Frank Sigel Dietrich
Judge Dietrich no longer hears cases. This profile is preserved as a historical record of how they ruled.
How Judge Dietrich decides
Patterns drawn from this judge's own signed orders. Every observation links to the order it came from.
What persuades
In a bench trial, Dietrich treated improperly admitted evidence as harmless when the findings were supported by independent, properly framed testimony.
“The error was without prejudice.”
When reviewing attorney discipline, he matched the sanction to the demonstrated conduct and rejected permanent professional exclusion for an isolated lapse.
“we are of the view that censure and a required apology in eourt would have constituted adequate punishment.”
Procedural preferences
Dietrich treated a new-trial motion as primarily committed to the trial judge and generally outside appellate review absent a recognized exception.
“A motion for a new trial is ordinarily addressed to the sound discretion of the trial court, and with limited exceptions its action thereon is not reviewable.”
He gave preclusive effect to a prior adjudication when the court had jurisdiction over both the parties and the subject matter.
“To hold otherwise would be to scuttle the whole doctrine of judicial estoppel.”
Cautions
On immigration credibility records, Dietrich would not substitute appellate judgment unless the officers' decision was arbitrary, capricious, or unreasonable.
“we are unable to say that the immigration officers acted arbitrarily, capriciously, or unreasonably in declining to believe applicant and his two brothers”
Signed rulings
A grounded sample of orders signed by this judge, with the verbatim dispositive language.
“Accordingly, the judgment is affirmed.”
“the judgment must be reversed.”
“Beversed and' remanded, with directions-to award to appellants full damages resulting both from the collision and the stranding;, costs to appellants.”
“With that addition, the decree will be affirmed ; costs to appellee.”
“Reversed, with directions to set aside the decree”
“Accordingly, the order appealed from will be affirmed.”
“Reversed, with directions to grant a new trial.”
Caseload & timing
From public federal docket records for this judge.
Not applicable to this circuit-court record.
A historical record
Judge Dietrich 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.