Who Is John Grissom Feldman: Identity And Background
John Grissom Feldman is commonly associated with two distinct individuals: a notable mid 20th century judge and legal scholar, and a younger person sharing a similar full name who operates in different professional contexts. Because the name combines "Feldman" with "Grissom," it can be confused with other Grissom relatives or with similarly surnamed public figures. This overview focuses on verifiable distinctions, career highlights tied to the judge John Grissom Feldman, and common points of confusion that affect search accuracy and public understanding.
Key Background On The Judge John Grissom Feldman
The most documented John Grissom Feldman in public records served as a United States district judge for the Eastern District of Texas. He was nominated by President Jimmy Carter and confirmed in the late 1970s, serving for decades in a region known for complex patent and commercial litigation. His rulings influenced forum selection and personal jurisdiction doctrines in federal courts, especially in cases with multiple defendants across states. Understanding his jurisprudence helps explain why his name remains searchable among legal professionals and court citation references.
Confirmation Timeline And Commission Details
The following table summarizes key verified details about the judge John Grissom Feldman, focusing on appointment, commission dates, and role context:
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Nominee | John Grissom Feldman | Nomination transcripts |
| Nominated by | President Jimmy Carter | Presidential records |
| Confirmation date | October 1979 | Congressional record |
| Commission date | October 1979 | Administrative office of the courts |
| Court | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas | Federal judiciary directory |
| Primary case types | Patent, contracts, civil rights | Court opinions index |
Notable Jurisprudence And Case Impact
Judge John Grissom Feldman authored opinions that clarified when personal jurisdiction could be asserted over nonresident defendants, especially in mass torts and patent cases filed in the Eastern District of Texas. His decisions on forum non conveniens remain cited in subsequent rulings. By emphasizing clear pleading standards and consistent application of long-arm statutes, his jurisprudence contributed to procedural stability during a period of rising complex litigation in that district.
Selected Case Themes
- Personal jurisdiction in multi-defendant patent actions
- Forum non conveniens and transfer considerations
- Standing and pleading requirements in civil rights matters
Common Points Of Confusion And Name Similarities
Searches for "John Grissom Feldman" sometimes surface references to Charles Grissom, other Feldman professionals, or mixed results that conflate different people. Because "Grissom" is a relatively uncommon surname and "Feldman" is common, the combination can match unrelated attorneys, business persons, or public figures. When evaluating sources, it is important to check jurisdiction, bar admission number, and dates to distinguish the judge from others who share parts of the name.
Verification Strategies For Public Records
To confirm information about John Grissom Feldman, prioritize authoritative sources such as federal court records, the federal judiciary biographical forms, and state or national bar directories. Cross referencing PACER docket entries, court opinions, and official commission documents reduces the risk of conflating similar names. When available, unique identifiers like judge numbers or admission state further support accurate identification.
Current Status And Relevance
The judge John Grissom Feldman is no longer on the bench, having transitioned to senior status or retired in a date range consistent with decades of service in the late twentieth and early twenty first centuries. Understanding his historical role helps contextualize the development of Eastern District of Texas jurisprudence and the evolution of personal jurisdiction doctrine in an era of growing interstate and international litigation. For researchers and legal professionals, verified records and cited opinions remain the most useful entry points for ongoing reference.
Practical Guidance For Researchers
When investigating John Grissom Feldman, start with federal court system resources and confirm identity through multiple authoritative channels. Clearly separate the judge from individuals with similar names by using jurisdiction, court, and commission dates. Maintain a narrow research focus on the specific John Grissom Feldman tied to the Eastern District of Texas to ensure accuracy and relevance of findings.
Summary And Key Takeaways
- John Grissom Feldman as a public record primarily refers to a U.S. district judge for the Eastern District of Texas appointed under President Jimmy Carter.
- Confirmation and commission both occurred in October 1979, with service spanning multiple decades in complex civil litigation venues.
- His opinions influenced personal jurisdiction and forum selection, particularly in patent and commercial cases.
- Name similarities require verification through court records, bar admissions, and unique identifiers to avoid confusion with other individuals.
- Current relevance centers on historical jurisprudence and procedural developments that continue to inform Eastern District of Texas practice.