802.05 Annotation
To avoid permitting prisoners to easily avoid the judicial screening requirement that is central to the purpose s. 802.05 (3), prisoners may not amend their initial pleadings as a matter of course under s. 802.09 (1). A prisoner's amendment of an initial pleading is subject to the judicial screening requirement of s. 802.05 (3), and a court must review the proposed amended pleading under that subsection before granting the prisoner leave to amend. Lindell v. Litscher, 2005 WI App 39,
280 Wis. 2d 159,
694 N.W.2d 396,
03-2477.
802.05 Annotation
If a pleading that does not conform to the subscription requirement of sub. (1) (a) is characterized as containing a fundamental defect that normally deprives the court of jurisdiction, that pleading is curable. Rabideau v. Stiller, 2006 WI App 155,
295 Wis. 2d 417,
720 N.W.2d 108,
05-2868.
802.05 Annotation
The Effect of Jandrt on Satellite Litigation. Geske & Gleisner. Wis. Law. May 2000.
802.05 Annotation
Frivolous Sanction Law in Wisconsin. Geske & Gleisner. Wis. Law. Feb. 2006.
802.05 Note
NOTE: The above case annotations refer to s. 802.05 as it existed prior to its repeal and recreation by SCO 03-06.
802.05 Annotation
This section is a procedural rule and procedural rules generally have retroactive application. However, this section, as affected by Supreme Court Order 03-06, is not to be applied retroactively when the new rule diminishes a contract, disturbs vested rights, or imposes an unreasonable burden on the party charged with complying with the new rule's requirements. Trinity Petroleum, Inc. v. Scott Oil Company, Inc. 2007 WI 88,
302 Wis. 2d 299,
735 N.W.2d 1,
05-2837.
802.05 Annotation
Sub. (3) (a) 1. requires the party seeking sanctions to first serve the motion on the potentially sanctionable party, who then has 21 days to withdraw or appropriately correct the claimed violation. The movant cannot file a motion for sanctions unless that time period has expired without a withdrawal or correction. A postjudgment sanctions motion does not comply with sub. (3) (a) 1. It would wrench both the language and the purpose of the rule to permit an informal warning to substitute for service of the motion. Ten Mile Investments, LLC v. Sherman, 2007 WI App 253,
306 Wis. 2d 799,
743 N.W.2d 442,
06-0353.
802.06
802.06
Defenses and objection; when and how presented; by pleading or motion; motion for judgment on the pleadings. 802.06(1)(1)
When presented. Except when a court dismisses an action or special proceeding under
s. 802.05 (4), a defendant shall serve an answer within 20 days after the service of the complaint upon the defendant. If a guardian ad litem is appointed for a defendant, the guardian ad litem shall have 20 days after appointment to serve the answer. A party served with a pleading stating a cross claim against the party shall serve an answer thereto within 20 days after the service upon the party. The plaintiff shall serve a reply to a counterclaim in the answer within 20 days after service of the answer. The state or an agency of the state or an officer, employee, or agent of the state shall serve an answer to the complaint or to a cross claim or a reply to a counterclaim within 45 days after service of the pleading in which the claim is asserted. If any pleading is ordered by the court, it shall be served within 20 days after service of the order, unless the order otherwise directs. If a defendant in the action is an insurance company, or if any cause of action raised in the original pleading, cross claim, or counterclaim is founded in tort, the periods of time to serve a reply or answer shall be 45 days. The service of a motion permitted under
sub. (2) alters these periods of time as follows, unless a different time is fixed by order of the court: if the court denies the motion or postpones its disposition until the trial on the merits, the responsive pleading shall be served within 10 days after notice of the court's action; or if the court grants a motion for a more definite statement, the responsive pleading shall be served within 10 days after the service of the more definite statement.
802.06(2)(a)(a) Every defense, in law or fact, except the defense of improper venue, to a claim for relief in any pleading, whether a claim, counterclaim, cross claim, or 3rd-party claim, shall be asserted in the responsive pleading thereto if one is required, except that the following defenses may at the option of the pleader be made by motion:
802.06(2)(a)5.
5. Untimeliness or insufficiency of service of summons or process.
802.06(2)(a)6.
6. Failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.
802.06(2)(a)10.
