Legal Definitions - Wisconsin

In a legal context, "Wisconsin" refers to specific laws enacted by the State of Wisconsin. The statutes cited here primarily address consumer protection against unwanted solicitations and the regulation of pornography. Specifically, Wisconsin law establishes rules for telemarketing calls and unsolicited faxes, aiming to protect individuals and businesses from intrusive marketing practices. Additionally, Wisconsin statutes define and prohibit certain types of pornography, particularly those involving minors, reflecting the state's stance on obscenity and child protection.

• Example 1: Unwanted Telemarketing Calls

  A Wisconsin resident has registered their home phone number on the state's "No Call" list. Despite this, they continue to receive automated calls from a company attempting to sell them a vacation package, even though they have no prior business relationship with that company.

  Explanation: This scenario directly relates to Wisconsin Stat. §§ 100.52 and 100.525, which establish rules for telemarketing and create the "No Call" list. The company's actions would likely violate these statutes, as they are making unsolicited calls to a number registered to prevent such solicitations, thereby infringing on the resident's right to privacy from unwanted marketing.

• Example 2: Unsolicited Fax Advertisements

  A small dental practice in Madison regularly receives faxes advertising discounted medical supplies from a company they have never done business with and from whom they have never requested information.

  Explanation: This situation falls under Wisconsin Stat. § 134.72, which prohibits unsolicited faxes for advertising purposes. The dental practice is receiving unwanted solicitations via fax, which is precisely what this statute aims to prevent, allowing the practice to potentially take action against the sender for violating the anti-solicitation law.

• Example 3: Distribution of Illegal Content

  Law enforcement in Wisconsin discovers an online forum where individuals are sharing and distributing images and videos depicting child sexual abuse, which are classified as child pornography.

  Explanation: This scenario directly involves Wisconsin Stat. § 944.25, which addresses pornography, specifically prohibiting the creation, possession, or distribution of child pornography. The actions of the individuals on the forum constitute a severe criminal offense under this statute, reflecting Wisconsin's strong legal prohibitions against the exploitation of minors.