The written opinion of the supreme court stating the law governing the questions certified shall be sent by the clerk under the seal of the supreme court to the certifying court and to the parties.
821.07.Opinion.
Ch. 821: Uniform Certification of Questions of Law Rule · Last amended 1982 · Last verified July 15, 2026
In one sentenceSection 821.07 requires the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s written opinion answering the certified questions to be sent, under the court’s seal, to both the certifying court and the parties.
Full Text of Section 821.07
Plain-English Summary
Section 821.07 closes out the certification process with the answer itself. The written opinion of the supreme court, stating the law governing the questions certified, is the vehicle for that answer.
The clerk sends that opinion under the seal of the supreme court to two audiences at once: the certifying court, and the parties to the underlying case. Both get the opinion directly, rather than the parties having to obtain it through the certifying court.
This closes the loop opened when a court first invokes the chapter and prepares a certification order: the certifying court asks, the supreme court answers in writing, and that answer travels back to where it is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What form does the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s answer to a certified question take?
A written opinion stating the law governing the questions certified.
Who receives the opinion?
Both the certifying court and the parties to the case.
How is the opinion transmitted?
Sent by the clerk, under the seal of the supreme court.
Does the certifying court apply the opinion itself to decide the pending case?
Section 821.07 addresses delivering the opinion to the certifying court and the parties; applying it to the case remains with the certifying court, consistent with certification answering only the legal question rather than deciding the case.
Is the opinion sent only to the certifying court, leaving the parties to get a copy separately?
No, the section directs that it go to both the certifying court and the parties.
Amendment History
History: Sup. Ct. Order, 107 Wis. 2d xiii (1982).
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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