Wisconsin State Law Library

Serving the Wisconsin Supreme Court and State of Wisconsin

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July 29, 2013

Borrow by Mail puts library books in reach



Did you know you can borrow library books by mail?  Law books are expensive and the average public library does not collect specialized legal materials. Our “borrow by mail” service delivers expert, reliable, printed resources at reasonable rates to attorneys all over Wisconsin.  Cardholders can request library materials by phoning the reference desk at 608-267-9696 or emailing us. The library charges a handling fee of $15.00 per volume.  The lending period is expanded to three weeks, with possible renewal, if needed.  For more information, see our Borrow by Mail guidelines.

July 22, 2013

WSLL Recommends: Sack on Defamation

The first edition of Sack on Defamation was published in 1980, with subsequent editions in 1994, 1999 and the current fourth edition in 2010. During the author’s 33-year private practice he specialized in national and international press law. Since 1998 he has served on the bench of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.


This leading treatise provides a comprehensive and up to date analysis of the law of defmation, invasion of privacy and related torts - including insights into how the internet and other electronic media continue to have significant effects. The first several chapters cover:

  • Constitutional principles
  • The cause of action and its elements
  • Truth (fact) and opinion
  • Standard of conduct for both private and public plaintiffs
  • Absolute and qualified privilege
  • Damages and other remedies
  • Retraction
  • Related causes of action, such as invasion of privacy, injurious falsehood, interference with contract, negligent infliction of emotional distress, conspiracy, deprivation of civil rights

It goes on to provide practical guidance regarding:

  • Discovery – sources, confidentiality, and anonymity
  • Jurisdiction and Choice of law
  • Motion practice and Appeal

A final chapter on Insurance policies discusses risks and protections for publishers and broadcasters:

Other titles on defamation available at WSLL

Defamation: a lawyer’s guide by David A. Elder
Law of Defamation by Rodney A. Smolla
Libel and Privacy by Bruce W. Sanford
Wisconsin Elements of an Action by Jay E. Grenig (volume 14 of the Wisconsin Practice series) contains chapters on both defamation and emotional distress.

July 16, 2013

New Tutorials!

LLMC Digital is a database available in our libraries that allows researchers to find historical Wisconsin and Federal primary and secondary law. Our newest tutorial covers how to find Wisconsin Attorney General Opinions on LLMC Digital. The tutorial also includes a quick overview of how to browse through volumes and print. Watch it below or go to the Using LLMC Digital tutorial page for the video plus additional research guides.

We updated our Google Scholar videos to reflect recent changes in how the Google Scholar website works - particularly the advanced search. Watch both below or visit our Case Law Research with Google Scholar tutorial page for both videos and additional search tips.




July 15, 2013

MLRC Reopens Tuesday July 16th

We are pleased to announce that the Milwaukee Legal Resource Center (MLRC) will reopen to the public for its regular hours (8-4:30) on Tuesday, July 16th. The MLRC was closed since last Monday after a fire in the Milwaukee County Courthouse. 


July 12, 2013

MLRC Remains Closed Through July 15th

The Milwaukee Legal Resource Center (MLRC) will be closed on Monday, July 15th, though parts of the courthouse will reopen to the public on that date. A fire in the Milwaukee County courthouse where the MLRC is located has caused the temporary closure of the courthouse and MLRC.

If you need assistance while the MLRC is closed, please call the Wisconsin State Law Library reference desk at 608-267-9696 or email us using our Ask a Librarian service.

Watch this website for further updates on when the MLRC will reopen.

July 9, 2013

MLRC Closed Through July 12th

The Milwaukee Legal Resource Center (MLRC) will be closed through Friday, July 12th. A fire in the Milwaukee County courthouse where the MLRC is located has caused the temporary closure of the courthouse and MLRC.

If you need assistance while the MLRC is closed, please call the Wisconsin State Law Library reference desk at 608-267-9696 or email us using our Ask a Librarian service.

Watch this website for further updates on when the MLRC will reopen.

July 8, 2013

MLRC closed Monday and Tuesday

Due to an electrical fire in the Milwaukee Courthouse basement, the Milwaukee Legal Resource Center will be closed Monday and Tuesday, July 8th and 9th.

If you need assistance while the MLRC is closed, please call the Wisconsin State Law Library reference desk at 608-267-9696 or email us using our Ask a Librarian service.

July 5, 2013

WSLL at Your Service: July 2013

Summer reading is highlighted in our July newsletter. Read more about the Prose and Cons collection in the Lighter Side of the Law. Other news items include:



July 1, 2013

Libraries Closed: Thursday, July 4th

The Wisconsin State Law Library, Milwaukee Legal Resource Center, and Dane County Legal Resource Center will be closed on Thursday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. The Dane County Legal Resource Center will also be closed on Friday, July 5th for a county furlough day.

To submit a question to the Wisconsin State Law Library while we are closed, you may call us at 608-267-9696 or Ask a Librarian online. We will respond to questions and requests on Friday, July 5th.

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