Robert Lee Williams
Judge Williams no longer hears cases. This profile is preserved as a historical record of how they ruled.
How Judge Williams decides
Patterns drawn from this judge's own signed orders. Every observation links to the order it came from.
What persuades
Williams required automobile-search facts that would cause a prudent person to believe in good faith that the vehicle carried contraband.
“In order to warrant a valid search the officer must have such information as to cause a reasonable, discreet, and prudent person to believe in good faith that the automobile is being used for the purpose of concealment or transportation of contraband liquor.”
He sustained a tax finding when the record supplied substantial evidence for the mixed legal and factual conclusion.
“The mixed question of law and fact as found by the Board that no gift, in fact, was made and that the dividends were income to petitioner in 1931 and 1932, is sustained by substantial evidence.”
Procedural preferences
Williams treated ancillary mandamus as available only after liability was fixed and the responsible officials then failed to levy the required assessments.
“After the amount of- liability had been fixed by decree or judgment, if the requisite levies are not made, then the court may entertain the question of ancillary mandamus in aid of its existing jurisdiction.”
He required the habeas applicant to carry the burden of proving denial of the right to counsel.
“The burden of proof rested upon Towne to show that he was denied the right to assistance of counsel.”
Cautions
Williams reversed when the trial court rejected offered evidence that, if proved, would establish a defense to deportation.
“Error was committed in rejecting the proffered proof to establish Ng Gun Yow as a merchant.”
Signed rulings
A grounded sample of orders signed by this judge, with the verbatim dispositive language.
“the judgment should be reversed and the cause remanded, with direction to dismiss the action.”
“The judgment of the lower court should be, and is, affirmed.”
“The judgment of the lower court is reversed, and the case remanded with directions to overrule motion to suppress and to proceed with a new trial.”
“This case is reversed and remanded, parties being permitted on proper request to amend pleadings”
“The judgment of the District Court denying the writ of habeas corpus is affirmed.”
“The judgment of the Board of Tax Appeals should be, and is, affirmed.”
“The judgment of the lower court should be, and is, affirmed.”
Caseload & timing
From public federal docket records for this judge.
Not applicable to this circuit-court record.
A historical record
Judge Williams no longer hears cases. This profile stays available as a record of how they ruled. If you're preparing for a matter, start from the court's current bench.