Andrew Gordon Magrath
How Judge Magrath rules, drawn from 6 signed orders. Every observation links to the order it came from.
Judge Magrath no longer hears cases. This profile is preserved as a historical record of how they ruled.
How Judge Magrath decides
Patterns drawn from this judge's own signed orders. Every observation links to the order it came from.
What persuades
In The Thomas Swan, Magrath read the steam-vessel safety statute in light of its purpose to protect human life rather than limiting it to vessels routinely carrying passengers.
“The great object was to save human life; the means adopted were certain safeguards and precautions”
Procedural preferences
In Bates, Magrath treated a prima facie showing, rather than conclusive proof, as sufficient at the probable-cause stage.
“If a prima facie case is made out, it is sufficient.”
Cautions
In Vincent, Magrath distinguished a salvor’s temporary authority during rescue from authority to bind the owners after the vessel reached safety.
“Whatever contracts, therefore, were made by Eben T. Sears for repairs or supplies, would bind him personally, but they would not be a charge against the owners, nor out of them would a lien arise.”
Signed rulings
A grounded sample of orders signed by this judge, with the verbatim dispositive language.
“I have overruled the objection on both grounds.”
“the respondents pay to the libellants the penalty of five hundred dollars”
“The libel can only be retained for the stipulation which it asks, and which has been granted.”
“The rest of the prayer, which asks for an account and sale, is refused.”
“in this case, there has been no loss within the meaning of the bond”
“The motion, therefore, is refused.”
“the libels be dismissed, with costs.”
“the vessel be condemned and sold to pay the libellant the amount of his advances, with interest and costs.”
Caseload & timing
From public federal docket records for this judge.
No case-level docket records were located for this judge, so no caseload mix or duration estimate is reported.
A historical record
Judge Magrath 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.