Lenz v. L.E. Phillips Career Development Center

(dissenting.) I dissent from the majority opinion for the reasons that follow. First, the present case is moot. A case is moot when a final determination has no practical effect upon the existing controversy. State ex rel. McDonald v. Douglas Cty. Cir. Ct., *95100 Wis. 2d 569, 572, 302 N.W.2d 462 (1981). L.W. passed away while his case was pending on appeal. Consequently, a final determination has no practical effect upon L.W.'s controversy. Although this court has the authority to decide an issue when a matter has become moot as to the parties before it, I believe we should not have granted the…