William Matthew Kidd
Judge Kidd no longer hears cases. This profile is preserved as a historical record of how they ruled.
How Judge Kidd decides
Patterns drawn from this judge's own signed orders. Every observation links to the order it came from.
What persuades
Kidd required a removing party alleging fraudulent joinder to carry a heavy burden and resolved uncertainty about state law in favor of remand.
“the defendant has not met the ‘heavy’ burden placed upon those who cry ‘fraudulent joinder.’”
In insurance coverage disputes, Kidd declined estoppel where an insurer's conduct had not prejudiced the policyholder's ability to defend itself.
“there is no evidence that the actions of Liberty or Zurich prejudiced Triangle by leaving it defenseless or seriously hampered in its ability to protect itself so as to warrant estoppel.”
Procedural preferences
Kidd followed controlling precedent even when he considered its practical result unsatisfactory.
“Buffalo Forge is clearly the law as stated by the United States Supreme Court and followed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit; it is the duty of this Court to follow it.”
Signed rulings
A grounded sample of orders signed by this judge, with the verbatim dispositive language.
“It is therefore ORDERED that the SBA’s motion be GRANTED and that all claims against the SBA be DISMISSED.”
“The plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment is DENIED”
“The defendants’ motion for summary judgment is GRANTED”
“Accordingly, the Court GRANTS plaintiff’s motion to remand.”
“Plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment is DENIED”
“Defendants’ motion for summary judgment is GRANTED”
“Also pending is Aetna’s motion for appointment of a guardian ad litem for Garry. In light of the Court's ruling, said motion is now moot.”
“ORDERED that the defendant’s cross-motion for summary judgment be GRANTED and that this action be DISMISSED and stricken from the docket of the Court.”
“the Court therefore ORDERS this matter REMANDED to the Circuit Court of Marion County, West Virginia”
“Consol’s motion for preliminary injunction seeking to enjoin the Locals from engaging in the work stoppage is DENIED”
“the Court DENIES Consol’s motion for issuance of order to show cause and for civil contempt judgment.”
“Accordingly, defendant Porter’s motion to dismiss with regard to the Court's in personam jurisdiction is DENIED.”
“Accordingly, defendants’ motion for summary judgment as to Count II is GRANTED and the same is DISMISSED.”
“Therefore, the defendant City of Clarksburg should be dismissed from this action and it is so ORDERED.”
“the respective motions for summary judgment by Liberty, NJPLIGA, and Zurich should be, and the same are hereby, GRANTED”
“the respective cross-motions for summary judgment by Triangle are DENIED.”
“ORDERED that plaintiffs’ motion to remand is hereby GRANTED and this civil action shall be remanded to the Circuit Court of Harrison County, West Virginia.”
Caseload & timing
From public federal docket records for this judge.
The sampled assigned matters included statutory, contract, habeas, copyright, insurance, and personal-liability cases. The sample is not a complete historical caseload measure.
A historical record
Judge Kidd 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.