It means that the judge is supposed to make his decision without regard for any earlier court proceedings, except to the extent that transcripts of such proceedings may be admissible as evidence in certain limitted circumstances (e.g. "Michael Schiavo, according to this 1992 court transcript you stated that your wife would probably live 50+ years and you would care for her as long as you lived. Why did you not mention your wife's wishes then?")
If the judge was really pursuing the case de novo, he would have to agree to the preliminary injunction because it is Michael's job to show that feeding should be denied.
Sinkemperor had his judge nminees vetted thoroughly before sending them for confirmation ... allegiance is the most serious issue with the death cult demoncrats. Whittemore was completely predictable ... especially when liberal bilgespittlists immediately claimed he was the most fair judge Terri could have hear the appeal. Obviously, he was in the end just a clinton appointee protecting the florida liberal court system from whence he arose ... and of course, preventing democrat embarrassment.