News 12 Then: Looking back at Judge Walter Williams wild first year on the bench

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – 25 years ago, the legend of Judge Walter Williams had just begun.

The unconventional city judge had just completed his first year on the bench in July of 1992.

In just that first year, we knew he wasn’t fooling around.

He enforced a strict dress and conduct code in the court.

He handed out unusual sentences that had more to do with getting your education than serving jail time.

In the coming years, some of those sentences would be appealed and even censured.

But Judge William’s fame only grew.

CBS News even came to Chattanooga to profile the law & order judge for a news magazine (Street Stories).

After serving a pair of 8 year terms on the bench, Judge Williams joined a local law firm.

He retired a couple of years ago.

But this year, Chattanooga officials have tinkered with the idea of creating a new environmental court, and bringing back Judge Williams to run it.