Ralph S. Latshaw

Ralph S. Latshaw (October 7, 1865 – May 12, 1932) was an American judge who served in the courts of Jackson County, Missouri.

Biography Latshaw was born on October 7, 1865, in Paris, Ontario. Of English ancestry, he one of four sons born to Henry J. Latshaw. At three months old, he immigrated to Kansas City, Missouri. He attended public schools and studied at Georgetown University, later reading law under Judge John W. Wofford.

Latshaw was a member of the Democratic Party, associating with Tom Pendergast throughout his career. His first public office was as postmaster of Centropolis, Kansas; he was appointed by Grover Cleveland and resigned in 1893. He then served as assistant prosecuting attorney and worked in private law practice. Cases he presided over included the 1910 Thomas H. Swope murder trial, and the 1931 Bridge Murder case.

Latshaw was described by The Kansas City Star as "fearless and outspoken in his opinions". In 1913, he ruled against William Rockhill Nelson for contempt of court, despite him being a fellow Democrat. He was also described as a harsh sentencer, though also granted parole to over 1,800 prisoners during his tenure. He was particularly harsh in sentencing defendants of domestic violence cases.