10. Another action pending between the same parties for the same cause.
802.06(2)(b)
(b) A motion making any of the defenses in
par. (a) 1. to
10. shall be made before pleading if a further pleading is permitted. Objection to venue shall be made in accordance with
s. 801.51. If a pleading sets forth a claim for relief to which the adverse party is not required to serve a responsive pleading, the adverse party may assert at the trial any defense in law or fact to that claim for relief. If on a motion asserting the defense described in
par. (a) 6. to dismiss for failure of the pleading to state a claim upon which relief can be granted, or on a motion asserting the defenses described in
par. (a) 8. or
9., matters outside of the pleadings are presented to and not excluded by the court, the motion shall be treated as one for summary judgment and disposed of as provided in
s. 802.08, and all parties shall be given reasonable opportunity to present all material made pertinent to such a motion by
s. 802.08.
802.06(3)
(3) Judgment on the pleadings. After issue is joined between all parties but within time so as not to delay the trial, any party may move for judgment on the pleadings. Prior to a hearing on the motion, any party who was prohibited under
s. 802.02 (1m) from specifying the amount of money sought in the demand for judgment shall specify that amount to the court and to the other parties. If, on a motion for judgment on the pleadings, matters outside the pleadings are presented to and not excluded by the court, the motion shall be treated as one for summary judgment and disposed of as provided in
s. 802.08, and all parties shall be given reasonable opportunity to present all material made pertinent to the motion by
s. 802.08.
802.06(4)
(4) Preliminary hearings. The defenses specifically listed in
sub. (2), whether made in a pleading or by motion, the motion for judgment under
sub. (3) and the motion to strike under
sub. (6) shall be heard and determined before trial on motion of any party, unless the judge to whom the case has been assigned orders that the hearing and determination thereof be deferred until the trial. The hearing on the defense of lack of jurisdiction over the person or property shall be conducted in accordance with
s. 801.08.
802.06(5)
(5) Motion for more definite statement. If a pleading to which a responsive pleading is permitted is so vague or ambiguous that a party cannot reasonably be required to frame a responsive pleading, the party may move for a more definite statement before interposing a responsive pleading. The motion shall point out the defects complained of and the details desired. If the motion is granted and the order of the court is not obeyed within 10 days after notice of the order or within such other time as the court may fix, the court may strike the pleading to which the motion was directed or make such order as it deems just.
802.06(6)
(6) Motion to strike. Upon motion made by a party before responding to a pleading or, if no responsive pleading is permitted upon motion made by a party within 20 days after the service of the pleading upon the party or upon the court's own initiative at any time, the court may order stricken from any pleading any insufficient defense or any redundant, immaterial, impertinent, scandalous, or indecent matter. If a defendant in the action is an insurance company, if any cause of action raised in the original pleading, cross-claim, or counterclaim is founded in tort, or if the moving party is the state or an officer, agent, employee, or agency of the state, the 20-day time period under this subsection is increased to 45 days.
802.06(7)
(7) Consolidation of defenses in motions. A party who makes a motion under this section may join with it any other motions herein provided for and then available to the party. If a party makes a motion under this section but omits therefrom any defense or objection then available to the party which this section permits to be raised by motion, the party shall not thereafter make a motion based on the defense or objection so omitted, except a motion as provided in
sub. (8) (b) to
(d) on any of the grounds there stated.
802.06(8)
(8) Waiver or preservation of certain defenses. 802.06(8)(a)(a) A defense of lack of jurisdiction over the person or the property, insufficiency of process, untimeliness or insufficiency of service of process or another action pending between the same parties for the same cause is waived only if any of the following conditions is met:
802.06(8)(a)1.
1. The defense is omitted from a motion in the circumstances described in
sub. (7).
802.06(8)(a)2.
2. The defense is neither made by motion under this section nor included in a responsive pleading.
802.06(8)(b)
(b) A defense of failure to join a party indispensable under
s. 803.03 or of res judicata may be made in any pleading permitted or ordered under
s. 802.01 (1), or by motion before entry of the final pretrial conference order. A defense of statute of limitations, failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted, and an objection of failure to state a legal defense to a claim may be made in any pleading permitted or ordered under
s. 802.01 (1), or by a motion for judgment on the pleadings, or otherwise by motion within the time limits established in the scheduling order under
s. 802.10 (3).
802.06(8)(c)
(c) If it appears by motion of the parties or otherwise that the court lacks jurisdiction of the subject matter, the court shall dismiss the action.
802.06(8)(d)
(d) A defense of lack of capacity may be raised within the time permitted under
s. 803.01.
802.06(9)
(9) Telephone hearings. Oral argument permitted on motions under this section may be heard as prescribed in
s. 807.13 (1).
