two-element test (Wisconsin) · Go Syfert
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two-element test in Wisconsin

12 Wisconsin opinions name it 2 courts 1985–2023 2 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Wisconsin courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (7)

CaseFollowedCited
In Matter of Estate of Friedligreen
wisctapp · 1991 · cited in 4 Wisconsin opinions naming this issue, 2005–2023
2 sentences

2023See Hoeft v. Friedli, 164 Wis. 2d 178, 184-85 , 473 N.W.2d 604 (Ct. App. 1991); see also First Nat’l Bank of Appleton v. Nennig, 92 Wis. 2d 518, 536 , 285 N.W.2d 614 (1979) (“Undue influence in the execution of an inter vivos conveyance is proved in the same way that undue influence is proved in the execution of a will.”).

2023“When the objector has established three of the four elements by clear and convincing evidence, only slight evidence of the fourth is required.” Id. ¶31 The two-element test requires an objector to prove: “(1) a confidential or a fiduciary relationship between the [grantor] and the favored beneficiary, and (2) suspicious circumstances surrounding” the transfer of property.

34
State v. Rabegreen
wis · 1980 · cited in 2 Wisconsin opinions naming this issue, 1985–1991
2 sentences

1991He explicitly argues in his brief that "the Legislature clearly did not intend cumulative punishment under these two statutes." Second, in State v. Tappa, 127 Wis. 2d 155 , 378 N.W.2d 883 (1985), the supreme court admonished the court of appeals for failing to conduct the second prong of the multiplicity analysis, concluding that it was "erroneous not to apply the two-element test of [State v.] Rabe [, 96 Wis. 2d 48, 63 , 291 N.W.2d 809, 816 (1980)]" to that case.

1991He explicitly argues in his brief that "the Legislature clearly did not intend cumulative punishment under these two statutes." Second, in State v. Tappa, 127 Wis. 2d 155 , 378 N.W.2d 883 (1985), the supreme court admonished the court of appeals for failing to conduct the second prong of the multiplicity analysis, concluding that it was "erroneous not to apply the two-element test of [State v.] Rabe [, 96 Wis. 2d 48, 63 , 291 N.W.2d 809, 816 (1980)]" to that case.

12
First National Bank of Appleton v. Nenniggreen
wis · 1979 · cited in 1 Wisconsin opinions naming this issue, 2023–2023
2 sentences

2023See Hoeft v. Friedli, 164 Wis. 2d 178, 184-85 , 473 N.W.2d 604 (Ct. App. 1991); see also First Nat’l Bank of Appleton v. Nennig, 92 Wis. 2d 518, 536 , 285 N.W.2d 614 (1979) (“Undue influence in the execution of an inter vivos conveyance is proved in the same way that undue influence is proved in the execution of a will.”).

2023See Hoeft v. Friedli, 164 Wis. 2d 178, 184-85 , 473 N.W.2d 604 (Ct. App. 1991); see also First Nat’l Bank of Appleton v. Nennig, 92 Wis. 2d 518, 536 , 285 N.W.2d 614 (1979) (“Undue influence in the execution of an inter vivos conveyance is proved in the same way that undue influence is proved in the execution of a will.”).

11
Mielke v. Nordenggreen
wisctapp · 1983 · cited in 1 Wisconsin opinions naming this issue, 2020–2020
2 sentences

2020See id. ¶65 Moreover, in response to Gordon, Dennis, and Karl’s argument that the circuit court should have used the two-element test, John and Marlene cite Mielke v. Nordeng, 114 Wis. 2d 20, 27-28 , 337 N.W.2d 462 (Ct. App. 1983), for the proposition that the two-element test “is meant for close, confidential non-family relationships such as those between attorney and client, physician and patient, or priest and parishioner.” John and Marlene therefore argue that the two-element test is inapplicable in this case, which involves parent-child relationships.

2020See id. ¶65 Moreover, in response to Gordon, Dennis, and Karl’s argument that the circuit court should have used the two-element test, John and Marlene cite Mielke v. Nordeng, 114 Wis. 2d 20, 27-28 , 337 N.W.2d 462 (Ct. App. 1983), for the proposition that the two-element test “is meant for close, confidential non-family relationships such as those between attorney and client, physician and patient, or priest and parishioner.” John and Marlene therefore argue that the two-element test is inapplicable in this case, which involves parent-child relationships.

