mootness doctrine (Arizona) · Go Syfert
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mootness doctrine in Arizona

22 Arizona opinions name it 1 courts 1971–2026 8 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Arizona courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (16)

CaseFollowedCited
Cardoso v. Soldogreen
arizctapp · 2012 · cited in 4 Arizona opinions naming this issue, 2023–2025
2 sentences

2025Even assuming we were to find error with the superior court’s dismissal of Dragoons’ complaint, it would have no effect because the superior court cannot award Dragoons the specific performance it seeks. ¶12 We may exercise discretion and consider an appeal that has become moot when it presents an issue “of great public importance or one capable of repetition yet evading review.” Cardoso v. Soldo, 230 Ariz. 614, 617, ¶ 5 (App. 2012).

2024See id. at 617, ¶¶ 5-7 (recognizing exceptions to mootness when there is “an issue of great public importance or one capable of repetition yet evading review”).

44
CONTEMPO-TEMPE MOBILE HOME OWNERS v. Steinertgreen
arizctapp · 1985 · cited in 3 Arizona opinions naming this issue, 1990–2017
2 sentences

2017See Steinert, 144 Ariz. at 230. ¶9 Because this court has “the authority and often the duty to dismiss a moot case on its own initiative,” we dismiss the appeal.

2014See, e.g., Contempo-Tempe, 144 Ariz. at 230 , 696 P.2d at 1379 .

33
Sedona Private Property Owners Ass'n v. City of Sedonagreen
arizctapp · 1998 · cited in 2 Arizona opinions naming this issue, 2025–2026
2 sentences

2026Owners Ass’n v. City of Sedona, 192 Ariz. 126 , 127 ¶ 5 (App. 1998)). ¶21 The court’s application of the mootness doctrine is discretionary, and the court may address moot issues under certain circumstances.

2025Owners Ass’n v. City of Sedona, 192 Ariz. 126 , 127 ¶ 5 (App. 1998)). ¶21 The court’s application of the mootness doctrine is discretionary, and the court may address moot issues under certain circumstances.

22
Flores v. Cooper Tire and Rubber Co.green
arizctapp · 2008 · cited in 2 Arizona opinions naming this issue, 2015–2021
2 sentences

2015As a result, the mootness doctrine prevents us from deciding an issue that is “no longer in existence because of changes in the factual circumstances.” Flores v. Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., 218 Ariz. 52, 57, ¶ 24 , 178 P.3d 1176, 1181 (App. 2008) (internal citation and 2We cite to the current version of the statute unless otherwise noted. 3The minute entry was not signed and “[a]n unsigned minute entry is not a final judgment.” Sysco Ariz., Inc. v. Hoskins, 235 Ariz. 164, 166, ¶ 10 , 330 P.3d 354, 356 (App. 2014); see Ariz. R.

2015As a result, the mootness doctrine prevents us from deciding an issue that is “no longer in existence because of changes in the factual circumstances.” Flores v. Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., 218 Ariz. 52, 57, ¶ 24 , 178 P.3d 1176, 1181 (App. 2008) (internal citation and 2We cite to the current version of the statute unless otherwise noted. 3The minute entry was not signed and “[a]n unsigned minute entry is not a final judgment.” Sysco Ariz., Inc. v. Hoskins, 235 Ariz. 164, 166, ¶ 10 , 330 P.3d 354, 356 (App. 2014); see Ariz. R.

22
In Re Estate of Henrygreen
arizctapp · 1967 · cited in 2 Arizona opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
2 sentences

2016In re Henry’s Estate, 6 Ariz. App. 183, 188 , 430 P.2d 937, 942 (1967).

2016In re Henry's Estate, 6 Ariz.App, 183, 188, 430 P.2d 937, 942 (1967), If a mootness claim depends on such materials, a party should file an appropriate motion with supporting documentation in accordance with Rule 6(a)(3).

22
In the Interest of A. O. A.green
gactapp · 1984 · cited in 1 Arizona opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
1 sentence

2025See id. ¶13 Like Florida, Alabama, and Texas, we adopt a narrow exception to the mootness doctrine when a parent appealing a termination order passes away during the appeal.

11
Thomas v. City of Phoenixgreen
arizctapp · 1991 · cited in 1 Arizona opinions naming this issue, 2023–2023
1 sentence

2023See Thomas, 171 Ariz. at 74 (discussing this exception to the mootness doctrine).