802.06 History
History: Sup. Ct. Order,
67 Wis. 2d 585, 623 (1975);
1975 c. 218; Sup. Ct. Order, 73 Wis. 2d xxxi; Sup. Ct. Order, 82 Wis. 2d ix;
1977 c. 260;
1977 c. 447 ss.
196,
210;
1979 c. 110 ss.
51,
60 (7);
1979 c. 323 s.
33;
1981 c. 390 s.
252; Sup. Ct. Order, 112 Wis. 2d xi (1983);
1983 a. 228 s.
16; Sup. Ct. Order, 141 Wis. 2d xiii (1987);
1987 a. 256;
1993 a. 213; Sup. Ct. Order No.
95-04, 191 Wis. 2d xxi (1995);
1995 a. 225,
411;
1997 a. 133,
187;
1999 a. 32;
2001 a. 16; Sup. Ct. Order No.
03-06A, 2005 WI 86, 280 Wis. 2d xiii;
2005 a. 442;
2007 a. 97.
802.06 Note
Judicial Council Committee's Note, 1976: Subs. (2) (e) and (8) make clear that, unless waived, a motion can be made to claim as a defense lack of timely service within the 60 day period that is required by s. 801.02 to properly commence an action. See also s. 893.39. Defenses under sub. (8) cannot be raised by an amendment to a responsive pleading permitted by s. 802.09 (1). [Re Order effective Jan. 1, 1977]
802.06 Note
Judicial Council Committee's Note, 1977: Sub. (1) which governs when defenses and objections are presented, has been amended to delete references to the use of the scheduling conference under s. 802.10 (1) as the use of such a scheduling procedure is now discretionary rather than mandatory. The time periods under s. 802.06 are still subject to modification through the use of amended and supplemental pleadings under s. 802.09, the new calendaring practice under s. 802.10, and the pretrial conference under s. 802.11. [Re Order effective July 1, 1978]
802.06 Note
Judicial Council Note, 1983: Sub. (1) is amended by applying the extended response time for state agencies, officers and employees to state agents. The extended time is intended to allow investigation of the claim by the department of justice to determine whether representation of the defendant by the department is warranted under s. 893.82 or 895.46, Stats. [Re Order effective July 1, 1983]
802.06 Note
Judicial Council Note, 1988: Sub. (9) [created] allows oral arguments permitted on motions under this section to be heard by telephone conference. [Re Order effective Jan. 1, 1988]
802.06 Annotation
A motion under sub. (2) (f) [now (2) (a) 6.] usually will be granted only when it is quite clear that under no condition can the plaintiff recover. Wilson v. Continental Insurance Cos.
87 Wis. 2d 310,
274 N.W.2d 679 (1979).
802.06 Annotation
Under sub. (2) (f) [now (2) (a) 6.], a claim should only be dismissed if it is clear from the complaint that under no condition can the plaintiff recover. Morgan v. Pennsylvania General Insurance Co.
87 Wis. 2d 723,
275 N.W.2d 660 (1979).
802.06 Annotation
A plaintiff need not prima facie prove jurisdiction prior to a evidentiary hearing under sub. (4). Bielefeldt v. St. Louis Fire Door Co.
90 Wis. 2d 245,
279 N.W.2d 464 (1979).
802.06 Annotation
Since facts alleged in the complaint stated a claim for abuse of process, the complaint was improperly dismissed under sub. (2) (f) [now (2) (a) 6.] even though an abuse of process claim was not pleaded or argued in the trial court. Strid v. Converse,
111 Wis. 2d 418,
331 N.W.2d 350 (1983).
802.06 Annotation
Counsel's appearance and objection, affidavit, and trial brief were adequate to raise the issue of defective service of process. If not in form, in substance those actions were the equivalent of a motion under sub. (2). Honeycrest Farms, Inc. v. A. O. Smith Corp.
169 Wis. 2d 596,
486 N.W.2d 539 (Ct. App. 1992).
802.06 Annotation
Pleading failure to secure proper jurisdiction, or alternatively failure to obtain proper service, was sufficient to challenge the sufficiency of a summons and complaint served without proper authentication. Studelska v. Avercamp,
178 Wis. 2d 457,
504 N.W.2d 125 (Ct. App. 1993).
802.06 Annotation
Motions for sanctions under this section must be filed prior to the entry of judgment. Northwest Wholesale Lumber v. Anderson,
191 Wis. 2d 278,
528 N.W.2d 502 (Ct. App. 1995).
802.06 Annotation
A party does not waive the defense of lack of jurisdiction when 2 answers are filed on its behalf by 2 different insurers and only one raises the defense. Honeycrest Farms v. Brave Harvestore Systems,
200 Wis. 2d 256,
546 N.W.2d 192 (Ct. App. 1996),
95-1789.
