James Plemon Coleman
Judge Coleman no longer hears cases. This profile is preserved as a historical record of how they ruled.
How Judge Coleman decides
Patterns drawn from this judge's own signed orders. Every observation links to the order it came from.
What persuades
Rejects a reduced evidentiary standard for connecting an individual defendant to a proven conspiracy.
“the correct standard of review is substantial evidence”
Treats a guilty plea as insufficient to extinguish a double-jeopardy claim that would bar the prosecution itself.
“a plea of guilty to that charge does not extinguish the double jeopardy claim.”
Procedural preferences
Leaves the merits of a contractually covered labor grievance to arbitration rather than judicial screening.
“The courts therefore have no business weighing the merits of the grievance, considering whether there is equity in a particular claim, or determining whether there is particular language in a written instrument which will support the claim.”
Requires the factfinder, rather than an appellate court, to resolve witness credibility even when testimony is uncontradicted.
“Determinations of the credibility of testimony rest with the trier of facts, who is not bound to accept testimony even where it is not contradicted.”
Cautions
Expects counsel to exercise care when proposing a good-reputation instruction because language that undercuts the defense can require a new trial.
“the conviction is reversed and the case is remanded for a new trial on Count 1.”
Requires prompt presentation and evidentiary support for long-delayed collateral attacks when the passage of time has impaired the opposing party’s ability to respond.
“The appellant had the burden and he was unable to shoulder it.”
Signed rulings
A grounded sample of orders signed by this judge, with the verbatim dispositive language.
“We affirm and remand in part; we also vacate and remand in part for the further consideration of the District Court in light of intervening Supreme Court decisions and the ongoing circumstances of the case.”
“To this extent the judgment of the District Court is vacated and remanded for further proceedings not inconsistent herewith.”
“REVERSED and REMANDED for a new trial.”
“REVERSED, and REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS.”
A historical record
Judge Coleman 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.