In re J.M.W. v. State of Texas

Summary

The Fourth Court of Appeals of Texas struck a petition for writ of mandamus and its appendix because they contained numerous unredacted names of a minor and family members, violating appellate and local privacy rules. The court dismissed the proceeding as moot after the trial court ruled on the relator’s motion to transfer.

Holdings

1. The court struck the petition and appendix because they contained at least ninety-one disclosures violating Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.8, Rule 9.9, or Local Rule 4.2.
2. A mandamus petition complaining that a trial court failed to rule is moot when the trial court rules after the petition is filed.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the court should strike a mandamus petition and appendix containing repeated prohibited disclosures of identifying information concerning a minor and the minor's family.
2. Whether a mandamus petition alleging failure to rule becomes moot after the trial court rules on the matter.

Disposition

dismissed