UW Law School Clinical Professor Michele LaVigne is featured three times in October 2006 on Wisconsin Public Television, all relating to Wisconsin’s controversial proposed  constitutional amendment that would ban civil unions, domestic partnerships and same-sex marriage. LaVigne’s first appearance was  Friday, October 13, on "Here and Now".

On Wednesday, October 25 at 8 p.m., with a repeat showing on Thursday, October 26 at 11 p.m., LaVigne will be featured in a mock trial in the program "Marriage Amendment on Trial." In a mock courtroom setting, lawyers and witnesses square off on both sides of the marriage amendment debate, with LaVigne representing the opposition to the amendment. Supporters of the amendment are represented by attorney Rick Esenberg of Milwaukee. Esenberg also appeared on the "Here and Now" spot with LaVigne on October 13.

"Each side called three witnesses," LaVigne says. "It was a tough (though fascinating) project for many reasons, not the least of which was the time limits: direct- and cross-examination were limited to four minutes each. As it was, the trial went on for 1 hour 17 minutes and has been edited down to an hour."

LaVigne is director of the Public Defender Project at the Law School’s Frank J. Remington Center. Prior to joining the Law School faculty she practiced as a Wisconsin Public Defender in Madison.

Submitted by on October 27, 2006

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