U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth CircuitcircuitAppointed by Joseph R. Biden Jr. (Democratic) 28 signed orders read
How Judge Benjamin decides
Patterns drawn from this judge's own signed orders. Every observation links to the order it came from.
What persuades
She requires an adequately explained trial-court rationale before applying deferential review, especially when a sentencing enhancement depends on disputed facts.
“if the district court fails to explain its rationale, then the clearly erroneous standard does not guide our review on appeal.”
She applies state-law territorial limits independently from a contract's choice-of-law clause and declines to expand state statutes without supporting authority.
“Again, we decline to expand the reach of Maryland law”
She distinguishes actionable retaliatory harassment from ordinary workplace friction and requires conduct severe or pervasive enough to deter a reasonable worker.
“high burden cannot be satisfied by claims based on “petty slights or minor annoyances.””