Justice Richard William Ervin

Justice Richard William Ervin

Justice Richard Ervin was the 55th Justice on the Supreme Court. He served from 1964 to 1975.

Ervin’s father was a teacher and school principal who moved frequently.  The family ended up in Tallahassee, where Ervin graduated from Leon High School in 1922.  He graduated from the University of Florida law school in 1928 and went into the private practice of law until 1935. 

Ervin also had a seasonal job, beginning in 1921, as Engrossing Clerk with the Florida House of Representatives.  He chose to enter public service in state government, finally winning election as Florida’s Attorney General in 1948. 

Ervin continued in this cabinet-level position until 1964 when he was appointed to the Florida Supreme Court.  On the court, Justice Ervin worked toward more access to the courts and open government. 

He retired from the court at the mandatory retirement age of 70.  He practiced law for many years after his retirement.

Quick facts about Justice Ervin:

• (Putnam) [served 11 years]
• Served January 17, 1964 – January 6, 1975 as Justice and
• January 7, 1969 – January 5, 1971 as Chief Justice [appointed at age 58]
• b. Carrabelle, Florida, January 26, 1905 d. August 24, 2004, Tallahassee, Florida
• Circuit Judge: No. County Judge: No.