Charles Swayne

Charles Swayne (August 10, 1842 – July 5, 1907) was a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida. In 1904, he was impeached, but remained on the bench after the impeachment trial ended in an acquittal.

Education and career

Born in Guyencourt, Delaware, Swayne received a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1871. He was in private practice in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from 1871 to 1885, and in Pensacola, Florida from 1885 to 1889. In 1888, he was an unsuccessful Republican candidate for the Florida Supreme Court.

Federal judicial service

Swayne received a recess appointment from President Benjamin Harrison on May 17, 1889, to a seat on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida vacated by Judge Thomas Settle. He was nominated to the same position by President Harrison on December 5, 1889. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on April 1, 1890, and received his commission the same day. His service terminated on July 5, 1907, due to his death.