11
In Re Estate of Kamesargreen
wis · 1977 · cited in 1 Wisconsin opinions naming this issue, 2020–2020
1 sentence

2020Two-element Test ¶28 As to the two-element test, Trudie challenges only the circuit court’s finding as to the element of the existence of suspicious circumstances. 12 No. 2019AP1065 Existence of Suspicious Circumstances ¶29 The existence of suspicious circumstances may be proven through evidence regarding “the activity of the beneficiary in procuring the drafting and execution of the will, or a sudden and unexplained change in the attitude of the testator, or some other persuasive circumstance.” Lee, 81 Wis. 2d at 166 (quoted source omitted). ¶30 The circuit court found that “[s]imply calling

11
State v. Pettitgreen
wisctapp · 1992 · cited in 1 Wisconsin opinions naming this issue, 2020–2020
1 sentence

2020See id. ¶65 Moreover, in response to Gordon, Dennis, and Karl’s argument that the circuit court should have used the two-element test, John and Marlene cite Mielke v. Nordeng, 114 Wis. 2d 20, 27-28 , 337 N.W.2d 462 (Ct. App. 1983), for the proposition that the two-element test “is meant for close, confidential non-family relationships such as those between attorney and client, physician and patient, or priest and parishioner.” John and Marlene therefore argue that the two-element test is inapplicable in this case, which involves parent-child relationships.

11
Lyell Theatre Corporation v. Loews Corporationgreen
ca2 · 1982 · cited in 1 Wisconsin opinions naming this issue, 2006–2006
1 sentence

2006"Prejudice to defendants resulting from unreasonable delay may be presumed ... but in cases where delay is more moderate or excusable, the need to show actual prejudice is proportionally greater...." Id. at 491 n. 5, 360 N.W.2d 537 (citing Lyell Theatre Corp. v. Loews Corp., 682 F.2d 37, 43 (2d Cir. 1982)). ¶ 24 The next time the concept of actual prejudice appears is in the two-element test used in McMillian v. Dickey, where laches was raised to a petition for habeas corpus.

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Wisconsin. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (16)

CaseCitedYears
Glaeske v. Shaw green
wisctapp · 2003
2 sentences

2023When more than one reasonable inference can be drawn from the credible evidence, the reviewing court must accept the inference drawn by the trier of fact.” Noll, 115 Wis. 2d at 643 -44 (quoting Cogswell v. Robertshaw Controls Co., 87 Wis. 2d 243, 249-50 , 274 N.W.2d 647 (1979)).7 ¶31 There are two methods by which undue influence may be shown in Wisconsin, a four-element test and a two-element test.8 Glaeske v. Shaw, 2003 WI App 71 , ¶27 & n.12, 261 Wis. 2d 549 , 661 N.W.2d 420 .

2023When more than one reasonable inference can be drawn from the credible evidence, the reviewing court must accept the inference drawn by the trier of fact.” Noll, 115 Wis. 2d at 643 -44 (quoting Cogswell v. Robertshaw Controls Co., 87 Wis. 2d 243, 249-50 , 274 N.W.2d 647 (1979)).7 ¶31 There are two methods by which undue influence may be shown in Wisconsin, a four-element test and a two-element test.8 Glaeske v. Shaw, 2003 WI App 71 , ¶27 & n.12, 261 Wis. 2d 549 , 661 N.W.2d 420 .

22005–2023
State Ex Rel. Coleman v. McCaughtry green
wis · 2006
2 sentences

2019Coleman v. McCaughtry , 2006 WI 49 , ¶29, 290 Wis. 2d 352 , 714 N.W.2d 900 (referencing Sawyer v. Midelfort , 227 Wis. 2d 124 , 595 N.W.2d 423 (1999) ; State v. Prihoda , 2000 WI 123 , 239 Wis. 2d 244 , 618 N.W.2d 857 ; State ex rel.

