State Ex Rel. Korne v. Wolke

The issue before the court is whether the trial court erred in awarding costs.

“This court has consistently held that at common law costs were unknown, and that in this state costs are regulated exclusively by statute as a matter of legislative discretion.” Milwaukee v. Leschke, 57 Wis.2d 159, 161, 203 N.W.2d 669 (1973). In the absence of a statute authorizing costs, they are not recoverable. City of Beloit v. Town of Beloit, 47 Wis.2d 377, 392, 177 N.W.2d 361 (1970). This is particularly true in the case of the state or another governmental body, or an officer of a governmental body. See,…