which we are grateful may help us reduce anxiety. But, Margaret Hickey says, gratitude alone is not enough to address issues of lawyer well-being. 95 Wis. Law. 4 (Dec. 2022)

Your State Bar
'Tis the Season
As 2022 draws to a close, Larry Martin encourages you to spend time with family and friends and look ahead to the new year with anticipation for greater peace, justice, and tranquility. 95 Wis. Law. 5 (Dec. 2022)

As I See It
Dobbs and Same-Sex Marriage in the U.S.
Christopher Krimmer says it seems possible that the analysis in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization could be extended to non-abortion-related substantive-due-process rights, such as same-sex marriage, despite some justices' reassurances to the contrary. 95 Wis. Law. 30 (Dec. 2022)

Technology
Holiday Shopping 2022: Top 22 Greatest Gifts
Christopher Shattuck has gift ideas to make life easier while working or relaxing, promote health and wellness, or just to smile about. 95 Wis. Law. 35 (Dec. 2022)

On Balance
Powerful Thinking Can Renew Everything
Sometimes habits change before thinking does. But Julie Bonasso and Brian Krolczyk say the reverse also is true: Adopting a science-based daily thinking strategy can lead people to make changes that might profoundly improve their health and well-being. 95 Wis. Law. 39 (Dec. 2022)

Managing Risk
Whose File Is It Anyway?
Matthew Beier says the seemingly clear rule that files belong to clients, not to their lawyers, can quickly become murky after a client dies, especially when the files at issue concern estate planning. 95 Wis. Law. 43 (Dec. 2022)

Ethics
Adding a Chat Box to Your Website? Beware the Pitfalls
Online chat boxes offer consumers immediacy when contacting a lawyer. But, Dean Dietrich says, using them also carries ethical duties owed to potential clients, including confidentiality, and the potential risk of conflicts of interest for the lawyer or law firm. 95 Wis. Law. 47 (Dec. 2022)

Final Thought
Justice is Owed to the Accused and to the Accuser
Outagamie County District Attorney Melinda Tempelis says inadequate funding of pay progression for prosecutors jeopardizes the delivery of justice and protection of crime victims' rights in Wisconsin. 95 Wis. Law. 64 (Dec. 2022)