As an appellate court judge, I have issued several published and unpublished opinions; published opinions indicate which judge authored the opinion and are considered precedent (in other words they are part of the written case law and legal authority for the State of Wisconsin).
I have attached some of my published opinions (as part of a panel of three appellate judges) as well as some solely authored by me (known as one-judge opinions) and a few of my dissents to other judges’ opinions.
In addition, while I was on the circuit court (trial bench) in Waukesha County for seven years (in civil, criminal, juvenile and mental commitment rotations), I issued several written decisions and orders. Aside from the juvenile cases which are confidential, I have attached some of my circuit court decisions and orders.
Finally, while I was in private practice, I successfully argued an appeal to the State Supreme Court. I have attached that unanimous opinion as well as some other opinions in cases in which I was involved.
The opinions, decisions and orders for the following cases/appeals are attached below.
Saybrook Tax Exempt Investors, LLC v. Lac Du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, et al.
Wauk. County Case No. 2012-CV-0187 (December 13, 2016)
State v. Scherer
Wauk. County Case No. 2018-CF-1470 (February 24, 2020)
State v. Flores
Wauk. County Case No. 2017-CF-1104 (July 31, 2020)
State v. Heinz
Wauk. County Case No. 2013-CF-0574 (November 14, 2017)
Hartland Sportsman Club, Inc. v. City of Delafield, et al
Wauk. County Case No. 2014-CV-0095 (February 4, 2016)
Pewaukee Land Co., LLC v. Soo Line Railroad Co.
Wauk. County Case No. 2014-CV-2015 (November 30, 2015)
Craig, et al. v. Village of West Bend
Wauk. County Case No. 2015-CV-0723 (November 16, 2015)
Join the Campaign
This is not just a campaign — it’s a call to restore the independence and integrity of Wisconsin’s highest court. With your support, we can preserve justice for generations to come.
Overview of Judge Maria Lazar's Judicial Philosophy
Judge Maria Lazar's judicial philosophy is rooted in a commitment to fairness, justice, and the rule of law. Her approach emphasizes the importance of interpreting statutes and legal precedents with a focus on their intended purpose and the broader implications for society.
This philosophy is reflected in her opinions, where she often considers not only the legal arguments presented but also the real-world impact of her decisions. For instance, in her rulings on civil rights cases, she prioritizes the protection of individual liberties while balancing the interests of the state.
Notable Published Opinions
Among Judge Lazar's contributions to Wisconsin's legal landscape are several notable published opinions that have set important precedents. These opinions are significant not only for their legal reasoning but also for their influence on subsequent cases and legal interpretations.
One example is her decision in the case of Hartland Sportsman Club, Inc. v. City of Delafield, where she addressed complex zoning issues and the balance between community interests and individual property rights. Such cases illustrate her analytical rigor and dedication to upholding the law.
Unpublished Opinions and Their Impact
While unpublished opinions may not carry the same weight as published ones, they offer valuable insights into Judge Lazar's thought process and judicial reasoning. These decisions often reflect her nuanced understanding of the law and its application in unique circumstances.
For example, Judge Lazar's unpublished rulings in juvenile cases demonstrate her sensitivity to the challenges faced by young individuals in the legal system. These decisions, although not formally published, contribute to her overall judicial legacy and inform her future rulings.
Judge Lazar's Experience on the Circuit Court
Before her appointment to the appellate court, Judge Maria Lazar served on the circuit court for seven years, gaining extensive experience across various legal domains. This tenure provided her with a deep understanding of trial procedures and the complexities of civil, criminal, juvenile, and mental commitment cases.
Her circuit court experience has equipped her with the skills necessary to navigate intricate legal issues, as evidenced by her written decisions that have been pivotal in shaping local jurisprudence. This background enhances her credibility as an appellate judge, allowing her to draw from a wealth of practical knowledge in her current role.
judge lazar, maria lazar, friends of maria lazar
Overview of Judge Maria Lazar's Judicial Philosophy
Judge Maria Lazar's judicial philosophy is rooted in a commitment to fairness, justice, and the rule of law. Her approach emphasizes the importance of interpreting statutes and legal precedents with a focus on their intended purpose and the broader implications for society.
This philosophy is reflected in her opinions, where she often considers not only the legal arguments presented but also the real-world impact of her decisions. For instance, in her rulings on civil rights cases, she prioritizes the protection of individual liberties while balancing the interests of the state.
Notable Published Opinions
Among Judge Lazar's contributions to Wisconsin's legal landscape are several notable published opinions that have set important precedents. These opinions are significant not only for their legal reasoning but also for their influence on subsequent cases and legal interpretations.
One example is her decision in the case of Hartland Sportsman Club, Inc. v. City of Delafield, where she addressed complex zoning issues and the balance between community interests and individual property rights. Such cases illustrate her analytical rigor and dedication to upholding the law.
Unpublished Opinions and Their Impact
While unpublished opinions may not carry the same weight as published ones, they offer valuable insights into Judge Lazar's thought process and judicial reasoning. These decisions often reflect her nuanced understanding of the law and its application in unique circumstances.
For example, Judge Lazar's unpublished rulings in juvenile cases demonstrate her sensitivity to the challenges faced by young individuals in the legal system. These decisions, although not formally published, contribute to her overall judicial legacy and inform her future rulings.
Judge Lazar's Experience on the Circuit Court
Before her appointment to the appellate court, Judge Maria Lazar served on the circuit court for seven years, gaining extensive experience across various legal domains. This tenure provided her with a deep understanding of trial procedures and the complexities of civil, criminal, juvenile, and mental commitment cases.
Her circuit court experience has equipped her with the skills necessary to navigate intricate legal issues, as evidenced by her written decisions that have been pivotal in shaping local jurisprudence. This background enhances her credibility as an appellate judge, allowing her to draw from a wealth of practical knowledge in her current role.
