Legends of the Bench, Part One A History of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit and the Judges who Served from 1855-1979

How Many Legends of the Bench do you know?

From the uninhabited wilderness in 1855 to the urban communities in 1979, interesting and inspiring men and women served as judges in Southwest Florida. The first men who served as judges were colorful characters who knew how to ride a horse, handle a gun, and sleep overnight in the wilderness as they traveled the circuit to hold court. As villages became cities, the men and women who succeeded as judges were just as colorful and dedicated to the administration of justice. As the circuits evolved in Southwest Florida. The 12^th Judicial Circuit was established, covering Manatee, Sarasota, and DeSoto counties.

Join us as we board the history train for this entertaining ride to learn about those interesting and inspiring men and women who laid the foundation for a strong judiciary in the Circuit.