James C. Babler at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Wisconsin · State
- Judicial service
- Active
James C. Babler
Judge · Barron County Circuit Court
Biography
Professional career
- 2022 State Bar of Wisconsin Judge of the Year for improving the judicial system through leadership in justice quality, judicial education, and innovative programs
- Judge of the Barron County Circuit Court in Wisconsin, appointed in 2003 by former Governor Jim Doyle, and recognized in 2022 as State Bar of Wisconsin “Judge of the Year.”
- District Attorney: Barron County (1983–2003)
Education
- B.A. in Political Science, University of Wisconsin–Madison (1976) J.D., University of Wisconsin Law School (1979)
Additional information
- Elected: Re‐elected in 2016 for a six‐year term
- Appointed: 2003 by Gov.
- Assistant DA: Polk County (1980–1982) and Barron County (1979–1980)
- James E. Doyle, Jr., filling a vacancy after the retirement of Hon. James Eaton
- Instrumental in creating the Family Drug Treatment Court and the Court Appointed Special Advocate Program in Barron County.
- Active in his church, exercises regularly, and studies German.
- Raised in Portage, Wisconsin; married to Susan; two daughters.
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Camera Notice
Statewide
Wisconsin SCR 61 asks media to give the trial judge advance notice before bringing cameras or recording equipment into the courtroom.
the trial judge shall be given notice, at least 3 days in advanceWisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings ↗
Courtroom Equipment Control
Statewide
Wisconsin SCR 61 leaves courtroom equipment placement, lighting, and use subject to trial-judge control.
Only equipment approved by the trial judge in advance of the court proceeding may be usedWisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings ↗
Remote appearances
Statewide
Wisconsin's court system instructs parties that courts will notify them when a hearing is remote and provide joining instructions.
The court will send you instructions on how to join your remote hearing by video or by phone.Wisconsin Court System: Zoom hearing resources ↗
Statewide
Wisconsin remote-hearing guidance tells participants to contact the clerk promptly if they lack reliable internet or phone access.
Contact the clerk of circuit court as soon as possible.Wisconsin Court System: Zoom hearing resources ↗
Published courtroom rules
Shared court rules
Wisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings
Barron County Circuit Court
Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Sources
Identity source checked August 22, 2026.
Biography sources checked October 11, 2026.
Wisconsin Court System official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked August 22, 2026
View Wisconsin Court System official judicial roster ↗Wisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Wisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings ↗Wisconsin Court System: Zoom hearing resources
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Wisconsin Court System: Zoom hearing resources ↗