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Judge Stevens is the mayor of Jefferson and an old man of eighty years of age. He is a symbol of authority and respect and maintains high moral standards, remaining respectful and traditional at all times. Judge Stevens does not push Emily to pay taxes after she asserts that, as per Colonel Sartoris's policy, she is exempt. This deference to her wishes demonstrates Judge Stevens's respect for tradition, the old order, and the legacy of Emily's family. Similarly, when the unpleasant odor emanating from Emily's house is brought to Judge Stevens's attention, he is adamant that he cannot address the issue directly. Loyal to his traditional values, he does not wish to embarrass or shame Emily. Judge Stevens is a pinnacle of traditional Southern sensibilities, and is consequently determined to protect Emily's dignity. When asked by a townsperson to confront Emily about the smell, he replies, “Dammit, sir…will you accuse a lady to her face of smelling bad?” Instead, he instructs the men to sprinkle lime juice along her cellar in the dead of night in an attempt to alleviate the odor without publicly embarrassing Emily. Though a minor character in the story, Judge Stevens's reluctance to intervene directly in Emily's affairs relates to the theme of traditions versus change. Judge Stevens repeatedly opts to uphold outdated traditions, demonstrating a larger unwillingness to modernize Jefferson and let go of the past.
