Opinion ID: 2508569
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Whether Trial Counsel Were Ineffective In Failing To Investigate And Present Evidence In Mitigation.

Text: Dunlap argues on appeal he received ineffective assistance of counsel because his attorneys failed to conduct an adequate mitigation investigation. Dunlap contends that such an investigation needed to be completed prior to advising him to plead guilty. Generally, an issue is moot if it does not present a real and substantial controversy capable of being concluded through a judicial decree of specific relief. Idaho Sch. for Equal Educ. Opportunity v. Idaho State Bd. of Educ., 128 Idaho 276, 281-82, 912 P.2d 644, 649-50 (1996). If the parties lack a legally cognizable interest in the outcome or the issues presented are no longer live, the issues are moot and preclude review. Id. at 281, 912 P.2d at 649. When a favorable judicial decision would not result in any relief, the party lacks a legally cognizable interest in the outcome. See Murphy v. Hunt, 455 U.S. 478, 481-82, 102 S.Ct. 1181, 1183-84, 71 L.Ed.2d 353, 356-57 (1982). The State conceded and the district court agreed that Dunlap should have a new sentencing hearing. Dunlap may present any and all mitigating evidence at that time. We do not believe Dunlap's mitigation investigation had to be completed prior to pleading guilty. This issue is moot because even a favorable result would not give Dunlap any additional relief beyond what has already been granted by the district court.