James Marshall Sprouse
Judge Sprouse no longer hears cases. This profile is preserved as a historical record of how they ruled.
How Judge Sprouse decides
Patterns drawn from this judge's own signed orders. Every observation links to the order it came from.
What persuades
Applies deferential factual review without substituting the appellate court's preferred view when the record permits competing interpretations.
“Where there are two permissible views of the evidence, the factfinder’s choice between them cannot be clearly erroneous.”
Declines agency interpretations that conflict with unambiguous statutory text.
“We find the position of the FTC unpersuasive”
Procedural preferences
Remands when the record lacks findings needed to decide whether constitutional access requirements were actually met.
“It is necessary, then, that we again remand this case to the district court with instructions to make appropriate findings of fact”
Uses substantial-evidence review to preserve administrative fact findings made under the correct legal standard.
“We must affirm if there is substantial evidence in the record to support the findings of fact.”
Cautions
Rejects abstention when federal constitutional and preemption claims can be resolved without disrupting a specialized state regulatory process.
“the district court improperly abstained under Burford”
Treats broad restrictions on protected expression skeptically when practical alternative forums are absent.
“Because of the impermissible overbreadth of the restriction and the lack of acceptable alternative forums for expression”
Signed rulings
A grounded sample of orders signed by this judge, with the verbatim dispositive language.
“Petition denied by published opinion.”
“Affirmed in part and remanded with instructions by published opinion.”
“Reversed and remanded for resentencing by published opinion.”
“affirm the holdings in Gwaltney's and Taylor's cases, but reverse the dismissal of Clea-ton’s claim.”
“AFFIRMED IN PART, VACATED IN PART, AND REMANDED.”
“even if they were, they are exempt from the bankruptcy estate”
“reverse that portion of the judgment relating to damages and remand it to the district court for a retrial on that issue”
A historical record
Judge Sprouse 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.