Posted: 09.08.2011

The oral arguments presented to the Wisconsin Supreme Court yesterday in John Adams vs Wisconsin weren't like the drama's we see on TV.

Dale Peterson, Madison attorney who acts as general counsel for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, was one of those listening in the gallery as the dialog unfolded.  In an interview with Pam Jahnke, Peterson said they leave the drama outside the courtroom at this level.  "This is not like a trial court where anybody is given testimony from a witness stand and they're being cross-examined."  Peterson says "This is very formal.  It's a legal discussion between the justices and the lawyers as far as what the law is and whether the outcome from the Court of Appeals should be sustained or overturned."

Peterson says that both sides were allowed to present up to 30 minutes of argument for their case - with interruptions from justices that may have had questions or needed clarfification.  Peterson says the attorney's stood at a podium that has several different lights on it - much like a street light.  Peterson says a red light tells attorney's their time is up.  Green - that they can continue, and a yellow light that's used when extra time is needed.

Now that the oral arguments are over - it's a waiting game.  "You're right about that!" Peterson explains.  "The justices will deliberate over a number of conferences and ultimately will take a vote as far as the outcome.  Once a decision has been made, the most senior justice on the winning side, is responsible for drafting a majority opinion.  That can go on for weeks or months." 

Is this the end of the legal challenges in this case?  Peterson thinks so.  He says because the issues in the case really revolve around state laws and jurisdication, he believes it would be unlikely that the U.S. Supreme Court would agree to hear the case.

70 farms in Wisconsin have used successfully used the Livestock Siting rule process.

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