2019Coleman v. McCaughtry , 2006 WI 49 , ¶29, 290 Wis. 2d 352 , 714 N.W.2d 900 (referencing Sawyer v. Midelfort , 227 Wis. 2d 124 , 595 N.W.2d 423 (1999) ; State v. Prihoda , 2000 WI 123 , 239 Wis. 2d 244 , 618 N.W.2d 857 ; State ex rel.

22019–2019
Sawyer v. Midelfort green
wis · 1999
2 sentences

2019Coleman v. McCaughtry , 2006 WI 49 , ¶29, 290 Wis. 2d 352 , 714 N.W.2d 900 (referencing Sawyer v. Midelfort , 227 Wis. 2d 124 , 595 N.W.2d 423 (1999) ; State v. Prihoda , 2000 WI 123 , 239 Wis. 2d 244 , 618 N.W.2d 857 ; State ex rel.

2019Coleman v. McCaughtry , 2006 WI 49 , ¶29, 290 Wis. 2d 352 , 714 N.W.2d 900 (referencing Sawyer v. Midelfort , 227 Wis. 2d 124 , 595 N.W.2d 423 (1999) ; State v. Prihoda , 2000 WI 123 , 239 Wis. 2d 244 , 618 N.W.2d 857 ; State ex rel.

22019–2019
State v. Prihoda green
wis · 2000
2 sentences

2019Coleman v. McCaughtry , 2006 WI 49 , ¶29, 290 Wis. 2d 352 , 714 N.W.2d 900 (referencing Sawyer v. Midelfort , 227 Wis. 2d 124 , 595 N.W.2d 423 (1999) ; State v. Prihoda , 2000 WI 123 , 239 Wis. 2d 244 , 618 N.W.2d 857 ; State ex rel.

2019Coleman v. McCaughtry , 2006 WI 49 , ¶29, 290 Wis. 2d 352 , 714 N.W.2d 900 (referencing Sawyer v. Midelfort , 227 Wis. 2d 124 , 595 N.W.2d 423 (1999) ; State v. Prihoda , 2000 WI 123 , 239 Wis. 2d 244 , 618 N.W.2d 857 ; State ex rel.

22019–2019
Cogswell v. Robertshaw Controls Co. green
wis · 1979
2 sentences

2023When more than one reasonable inference can be drawn from the credible evidence, the reviewing court must accept the inference drawn by the trier of fact.” Noll, 115 Wis. 2d at 643 -44 (quoting Cogswell v. Robertshaw Controls Co., 87 Wis. 2d 243, 249-50 , 274 N.W.2d 647 (1979)).7 ¶31 There are two methods by which undue influence may be shown in Wisconsin, a four-element test and a two-element test.8 Glaeske v. Shaw, 2003 WI App 71 , ¶27 & n.12, 261 Wis. 2d 549 , 661 N.W.2d 420 .

2023When more than one reasonable inference can be drawn from the credible evidence, the reviewing court must accept the inference drawn by the trier of fact.” Noll, 115 Wis. 2d at 643 -44 (quoting Cogswell v. Robertshaw Controls Co., 87 Wis. 2d 243, 249-50 , 274 N.W.2d 647 (1979)).7 ¶31 There are two methods by which undue influence may be shown in Wisconsin, a four-element test and a two-element test.8 Glaeske v. Shaw, 2003 WI App 71 , ¶27 & n.12, 261 Wis. 2d 549 , 661 N.W.2d 420 .

12023–2023
In Re Estate of Glass green
wis · 1978
2 sentences

2023Here the circuit court and the parties have most extensively addressed the four-element test, which requires proof of the following by clear, satisfactory, and convincing evidence: (1) susceptibility—a person who is susceptible to being unduly influenced by the alleged wrongdoer; (2) opportunity—the opportunity by the alleged wrongdoer to exercise undue influence on the susceptible person; (3) disposition—a disposition by the alleged wrongdoer to use such influence; and (4) coveted result—the 7 The siblings accurately quote the following statement of our supreme court in this context: “Reversa

2023Here the circuit court and the parties have most extensively addressed the four-element test, which requires proof of the following by clear, satisfactory, and convincing evidence: (1) susceptibility—a person who is susceptible to being unduly influenced by the alleged wrongdoer; (2) opportunity—the opportunity by the alleged wrongdoer to exercise undue influence on the susceptible person; (3) disposition—a disposition by the alleged wrongdoer to use such influence; and (4) coveted result—the 7 The siblings accurately quote the following statement of our supreme court in this context: “Reversa

