782.44 Prisoner brought for trial or as witness. This chapter does not restrain the power of courts to issue a writ of habeas corpus, to bring before them any prisoner for trial or as a witness.
History: 1979 c. 32 s. 59; Stats. 1979 s. 782.44.
The trial court in determining whether to grant the writ should weigh the interest of the prisoner in presenting testimony in person against the state's interest in maintaining the prisoner's confinement. Eight listed factors are to be considered. State ex rel. Rilla v. Dodge County Circuit Court 76 Wis. 2d 429, 251 N.W.2d 476 (1977).
Whether to proceed with civil litigation or to hold it in abeyance while a party is incarcerated depends on the nature of the case, the practical concerns raised by the prisoner's appearance, and the alternative methods available to provide the prisoner with access to the hearing. Schmidt v. Schmidt, 212 Wis. 2d 405, 569 N.W.2d 74 (Ct. App. 1997), 96-3699.
A writ of habeas corpus prosequendum does not constitute a detainer subject to the requirements of the Interstate Agreement on Detainers, s. 976.05. State v. Eesley, 225 Wis. 2d 248, 591 N.W.2d 846 (1999), 97-1839.