802.06 Annotation
Trial courts have the authority to convert a motion to dismiss to a motion for summary judgment when matters outside the pleadings are considered. Schopper v. Gehring,
210 Wis. 2d 208,
565 N.W.2d 187 (Ct. App. 1997),
96-2782.
802.06 Annotation
A defendant may file a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim after filing an answer. A defendant who raises the defenses of failure to state a claim or the statute of limitations in an answer does not forfeit the right to bring those defenses on for disposition by subsequent motion. Eternalist Foundation, Inc. v. City of Platteville,
225 Wis. 2d 759,
593 N.W.2d 84 (Ct. App. 1999),
98-1944.
802.06 Annotation
Sub. (2) (b) requires the court to notify parties of its intent to convert a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim to one for summary judgment and to provide the parties a reasonable opportunity to present material made pertinent by the application of s. 802.08. CTI of Northeast Wisconsin, LLC v. Herrell, 2003 WI App 19,
259 Wis. 2d 756,
656 N.W.2d 794,
02-1881.
802.06 Annotation
Sub. (8) (b), as applied to certiorari proceedings in which there is no pretrial conference, allows a party who has unsuccessfully moved to dismiss on other grounds to still seek dismissal grounded on claims preclusion at any time before the court has considered the merits of the petitioner's claims. Barksdale v. Litscher, 2004 WI App 130,
275 Wis. 2d 493,
685 N.W.2d 493,
03-0841.
802.06 Annotation
The plaintiff is normally entitled to an evidentiary hearing when a defendant challenges personal jurisdiction, even if the plaintiff does not demonstrate that an evidentiary hearing is necessary. The burden of going forward with the evidence, as well as the burden of persuasion, on the issue of jurisdiction is on the plaintiff. There is no rule that the plaintiff's burden to prove prima facie the facts supporting jurisdiction must be met by affidavit or in any manner prior to the evidentiary hearing. Kavanaugh Restaurant Supply, Inc. v. M.C.M. Stainless Fabricating, Inc. 2006 WI App 236,
297 Wis. 2d 532,
724 N.W.2d 893,
06-0043.
802.07
802.07
Counterclaim and cross claim. 802.07(1)
(1)
Counterclaim. A defendant may counterclaim any claim which the defendant has against a plaintiff, upon which a judgment may be had in the action. A counterclaim may or may not diminish or defeat the recovery sought by the opposing party. Except as prohibited by
s. 802.02 (1m), the counterclaim may claim relief exceeding in amount or different in kind from that sought in the pleading of the opposing party.
802.07(2)
(2) Counterclaim maturing or acquired after pleading. A claim which either matured or was acquired by the pleader after serving the pleading may, with the permission of the court, be presented as a counterclaim by supplemental pleading.
802.07(3)
(3) Cross claim. A pleading may state as a cross claim any claim by one party against a coparty if the cross claim is based on the same transaction, occurrence, or series of transactions or occurrences as is the claim in the original action or as is a counterclaim therein, or if the cross claim relates to any property that is involved in the original action. Except as prohibited by
s. 802.02 (1m), the cross claim may include a claim that the party against whom it is asserted is or may be liable to the cross claimant for all or part of a claim asserted in the action against the cross claimant.
802.07(4)
(4) Joinder of additional parties. Persons other than those made parties to the original action may be made parties to a counterclaim or cross claim in accordance with
ss. 803.03 to
803.05.
802.07(5)
(5) Separate trials; separate judgments. If the court orders separate trials as provided in
s. 805.05 (2), judgment on a counterclaim or cross claim may be rendered in accordance with
s. 806.01 (2) when the court has jurisdiction so to do, even if the claims of the opposing party have been dismissed or otherwise disposed of.
802.07 History
History: Sup. Ct. Order,
67 Wis. 2d 585, 628 (1975);
1975 c. 218; Sup. Ct. Order, 104 Wis. 2d xi;
1987 a. 256;
2007 a. 97.
