Judge Haston a man of courage, character
The legal community was taken by surprise Tuesday when Circuit Court Judge Charles Haston called a special meeting of the McMinnville Bar Association to announce his retirement effective Sept. 1.
Judge Haston has hinted at retirement before, but Tuesday’s announcement caught local citizens off guard nonetheless. While speculation swirls about who Haston’s successor might be, the search process has only begun. And if Haston decides to bump up his schedule and retire before June, his replacement won’t be appointed, but rather decided by the voters in August’s general election.
With thoughts of the future and who the next judge might be on the back burner, this newspaper would be remiss if it didn’t take a moment to acknowledge the top-notch job Haston has done during his almost 30 years on the bench. Thirty years composes quite a bit of history – more than enough time to allow of person of less moral character to have his reputation tainted. But not Judge Haston.
Through the years, he has handled himself appropriately and done an exemplary job of upholding the laws of this county and this nation. It’s by no means an easy job to do, especially when you make rulings which greatly affect people’s lives each and every week.
Whether it’s criminal cases involving jail time or domestic disputes involving child support and child custody, Judge Haston has represented this community fairly and honestly. Warren countians have recognized that fact and it’s appropriately reflected in the number of times Judge Haston has been re-elected.
Called an icon of the judicial profession by the attorneys who worked before his bench over the three decades, those in the legal community agree Judge Haston will be sorely missed in a district which has grown accustomed to his no-nonsense approach to upholding the law.
His strictness and order for decorum in the courtroom is a reflection of his belief in the sanctity of the judicial system and what it represents. His unwavering dedication to justice should serve as a role model for those who follow him on the bench.
There is no doubt Judge Haston has served Warren County well, often going unnoticed amidst the constant flow of cases shuffling in and out of the courthouse. It’s been said the best referees and umpires are the ones you never notice and the same can be said for our judges. Judge Haston has quietly gone about his business using efficiency and fairness.
It’s with dignity and character, Charles Haston has served Warren County for close to three decades. The Standard appreciates his years of service and wishes him many happy years of retirement.