May 1, 2023

Judge Roy Bean (c. 1825 - March 16, 1903) was an American saloonkeeper and justice of the peace in Vale Verde County, Texas, in the late 19th century. He gained notoriety for his unusual rulings and questionable legal authority. He called himself the "The Only Law West of the Pecos" and held court in his saloon, encouraging attendees to purchase liquor while he dispensed justice. Fictional Western films called him "The Hanging Judge," although he was only known to have sentenced two men to hang, one of which escaped.