12023–2023
Noll v. Dimiceli's, Inc. green
wisctapp · 1983
1 sentence

2023When more than one reasonable inference can be drawn from the credible evidence, the reviewing court must accept the inference drawn by the trier of fact.” Noll, 115 Wis. 2d at 643 -44 (quoting Cogswell v. Robertshaw Controls Co., 87 Wis. 2d 243, 249-50 , 274 N.W.2d 647 (1979)).7 ¶31 There are two methods by which undue influence may be shown in Wisconsin, a four-element test and a two-element test.8 Glaeske v. Shaw, 2003 WI App 71 , ¶27 & n.12, 261 Wis. 2d 549 , 661 N.W.2d 420 .

12023–2023
State v. Peppertree Resort Villas, Inc. green
wisctapp · 2002
2 sentences

2020In addition, “[w]hen the circuit court acts as the finder of fact, it is the ultimate arbiter of the credibility of the witnesses and the weight to be given to each witness’s testimony.” State v. Peppertree Resort Villas, Inc., 2002 WI App 207, ¶19 , 257 Wis. 2d 421 , 651 N.W.2d 345 . ¶52 Wisconsin courts recognize two distinct methods by which a litigant may establish undue influence: a four-element test and a two-element test.

2020In addition, “[w]hen the circuit court acts as the finder of fact, it is the ultimate arbiter of the credibility of the witnesses and the weight to be given to each witness’s testimony.” State v. Peppertree Resort Villas, Inc., 2002 WI App 207, ¶19 , 257 Wis. 2d 421 , 651 N.W.2d 345 . ¶52 Wisconsin courts recognize two distinct methods by which a litigant may establish undue influence: a four-element test and a two-element test.

12020–2020
Bertler v. Employers Insurance of Wausau green
wis · 1978
1 sentence

2019Id. at 20-22 .

12019–2019
Neylan v. Vorwald green
wisctapp · 1984
2 sentences

2006"Prejudice to defendants resulting from unreasonable delay may be presumed ... but in cases where delay is more moderate or excusable, the need to show actual prejudice is proportionally greater...." Id. at 491 n. 5, 360 N.W.2d 537 (citing Lyell Theatre Corp. v. Loews Corp., 682 F.2d 37, 43 (2d Cir. 1982)). ¶ 24 The next time the concept of actual prejudice appears is in the two-element test used in McMillian v. Dickey, where laches was raised to a petition for habeas corpus.

2006"Prejudice to defendants resulting from unreasonable delay may be presumed ... but in cases where delay is more moderate or excusable, the need to show actual prejudice is proportionally greater...." Id. at 491 n. 5, 360 N.W.2d 537 (citing Lyell Theatre Corp. v. Loews Corp., 682 F.2d 37, 43 (2d Cir. 1982)). ¶ 24 The next time the concept of actual prejudice appears is in the two-element test used in McMillian v. Dickey, where laches was raised to a petition for habeas corpus.

12006–2006
State Ex Rel. Smalley v. Morgan green
wisctapp · 1997
2 sentences

2006While the analysis of Smalley's delay was prefaced with an explanation of laches principles, [7] the Smalley decision actually rests on the application of habeas principles. [8] For example, Smalley concluded by explaining that Smalley's claim was precluded by the insufficiency of the habeas petition itself. [9] The foundation for the decision in Smalley becomes readily apparent when the decision places the burden of proof for timeliness of the petition on Smalley , which is in accord with reviewing timeliness in regard to a habeas petition. [10] Smalley, 211 Wis.2d at 802 n. 7, 565 N.W.2d 805

2006While the analysis of Smalley's delay was prefaced with an explanation of laches principles, [7] the Smalley decision actually rests on the application of habeas principles. [8] For example, Smalley concluded by explaining that Smalley's claim was precluded by the insufficiency of the habeas petition itself. [9] The foundation for the decision in Smalley becomes readily apparent when the decision places the burden of proof for timeliness of the petition on Smalley , which is in accord with reviewing timeliness in regard to a habeas petition. [10] Smalley, 211 Wis.2d at 802 n. 7, 565 N.W.2d 805

