Louisiana Supreme Court Justice William Crain was named the 2023 Judge of the Year by Crimefighters, Inc. at the organization’s annual on July 25, 2023.
LSU Law alumnus Louisiana Supreme Court Justice William J. Crain (’86), was honored by Crimefighters, Inc. with the organization’s Judge of the Year Award at its annual gala on July 25.
“Receiving this distinguished award from a group of volunteers committed to advocating for the rights of crime victims is truly an honor,” said Crain. “Their efforts have supported victims of crime for nearly 30 years, and have resulted in protections now found in both our statutory and constitutional law. I applaud their efforts and am humbled that they would select me for this award.”
Representing more than 12,500 victims or family members of victims of crime throughout Louisiana, Crimefighters, Inc. is the largest victims’ rights organization in the state, with a board of more than 50 members comprised primarily of law enforcement leaders.
Prior to joining the Louisiana Supreme Court bench in 2019, Crain served on the First Circuit Court of Appeal. From 2009 to 2013 he was a judge on the 22nd Judicial District Court for St. Tammany and Washington Parishes.
Prior to studying at LSU Law, Crain earned his bachelor’s degree from LSU in 1983. He maintained a general litigation law practice for 22 years, handling complex judge and jury trial cases, prior to his election to the district court.
He has been a lecturer at continuing legal education seminars on many topics including “Evidence and Persuasion at Trial”, “Professionalism” and writ and appellate practice. He co-chairs the board of governors of the Louisiana Judicial College and formerly served as president of the board. He also chairs the Court Cost Committee of the Louisiana Judicial Council, has served on the Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics, and was a member of the 2011 inaugural class of the Louisiana Judicial Leadership Institute.
