Criminal justice coverage in the Badger State follows the justice system as a whole — courts, sentencing, incarceration, bail, prosecution and the reform efforts that move through the legislature and courts. Reporting runs through Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay and Kenosha.
Governor-elect David Crowley says closing the Green Bay Correctional Institution will require working with legislators and the community.
Live Poll
Should Wisconsin spend more to close its aging prisons even if it takes longer?
November 9, 2026
Tusler Panel Examines DA Staffing and Case DelaysA Wisconsin legislative study committee is reviewing district attorney funding as cases take longer to move through courts.
November 9, 2026
Judge Woldt Disputes Misconduct Complaint Filed by CommissionWinnebago County Judge Scott Woldt asks that a Wisconsin Judicial Commission complaint alleging violations of Supreme Court rules be dismissed.
November 2, 2026
Allan Avery Dies at 89The father of Steven Avery died on October 23, 2026, according to an announcement by attorney Kathleen Zellner.
November 2, 2026
Appeals Court Orders New Sentencing in Newell CaseThe Wisconsin Court of Appeals reversed a postconviction order in State v. Newell and remanded the case for a new sentencing hearing.
October 29, 2026
Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidates Debate Prison ClosuresTom Tiffany and David Crowley share opposing visions for the future of the state's aging correctional institutions.
October 26, 2026
Wisconsin Court Limits Prosecution RelitigationThe Wisconsin Court of Appeals ruled that the state cannot refile suppressed evidence after failing to present a witness.
October 26, 2026
Governor Evers Grants 206 New PardonsThe Wisconsin governor has issued over 2,400 pardons during his time in office.
October 24, 2026
Former Justice Dan Kelly Joins Advancing American FreedomThe former Wisconsin Supreme Court justice is taking on a role at the conservative advocacy organization.
October 23, 2026
Wisconsin Supreme Court Suspends Attorney Jeremiah Meyer-O'DayThe state's high court suspended Meyer-O'Day's law license for 60 days following six counts of professional misconduct.
October 22, 2026
Wisconsin Judges Endorse Judge Nathan PetrashekOver two dozen current and retired jurists are supporting Judge Nathan Petrashek for the state Court of Appeals.
The reporting tracks court decisions and sentencing outcomes, prison and jail populations, prosecutorial charging policies, wrongful conviction proceedings and the reform legislation that moves through Madison. Wisconsin's corrections system size and the volume of cases moving through Milwaukee County courts each produce ongoing accountability and data-driven coverage. Bail and pretrial detention practices have drawn sustained legislative and judicial attention, and any changes generate coverage that extends well past the initial decision. Parole and extended supervision rules contribute a recurring category of stories that follow individuals and policy arcs over time.
