Vassar Benjamin Carlton (November 13, 1912 – August 31, 2005) was a justice of the Florida Supreme Court from 1969 to 1974, serving as chief justice for his final year on the Court.[1]
Born in Alachua County, Florida,[1] Carlton received an LL.B. from Stetson University in 1937, and was elected a Brevard County judge just four years later, in 1941, at 27 years old.[2] He thereafter remained in the judiciary. In 1954, "he was elected Circuit Judge of Florida's old Ninth Circuit"[2] remaining in that office until his election to the Florida Supreme Court in 1968,[2] where he commenced service on January 7, 1969.[1] He was chosen as chief justice for a term beginning January 1, 1973, remaining in that office until his retirement on February 28, 1974.[1]