Lincoln and the Logan County Court Houses

[RJNorton]

Actually Lincoln did act as judge on occasion. Much of the time Lincoln argued cases in front of Judge David Davis who traveled the circuit with him. When Davis was ill or had other personal business to take care of, he usually asked Lincoln to act as judge for a few days. This procedure was irregular and was altogether without statutory sanction; thus Lincoln would only preside at a trial if all parties consented. At least two of "Judge" Lincoln's cases were reversed by the Illinois Supreme Court because of this irregular assignment of the judicial duties, but usually Lincoln's integrity and character were so reputable as to inspire confidence in his findings and weight to his judgments.