Judge Joseph W. Hatchett

"The law is our tool. We must use it wisely to dismantle the structures of injustice."

Judge Joseph W. Hatchett, born in Clearwater, Florida, broke barriers as the first African American Supreme Court Justice in Florida and the first Black judge to sit on a federal court in the Deep South. Hatchett’s career was marked by a commitment to fairness, integrity, and civil rights. Known for his calm demeanor and judicious wisdom, Hatchett’s work challenged discriminatory practices and expanded rights for all citizens. His influence as a legal pioneer and role model resonates within the legal community and beyond, ensuring that justice and equality remain central tenets in Florida’s judiciary.