11
Sysco Arizona, Inc. v. Hoskinsgreen
arizctapp · 2014 · cited in 1 Arizona opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
2 sentences

2015As a result, the mootness doctrine prevents us from deciding an issue that is “no longer in existence because of changes in the factual circumstances.” Flores v. Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., 218 Ariz. 52, 57, ¶ 24 , 178 P.3d 1176, 1181 (App. 2008) (internal citation and 2We cite to the current version of the statute unless otherwise noted. 3The minute entry was not signed and “[a]n unsigned minute entry is not a final judgment.” Sysco Ariz., Inc. v. Hoskins, 235 Ariz. 164, 166, ¶ 10 , 330 P.3d 354, 356 (App. 2014); see Ariz. R.

2015As a result, the mootness doctrine prevents us from deciding an issue that is “no longer in existence because of changes in the factual circumstances.” Flores v. Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., 218 Ariz. 52, 57, ¶ 24 , 178 P.3d 1176, 1181 (App. 2008) (internal citation and 2We cite to the current version of the statute unless otherwise noted. 3The minute entry was not signed and “[a]n unsigned minute entry is not a final judgment.” Sysco Ariz., Inc. v. Hoskins, 235 Ariz. 164, 166, ¶ 10 , 330 P.3d 354, 356 (App. 2014); see Ariz. R.

11
State v. Helffrichgreen
arizctapp · 1992 · cited in 1 Arizona opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
2 sentences

2008Sec., 182 Ariz. 141 , 143 n. 2, 893 P.2d 1304 , 1306 n. 2 (App.1995) (examining a possibly moot issue because it was "of statewide importance and . . . might otherwise *1184 elude review"); State v. Helffrich, 174 Ariz. 1, 5 , 846 P.2d 151, 155 (App.1992) ("Regardless of whether the issue is moot, we will consider the merits because the issue is of significant public importance and is likely to recur."). ¶ 39 That public importance exception to the mootness doctrine applies here as well.

2008Sec., 182 Ariz. 141 , 143 n. 2, 893 P.2d 1304 , 1306 n. 2 (App.1995) (examining a possibly moot issue because it was "of statewide importance and . . . might otherwise *1184 elude review"); State v. Helffrich, 174 Ariz. 1, 5 , 846 P.2d 151, 155 (App.1992) ("Regardless of whether the issue is moot, we will consider the merits because the issue is of significant public importance and is likely to recur."). ¶ 39 That public importance exception to the mootness doctrine applies here as well.

11
Chambers v. United Farm Workers Organizing Committeegreen
arizctapp · 1975 · cited in 1 Arizona opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
2 sentences

2008Comm., 25 Ariz.App. 104, 106 , 541 P.2d 567, 569 (1975).

2008Comm., 25 Ariz.App. 104, 106 , 541 P.2d 567, 569 (1975).

11
Bilagody v. Thorneycroftgreen
arizctapp · 1979 · cited in 1 Arizona opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
2 sentences

2008Bilagody v. Thorneycroft, 125 Ariz. 88, 90 , 607 P.2d 965, 967 (App.1979).

2008Bilagody v. Thorneycroft, 125 Ariz. 88, 90 , 607 P.2d 965, 967 (App.1979).

11
Fisher v. Maricopa County Stadium Districtgreen
arizctapp · 1995 · cited in 1 Arizona opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
2 sentences

2001Fisher v. Maricopa County Stadium Dist., 185 Ariz. 116, 119 , 912 P.2d 1345, 1348 (App.1995).

2001Fisher v. Maricopa County Stadium Dist., 185 Ariz. 116, 119 , 912 P.2d 1345, 1348 (App.1995).

11
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 2 v. Phoenix Employee Relations Boardgreen
ariz · 1982 · cited in 1 Arizona opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
2 sentences

2001Fraternal Order of Police v. Phoenix Employee Relations Bd., 133 Ariz. 126, 127 , 650 P.2d 428, 429 (1982); Exodyne Props., Inc. v. City of Phoenix, 165 Ariz. 373, 376 , 798 P.2d 1382, 1385 (App.1990). ¶ 13 The present case does not fit within the exception to the mootness rule for an issue of great public importance.

2001Fraternal Order of Police v. Phoenix Employee Relations Bd., 133 Ariz. 126, 127 , 650 P.2d 428, 429 (1982); Exodyne Props., Inc. v. City of Phoenix, 165 Ariz. 373, 376 , 798 P.2d 1382, 1385 (App.1990). ¶ 13 The present case does not fit within the exception to the mootness rule for an issue of great public importance.

11
Pointe Resorts, Inc. v. Culbertsongreen
ariz · 1988 · cited in 1 Arizona opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
2 sentences

2001See, e.g., Pointe Resorts, Inc. v. Culbertson, 158 Ariz. 137, 140-41 , 761 P.2d 1041, 1044-45 (1988) (“Generally the mootness doctrine requires that judicial opinions not be rendered concerning issues which no longer exist because of changes in the factual circumstances.”). ¶ 12 Steel argues that it is entitled to judgment as a matter of law following the jury’s verdict allocating 100% of fault for the plaintiffs’ damages to Steel and 0% to Lichman, a designated non-party at fault.

