THE SUPREME COURT’S VISION – AND MINE

In 2009 the Supreme Court of Louisiana, led by Chief Justice Catherine D. Kimball (our 24th in its history), adopted a simple, yet somewhat profound, vision statement for the Court:

We envision hard working judges, who treat all within their purview with kindness, fairness and respect, and who require that same treatment by their employees and the attorneys who appear before the court; and a judiciary that is recognized by our state and nation as having those qualities.  We envision a judiciary that handles its work efficiently and appropriately and cares as deeply about the disposition of a child abuse, a juvenile or a custody case as it does about a high profile civil lawsuit.

For district judges in particular, these are words to live by.  It is an incredible honor to serve my 20th year as a district judge, and with that honor comes duty.  In fulfilling my obligations I promise to continue working hard for the administration of justice.  Even though I must rule against one side in every contested matter, I continue to treat every litigant and every attorney with kindness, fairness and respect.  And, I recognize that there is no case that is unimportant.  While some cases may generate more public interest than others and some may involve weightier issues of liberty and monetary consideration than others, I know that each case is extremely important to the parties involved.  Again, this job is an absolute honor and, as always, I continue to conduct myself honorably!

Finally, for this opportunity and as William Shakespeare wrote, “I can no other answer make, but thanks, and thanks”.

                            Scott J. Crichton
                            May 13, 2010

Welcome to my 2010 website, www.judgescottcrichton.com. I am honored to be serving my 20th year on the Caddo bench and to be one of eleven judges for the First Judicial District. My great grandfather, Andrew J. Murff, served as a Caddo district judge a century ago, 1906-1910. Perhaps it could be said that the legal profession, in particular, the judiciary, is in my DNA!

The purpose of this website (which to my knowledge is a first of its kind for a district judge) is as follows:


  1. To provide litigants, lawyers and the public with basic information about Caddo District Court, emphasizing important procedural rules and providing the basics of what judges expect. There are several outlines on those subjects as well as scheduling order forms, 2009 civil Section B docket, civil and criminal jury instructions, recent civil rulings and other materials that should provide guidance

  2. To provide information about my professional background including the scope of work in the 1980s as a Caddo assistant district attorney and as a lawyer in private civil practice. There is also much information provided which details the teaching which I have done as well as the presentations made to various legal and civic groups. Further, there is emphasis on the importance of ethics and professionalism in this honorable profession; in that regard, you can review a presentation which I delivered about a year ago on the subject of professionalism.       


  3. Finally, to share with you the crime prevention PowerPoint program which I designed almost 3 years ago tilted “Don’t Let This Be You”. This presentation is primarily for teenagers and parents and it emphasizes certain legal concepts that are pertinent to teenagers and it focuses on consequences of violating the law. On the left side of this page you can click on a video on the program as well as several radio interviews/podcasts regarding the program which will familiarize you with the components of the program in advance; you can view an upcoming schedule and receive registration information.


So, whether you are a lawyer or litigant seeking to know more about the judge assigned to your case, whether your case is listed on the docket,  what a judge typically expects, some of the applicable rules of procedure or if you are a parent of a teenager desiring to know more about “Don’t Let This Be You” then this website is for you! In the feedback section, let me know what you think.
Judge Scott J. Crichton

Latest News

Shreveport Times Editorial
Thursday, Dec 10, 2009 12:04pm

Anti-crime road show worth a look.   One look at the visuals offered in "Don't Let This Be You" can dissuade any young person of the notion that crime is an easy way to make a living or that it only has consequences if you're caught.





Byrd students get vivid look at legal system
Tuesday, Dec 08, 2009 10:24am

Judge Scott Crichton speaks with students about the serious consequences of unlawful behavior during a program called "Don't Let The Be You" that was presented by The Shreveport Bar Association Friday morning at Byrd High School




Don't Let This Be You
Thursday, Nov 12, 2009 5:00pm

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