Henry White Edgerton
Judge Edgerton no longer hears cases. This profile is preserved as a historical record of how they ruled.
How Judge Edgerton decides
Patterns drawn from this judge's own signed orders. Every observation links to the order it came from.
What persuades
Edgerton insisted that even a disturbing accusation could not overcome the presumption of innocence or unreliable proof.
“A repellent charge does not destroy the presumption of innocence or justify a conviction on evidence which is neither competent nor trustworthy.”
He upheld agency balancing where the record supported public need and the competing interests were rationally weighed.
“The Commission properly weighed the interests that will be served against those that will be injured and did not strike an arbitrary balance.”
Procedural preferences
Edgerton required a factual inquiry into whether an uncounseled waiver was competent and intelligent.
“the record does not show that the waiver was competent and intelligent.”
He treated a letter acknowledging service as insufficient to establish an appearance where the recipient disclaimed any intent to appear.
“His letter was not an appearance, but on the contrary indicated that he had no intention of appearing. It was a mere acknowledgment of the summons.”
Cautions
Edgerton treated parole eligibility as outside habeas review when another valid conviction independently supported custody.
“Eligibility to parole, which might be affected, cannot be tried in habeas corpus.”
He required the party attacking a waiver to prove incompetence in light of age, education, information, and the full circumstances.
“he has sustained the burden of proving that his waiver was not competent and intelligent.”
Signed rulings
A grounded sample of orders signed by this judge, with the verbatim dispositive language.
“The motion to dismiss is denied.”
Caseload & timing
From public federal docket records for this judge.
Not applicable to this circuit-court record.
A historical record
Judge Edgerton 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.