Iowa Federal Judge Robert Pratt, Known for Landmark Rulings and Controversial Comments, Dies at 78
Judge Robert W. Pratt, a fixture on Iowa's federal bench for more than a quarter-century, died Wednesday at the age of 78. The cause was a heart attack suffered while he was at a gym, according to his son, Michael Pratt.
Appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1997 to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, Judge Pratt served as an active judge until his retirement in 2023. His judicial legacy includes presiding over cases that reached the nation's highest court, most notably the sentencing guidelines case Gall v. United States, where his reasoned departure from federal guidelines was ultimately upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Beyond the courtroom, Pratt was deeply involved in his community. He was instrumental in founding an annual Fourth of July naturalization ceremony held in conjunction with Iowa Cubs baseball games, personally welcoming hundreds of new U.S. citizens over the years. The Iowa State Bar Association remembered him as a jurist who consistently "championed the underdog and the uncelebrated."
However, his career was not without controversy. In 2020, Judge Pratt drew a formal misconduct complaint after giving a phone interview to The Associated Press in which he sharply criticized then-President Donald Trump's pardons for two former political aides. "It’s not surprising that a criminal like Trump pardons other criminals," he said at the time, adding, "But apparently to get a pardon, one has to be either a Republican, a convicted child murderer or a turkey."
Facing a complaint from the chief judge of the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, Pratt later issued a formal apology. In a 2021 letter, he acknowledged the comments were "inappropriate partisan statements" and expressed regret for the embarrassment caused to the judiciary, reaffirming his commitment to judicial impartiality.
His passing marks the end of an era for Iowa's legal community, prompting reflection on a career defined by both substantial civic contribution and a rare, public breach of judicial decorum.
Reactions & Commentary
Prof. Eleanor Vance, University of Iowa College of Law: "Judge Pratt's jurisprudence in Gall demonstrated a thoughtful, individualized approach to sentencing that influenced courts nationwide. His community work, especially with new citizens, showed a profound belief in the institutions he served."
Marcus Thorne, Des Moines Defense Attorney: "Appearing before him, you knew you had a judge who read every page, listened to every argument, and wasn't afraid to make an unpopular call if he believed it was just. The legal landscape has lost a true independent mind."
Rebecca Jarvis, Political Commentator: "While his legal work was commendable, his foray into partisan vitriol was an indelible stain. It undermined public trust and set a dangerous precedent for the judiciary's role. Judges must be above the fray, not diving headlong into it."
David Chen, Former Clerk (2005): "He taught us that the law must have a human heart. His mentorship extended far beyond legal reasoning to a deep sense of duty to the public. The personal stories from those he naturalized are a testament to that."
Judge Pratt is survived by his wife, Rose Mary, three children, a stepdaughter, and seven grandchildren.