US Congressman and Federal Judge. He graduated from Crooms Academy in Sanford, Florida in 1953. Hastings obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from Fisk University in 1958 and his Juris Doctor from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in 1963. He practiced law and became involved in politics as a Democrat. In 1977, he was appointed a Judge of the Florida Circuit Court, and he served until 1979. From 1979 to 1989, Hastings served as a US District Court Judge for the Southern District of Florida. In 1981, he was charged with accepting bribes, but acquitted at his 1983 trial. In 1988, the US Congress impeached Hastings for bribery and perjury and removed him from office. In 1990 he was an unsuccessful candidate for Florida Secretary of State. In 1992, he won a seat in the US House, and he was re-elected fourteen times. He advanced through seniority to become the Dean of Florida's delegation and a senior member of the Rules Committee. Hastings served from January 1993 until his death, which occurred while he was undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer.

US Congressman and Federal Judge. He graduated from Crooms Academy in Sanford, Florida in 1953. Hastings obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from Fisk University in 1958 and his Juris Doctor from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in 1963. He practiced law and became involved in politics as a Democrat. In 1977, he was appointed a Judge of the Florida Circuit Court, and he served until 1979. From 1979 to 1989, Hastings served as a US District Court Judge for the Southern District of Florida. In 1981, he was charged with accepting bribes, but acquitted at his 1983 trial. In 1988, the US Congress impeached Hastings for bribery and perjury and removed him from office. In 1990 he was an unsuccessful candidate for Florida Secretary of State. In 1992, he won a seat in the US House, and he was re-elected fourteen times. He advanced through seniority to become the Dean of Florida's delegation and a senior member of the Rules Committee. Hastings served from January 1993 until his death, which occurred while he was undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer.

Bio by: Bill McKern