Opinion ID: 2087418
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: does public interest exception apply?

Text: The Aupperles argue that if we determine the appeal is moot, we should nevertheless decide the issues presented under the public interest exception to the mootness doctrine. An appellate court may choose to review an otherwise moot case under the public interest exception if it involves a matter affecting the public interest or when other rights or liabilities may be affected by its determination. [8] This exception requires a consideration of the public or private nature of the question presented, the desirability of an authoritative adjudication for future guidance of public officials, and the likelihood of future recurrence of the same or a similar problem. [9] At its core, this is a dispute between two private landowners regarding potential future rights to store water flowing in a watercourse which transverses their properties. The facts which would frame the resolution of this dispute have not yet occurred. Because we find the necessary considerations to be lacking, we decline to reach the merits of this moot appeal under the public interest exception.