Except as provided in s. 655.27 (5) (a) 3., in all cases where it shall appear reasonable and proper the court may require the plaintiff to give sufficient security for such costs as may be awarded against the plaintiff.
814.27.Security for costs.
Ch. 814: Court Costs, Fees, and Surcharges · Last amended 1993 · Last verified July 15, 2026
In one sentenceSection 814.27 lets a court require a plaintiff to post security for costs that might be awarded against the plaintiff, whenever doing so appears reasonable and proper, except as section 655.27(5)(a)3. otherwise provides.
Full Text of Section 814.27
Plain-English Summary
Section 814.27 gives courts a general tool to protect a defendant’s ability to collect costs if the defendant ends up winning. In any case where it appears reasonable and proper, the court may require the plaintiff to give sufficient security for whatever costs might eventually be awarded against the plaintiff.
The section is a broad, discretionary grant rather than a specific formula — it does not list the circumstances that trigger the requirement, leaving that judgment to the court. It applies except as section 655.27(5)(a)3. provides otherwise, a carve-out for a different statutory context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Wisconsin court require a plaintiff to post security before proceeding with a case?
Yes. Section 814.27 lets the court require the plaintiff to give sufficient security for costs that may be awarded against the plaintiff, in any case where it appears reasonable and proper.
Does section 814.27 list specific situations that require security for costs?
No. The section leaves the decision to the court’s judgment about what is reasonable and proper, rather than enumerating particular triggering circumstances.
Is there any exception to this security-for-costs authority?
Yes. Section 814.27 applies except as provided in section 655.27(5)(a)3., which governs a distinct statutory situation.
What does “sufficient security” mean under this section?
The section does not fix a dollar figure or method; it directs the court to require security sufficient to cover costs that might be awarded against the plaintiff, leaving the amount and form to the court.
Who benefits from the security a plaintiff is ordered to post under this section?
The defendant, since the security exists to make sure costs the court might award against the plaintiff can be collected.
Amendment History
History: Sup. Ct. Order, 67 Wis. 2d 585, 761 (1975); Stats. 1975 s. 814.27; 1983 a. 158; 1993 a. 486.
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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