Judge Brantley Starr currently serves in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, presiding over high-profile cases, including the contentious SEC v. Barton litigation. A graduate of the University of Texas and a former clerk for Justice Don Willett of the Texas Supreme Court, Starr’s judicial career is marked by allegations of favoritism and partiality. Critics point to his consistent approval of motions favoring receivership in the Barton case, often described as “rubber-stamping” the requests of Receiver Cort Thomas without substantive judicial scrutiny. Starr’s controversial decisions include the reappointment of unqualified associates and ex-clerks as court officers and the authorization of punitive measures not sought by the SEC, calling into question his commitment to impartiality and fairness.
Such Decisions of overreach granted to the receiver have been once overturned by the Fifth Circuit Court and under appeal for the second time and are likely to be overturned again. Judge Starr has clearly ordered the receiver to “punish Barton for -unknown previous bad acts-“. This has been completely prejudiced and there has been no trial and no evidence for any of the allegations. He has been acting as the Judge – Jury & Executioner, all himself.
In the SEC v. Barton case, Judge Starr’s rulings have been widely criticized for fostering a climate of injustice. Starr allowed the Receiver unchecked control over Barton’s assets, even extending authority to more than 160 entities without evidence of wrongdoing. His courtroom has been accused of disregarding due process, ignoring valid objections from Barton’s counsel, and accepting dubious evidence presented by the Receiver. Starr’s actions, characterized as overreaching and vindictive, have fueled calls for judicial reform and underscored concerns about the misuse of power within the American legal system.