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Fellus v. Calpine Corp. (In re Calpine Corp.)

Citation: 354 F. App'x 479Docket: No. 08-3658-bk

Court: Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit; November 24, 2009; Federal Appellate Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

Elias A. Felluss, representing himself, appeals the dismissal of his appeal by the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York concerning a judgment from the United States Bankruptcy Court. The district court's decision is reviewed under a plenary standard, where legal conclusions are assessed de novo and factual findings are evaluated for clear error. Upon review, the appellate court affirms the district court's judgment, noting that Felluss's appeal is equitably moot due to the substantial consummation of the reorganization plan. Felluss failed to rebut the presumption of mootness by meeting the criteria established in previous case law. The court finds no merit in his additional arguments and thus upholds the district court's decision.

Legal Issues Addressed

Burden of Proof to Rebut Presumption of Mootness

Application: Felluss failed to meet the burden of proof required to rebut the presumption of mootness by not satisfying the criteria established in previous case law.

Reasoning: Felluss failed to rebut the presumption of mootness by meeting the criteria established in previous case law.

Equitable Mootness in Bankruptcy Appeals

Application: The court applies the doctrine of equitable mootness, affirming the district court's decision due to the substantial consummation of the reorganization plan and Felluss's failure to rebut the presumption of mootness.

Reasoning: Upon review, the appellate court affirms the district court's judgment, noting that Felluss's appeal is equitably moot due to the substantial consummation of the reorganization plan.

Merit of Additional Arguments in Appeals

Application: The court finds no merit in Felluss's additional arguments, therefore upholding the district court's decision.

Reasoning: The court finds no merit in his additional arguments and thus upholds the district court's decision.

Standard of Review for District Court Decisions

Application: The appellate court reviews the district court's decision using a plenary standard, assessing legal conclusions de novo and factual findings for clear error.

Reasoning: The district court's decision is reviewed under a plenary standard, where legal conclusions are assessed de novo and factual findings are evaluated for clear error.