William Clark
Judge Clark no longer hears cases. This profile is preserved as a historical record of how they ruled.
How Judge Clark decides
Patterns drawn from this judge's own signed orders. Every observation links to the order it came from.
What persuades
Treats bankruptcy discharge as relief for honest debtors while preserving denial as protection against continued fraud.
“A discharge is granted to an honest bankrupt in order that be may reinstate himself in the business world; it is refused to a dishonest bankrupt to prevent continuance of his frauds in the future.”
Allows precedent to be tested by persuasion while warning against artificial distinctions that avoid confronting controlling law.
“The principle of stare decisis 2 clearly does not go to the length of preclusion from persuasion.”
Procedural preferences
Recognizes that close negligence appeals often turn on the boundary between the roles of judge and jury.
“The question of this appeal is both narrow and close. Such closeness is often inherent in the discovery of the line of demarcation between the functions of court and jury.”
Sends a disputed railroad-safety issue to the jury rather than resolving it as a matter of law.
“We believe it properly for the consideration of a jury and not of a court.”
Cautions
Requires especially careful appellate protection against actual injustice in criminal cases.
“Because the Congress has seen fit to adjust the balance between the community and its accused members, those courts should be all the more zealous in their protection of those unfortunate individuals from actual injustice.”
Places truth ahead of finality when a judgment was allegedly procured through concealed assets and fraud.
“We believe truth is more important than the trouble it takes to get it.”
Signed rulings
A grounded sample of orders signed by this judge, with the verbatim dispositive language.
“The decree of the District Court is affirmed.”
“The judgment of the District Court is affirmed.”
“The decree of the District Court dismissing the bill of complaint is affirmed.”
“The judgment of the District Court is affirmed.”
“The judgment of the District Court is affirmed.”
“The decision of the Board allowing the other three exclusions is reversed, and the cause is remanded with direction to reassess in accordance with this opinion.”
“The decision of the Board of Tax Appeals is affirmed.”
“The judgment of the District Court is affirmed.”
“The judgment of the District Court is reversed and a new trial granted.”
A historical record
Judge Clark 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.