Francis Dominic Murnaghan Jr.
Judge Murnaghan no longer hears cases. This profile is preserved as a historical record of how they ruled.
How Judge Murnaghan decides
Patterns drawn from this judge's own signed orders. Every observation links to the order it came from.
What persuades
Reads statutory provisions together so that each subsection retains independent effect.
“It is well settled that a statute must not be interpreted to render a portion of the statute meaningless or without effect.”
Accepts equitable tolling when official deception reasonably prevents a claimant from meeting an administrative deadline.
“their deliberate misconduct had lulled her into inaction”
Procedural preferences
Treats a hotel guest's reasonable expectation of privacy as ending after an enforced checkout period.
“no reasonable expectation of privacy in their motel room after check-out time”
Requires summary-judgment inferences to favor the nonmoving party when material facts remain unresolved.
“all inferences, on a summary judgment motion, are to be drawn in favor of the party opposed thereto”
Cautions
Emphasizes the trial court's responsibility to protect institutional integrity when reviewing race-based jury-selection objections.
“important role in preserving the integrity of the federal court system.”
Upholds informal agency procedures when notice and a meaningful written opportunity to respond provide adequate process.
“HUD’s treatment of Capitol was fair and reasonable.”
Signed rulings
A grounded sample of orders signed by this judge, with the verbatim dispositive language.
“Reversed and remanded by published opinion.”
“Affirmed by published opinion.”
A historical record
Judge Murnaghan 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.