The General Land Office of the State of Texas and Its Commissioner, Garry Mauro, Appellants v. Oxy U.S.A., Inc…

Summary

The Texas Supreme Court held that the direct appeal was moot because the underlying action was dismissed by nonsuit, and it rejected the General Land Office’s arguments that either the “capable of repetition yet evading review” or the “collateral consequences” exceptions to mootness applied. Accordingly, the court granted OXY’s motion to dismiss the appeal. The decision rests on the principle that appellate courts may not issue advisory opinions when no live controversy exists.