802.07 Annotation
Section 806.02 (2) provides that the plaintiff may move for default judgment according to the demand of the complaint. This section gives no indication that the appellations "plaintiff" and "defendant" may be reversed for purposes of a counterclaim. Pollack v. Calimag,
157 Wis. 2d 222,
458 N.W.2d 591 (Ct. App. 1990).
802.07 Annotation
A defendant may not join opposing counsel in counterclaims, but claims may be asserted against counsel after the principal action is completed. Badger Cab Co. v. Soule,
171 Wis. 2d 754,
492 N.W.2d 375 (Ct. App. 1992).
802.07 Annotation
This section does not contain mandatory counterclaim language but, res judicata bars claims arising from a single transaction that was the subject of a prior action and could have been raised by a counterclaim in the prior action if the action would nullify the initial judgment or impair rights established in the initial action. ABCG Enterprises v. First Bank Southeast,
184 Wis. 2d 465,
515 N.W.2d 904 (1994).
802.07 Annotation
When collateral estoppel compels raising a counterclaim in an equitable action, that compulsion does not result in the waiver of the right to a jury trial. Norwest Bank v. Plourde,
185 Wis. 2d 377,
518 N.W.2d 265 (Ct. App. 1994).
802.07 Annotation
In an automobile injury action by an injured party naming the driver of the other car and the injured party's own insurance company as defendants, the court was not competent to proceed on a default judgment motion by the insurer against the other defendant when the insurer had filed an answer, but no cross claim against the other defendant. A default judgment entered in favor of the insurer was void. Tridle v. Horn, 2002 WI App 215, 257 Wis. 2d. 529,
652 N.W.2d 418,
01-3372.
802.07 Annotation
When a defendant obtains judgment on a counterclaim, the judgment extinguishes the defendant's right to recover on other counterclaims arising from the same transaction. Bankruptcy Estate of Lake Geneva Sugar Shack, Inc. v. General Star Indemnity,
32 F. Supp. 2d 1059 (1999).
802.07 Annotation
Landing in the A.B.C.G. Soup: The Compulsory Counterclaim Trap. Bach. Wis. Law. March 2006.
802.08
802.08
Summary judgment. 802.08(1)(1)
Availability. A party may, within 8 months of the filing of a summons and complaint or within the time set in a scheduling order under
s. 802.10, move for summary judgment on any claim, counterclaim, cross claim, or 3rd-party claim which is asserted by or against the party. Amendment of pleadings is allowed as in cases where objection or defense is made by motion to dismiss.
802.08(2)
(2) Motion. Unless earlier times are specified in the scheduling order, the motion shall be served at least 20 days before the time fixed for the hearing and the adverse party shall serve opposing affidavits, if any, at least 5 days before the time fixed for the hearing. Prior to a hearing on the motion, any party who was prohibited under
s. 802.02 (1m) from specifying the amount of money sought in the demand for judgment shall specify that amount to the court and to the other parties. The judgment sought shall be rendered if the pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file, together with the affidavits, if any, show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the moving party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law. A summary judgment, interlocutory in character, may be rendered on the issue of liability alone although there is a genuine issue as to the amount of damages.
802.08(3)
(3) Supporting papers. Supporting and opposing affidavits shall be made on personal knowledge and shall set forth such evidentiary facts as would be admissible in evidence. Copies of all papers or parts thereof referred to in an affidavit shall be attached thereto and served therewith, if not already of record. The court may permit affidavits to be supplemented or opposed by depositions, answers to interrogatories, or further affidavits. When a motion for summary judgment is made and supported as provided in this section, an adverse party may not rest upon the mere allegations or denials of the pleadings but the adverse party's response, by affidavits or as otherwise provided in this section, must set forth specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial. If the adverse party does not so respond, summary judgment, if appropriate, shall be entered against such party.
802.08(4)
(4) When affidavits unavailable. Should it appear from the affidavits of a party opposing the motion that the party cannot for reasons stated present by affidavit facts essential to justify the party's opposition, the court may refuse the motion for judgment or may order a continuance to permit affidavits to be obtained or depositions to be taken or discovery to be had or may make such other order as is just.
802.08(5)
(5) Affidavits made in bad faith. Should it appear to the satisfaction of the court at any time that any of the affidavits presented pursuant to this section is presented in bad faith or solely for the purpose of delay, the court shall forthwith order the party employing them to pay to the other party the amount of the reasonable expenses which the filing of the affidavits caused the other party to incur, including reasonable attorney fees.
802.08(6)
(6) Judgment for opponent. If it shall appear to the court that the party against whom a motion for summary judgment is asserted is entitled to a summary judgment, the summary judgment may be awarded to such party even though the party has not moved therefor.
802.08(7)
(7) Telephone hearings. Oral argument permitted on motions under this section may be heard as prescribed in
s. 807.13 (1).
