Professional Summary
Scott J. Crichton, born June 1, 1954, in Shreveport, Louisiana, is a distinguished jurist and attorney whose decades of public service include 24 years as a district court judge and a full ten-year term as Associate Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court (2015–2025).
Today, he continues his legal and judicial contributions as Of Counsel at the Law Offices of Mary Watson Smith, L.L.C., focusing on appellate advocacy in civil law, and through his own practice, Scott J. Crichton Law, LLC, with offices in Shreveport and New Orleans. He also serves as a mediator and arbitrator with Perry Dampf Dispute Solutions.
Judicial Service & Leadership
District Court Judge
Before his Supreme Court tenure, Crichton served for 24 years as a judge in the First Judicial District Court (Caddo Parish / Shreveport), presiding over both civil and criminal divisions. In that role, he handled more than 25,000 cases. He also served one term pro tempore on the First Circuit Court of Appeal.
As district judge, he gained a strong reputation for integrity, fairness, and consistency in both jury and bench trial settings.
Louisiana Supreme Court Justice
Elected in 2014 (without opposition) to succeed Justice Jeffrey P. Victory, Crichton began his term as Associate Justice on January 1, 2015. He completed the constitutionally mandated ten-year term on December 31, 2024.
During his Supreme Court service, he chaired or participated extensively in leadership and administrative roles:
- Chair of the Louisiana Judicial College and Co-Chair of its Board of Governors, overseeing judicial education statewide
- Chair of the Supreme Court’s Executive Management Committee
- Served as the court’s statutory designee to the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Executive Management Institute Board
- Member of the Judges Imparting Knowledge, Education and Skills (JIKES) Task Force
- Recognitions: 2022 Judge Benjamin Jones Judges in the Classroom Award and 2024 President’s Award from the Louisiana Judicial College Board of Governors for exemplary service in judicial education
He authored hundreds of opinions, concurrences, and dissents across many civil and constitutional matters.
Legal, Educational & Mediation Work
Legal Practice & Appellate Advocacy
Scott is known for his deep expertise in civil appellate matters. In his current counsel roles, he assists in complex civil litigation, appeals, and legal strategy.
Mediation & Arbitration
In 2025, he joined Perry Dampf Dispute Solutions as mediator and arbitrator. His background as both trial and appellate judge equips him to resolve disputes thoughtfully and fairly.
Teaching & Legal Education
For five years, Crichton served as adjunct faculty at Tulane Law School, teaching Advanced Appellate Advocacy and Contemporary Issues in Legal Ethics and publishing coursebooks in those areas. He also taught in the LSU Law Center Trial Advocacy Program.
He has contributed numerous CLE (continuing legal education) hours to lawyers and judges statewide, especially on ethics, professionalism, and appellate practice.
“Crime, Consequences, and the Power of Choice” & Community Outreach
One of Justice Crichton’s signature programs is a youth education presentation originally known as “Don’t Let This Be You.” Since about 2006, he has personally delivered versions of this program, later retitled “Crime, Consequences, and the Power of Choice” – to more than 20,000 students, parents, and teachers across Louisiana. The program emphasizes understanding law, personal responsibility, and real-life consequences for criminal behavior.
He continues to deliver lectures at legal conferences, bar associations, judicial institutes, and public forums statewide.
Education & Early Career
- B.S., Louisiana State University (1976)
- J.D., LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center (1980)
After law school, he served as Assistant District Attorney for Caddo Parish (1980s), prosecuting felony cases and gaining trial experience. Simultaneously, he maintained a civil litigation practice concentrating in personal injury, wrongful death, custody and commercial law.
He also taught Business Law at LSU-Shreveport in earlier years.
Personal Background, Values & Family
Scott Crichton grew up in Minden, Webster Parish, Louisiana. His father, Tom Crichton, ran a hardware store and cattle ranch; his mother, Mary Crichton, was a homemaker and a bridge master (Life Master). He credits them with instilling humility, education, service, and integrity, all guiding values throughout his life.
He and his wife, Susie Simonton Crichton, live in both Shreveport and New Orleans. They have two sons, Stuart and Sam, both of whom pursued law careers. He also maintains strong commitments to community, faith, and public service.
Vision & Legacy
Justice Crichton’s approach to law and public service emphasizes:
- Integrity & fairness in every judicial decision
- Education as a preventive tool, particularly for youth
- Judicial leadership and mentorship, ensuring future generations are well-prepared
- Faith and public responsibility, grounding his service in a call beyond the courtroom
Though his Supreme Court term officially concluded at the end of 2024, his influence continues through teaching, mediation/arbitration, and public outreach.