12006–2006
Jerry Dwayne Baxter v. W. J. Estelle, Jr., Director, Texas Dept. Of Corrections green
ca5 · 1980
2 sentences

2006Citing Baxter v. Estelle, 614 F.2d 1030 (5th Cir.1980), the court of appeals said, "[T]he state must demonstrate that it must suffer actual prejudice from the delay in its ability to respond to the grounds upon which habeas is sought." McMillian, 132 Wis.2d at 281 n. 14, 392 N.W.2d 453 (citing Baxter, 614 F.2d at 1032 -33 & n. 2).

2006Baxter, 614 F.2d at 1032-33 . *907 ¶ 25 In Smalley, again in the context of a habeas petition, the court of appeals employed a two-element test that requires that "actual prejudice" be shown by the state when it raises laches to a habeas petition.

12006–2006
State Ex Rel. McMillian v. Dickey green
wisctapp · 1986
2 sentences

2006Citing Baxter v. Estelle, 614 P.2d 1030 (5th Cir. 1980), the court of appeals said, "[T]he state must demonstrate that it must suffer actual prejudice from the delay in its ability to respond to the grounds upon which habeas is sought." McMillian, 132 Wis. 2d at 281 n.14 (citing Baxter, 614 F.2d at 1032-33 & n.2).

2006Smalley, 211 Wis. 2d at 800 (citing McMillian, 132 Wis. 2d at 281 n.14).

12006–2006
State v. Evans green
wis · 2004
2 sentences

2006Evans, 273 Wis.2d 192, ¶ 49 , 682 N.W.2d 784 . ¶ 27 However, in Prihoda , which addressed Prihoda's motion to vacate a clerical correction in sentencing, Prihoda raised laches to the clerical correction.

2006Evans, 273 Wis. 2d 192, ¶ 49 . ¶ 27.

12006–2006
Wurtz v. Fleischman green
wis · 1980
2 sentences

2006Wurtz v. Fleischman, 97 Wis.2d 100 , 107 n. 3, 293 N.W.2d 155 (1980). [3] All subsequent references to the Wisconsin Statutes are to the 2003-04 version unless otherwise noted. [4] There have been occasions when this two-element test has a preface to the first element, that the claimant has a cause of action against the defendant.

2006Wurtz v. Fleischman, 97 Wis.2d 100 , 107 n. 3, 293 N.W.2d 155 (1980). [3] All subsequent references to the Wisconsin Statutes are to the 2003-04 version unless otherwise noted. [4] There have been occasions when this two-element test has a preface to the first element, that the claimant has a cause of action against the defendant.

12006–2006
State v. Tappa green
wis · 1985
2 sentences

1991He explicitly argues in his brief that "the Legislature clearly did not intend cumulative punishment under these two statutes." Second, in State v. Tappa, 127 Wis. 2d 155 , 378 N.W.2d 883 (1985), the supreme court admonished the court of appeals for failing to conduct the second prong of the multiplicity analysis, concluding that it was "erroneous not to apply the two-element test of [State v.] Rabe [, 96 Wis. 2d 48, 63 , 291 N.W.2d 809, 816 (1980)]" to that case.

1991He explicitly argues in his brief that "the Legislature clearly did not intend cumulative punishment under these two statutes." Second, in State v. Tappa, 127 Wis. 2d 155 , 378 N.W.2d 883 (1985), the supreme court admonished the court of appeals for failing to conduct the second prong of the multiplicity analysis, concluding that it was "erroneous not to apply the two-element test of [State v.] Rabe [, 96 Wis. 2d 48, 63 , 291 N.W.2d 809, 816 (1980)]" to that case.

11991–1991

Statutes the citing opinions construe

WI § Wis. Stat. § 805.17 (5) WI § Wis. Stat. § 808.10 (5) WI § Wis. Stat. § 809.30 (3) WI § Wis. Stat. § 809.51 (3) WI § Wis. Stat. § 974.06 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

WI 12 (1985–2023) TX 11 (1998–2026) CA 3 (1984–2026) DC 3 (1981–2011) NJ 2 (1988–1992) AZ 2 (1995–2014)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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