By: Alyssa Wilson

Joseph Hatchett, who made history as the first Black justice on the Florida Supreme Court, died at the age of 88 on Friday. 

He began his career in Daytona Beach after passing the Florida Bar. In state and federal courts, he practiced criminal, civil, administrative and civil rights law. 

Here is the @FLBarNews coverage of the passing of former @flcourts Justice Joseph W. Hatchett, including an in-depth look at his life and career.

Again, condolences to the Hatchett family. Florida certainly lost a #LegalLegend this week.https://t.co/CcrhL6qsSy

— The Florida Bar (@TheFlaBar) May 1, 2021

In 1966, Hatchett was appointed to the assistant United States attorney for the Middle District of Florida. One year later, he was designated as the first assistant United States attorney. 

According to Law.com, Hatchett was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1975. He made history in 1976 when he became the only Black person to win a Florida statewide contested election in the 20th century, the Florida Supreme Court reported. 

He served until 1979 when he was named a federal appeals court judge by President Jimmy Carter. This made him the first Black man appointed to a federal appeals court in the South. In 1999, Hatchett stepped down from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit to become a partner with the Akerman law firm in Tallahassee. 

He will lie in state in the rotunda of the Florida Supreme Court building on May 7. 

Former Florida Supreme Court Justice Joseph W. Hatchett will lie in state in the rotunda of the Florida Supreme Court building on Friday, May 7, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Read more: https://t.co/R4JlmylPIX pic.twitter.com/8Imt8UXpqI

— FloridaSupremeCourt (@flcourts) May 4, 2021

FAMU President Dr. Larry Robinson released a statement on his passing: 

“Florida A&M University has lost a great son in the passing of Justice Joseph Hatchett. He went from FAMU to the Supreme Court of Florida during a stellar legal career. I was honored that Judge Hatchett swore me in as the 12th President of FAMU. More importantly, his legacy has paved the way for many in the legal profession. He will be greatly missed,” he said. 

Lawyers and politicians paid their respects to Hatchett by posting tributes on social media. 

As Florida’s FIRST Black Supreme Court Justice, Joseph Hatchett has inspired me and so many others over the years. His fight for justice and equality will live on. Rest in Power, Justice Hatchett. ?? pic.twitter.com/2DaUEf6CAC

— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) May 3, 2021

Over the weekend we lost a legal legend, Justice Joseph Hatchett, the first African-American appointed to the Florida Supreme Court. This champion of equal justice was a mentor to aspiring lawyers across the country. May his legacy live on for generations, RIP! https://t.co/52kFM9xKw8

— Senator Gary Farmer (@FarmerForFLSen) May 3, 2021

RIP: a legal trailblazer, former Florida Supreme Court Justice Joseph Hatchett passed away. He was 88. Hatchett was the first Black man to serve on the state’s high court. I’ve learned, it was a Pinellas Co. teacher who inspired him. More on his legacy at 11 on @abcactionnews pic.twitter.com/kp0f1Ml8hM

— Ryan Smith (@RyanReports) May 2, 2021

My heartfelt prayers to the family of former Florida Supreme Court Justice Joseph W. Hatchett.

Justice Hatchett’s groundbreaking appointment to the Supreme Court still serves as an inspiration to so many throughout our state. May you Rest in Peace.

— AG Ashley Moody (@AGAshleyMoody) May 1, 2021

Rest in peace former Florida Supreme Court Justice, and former Eleventh U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Chief Judge Joseph Woodrow Hatchett. The good people of Florida thank you for your service.

— Carol Marbin Miller (@MarbinMiller) May 1, 2021

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