Press

January 11, 2010
Court Jester: Retired Campbell County Circuit Judge J. Samuel Johnston explains ‘Why Judges Wear Robes’ in book of tales taken from his courtroom

Retired Campbell County Circuit Judge J. Samuel Johnston apparently has a local runaway bestseller on his hands with a self-published collection of laugh-out-loud stories about life in the courtroom.

Lynchburg bookstores say they’ve received numerous requests for the book, “Why Judges Wear Robes. ” Johnston has ordered a second printing to meet the demand. He sold out of the first run of 650 copies, selling them himself at book signings and at his home …more

December 06, 2009
Keeping a straight face, from the judicial perspective

Although it’s the work of a retired judge, Sam Johnston’s recently published book isn’t quite the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

“I did change some names to protect the guilty,” admitted the long-time Campbell County judge. “I’d say the book is 80 percent factual, 10 percent given to hyperbole and 10 percent apocryphal. And it’s rated ‘R’ for language.”

The book takes its title from the first of many vignettes that populate its roughly 200 pages: “Why Judges Wear Robes.” …more

October 30, 2009
Judge Johnston readies collection of war stories

If you’ve heard him speak at conferences around Virginia, you know the quick mind and salty wit of now-retired Campbell County Circuit Judge Sam Johnston.  You may have chuckled at stories like the melon ball account, recalled here by Paul Fletcher. more…

December 24, 2008
Judge Samuel Johnston leaving a life of trials

In the “parade of humanity” that came before J. Samuel Johnston in 31 years as a Campbell County judge, he saw good in 99 percent.

“And those who aren’t you deal with them in the right way,” Johnston said Tuesday shortly after his portrait was unveiled in the county’s circuit courtroom.

Family, friends, local officials, lawyers and judges gathered to honor Johnston, a man they said showed great character through his sense of humor and fairness.

He retired this year at age 62 after having the distinction as the youngest district court judge and circuit court judge appointed in Virginia. more…