James Peterson at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Wisconsin · State
- Judicial service
- Active
James Peterson
Judge · Dunn County Circuit Court
Biography
Professional career
- Nominated by President Barack Obama on November 7, 2013, to the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin, filling the seat vacated by Judge John C. Shabaz
- Before joining the federal bench, Peterson clerked for Judge David G. Deininger of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals (1998–1999) and practiced law at Godfrey & Kahn, S.C., where he specialized in litigation and intellectual property law
- James D. Peterson is the chief judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin, now serving in senior status
Education
- He later earned his Juris Doctor in 1998 from the University of Wisconsin Law School, graduating Order of the Coif
- B.S. (1979), M.A. (1984), and Ph.D. (1986), University of Wisconsin–Madison
Additional information
- He assumed senior status on May 16, 2026, while maintaining his role as chief judge
- After Senate confirmation on May 8, 2014, he received his commission on May 12, 2014, and became chief judge on April 26, 2017
- University of Notre Dame — teaching
- University of Wisconsin Law School — teaching
- Throughout his judicial career, Peterson has presided over a variety of notable cases
- Originally focused on art and film, he transitioned to law after being inspired by his experiences teaching and observing law students
- Initially pursued film studies
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
Dunn 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 August 22, 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 ↗