Opinion ID: 1827009
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Suppression of Bodily Samples

Text: Schuster next alleges that the trial court erred in denying his motion in limine to suppress his bodily samples taken for a rape kit. However, this argument is moot. An argument is moot when the actual controversy has ceased and the only judgment which could be entered would be ineffectual for any purpose and would be an idle act concerning the rights involved in the action. Aetna Life Ins. Co. v. Satterlee, 475 N.W.2d 569, 572 (S.D.1991). There is no controversy regarding the bodily samples for the rape kit because they were never offered as evidence by the state at trial. In fact, the only mention of the bodily samples at trial was made by defense counsel. Because the evidence which was sought to be suppressed was never offered at trial, there is no error to address in this appeal.