In this chapter:
808.01.Definitions.
Ch. 808: Appeals and Writs of Error · Last amended 1991 · Last verified July 15, 2026
In one sentenceSection 808.01 defines “appeal” as an authorized review by appeal or writ of error of a circuit court judgment or order, and defines “appellate court” as either the supreme court or the court of appeals.
Full Text of Section 808.01
(1) “Appeal” means a review in an appellate court by appeal or writ of error authorized by law of a judgment or order of a circuit court.
(2) “Appellate court” means the supreme court under ch. 751 or the court of appeals under ch. 752.
Plain-English Summary
Section 808.01 opens Chapter 808 with the two terms the rest of the chapter builds on. Subsection (1) defines “appeal” to mean a review in an appellate court, by appeal or writ of error authorized by law, of a judgment or order of a circuit court. Subsection (2) defines “appellate court” to mean the supreme court under Chapter 751 or the court of appeals under Chapter 752.
Because these definitions apply throughout the chapter, they frame how later sections use the same words. When Section 808.02 refers to a writ of error, or Section 808.03 refers to an appeal to the court of appeals, both are drawing on the meanings this section fixes at the outset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “appeal” mean under Chapter 808?
A review in an appellate court by appeal or writ of error authorized by law of a judgment or order of a circuit court, as defined in subsection (1).
Does the definition of “appeal” include a writ of error?
Yes. Subsection (1) defines appeal to cover review “by appeal or writ of error.”
What courts count as an “appellate court” under this chapter?
The supreme court under Chapter 751 or the court of appeals under Chapter 752, as defined in subsection (2).
Does the definition of “appeal” cover review of any circuit court decision?
It covers review of a judgment or order of a circuit court, so long as that review is authorized by law.
Why does Chapter 808 open with these definitions?
The section states “In this chapter” before defining “appeal” and “appellate court,” fixing the meaning of terms that later sections in the chapter, including Sections 808.02 and 808.03, rely on.
Amendment History
History: 1977 c. 187; 1991 a. 189.
Source & verification. Section text and official notes are
reproduced verbatim from the Wisconsin Statutes, published by the
Wisconsin Legislature (Legislative Reference Bureau). Last verified July 15, 2026.
· Official source
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