East Baton Rouge Community - The Honorable Donald “Don” Johnson announces his candidacy for the Court of Appeal, First Circuit today. Judge Johnson is East Baton Rouge Parish’s longest serving trial judge having been elected as judge in 1993. He has over 40 years of legal experience, having tried hundreds of cases throughout his legal career. Throughout his judicial service, Judge Johnson has been committed to fairness and equal justice for all people. It is his strong belief that every person be treated with respect and dignity, and the law be applied fairly and evenhandedly to all.
Judge Johnson is a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge. He is a 1972 graduate of Baton Rouge High School. Judge Johnson is also a graduate of Southern University and A&M College, graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1977. Judge Johnson received his Juris Doctor from Louisiana State University, Paul M. Hebert School of Law in 1982. With a firm conviction that education is the key to success, Judge Johnson has continued his pursuit of higher education graduating with seven master’s degrees and two doctorate degrees.
His vast experience and knowledge of the law will bring a broader, qualified and diverse perspective to the First Circuit. He believes that “each case must be decided on its own merit” and “must be decided on the rule of law.”
Judge Johnson served as judge with the Baton Rouge City Court from 1993 – 1999. He was elected to the 19th Judicial District Court in 1999, and for the last 23 years has served as presiding judge over Criminal and Civil Court, in addition to Traffic Court, Pre-Trial Court as well as Recovery Court (formerly Drug Court). Judge Johnson is now in the process of developing a specialized Domestic Violence Court for judges to ensure follow-through on cases, aid domestic violence victims, and hold those who commit crimes accountable. The Domestic Violence Court will provide for swift and certain punishment for offenders and treatment for both victims and offenders.
Judge Johnson is a scholar and a fair and independent jurist. Join him on Election Day, Tuesday, November 8, 2022 and vote for the most experienced trial judge for the First Circuit Court of Appeal.
For more information, please visit us on Social Media at JudgeDonJohnson and DonAppeal.org