Section 801.01. Kinds of proceedings; scope of chs. 801 to 847

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(1)   Kinds. Proceedings in the courts are divided into actions and special proceedings. In chs. 801 to 847 , “action" includes “special proceeding" unless a specific provision of procedure in special proceedings exists.

(2)   Scope. Chapters 801 to 847 govern procedure and practice in circuit courts of this state in all civil actions and special proceedings whether cognizable as cases at law, in equity or of statutory origin except where different procedure is prescribed by statute or rule. Chapters 801 to 847 shall be construed to secure the just, speedy and inexpensive determination of every action and proceeding.

(3)   Effective dates.

(a) Chapters 801 to 803 shall apply to all actions commenced on or after January 1, 1976.

(b) Chapters 804 to 807 shall apply to all actions pending or commenced on or after January 1, 1976, except those actions in which trial has commenced prior to January 1, 1976, as to which the statutes and rules in effect prior to January 1, 1976, shall continue to apply.

(c) Amendments and repeals of sections outside of chs. 801 to 807 shall be effective as follows:

1. Amendments and repeals effected in order to conform with provisions in chs. 801 to 803 shall apply to all actions commenced on or after January 1, 1976.

2. Amendments and repeals other than those effected in order to conform with provisions in chs. 801 to 803 shall take effect on January 1, 1976, as to all actions then pending or thereafter commenced, except as provided in par. (b) .

Chapters 801 to 847 apply to in rem actions under s. 161.555 [now 961.555] and under s. 801.07 may not be brought against an inanimate object as sole “defendant." State v. One 1973 Cadillac, 95 Wis. 2d 641 , 291 N.W.2d 626 (Ct. App. 1980).

An “action" includes special proceedings such as probate. In Matter of Estate of Martz, 171 Wis. 2d 89 , 491 N.W.2d 772 (Ct. App. 1992).

The applicability of chs. 801 to 847 in civil actions is not determined by a “mere alleged incompatibility" of statutes. Without an explicit or implicit prescription by the statute of a “different procedure," chs. 801 to 847 are applicable in civil proceedings. State v. Brown, 215 Wis. 2d 716 , 573 N.W.2d 884 (Ct. App. 1997), 96-1211 .

Summary judgment procedure is inconsistent with, and unworkable in, ch. 345 forfeiture proceedings. State v. Schneck, 2002 WI App 239 , 257 Wis. 2d 704 , 652 N.W.2d 434 , 02-0513 .

Summary judgment is inapplicable in ch. 343 hearings. State v. Baratka, 2002 WI App 288 , 258 Wis. 2d 342 , 654 N.W.2d 875 , 02-0770 .

The new Wisconsin rules of civil procedure: Chapters 801-803. Clausen and Lowe. 59 MLR 1.