Career
He is best known as presiding judge at the trial of serial killer Ted Bundy in 1979 (considered sometimes as the first "official" serial killer trial), where he imposed a death sentence. Cowart is remembered for his sentencing, which included these words:
Before entering the judiciary, Cowart served as a Miami police officer He sat on the bench for fourteen years, earning wide respect among Florida lawyers.
He was known for frequent biblical quotations in the courtroom.
Judge Cowart died of a heart attack at the age of 62. Bundy was executed two years later in 1989.