Opinion ID: 1890890
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Mootness of Relief Requested.

Text: On August 14, 1962, the circuit court filed its memorandum decision and entered its findings of fact and conclusions of law. On the same day the federal court also entered its final decision in the reapportionment suit instituted by relator. State of Wisconsin v. Zimmerman (D. C. Wis. 1962), 209 Fed. Supp. 183. This decision directed dismissal of the suit with costs against the plaintiffs. It appears from this decision that despite the failure of the plaintiffs to deposit the required $3,500 as security for costs, Special Master Wingert conducted hearings and made his findings and recommendations to the court which enabled it to resolve the controversy by its final decision of August 14, 1962. If that decision was the end of the matter, we might well find no further need for any deposit as security for costs thus rendering moot the relief prayed for by relator, namely, that respondent be compelled by peremptory writ of mandamus to sign the $3,500 check. Nevertheless, we have been supplied with a copy of the order which the federal court entered August 22, 1962, pursuant to the mandate of its decision of August 14, 1962. This order provided in part as follows:  It is further ordered that the clerk of this court enter judgment dismissing the complaint without prejudice to the commencement of a new action after August 1, 1963, and against the plaintiffs, and each of them, for the services and disbursements of the special master, Emmert L. Wingert, including the obligations incurred by him for the court, reporter, John R. Adams, and the expert witness, Dr. C. K Alexander, in the total sum of $5,237.62, and upon such payment the clerk shall satisfy said judgment and disburse said funds to the said special master, court reporter, and expert witness. It will be noted that plaintiffs are required to pay costs, in the amount of $5,237.62, to the clerk of court, who is then to disburse same as directed in the order. Thus, an order directing respondent to sign the $3,500 check, which, is payable to the order of the clerk of the United States district court for the Western district of Wisconsin, will result in the clerk's having $3,500 to apply against this $5,237.62 liability for costs. Therefore, the instant prayer for relief is not moot. By the Court. Judgment reversed, and cause remanded with directions to issue a peremptory writ of mandamus commanding respondent to sign the $3,500 check described in this opinion. WILKIE, J., took no part.