John T. Raulston, the judge in the Scopes trial,
was "a popular local attorney of no special competence." Although his rulings
more often favored the prosecution and his deference to Bryan was especially
obvious, Raulston was credited with "acting according to his lights as
well as his prejudices." The attention that came with the Scopes trial
pleased Raulston, and he seemed to have a near obsession with having his
picture taken.
Raulston was a deeply religious man. During
the trial he quoted scripture. It was also his practice to open proceedings
with a prayer whenever a clergyman was present.