Justice Thomas Franklin West

Justice Thomas Franklin West

Former Justice Thomas Franklin West was the 37th Justice on the Supreme Court serving from 1917-1925.

West was born in Florida’s Panhandle region. He graduated law school at Washington and Lee College, in Virginia, in 1899.  He passed the Florida Bar in 1900 and began practice in his home town of Milton. 

He was elected to both the Florida House and Senate between 1903 and 1912. 

In that year he ran successfully for attorney general where he remained until his appointment to the Florida Supreme Court in 1917.  He served on the court until 1925, when he resigned to return to his beloved home town, where he was appointed to the First Judicial Circuit Court.  West served in that office until his death.

Quick facts about Justice West:

• Served September 1, 1917 – December 3, 1925 as Justice [8 years, 3 months], including as chief justice from February 28, 1923 – December 3, 1925 [appointed at age 42]
• Born: November 23, 1874 - Milton, Florida
• Died: February 23, 1931, Pensacola, Florida
• County Judge:  No.
• Circuit Judge:  Yes.