802.08 History
History: Sup. Ct. Order,
67 Wis. 2d 585, 630 (1975);
1975 c. 218; Sup. Ct. Order, 82 Wis. 2d ix; Sup. Ct. Order, 141 Wis. 2d xix;
1987 a. 256; Sup. Ct. Order, 168 Wis. 2d xxii;
1993 a. 490;
1997 a. 254;
2005 a. 253;
2007 a. 97.
802.08 Note
Judicial Council Committee's Note, 1977: Sub. (1) is revised to allow a party at any time within 8 months after the summons and complaint are filed or the time established in a scheduling order under s. 802.10 to move for a summary judgment. The 8-month time period has been created as the old procedure requiring a party to move for summary judgment not later than the time provided under s. 802.10 can no longer apply in most cases as the use of such a scheduling order is now completely discretionary with the trial judge. The 8-month time period is subject to enlargement under s. 801.15 (2) (a). [Re Order effective July 1, 1978]
802.08 Note
Judicial Council Note, 1988: Sub. (7) [created] allows oral arguments permitted on motions for summary judgment to be heard by telephone conference. [Re Order effective Jan. 1, 1988]
802.08 Note
Judicial Council Note, 1992: The prior sub. (2), allowing service of affidavits opposing summary judgment up to the date of hearing, afforded such minimal notice to the court and moving party that a plethora of local court rules resulted. Community Newspapers, Inc. v. West Allis,
158 Wis. 2d 28,
461 N.W.2d 785 (Ct. App. 1990). Requiring such affidavits to be served at least 5 days before the hearing is intended to preclude such local rules and promote uniformity of practice. Courts may require earlier filing by scheduling orders, however. [Re Order effective July 1, 1992]
802.08 Annotation
When the plaintiff had signed a release, and when another illness subsequently developed, whether the plaintiff consciously intended to disregard the possibility that a known condition could become aggravated was a question of fact not to be determined on summary judgment. Krezinski v. Hay,
77 Wis. 2d 569,
253 N.W.2d 522 (1977).
802.08 Annotation
Summary judgment procedure is not authorized in proceedings for judicial review under ch. 227. Wisconsin Environmental Decade v. Public Service Commission,
79 Wis. 2d 161,
255 N.W.2d 917 (1977).
802.08 Annotation
When an insurance policy unambiguously excluded coverage relating to warranties, a factual question whether implied warranties were made was immaterial and the trial court abused its discretion in denying the insurer's summary judgment motion. Jones v. Sears Roebuck & Co.
80 Wis. 2d 321,
259 N.W.2d 70 (1977).
802.08 Annotation
Use of the mandatory language in sub. (2) that "judgment shall be rendered" means that trial courts do not have wide latitude in deciding summary judgment motions and that appeals of decisions to grant or deny summary judgment be given exacting scrutiny. Wright v. Hasley,
86 Wis. 2d 572,
273 N.W.2d 319 (1979).
802.08 Annotation
When a stipulation to the facts of a case did not satisfy the formal requirements of s. 807.05, summary judgment was improper. Wilharms v. Wilharms,
93 Wis. 2d 671,
287 N.W.2d 779 (1980).
802.08 Annotation
The existence of a new or difficult issue of law does not make summary judgment inappropriate. Maynard v. Port Publications, Inc.
98 Wis. 2d 555,
297 N.W.2d 500 (1980).
802.08 Annotation
A conviction for injury by conduct regardless of life did not establish that the injury was intentional or expected and did not entitle the insurer to summary judgment on a policy exclusion issue. Poston v. U.S. Fidelity & Guarantee Co.
107 Wis. 2d 215,
320 N.W.2d 9 (Ct. App. 1982).
802.08 Annotation
Summary judgment can be based upon a party's failure to respond to a request for admissions, even if the admissions would be dispositive of the entire case. Bank of Two Rivers v. Zimmer,
112 Wis. 2d 624,
334 N.W.2d 230 (1983).
802.08 Annotation
An appellate court reviews the trial court's decision by applying the same standards and methods as did the trial court. Green Spring Farms v. Kersten,
136 Wis. 2d 304,
401 N.W.2d 816 (1987).
802.08 Annotation
When the only issue before the court requires expert testimony for resolution, the trial court on summary judgment may determine whether the party has made a prima facie showing that it can, in fact, produce favorable testimony. Dean Medical Center v. Frye,
149 Wis. 2d 727,
439 N.W.2d 633 (Ct. App. 1989).
