809.52.Rule (Temporary relief).
Ch. 809: Rules of Appellate Procedure · Last amended 1981 · Last verified July 15, 2026
Full Text of Section 809.52
Official Notes
Judicial Council Committee’s Note, 1978: Rules 809.51 to 809.52 incorporate into the rules for the first time the procedures to be followed when the court is asked to exercise its supervisory jurisdiction. For an excellent discussion of original and supervisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and the distinction between them see the opinion by Justice Wickhem in Petition of Heil, 230 Wis. 428, 284 N.W. 42 (1939). To a large degree the procedures specified in 201 Wis. 123, 229 N.W. 643 (1930) are followed, but some of the features of Rule 21, FRAP, are included. There are a number of changes, however, from prior procedures. The parties in the action or proceeding in the trial court must be made respondents in the Court of Appeals because they in most cases are the real parties in interest. Usually the judge whose order is being challenged has no direct interest in the outcome and should not be forced to appear but may, of course, do so. The Attorney General must also be served in certain cases such as declaratory judgments involving the constitutionality of a statute or arising under Chapter 227, the administrative procedure act. The petition must be filed with the clerk rather than being submitted ex parte to a judge of the court. By virtue of the requirement that the petition be filed, it must previously have been served on opposing parties as required by s. 809.80. The initial action of the court will be to direct the respondents to answer the petition rather than to issue an order to show cause why the relief requested should not be granted. [Re Order effective July 1, 1978]
Plain-English Summary
A petition for leave to appeal or for a supervisory or prerogative writ can take time to resolve, and waiting for that resolution is not always safe for the petitioner. Section 809.52 lets a petitioner filing under Section 809.50 or 809.51 request temporary relief pending the court’s disposition of the petition itself, rather than requiring a wholly separate proceeding to get interim protection.
The decision belongs to the court, or to a judge of the court, who may grant that relief on whatever terms and conditions are considered appropriate. The rule does not specify what form the relief must take or list required findings; it leaves the substance of the relief, and the conditions attached to it, to the court’s judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ask for temporary relief while my petition for leave to appeal is pending in Wisconsin?
Yes. Section 809.52 allows a petitioner filing under Section 809.50 to request temporary relief pending disposition of the petition.
Does this apply to supervisory writ petitions too?
Yes, Section 809.52 covers petitions filed under Section 809.51 as well as those filed under Section 809.50.
Who decides whether to grant temporary relief under Section 809.52?
The court, or a judge of the court, may grant it.
What conditions can be attached to temporary relief granted under this section?
Whatever terms and conditions the court or judge considers appropriate; the rule does not limit them further.
Do I need a separate filing to request temporary relief under Section 809.52?
No. The rule allows the request to be made in the petition already filed under Section 809.50 or 809.51.
Amendment History
History: Sup. Ct. Order, 83 Wis. 2d xiii (1978); 1981 c. 390 s. 252.