Judge Horton was a judge involved with the case of the Scottsboro Boys. This case involved two white women who accused nine black men of ra.ping them on a train. The case is similar to that of Tom Robinson, which is why it is often assumed that this was a source of inspiration for Harper Lee.
Atticus Finch and Judge Horton share several characteristics, but they are also different in various ways. Judge Horton was a real character, while Finch is a fictional one. Moreover, the story greatly involves Finch's family (his children), while Horton's family is irrelevant in the case. Finally, Horton was slightly more successful with his case than Finch, who was unable to help Tom Robinson.