Andrew Wylie
Judge Wylie no longer hears cases. This profile is preserved as a historical record of how they ruled.
How Judge Wylie decides
Patterns drawn from this judge's own signed orders. Every observation links to the order it came from.
What persuades
In the judicial-immunity case Bradley v. Fisher, Wylie held that a judge of a court of general jurisdiction is not civilly liable for a judicial act absent a malicious or corrupt excess of jurisdiction - reasoning the U.S. Supreme Court later affirmed.
“Excess of jurisdiction alone does not render him liable.”
Procedural preferences
Wylie insisted that questions of law be decided by the court rather than submitted to the jury, treating a contrary instruction as reversible error.
“The prayer presented a question of law, proper for the decision of the court. The answer of the court left the decision to the jury, which was error.”
Cautions
He looked to substance over label when testing a government exaction, striking down a municipal 'harbor fee' as an unconstitutional tonnage duty.
“The tax is substantially a duty notwithstanding it is called by a different name”
Signed rulings
A grounded sample of orders signed by this judge, with the verbatim dispositive language.
“we think that the decision of the Commissioner ought to be affirmed.”
“Leave granted to amend the libel of information as indicated by this opinion.”
“the libel of information should be dismissed, and it is so ordered;.”
“must be condemned to the captors as lawful prize of war.”
“For these reasons the claim of J. B. Brinkley is not allowed.”
“Judgment reversed and a new trial granted.”
“The judgment of the justice must be reversed.”
“The judgment is reversed, and a new trial directed.”
“The decree is reversed as regards Mrs. Bayliss.”
“The decree appealed from is therefore affirmed.”
A historical record
Judge Wylie 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.