By: Derek Hawkins//June 19, 2019//
WI Supreme Court
Case Name: Portage County v. J.W.K.
Case No.: 2019 WI 54
Focus: Sufficiency of Evidence
An issue is moot when its resolution will have no practical effect on the underlying controversy. In this review of a Chapter 51 recommitment order, we consider whether J.W.K.’s sufficiency-of-the-evidence challenge to the 2016 order extending his commitment is rendered moot because the 2016 order expired after the court extended his commitment in 2017 under a separate order. Reversing the expired 2016 order for insufficient evidence would have no effect on subsequent recommitment orders because later orders stand on their own under the language of the statute. We therefore hold that J.W.K.’s sufficiency challenge is moot, and we affirm the court of appeals’ decision dismissing the appeal.
Affirmed
Concur: DALLET, J., concurs and dissents, joined by ABRAHAMSON, J. and A.W. BRADLEY, J. (opinion filed).
Dissent: