What does it mean for a case to be considered "moot"?

A case is deemed "moot" when it has become irrelevant due to changes in circumstances that eliminate the ability to provide a legal remedy or effective resolution. For instance, if the issue at hand has already been resolved outside of court or the specific circumstances of the case have changed significantly since the initiation, the court may determine that there is no longer a live controversy to adjudicate. This means the legal principles or claims would no longer apply, and thus the court cannot provide an effective ruling. Mootness is a crucial concept in judicial proceedings, ensuring that courts are addressing current, viable disputes rather than hypothetical or resolved issues.