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35 Facts About Judge Roy Bean

Felicia Osullivan

Written by Felicia Osullivan

Modified & Updated: 21 Sep 2024

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Source: Cinephiliabeyond.org

Who was Judge Roy Bean? Known as the "Law West of the Pecos," Judge Roy Bean was a saloonkeeper and justice of the peace in Val Verde County, Texas, during the late 19th century. His courtroom was a saloon, and his rulings were often quirky and unconventional. Bean's reputation grew from his unique brand of justice, which included fining a dead man for carrying a concealed weapon and using the money to buy drinks for the jury. Despite his lack of formal legal training, he became a legendary figure in the American Old West. Judge Roy Bean remains a symbol of frontier justice and colorful history.

Key Takeaways:

  • Judge Roy Bean, the "Law West of the Pecos," was a colorful figure in the Old West. He ran a saloon, dispensed quirky justice, and inspired myths and legends that continue to captivate audiences today.
  • Despite his unconventional ways, Judge Roy Bean brought law and order to the wilds of Texas, leaving behind a legacy of frontier justice and the wild spirit of the Old West.
Table of Contents
01Who Was Judge Roy Bean?
02Judge Roy Bean's Courtroom
03Notable Cases and Decisions
04Personal Life and Legacy
05Myths and Legends
06Judge Roy Bean in Popular Culture
07The End of an Era
08The Legacy of Judge Roy Bean

Who Was Judge Roy Bean?

Judge Roy Bean, known as the "Law West of the Pecos," was a colorful figure in the Old West. His life was filled with fascinating stories, some true, some embellished. Let's dive into some intriguing facts about this legendary character.

  1. Roy Bean was born in Kentucky in 1825. He grew up in a large family and had 14 siblings.

  2. He moved to Texas in the 1840s. Seeking adventure and opportunity, Bean left Kentucky for the wilds of Texas.

  3. Bean was a saloon owner. Before becoming a judge, he ran a saloon in Langtry, Texas, which also served as his courtroom.

  4. He named his saloon "The Jersey Lilly." It was named after the famous British actress Lillie Langtry, whom he admired greatly.

  5. Bean became a judge in 1882. He was appointed by the Texas Rangers to bring law and order to the area.

Judge Roy Bean's Courtroom

Bean's courtroom was unlike any other. It was informal, quirky, and often humorous. Here are some facts about his unique way of dispensing justice.

  1. Court sessions were held in his saloon. The bar served as the judge's bench.

  2. He had no formal legal training. Despite this, Bean presided over many cases with his own brand of justice.

  3. Bean's law book was a single volume. It was the 1879 edition of the Revised Statutes of Texas.

  4. He often fined people instead of jailing them. This was a practical decision, as there were no jails in Langtry.

  5. Bean's rulings were final. There was no higher court to appeal to in his jurisdiction.

Notable Cases and Decisions

Judge Roy Bean's courtroom saw many interesting cases. His decisions were sometimes controversial but always memorable.

  1. He once fined a dead man. Bean found a corpse with a pistol and $40. He fined the deceased $40 for carrying a concealed weapon.

  2. Bean married couples. He performed wedding ceremonies in his saloon, charging $5 per service.

  3. He issued divorces. Although not legally authorized, Bean granted divorces for a fee.

  4. Bean's rulings favored his friends. He often showed leniency to those he liked.

  5. He was known for his colorful language. Bean's courtroom was filled with witty remarks and humorous comments.

Personal Life and Legacy

Judge Roy Bean's personal life was as colorful as his courtroom antics. His legacy continues to fascinate people today.

  1. Bean had a son named Sam. Sam later became a prominent figure in Langtry.

  2. He was a fan of boxing. Bean organized boxing matches in Langtry and even refereed some of them.

  3. Bean never met Lillie Langtry. Despite his admiration, he never had the chance to meet the actress.

  4. He claimed to be the only law west of the Pecos. This self-proclaimed title added to his legend.

  5. Bean's saloon became a tourist attraction. After his death, The Jersey Lilly drew visitors curious about the famous judge.

Myths and Legends

Many stories about Judge Roy Bean are a mix of fact and fiction. These myths have contributed to his larger-than-life persona.

