Dow Jones & Company, Inc. v. Robert P. Kaye

EDMONDSON, Circuit Judge:

This case requires us to consider whether a challenge in federal court to a gag order issued in state court is moot. The final judgment has been entered on the state case, but the parties have appealed to the state appellate court. We conclude that this appeal is moot and dismiss for lack of jurisdiction. 1

I

This case arises out of a widely publicized product-liability lawsuit filed in a south Florida state court against some tobacco companies. The suit sought to recover damages for cigarette addiction. See generally Engle v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., No. 94-8273…