'Law for a Lawless Land' looks at how territorial New Mexico shaped legislation

Outlaws, lawmen and the law in Old West New Mexico helped fill a time in history with a cast of colorful characters.

The bygone era gives some insight into the foundation of modern-day laws.

“Being able to take a look at history and educate not only myself but an audience is an opportunity I never shy away from,” Tara Walch, filmmaker/producer of “Law for a Lawless Land,” says.

“There’s tons of information to sort through in order to tell this story.”

“Law for a Lawless Land” takes a look at the New Mexico Territory’s federal judiciary process from 1846-1912.

Walch says the one-hour documentary begins at the dawn of New Mexico’s territorial period, when United States Federal judges were charged with overcoming unprecedented, if not insurmountable, challenges.

“These judges are faced with understanding centuries of Native and Spanish culture, as well as being tasked with administering justice over the next six decades gripped by rebellion, warfare, slavery, political partisanship and the rampant lawlessness of a newly opened frontier,” she says. “‘Law for a Lawless Land’ reveals largely unknown stories of these early federal judges.”

Walch began interviews and research in August 2024 in order to highlight the cases defining this chaotic time, highlighting the judges’ pivotal rulings, colorful lives, courage, foibles and contribution to a crucial cause — achieving statehood in 1912.

She says the documentary shares insights from today’s federal judges and distinguished historians, as it sheds new light on this complicated, infamous era and its relevance for the present day.

The premiere of “Law for a Lawless Land” will broadcast at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, on New Mexico PBS, channel 5.1. It will also air at 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, on World channel 5.4. After its broadcast, the documentary will be available to stream on the PBS app.

According to New Mexico PBS, there is a viewership disclaimer for the documentary, which shows a stabbing death, shooting death and three hangings.

Walch worked with Paul Hutton, a New Mexico-based historian, on the research for the documentary.

“We combed through information for just over 60 years,” Walch says. “I think it comes down to how you tell a story that reflects the community and shares some insight on how things are the way they are now.”

Walch says most people are aware of the Taos Revolt in 1847 where an insurrection by Hispano and Pueblo allies against the United States’ occupation of present-day northern New Mexico took place during the Mexican–American War.

During that revolt, provisional Gov. Charles Bent and several other Americans were killed. New Mexicans fought three more battles and upon being defeated, abandoned open warfare.

In the aftermath of the revolt, the Americans executed at least 28 rebels. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 guaranteed the property rights of New Mexico’s Hispanic and Native American residents.

Walch says it was important to get other names and narratives into the documentary.

This is where Kirby Benedict came into the picture.

Benedict was the chief justice of the territorial New Mexico Supreme Court from 1858-1866.

During his time in New Mexico, Benedict helped organize the Historical Society of New Mexico.

Benedict was replaced by Col. John P. Slough in 1866 after President Andrew Johnson appointed Slough to the New Mexico Supreme Court.

Benedict then worked as a trial attorney until 1871.

“I thought it was really interesting that during his tenure, Kirby Benedict had to look back into Spanish law in order to understand what was going on in Spain,” Walch says. “The judges had to tread lightly because of the laws. There was more than just the territorial laws. The research remained intense and the journey was thrilling because it’s information we’ve never really heard before.”

Walch hopes that audiences will get the opportunity to learn about New Mexico law — which is just as storied as the state’s history.

“New Mexico has always been a melting pot,” she says. “These judges were trying their best to navigate all of the avenues within the laws. Imagine having to look back at Spanish law, as well as Indigenous laws. I hope the film sheds some light on the 60 years of judicial law before statehood.”

'Law for a Lawless Land' looks at how territorial New Mexico shaped legislation