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Federal Judge Robert Pratt, Known for Controversial Rulings, Dies at 78

2/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Judge Robert Pratt, federal judge in Iowa, died at 78 of a heart attack in Clive.
He was known for rulings on religion and abortion over 26 years.
He called U.S. President Donald Trump a "criminal" for issuing pardons to John Tate and Jesse Benton, convicted of election law violations.
After remarks were flagged by a judicial ethics watchdog, Pratt acknowledged misconduct and apologized for the embarrassment to the judiciary.

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Story summary

Judge Robert Pratt, federal judge in Iowa, died at 78 of a heart attack in Clive.
He was known for rulings on religion and abortion over 26 years.
He called U.S. President Donald Trump a "criminal" for issuing pardons to John Tate and Jesse Benton, convicted of election law violations.
After remarks were flagged by a judicial ethics watchdog, Pratt acknowledged misconduct and apologized for the embarrassment to the judiciary.