Friday Facts- Saloon Justice

As people moved west cowtowns and mining towns were erected. Where there were groups of people living there was  need for law. While there were no lawmen or judges, the towns folk would take things into their own hands. The saloon would be used for the courtroom and more often than not the bartender or owner of the saloon was the judge.

They didn't know real law or Latin but they had common sense and kept an open mind when trying a case.  He may not have been literate but used his life experiences and horse sense to deal out justice. By doling out the judgement he won the gratitude and respect of the community. The fines would be set by the judge to cover all costs including his own.

A judge who worked out of his saloon has to have a presence which "overawes and subdues" or he wouldn't last long.