Any judge who refuses to grant a writ of habeas corpus, when legally applied for, is liable to the prisoner in the sum of $1,000.
Wis. Stat. § 782.09
Comity between circuit courts was not a sufficient reason to refuse to issue a writ but, under the facts of the case, the penalty under this section was inappropriate. J.V. v. Barron, 112 Wis. 2d 256, 332 N.W.2d 796 (1983). The filing of a petition for a writ with the clerk of courts is a prerequisite to an action against a judge under this section. Maier v. Byrnes, 121 Wis. 2d 258, 358 N.W.2d 833 (Ct. App. 1984).