John Tate Raulston (September 22, 1868 – July 11, 1956) was an American state judge in Rhea County, Tennessee, best known for presiding over the 1925 Scopes Trial, a famous creationism-evolution debate.
It is debatable whether or not Raulston allowed his personal support for the prosecution to affect his decisions during the course of the trial. He was said to have liked the attention that came with being a part of the trial, especially having his photograph taken. He was very religious and quoted scripture during the trial, as well as beginning each day with a prayer. Raulston also attended sermons prior to the hearing in order to witness William Jennings Bryan's speeches. The judge would always make sure that he and his family had first-row seats.
Raulston is a character in the play Inherit the Wind, under the name Mel Coffey. In the film adaptation, he was portrayed by Harry Morgan, best known for playing Colonel Sherman T. Potter in M*A*S*H.