Who is James horton in the scottsboro trials?

James Horton was the judge presiding over the first Scottsboro trial in 1931, where nine African American teenagers were accused of raping two white women. His tenure was marked by a commitment to a fair trial, as he granted a motion for a new trial, citing the lack of evidence and inadequate legal representation for the defendants. Horton faced significant backlash for his decision, highlighting the pervasive racial tensions and injustices of the time. His actions contributed to the ongoing discourse about race and justice in America.