Reynaldo Guerra Garza
Judge Garza no longer hears cases. This profile is preserved as a historical record of how they ruled.
How Judge Garza decides
Patterns drawn from this judge's own signed orders. Every observation links to the order it came from.
What persuades
Treats statutory uniformity as a central reason for federal preemption of state-law claims arising from interstate shipping.
“To hold otherwise would only defeat the purpose of the statute, which was to create uniformity out of disparity.”
Distinguishes among claims at summary judgment and permits a narrow negligence theory to proceed when the record supports it.
“We find the lower court did not err in granting summary judgment on a majority of the issues. However, it did err in granting a summary judgment on one of River Production’s negligence claims.”
Procedural preferences
Applies a narrow conception of constitutionally protected habeas jurisdiction in immigration cases.
“a petitioner proves that his or her claims are within the writ constitutionally protected (a situation which . . . is unlikely), we must summarily dismiss for lack of jurisdiction.”
Requires reassignment when a sentencing judge's participation creates a sufficient basis for recusal.
“we find that the district judge should have recused himself prior to sentencing.”
Cautions
Emphasizes the limited judicial role when a party asks a court to overturn a commercial arbitration award.
“Usually, however, the district court’s review of an arbitration award is extraordinarily narrow.”
Treats procedural nonretroactivity as a threshold bar that can prevent consideration of a constitutional claim.
“Because Kurth Ranch announced a new constitutional rule, Teague bars this Court from considering this case, and it is thereby DISMISSED.”
Signed rulings
A grounded sample of orders signed by this judge, with the verbatim dispositive language.
“Accordingly we AFFIRM the district court’s dismissal of Finlay’s habeas petition for lack of jurisdiction.”
“The conviction and sentence of Salazar-Flores are accordingly AFFIRMED.”
“For the reasons stated below, we find that Doyle’s conviction did not violate the Double Jeopardy Clause and therefore affirm.”
“Accordingly, we AFFIRM the district court’s dismissal of Garnica- Vasquez’s habeas petition for lack of jurisdiction.”
“we AFFIRM the district court’s decision”
“Accordingly, we AFFIRM the district court’s decision.”
“Because Kurth Ranch announced a new constitutional rule, Teague bars this Court from considering this case, and it is thereby DISMISSED.”
“The judgment of the district court is AFFIRMED.”
“The district court’s denial of IAM’s motion for summary judgment is AFFIRMED, and IAM’s claims are dismissed with prejudice.”
“Accordingly, the decision of the district court is hereby AFFIRMED.”
“We AFFIRM the designation of the claims of the appellees as a preferred maritime lien for wages for the crew.”
A historical record
Judge Garza 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.