  1. He was rumored to be a bandit. Some tales suggest Bean had a criminal past before becoming a judge.

  2. Bean supposedly hanged criminals. In reality, he never sentenced anyone to death by hanging.

  3. He was said to be a teetotaler. Despite owning a saloon, some stories claim Bean didn't drink alcohol.

  4. Bean's courtroom had no jail. This is true; he used fines as punishment instead.

  5. He was a self-promoter. Bean enjoyed telling tall tales about himself, adding to his legend.

Judge Roy Bean in Popular Culture

Judge Roy Bean's life has inspired many books, movies, and TV shows. His character continues to captivate audiences.

  1. He was portrayed by Paul Newman. In the 1972 film "The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean," Newman played the title role.

  2. Bean appeared in comic books. His character has been featured in various Western-themed comics.

  3. He inspired a TV series. "Judge Roy Bean" aired in the 1950s, bringing his story to a wider audience.

  4. Bean's life was the subject of a biography. "Judge Roy Bean: Law West of the Pecos" by C.L. Sonnichsen is a well-known book about him.

  5. He is a folk hero. Bean's larger-than-life persona has made him a legendary figure in American folklore.

The End of an Era

Judge Roy Bean's death marked the end of an era in the Old West. His influence, however, remains.

  1. Bean died in 1903. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 77.

  2. His death was widely reported. Newspapers across the country covered the story of his passing.

  3. Bean's saloon was preserved. The Jersey Lilly still stands as a historical site in Langtry.

  4. He was buried in Del Rio, Texas. Bean's final resting place is in the Whitehead Memorial Museum.

  5. His legacy lives on. Judge Roy Bean remains a symbol of frontier justice and the wild spirit of the Old West.

The Legacy of Judge Roy Bean

Judge Roy Bean's life was nothing short of extraordinary. From his unconventional courtroom antics to his colorful personality, he left an indelible mark on the Old West. His unique approach to justice, often bending the rules to suit his whims, made him a legendary figure. Despite his questionable methods, Bean's legacy endures, capturing the imagination of history buffs and Western enthusiasts alike.

Bean's saloon-courtroom, the Jersey Lilly, stands as a testament to his quirky brand of justice. His stories continue to entertain and intrigue, reminding us of a time when the law was as wild as the land it governed. Judge Roy Bean may not have been a conventional judge, but his impact on the mythos of the American West is undeniable. His life, filled with eccentricities and adventures, remains a fascinating chapter in the annals of history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Judge Roy Bean?
Known as "The Law West of the Pecos," Judge Roy Bean was a colorful character in American history. He ran a saloon in Langtry, Texas, and appointed himself the justice of the peace, becoming famous for his unique and often unorthodox rulings.
Did Judge Roy Bean have any legal training?
Nope, he didn't have any formal legal training. His judgments were based more on his own interpretations of the law, or sometimes just his personal opinions, rather than any legal textbooks or precedents.
What kind of court did Judge Bean preside over?
His courtroom was unlike any other, held in his saloon, The Jersey Lilly. This setup certainly made for some unconventional trials, blending the lines between law and leisure.
Was Judge Roy Bean fair in his rulings?
Fairness is subjective, but stories suggest that while his methods were unconventional, Bean often aimed for what he saw as just outcomes. His rulings, though not always aligned with the letter of the law, reflected his own brand of frontier justice.
How did Judge Roy Bean become so famous?
His fame spread through newspaper stories that highlighted his eccentric approach to justice. Tales of his rulings, often embellished, captured the imagination of people across the country, making him a folk hero of sorts.
Did Judge Bean have any encounters with famous outlaws?
While specific encounters with famous outlaws aren't well-documented, his position and the era he lived in would have likely put him in contact with various characters of questionable repute. His own brand of justice probably attracted as many outlaws as it did law-abiding citizens.
Can I visit Judge Roy Bean's saloon today?
Yes, you can! The Jersey Lilly, along with Bean's courtroom, has been preserved as a museum in Langtry, Texas. Visitors can step back in time and get a feel for the unique setting where Bean dispensed his brand of justice.
What legacy did Judge Roy Bean leave behind?
His legacy is one of a larger-than-life character who embodied the spirit of the American frontier. Through his unconventional approach to law and order, Bean became a symbol of the wild west, leaving behind stories that continue to fascinate and entertain.

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