Raymond Wesley Starr
Judge Starr no longer hears cases. This profile is preserved as a historical record of how they ruled.
How Judge Starr decides
Patterns drawn from this judge's own signed orders. Every observation links to the order it came from.
What persuades
Starr read procedural rules liberally to favor prompt decisions on the merits.
“intended them to be liberally interpreted, to the end that every action should be speedily determined on its merits.”
He strictly construed a combination patent in a crowded field before finding it invalid.
“Plaintiff’s patent is a combination improvement patent in a crowded field of the art and, therefore, must be strictly construed.”
Procedural preferences
Starr permitted discovery that could reasonably identify witnesses with relevant knowledge without imposing substantial burden.
“The furnishing of the names of the crew members and officers may reasonably be expected to lead to the discovery of evidence relating to the plaintiff’s alleged accident.”
He denied a section 2255 hearing when the motion and existing record conclusively defeated relief.
“Wilfong’s present motion and the files and records of this case- conclusively show that he is not entitled to the relief requested, and that his motion is wholly without merit.”
Cautions
Starr required state prisoners to exhaust available state review before seeking federal habeas relief.
“he has not exhausted his remedy in the State courts, and until he has done so, he is not entitled to apply to this court for writ of habeas corpus.”
He declined exceptional patent-case fees where the losing party litigated in good faith without harassing tactics.
“The court finds no evidence indicating bad faith or dilatory, harassing or vexatious tactics on the párt of the plaintiff.”
Signed rulings
A grounded sample of orders signed by this judge, with the verbatim dispositive language.
“the court extends the time to July 12, 1946, within which defendants’ motions to dismiss could be filed.”
“Petitioner’s request for the appointment of counsel to represent him is denied”
“the petition for writ of habeas corpus is denied and an order will be entered accordingly.”
“The petitioner’s request for the appointment of counsel is denied”
“the petition for habeas corpus is denied and an order will be entered accordingly.”
“The defendants’ petition to amend the referee’s certificate on review is denied.”
“The referee’s order of April 17, 1946, granting a temporary injunction is affirmed”
“Judgment shall be entered for defendant dismissing the complaint.”
“Judgment may be entered permanently enjoining the enforcement of the judgment of restitution of premises entered by the circuit court commissioner on May 6, 1947.”
“Defendant is entitled to a judgment in its favor dismissing plaintiffs’ complaint and amended complaint.”
“Defendant is entitled to a decree dismissing plaintiff’s complaint and amended complaint.”
“Defendant’s motion for the allowance of attorneys’ fees is denied.”
“Judgment will be entered in favor of the plaintiffs and against the defendant for the sum of $84.32.”
“Defendant’s motions for continuance in the present cases are denied.”
“the motions of plaintiffs and interveners for summary judgments in the present cases are granted.”
“If he so elects, the petitioner may, within ten days from the date hereof, file amendments to his petition in accordance with this opinion. If no amendment is filed within that period, the debtor’s motion to dismiss will be granted.”
Caseload & timing
From public federal docket records for this judge.
No case-level docket record was returned for Starr's tenure. The profile therefore makes no claim about his complete caseload mix, case duration, administrative dispositions, or motion timing.
A historical record
Judge Starr 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.