Randal S. Mashburn
How Judge Mashburn rules, drawn from 11 signed orders. Every observation links to the order it came from.
About Judge Mashburn
Randal S. Mashburn has served as a United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Middle District of Tennessee since 2012 and is the court's chief judge. The Sixth Circuit reappointed him to a second 14-year term beginning January 12, 2026. Before taking the bench, he practiced bankruptcy and commercial litigation and served as a mediator.
Judge Mashburn's practices and standing orders
Rules for cases before Judge Mashburn, as published on the court's website (checked October 11, 2026). Judges revise these often, so confirm the current version on the court's site before you file.
Key rules
Conferences
Mashburn conducts matters in person except for listed uncontested situations, including matters resolved by agreement.
“ALL MATTERS WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PERSON, IN THE COURTROOM, WITH THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTIONS: Uncontested Matters: Participation via Zoom video or audio will be limited to the following uncontested situations: 1. Any matters that are or will be resolved by agreement;”
Conferences
For an eligible uncontested hearing, request the virtual access link by noon Central time on the business day before the hearing and submit the court form.
“A request for the virtual access link must be made no later than noon (CT) on the business day immediately prior to the hearing date. - No motion is required, but the requesting party must submit a fill-in form on the Court website”
Conferences
A motion seeking virtual participation for other good-cause situations should be filed at least 48 hours before the hearing with detailed circumstances and justification.
“Motions to Participate Virtually: If there is good cause to request virtual participation, a motion should be filed in compliance with LBR 9075-1 at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing.”
Conferences
Pretrial conferences in adversary proceedings are conducted by Zoom audio unless the court orders otherwise.
“Pretrial Conferences: Pretrial conferences in adversary proceedings will be conducted telephonically using Zoom audio, unless the Court orders otherwise.”
Standing orders for every case in this court
Orders the court applies to all of its cases, whichever judge has them, as published on the court's website (checked October 11, 2026).
How Judge Mashburn decides
Patterns drawn from this judge's own signed orders. Every observation links to the order it came from.
What persuades
Intent to commit fraud or broader business misconduct does not by itself establish intent to cause the injury required by Section 523(a)(6).
“Evidence of intent to commit fraud, engaging in a fraudulent scheme, or generalized business misconduct does not prove that the debtor intended to cause the injury reflected in the judgment debt.”
Procedural preferences
Issue preclusion was unavailable where the party relying on a state judgment did not show that its fraud language was necessary to that judgment.
“SunTrust failed to meet its burden. Accordingly, summary judgment cannot be granted based on principles of issue preclusion.”
Cautions
A mistaken omission from bankruptcy disclosures does not warrant denial of discharge without knowing and fraudulent intent.
“An honest mistake is not cause for denial of discharge.”
A Chapter 11 dismissal request requires evidence supporting bad faith or showing that both the debtor and creditors would benefit; a member's preference for state court is insufficient.
“Mr. Ghodasara has not presented any evidence to support that the Debtor’s and creditors’ interests are best served in state court.”
Signed rulings
A grounded sample of orders signed by this judge, with the verbatim dispositive language.
“For the reasons stated, Ms. Mey’s claim that the Judgment debt be declared nondischargeable pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 523(a)(6) is denied.”
“Ms. Mey’s claim that Mr. Thompson be denied discharge pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 727(a)(4)(A) is also denied.”
“Her claim that Mr. Phillips be denied discharge pursuant to § 727(a)(4)(A) is granted.”
“Summary judgment is granted to Mr. Russell and the violation of automatic stay claim will be dismissed.”
“Summary judgment is granted to Mr. Russell on the two claims remaining against him: violation of the automatic stay, 11 U.S.C. § 362, and trespass.”
“The Court hereby denies the cross-motions for summary judgment.”
“the Court will enter an appropriate order granting the trustee’s motion to dismiss because Mr. Wilhoite’s amended complaint fails to state a claim for relief that can be granted under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6).”
“the Court therefore GRANTS Bank of America’s Motion for Summary Judgment”
“and DENIES the Trustee’s Motion for Summary Judgment.”
“the Court grants Ms. Colebrook’s application”
“her complaint against Mr. Thompson is dismissed.”
“Ms. Colebrook’s complaint against the other defendants is dismissed without prejudice due to the Court’s lack of jurisdiction and/or abstention.”
“For the reasons stated, Mr. Ghodasara’s motion to dismiss is denied.”
“For the reasons stated, summary judgment is denied, and an appropriate order will be entered.”
“this Court’s order of October 5, 2011, disallowing the claim of BOA will be set aside.”
“That action renders the other issues in this case moot.”
“the court GRANTS IN PART AND DENIES IN PART Metro’s objection to confirmation.”
“The objection to confirmation raised by Metro is overruled.”
Caseload & timing
From public federal docket records for this judge.
Five sampled matters were terminated and supplied no classifiable ruling. Thompson remained pending when reviewed and supplied one express summary-judgment outcome.
Draft for Judge Mashburn with the record in hand
Ezel grounds your drafting and research in this profile: what has persuaded Judge Mashburn, and what has not, cited to the signed orders.
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