County of Dane v. Norman
Wisconsin Supreme Court
497 N.W.2d 714 (1993)
- Written by Sean Carroll, JD
Facts
A Dane County (plaintiff) ordinance prohibited landlords from discriminating against potential tenants on the basis of marital status. The ordinance included being a cohabitant as one status falling under the definition of “marital status.” The county passed the ordinance pursuant to enabling state legislation. Wisconsin had adopted a state public policy to protect and promote the institution of marriage and the family. Dwight Norman (defendant) refused to rent his duplex to a group of three single women, and, on a separate occasion, to two single women and one of the women’s children. Norman’s policy generally was to not rent the duplex to groups of unrelated people. Dane County filed a complaint claiming that Norman violated its ordinance. The circuit court granted Norman summary judgment. The court of appeals reversed. Norman appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Steinmetz, J.)
Dissent (Heffernan, C.J.)
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