Armistead Mason Dobie
Judge Dobie no longer hears cases. This profile is preserved as a historical record of how they ruled.
How Judge Dobie decides
Patterns drawn from this judge's own signed orders. Every observation links to the order it came from.
What persuades
Defers to agency factfinding when the whole record contains substantial evidence, even if the reviewing court might have reached a different conclusion.
“If, viewing the record as a whole, there is substantial evidence for his findings, they cannot be set aside even though the court might disagree with them”
Enforces a negotiated stipulation according to its terms when both represented parties entered it fairly and freely.
“The stipulation was entered into fairly and freely by both parties. Accordingly, the stipulation is binding and we must enforce it.”
Procedural preferences
Permits reopening a record when a party reasonably believed critical documents were already before the tribunal and a proper decision required them.
“we do not think the court was acting within the limits of a sound discretion in refusing to reopen the case”
Sends factually disputed negligence claims to the jury rather than resolving them through a directed verdict.
“we think the court erred in taking the case from the jury.”
Cautions
Rejects jury instructions unsupported by the evidentiary record because they invite conjecture rather than factfinding.
“To have given the instruction as to crowding would have opened the door for possible findings based, not on the evidence, but on conjecture or speculation.”
Signed rulings
A grounded sample of orders signed by this judge, with the verbatim dispositive language.
“We shall accordingly reverse the decision below and remand the case with direction that it be reopened”
“The findings of the Deputy Commissioner were reasonable in the light of the evidence and should be upheld. The judgment of the District Court is affirmed.”
“The judgment of the District Court is reversed and the case is remanded to that court with instructions to grant a new trial.”
“the decision of the District Court is reversed and the case is remanded to that court with instructions to dismiss the instant civil action.”
“The judgment of the District Court is affirmed.”
“The judgment of the District Court, is affirmed in so far as it holds the defendant not liable for the purchase price of all the records delivered by plaintiff to defendant. The case is remanded to the District Court with instructions to enter judgment in favor of plaintiff and against defendant for the contract price of the records which the defendant has sold.”
“For the reasons stated above, the decision of Hie District Court is affirmed.”
“For the reasons set out in our opinion in the Seaboard case, the judgment of the District Court is affirmed. Affirmed.”
“The decree of the District Court is affirmed.”
“The judgment of the District Court is affirmed.”
“that part of the judgment awarding compensation on the basis of such payments toeing made is reversed and the cáse is remanded for further proceedings not inconsistent with this opinion.”
“The judgment of the District Court is affirmed. Affirmed.”
A historical record
Judge Dobie 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.