John Thomas Noonan Jr.
Judge Noonan no longer hears cases. This profile is preserved as a historical record of how they ruled.
How Judge Noonan decides
Patterns drawn from this judge's own signed orders. Every observation links to the order it came from.
What persuades
Requires agencies to decide factual questions assigned to them rather than substituting negotiated outcomes.
“It is a Pickwickian or Alice in Wonderland idea that what is a factual matter should be negotiated — somewhat like the idea that you negotiate the sum of two and two.”
Looks to statutory purpose and the practical structure of a regulated business when applying federal preemption.
“Federal Express is exactly the kind of an expedited all-cargo service that Congress specified and the kind of integrated transportation system that was federally desired.”
Procedural preferences
Does not permit local filing rules to substitute for the movant's burden on summary judgment.
“He did not, therefore, meet his burden of demonstrating an absence of genuine issues for trial.”
Requires a reviewing court to explain the basis for a discretionary numerical determination well enough to permit appellate review.
“Holding that the Tax Court has not furnished an adequate explanation of what it finds reasonable, we reverse and remand.”
Cautions
Treats an interested prosecutor as a structural defect in a criminal-contempt proceeding.
“It is fundamental that the prosecutor of a criminal charge be disinterested.”
Signed rulings
A grounded sample of orders signed by this judge, with the verbatim dispositive language.
“Affirmed in part and remanded in part.”
“REVERSED and REMANDED for proceedings consistent with this opinion.”
“REVERSED and REMANDED with instructions to enter judgment for the plaintiffs granting the injunctive relief requested.”
“AFFIRMED in part, REVERSED in part and REMANDED for further proceedings in accordance with this opinion.”
A historical record
Judge Noonan 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.