Welcome to "From the Wyoming Bench" Blog

Welcome to From the Wyoming Bench at http://wysupremecourt.blogspot.com/.  Our democratic form of government rests upon the rule of law.  Of the three separate and independent branches of government, the judicial branch is responsible for the interpretation and enforcement of the laws that protect the rights of all citizens.  Our courts must be accessible to Wyoming citizens and responsible to their needs. With this in mind, From the Bench has been created to inform the public about new developments in the operation of the judicial branch.  Too often, the average citizen views the judicial branch as mysterious and unavailable to the public.  Through this blog, we intend to provide all who are interested with information about our operation, changes to rules, efforts to improve access to justice, and the challenges we face.  We are hopeful this effort will lead to a citizenry that is knowledgeable about our branch of government and its  importance to our democratic way of life.

-Chief Justice Marilyn S. Kite

Wyoming State Law Library celebrates National Library Week

Each April, libraries across the country observe national library week.  It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support.  The Wyoming State Law Library will celebrate on Tuesday, April 12, 9:30 a.m.  Please join us for a reception and tours.

Established in 1869, the Wyoming State Law Library was originally housed in the Wyoming State Capitol.  The State Supreme Court and Library Building was the concept of a few men who met in the office of the Governor early in 1935.  It was agreed that additional space was absolutely essential for the orderly functioning of State offices and departments.  The State Supreme Court and Library Building was completed and occupied in 1937.  A complete renovation of the building took place from 2006 to 2008. 

Today, the Wyoming State Law Library serves as the source of legal information for the Wyoming Judicial System, with particular emphasis on insuring the supply of current and relevant materials to the Wyoming Supreme Court.  It also serves as a research library for all state government.  People throughout the state can obtain legal materials through interlibrary loan.  In addition to the library’s print collection and online legal resources found at the Supreme Court website, the law library has computers available for public use.  WestLaw, Shepard’s Citation Service, and HeinOnline are accessible in the library through these computers.  The law library, in conjunction with the Oklahoma State Court Network, has made available an online free searchable database of Wyoming case law.  Summaries of recently decided Supreme Court decisions are available through the library’s blog, the Law Library Letter. 

Please call or write to let us know how we can serve you.