2001See, e.g., Pointe Resorts, Inc. v. Culbertson, 158 Ariz. 137, 140-41 , 761 P.2d 1041, 1044-45 (1988) (“Generally the mootness doctrine requires that judicial opinions not be rendered concerning issues which no longer exist because of changes in the factual circumstances.”). ¶ 12 Steel argues that it is entitled to judgment as a matter of law following the jury’s verdict allocating 100% of fault for the plaintiffs’ damages to Steel and 0% to Lichman, a designated non-party at fault.

11
Exodyne Properties, Inc. v. City of Phoenixgreen
arizctapp · 1990 · cited in 1 Arizona opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
2 sentences

2001Fraternal Order of Police v. Phoenix Employee Relations Bd., 133 Ariz. 126, 127 , 650 P.2d 428, 429 (1982); Exodyne Props., Inc. v. City of Phoenix, 165 Ariz. 373, 376 , 798 P.2d 1382, 1385 (App.1990). ¶ 13 The present case does not fit within the exception to the mootness rule for an issue of great public importance.

2001Fraternal Order of Police v. Phoenix Employee Relations Bd., 133 Ariz. 126, 127 , 650 P.2d 428, 429 (1982); Exodyne Props., Inc. v. City of Phoenix, 165 Ariz. 373, 376 , 798 P.2d 1382, 1385 (App.1990). ¶ 13 The present case does not fit within the exception to the mootness rule for an issue of great public importance.

11
Municipality of Anchorage v. Anchorage Daily Newsgreen
alaska · 1990 · cited in 1 Arizona opinions naming this issue, 1995–1995
1 sentence

1995Id.; KPNX Broadcasting Co. v. Superior Court, 139 Ariz. 246, 250 , 678 P.2d 431 , 435 (1984) (holding that an issue that will evade review is not subject to the mootness doctrine); see also generally Municipality of Anchorage v. Anchorage Daily News, 794 P.2d 584, 588 (Alaska 1990) (holding that the mootness doctrine is a product of judicial policy and not constitutional mandate; and explaining the exceptions to the doctrine).

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Arizona. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (7)

CaseCitedYears
Odle v. Imperial Ice Cream Company neutral
arizctapp · 1970
2 sentences

1985The present case does not fit within the exception to the mootness rule for an issue “capable of repetition yet evading review.” Board of Examiners v. Marchese, 49 Ariz. 350 , 66 P.2d 1035 (1937); Odle v. Imperial Ice Cream Co., 11 Ariz. App. 203 , 463 P.2d 98 (1970).

1985The present case does not fit within the exception to the mootness rule for an issue “capable of repetition yet evading review.” Board of Examiners v. Marchese, 49 Ariz. 350 , 66 P.2d 1035 (1937); Odle v. Imperial Ice Cream Co., 11 Ariz. App. 203 , 463 P.2d 98 (1970).

21985–1985
Camerena v. Department of Public Welfare green
ariz · 1970
2 sentences

1985Nor does this case fall within another exception to the mootness doctrine for a case which poses a question of “public importance.” Camerena v. Department of Public Welfare, 106 Ariz. 30 , 470 P.2d 111 (1970).

1985Nor does this case fall within another exception to the mootness doctrine for a case which poses a question of “public importance.” Camerena v. Department of Public Welfare, 106 Ariz. 30 , 470 P.2d 111 (1970).

21985–1985
Board of Examiners v. Marchese green
ariz · 1937
2 sentences

1985The present case does not fit within the exception to the mootness rule for an issue “capable of repetition yet evading review.” Board of Examiners v. Marchese, 49 Ariz. 350 , 66 P.2d 1035 (1937); Odle v. Imperial Ice Cream Co., 11 Ariz. App. 203 , 463 P.2d 98 (1970).

1985The present case does not fit within the exception to the mootness rule for an issue “capable of repetition yet evading review.” Board of Examiners v. Marchese, 49 Ariz. 350 , 66 P.2d 1035 (1937); Odle v. Imperial Ice Cream Co., 11 Ariz. App. 203 , 463 P.2d 98 (1970).

21985–1985
Salas v. Arizona Department of Economic Security green
arizctapp · 1995
2 sentences

2008Sec., 182 Ariz. 141 , 143 n. 2, 893 P.2d 1304 , 1306 n. 2 (App.1995) (examining a possibly moot issue because it was "of statewide importance and . . . might otherwise *1184 elude review"); State v. Helffrich, 174 Ariz. 1, 5 , 846 P.2d 151, 155 (App.1992) ("Regardless of whether the issue is moot, we will consider the merits because the issue is of significant public importance and is likely to recur."). ¶ 39 That public importance exception to the mootness doctrine applies here as well.

