John Biggs Jr.
Judge Biggs no longer hears cases. This profile is preserved as a historical record of how they ruled.
How Judge Biggs decides
Patterns drawn from this judge's own signed orders. Every observation links to the order it came from.
What persuades
Defers to trial-level factual findings when the reviewed record supports them.
“We agree with the findings of the District Judge.”
Respects a specialized tribunal's fact-bound determination absent a clear legal error.
“We cannot “identify a clear-cut mistake of law * * * ” in the Tax Court’s decision in the case at bar.”
Procedural preferences
Requires a developed factual record before adjudicating substantial constitutional questions.
“The Supreme Court has repeatedly stated that such issues should not be adjudicated except upon a full and adequate record.”
Dismisses appeals when the ruling does not fit a statutory route to immediate appellate review.
“We are of the opinion that the appeals must be dismissed.”
Cautions
Treats reprosecution after an unjustified mistrial as a serious double-jeopardy violation.
“our holding that his re-prosecution violated the double jeopardy provision of the Fifth Amendment requires that the subsequent judgment of conviction be reversed.”
Requires proof connecting the defendant to the conduct prohibited by an injunction before sustaining criminal contempt.
“the government has failed to prove an essential element of the criminal contempt, viz., that the defendants violated the injunction.”
Signed rulings
A grounded sample of orders signed by this judge, with the verbatim dispositive language.
“His decree dismissing the petition for review, approving the findings of the referee in bankruptcy, and decreeing title to the machinery and equipment to be in the trustee in bankruptcy is affirmed.”
“the decree of the District Court of April 26, 1937, is reversed in toto, and the cause is remanded.”
“The decree of the District Court is affirmed.”
“Accordingly the decree of the court below is affirmed in all respects.”
“Accordingly the decision of the Board of Tax Appeals is affirmed.”
“The order of the District Court is affirmed.”
“The judgment of the District Court is vacated and the cause is remanded”
“Accordingly the decision of the Tax Court will be affirmed.”
“We are of the opinion that the appeals must be dismissed.”
A historical record
Judge Biggs 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.