District Court of Appeals Judge Oliver Green

Oliver L. Green

Senior Judge
Born: November 19, 1932 • Ft. Moultrie, Sullivan’s Island, Charleston, South Carolina
Deceased: August 25, 2021 • Lakeland, Florida
Married to Mona Rowell Green • Three daughters: Jacki Green, Judge Mary Catherine Green, Miriam Patrice

Profile

Distinguished Senior Judge with decades of service in the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court, including two terms as Chief Judge. Experienced educator at the undergraduate and graduate levels and long-standing contributor to judicial ethics, bar governance, and the improvement of court administration. Recognized for leadership, integrity, community involvement, and dedicated public service both in the judiciary and the U.S. military.

Judicial & Professional Experience

Second District Court of Appeal
Appointed Judge | 1998–2004

Tenth Judicial Circuit Court
Elected Circuit Judge | 1973–1998

• Served in every division of the court

• Twice served as Chief Judge

Polk County
Magistrate Judge | 1971–1973

Private Practice
General Law Practice | 1958–1971

Professional Leadership & Service

• Founding Member, Lakeland Bar Association (circa 1962)

• The Lakeland Bar Association created the Spirit of Giving Award in honor of Oliver and Mona Green for their exemplary community service—awarded to judges and attorneys who make a significant difference in their community

• Founding Member, Willson American Inn of Court, a bench/bar organization dedicated to legal education and mentorship

• Founding Member, Lakeland Rifle and Pistol Club, sponsor of the Central Florida Gun Show

• Served on nearly all committees of the Conference of Circuit Judges, including elected District Representative, Second District

• Long-time member and two-time chairman of the Committee of Conduct Governing Judges (now the Judicial Ethics Committee)

• Board Member, Florida Bar Foundation

• Active participant in multiple Florida Bar committees:

  • Judicial Administration, Selection & Tenure Committee

  • Judicial Nominating Procedures Committee

  • Rules of Judicial Administration Committee

  • Criminal Procedure Rules Committee

• Instructor of undergraduate and graduate courses at Rollins College and Florida Southern College

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)
Stetson University College of Law

Bachelor of Science, Commerce & Business Administration
University of Alabama

Military Service & Honors

Volunteered for U.S. Army service immediately prior to the Korean War.

Awards include:

• Silver Star

• Bronze Star

• Combat Infantry Badge

• Purple Heart

• Theater Ribbons

(Military medals are displayed at the Polk County History Center.)

Additional Accomplishments

• Extensive leadership and ethics work within the judiciary

• Significant contributions to legal education, community service, and professional standards