2008Sec., 182 Ariz. 141 , 143 n. 2, 893 P.2d 1304 , 1306 n. 2 (App.1995) (examining a possibly moot issue because it was "of statewide importance and . . . might otherwise *1184 elude review"); State v. Helffrich, 174 Ariz. 1, 5 , 846 P.2d 151, 155 (App.1992) ("Regardless of whether the issue is moot, we will consider the merits because the issue is of significant public importance and is likely to recur."). ¶ 39 That public importance exception to the mootness doctrine applies here as well.

12008–2008
Kpnx Broadcasting v. Superior Court, Etc. green
ariz · 1984
2 sentences

1995Id.; KPNX Broadcasting Co. v. Superior Court, 139 Ariz. 246, 250 , 678 P.2d 431 , 435 (1984) (holding that an issue that will evade review is not subject to the mootness doctrine); see also generally Municipality of Anchorage v. Anchorage Daily News, 794 P.2d 584, 588 (Alaska 1990) (holding that the mootness doctrine is a product of judicial policy and not constitutional mandate; and explaining the exceptions to the doctrine).

1995Id.; KPNX Broadcasting Co. v. Superior Court, 139 Ariz. 246, 250 , 678 P.2d 431 , 435 (1984) (holding that an issue that will evade review is not subject to the mootness doctrine); see also generally Municipality of Anchorage v. Anchorage Daily News, 794 P.2d 584, 588 (Alaska 1990) (holding that the mootness doctrine is a product of judicial policy and not constitutional mandate; and explaining the exceptions to the doctrine).

11995–1995
Maricopa County Health Department v. Harmon green
arizctapp · 1987
2 sentences

1989Maricopa County Health Department v. Harmon, 156 Ariz. 161 , 750 P.2d 1364 (App.1987).

1989Maricopa County Health Department v. Harmon, 156 Ariz. 161 , 750 P.2d 1364 (App.1987).

11989–1989
Ford Motor Co. v. National Labor Relations Board green
scotus · 1939
2 sentences

1971Appellant cites the case of Ford Motor Co. v. N.L.R.B., 305 U.S. 364 , 59 S.Ct. 301 , 83 L.Ed. 221 (1939), for the proposition that a secondary question of practical importance may preclude application of the mootness doctrine to an appeal and has appended the affidavit of Howard Godfrey of the City of Mesa Planning & Zoning Department in support of the argument that the decision of the trial court has an effect upon the zoning in the area by the City of Mesa.

1971Appellant cites the case of Ford Motor Co. v. N.L.R.B., 305 U.S. 364 , 59 S.Ct. 301 , 83 L.Ed. 221 (1939), for the proposition that a secondary question of practical importance may preclude application of the mootness doctrine to an appeal and has appended the affidavit of Howard Godfrey of the City of Mesa Planning & Zoning Department in support of the argument that the decision of the trial court has an effect upon the zoning in the area by the City of Mesa.

11971–1971

Statutes the citing opinions construe

AZ § Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-341 (6) AZ § Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-2101 (5) AZ § Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-120.21 (3) AZ § Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-1831 (3) AZ § Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-2030 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

NY 1305 (1976–2026) IL 646 (1965–2026) TX 456 (1976–2026) PA 340 (1967–2026) OH 248 (1975–2026) CT 147 (1979–2026) CA 115 (1978–2026) HI 111 (1987–2026) MO 93 (1976–2025) TN 92 (1983–2026) AK 89 (1971–2025) ID 87 (1983–2026) AR 79 (1992–2026) IA 78 (1982–2025) KS 74 (1978–2025) ME 74 (1981–2025) VT 71 (1978–2025) CO 64 (1975–2026) UT 62 (1981–2026) NC 57 (1976–2025) KY 48 (1983–2026) WI 48 (1986–2026) IN 46 (1987–2026) MI 46 (1978–2026) NE 43 (1989–2026) SC 41 (1996–2024) MD 40 (1976–2025) NV 38 (1986–2025) MN 36 (1980–2025) WA 34 (1988–2026) GA 32 (1983–2025) WY 32 (1985–2025) RI 27 (2004–2025) DC 26 (1964–2024) OK 26 (1984–2026) MT 26 (1996–2022) NM 24 (1983–2025) OR 23 (1995–2021) AZ 22 (1971–2026) VA 21 (1988–2025) MS 21 (1994–2025) FL 21 (1983–2025) MA 20 (1984–2023) SD 18 (1978–2026) DE 16 (1988–2025) AL 15 (1984–2025) LA 14 (1998–2025) WV 12 (1984–2026) NH 9 (1977–2023) NJ 8 (1977–2024) VI 6 (2010–2024) ND 4 (2000–2006)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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