Opinion ID: 495296
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Failure to Raise Issue in the District Court

Text: 29 As a preliminary matter, we consider the Secretary's contention that appellees' failure to challenge section 602(a)(22) on constitutional grounds in the district court precludes them from raising the issue here. We disagree. 30 Generally, we will not consider an argument on appeal if it was not raised below. Abex Corp. v. Ski's Enterprises, Inc., 748 F.2d 513, 516 (9th Cir.1984). We recognize an exception to this rule, however, where the issue on appeal is purely one of law that is both central to the case and important to the public. Id. Here, our consideration of the issue will not require the parties to develop new facts; this issue involves a pure question of law. Moreover, the constitutionality of section 602(a)(22) to recover AFDC monies paid to recipients presents a significant question of general impact. Under these circumstances we will exercise our discretion to consider the issue notwithstanding appellees' failure to raise it in the district court.