LACDL Blackstone's Order
Given in recognition of members who remind us that it is “better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer.” Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, but no later than November 10th to be recognized at the Tate Banquet. To submit nominations, please submit via our Nominations Form. Meet the Members of the Blackstone’s Order.
Legend holds that during the Battle of the Alamo, a young Lieutenant Colonel by the name of William Barrett Travis gazed out across the Texas prairie, seeing Santa Anna’s gathering forces, and he drew a line in the sand, inviting those willing to defend liberty to cross it and stand with him. “Talking about freedom,” Travis had told them, “is always easier than coming face-to-face with a man who is trying to take it away.” Facing overwhelming odds, his courage became an enduring symbol of conviction in the face of certain defeat.
Every day, public defenders and criminal defense attorneys in Louisiana stand on their own battle lines. They confront powerful forces within an often-imbalanced justice system, defending the rights and liberty of those accused. Their victories—whether a pivotal pre-trial motion, a not-guilty verdict, or a reversal on appeal—are hard-won and too often unrecognized.
At LACDL, we believe these defenders deserve acknowledgment as the true guardians of freedom. Their work embodies the principle expressed by Sir William Blackstone, the English jurist whose writings shaped the foundation of American law: “It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer.”
Known as Blackstone’s Ratio, this idea lies at the heart of a just society and of every defense attorney’s work. The vigilance of these lawyers is the price of our liberty.
The 10:1 Blackstone’s Order induction honors those Louisiana defense attorneys who demonstrate extraordinary skill and courage in the courtroom. Inductees are recognized for their commitment to Blackstone’s Ratio by:
- Winning a pivotal pre-trial motion that results in the dismissal of charges;
- Securing a verdict of not guilty after a bench or jury trial; or
- Obtaining a reversal of a conviction on appeal.
Through the Blackstone’s Order induction, LACDL celebrates those who, like Travis at the Alamo, stand their ground for liberty and justice, reminding us all that freedom endures only when courage does.
Meet the Members of the Blackstone’s Order
|
Brooke Alexander |
Wesley Bailey |
Naila Campbell |
|
Tommy Damico |
Laurie Earl |
Michael Fiser |
| Meghan Garvey N'Ghana Lewis Gauff Thomas Gernhauser Cristie Gibbens Sarah Giglio Robby Gill Katherine Gilmer Molly Gilmore Alan Golden Joshua Gordon Broocks Greer Michael Gregory |
Stephen Haedicke |
Chad Ikerd |
| Cat Kearney Matt Kellner Charles Kincade Tedrick Knightshead Jim Knipe |
|
Michael Magner |
| Marquita Naquin Lisa Nelson Aaron Novod |
Madison Ordway |
Avery Pardee |
| Brian Racer Rob Ray Willis Ray Patrick Redmon Elton Richey Walker Rick James Ross |
Leigh Ann Rood Sakla |
Blythe Taplin |
| Bruce Unangst |
Cesar Vazquez |
Emily Wagner |
| Diana Yu | Joseph Zanetti |
Know someone deserving of induction to the Blackstone's Order? Nominate them today! Visit our nomination form or discover our other awards.
