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In a move aimed at streamlining court procedures and improving access to justice, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has approved several changes to civil practice rules that will go into effect starting today.One of the key changes is the implementation of mandatory electronic filing for all civil cases in Wisconsin. This means that all documents related to civil cases must now be filed electronically through the court's electronic filing system. The change is expected to make the filing process more efficient and cost-effective, as well as reduce the amount of paper used in court proceedings.Another significant change is the adoption of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedures for civil cases. Parties will now be required to participate in mediation or arbitration before their case can proceed to trial. This change is aimed at reducing the backlog of cases in Wisconsin courts and promoting quicker resolution of disputes.Additionally, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has established a pilot program for expedited civil litigation in certain cases. Under this program, cases meeting specific criteria such as smaller monetary claims or simpler legal issues will be expedited through the court process, with the goal of resolving them more quickly and efficiently.These changes come as part of a broader effort to modernize and improve the civil justice system in Wisconsin. Proponents of the changes believe that they will make the court system more user-friendly, reduce costs for litigants and taxpayers, and ultimately lead to fairer and more efficient resolution of civil disputes.The Wisconsin Supreme Court has also indicated that further changes to civil practice rules may be considered in the future, as the court continues to seek ways to improve the delivery of justice in the state. Civil practitioners and litigants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new rules and procedures to ensure compliance and efficient resolution of their cases.