Griffin Boyette Bell
Judge Bell no longer hears cases. This profile is preserved as a historical record of how they ruled.
How Judge Bell decides
Patterns drawn from this judge's own signed orders. Every observation links to the order it came from.
What persuades
Looks to the conduct underlying a state charge when deciding whether federal civil-rights protections govern removal.
“it is not the state charge which controls; rather, what appellant was actually doing with respect to the exercise of his federally protected rights.”
Evaluates labor disputes through their particular facts when protected activity and workplace discipline are in tension.
“Each case of this type must be decided on its own distinctive facts; this is all the more true where the balance between employer and employee rights under our national labor policy is in issue.”
Procedural preferences
Requires an evidentiary hearing when detailed allegations create a material dispute over whether a guilty plea was coerced.
“We hold that the factual allegations centering on the claim of a coerced plea of guilty in this case, taken in sum, warranted a plenary hearing.”
Sends a products-liability claim to factfinding when circumstantial malfunction evidence creates a genuine dispute.
“The facts here make at least a disputed issue as to whether there was a malfunction.”
Cautions
Resolves jurisdiction before reaching the validity of substantive relief.
“Finding the latter ruling erroneous, we reverse.”
Does not allow a jury to decide a factual proposition that the record leaves undisputed.
“There was no basis for submission of the issue to the jury and it was thus error to submit this issue to the jury.”
Signed rulings
A grounded sample of orders signed by this judge, with the verbatim dispositive language.
“Reversed and remanded with directions.”
“Reversed and remanded for further proceedings not inconsistent herewith.”
“Reversed and remanded for further proceedings not inconsistent herewith.”
“Reversed and remanded for further proceedings not inconsistent herewith.”
“Reversed and remanded for further proceedings not inconsistent herewith.”
“Reversed and remanded for further proceedings not inconsistent herewith.”
“The order is supported by the record; the petition to enforce is granted.”
“Affirmed in part; reversed in part.”
A historical record
Judge Bell 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.