---
title: "William H. Burris | KnowJudges"
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updated: "2026-10-08"
---

# William H. Burris

Supreme Court of Louisiana · Associate Justice

## Profile

- Court: Supreme Court of Louisiana
- State: Louisiana
- Role: Associate Justice
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-08-22

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- The Associate Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, serving in the 1st District, with a term ending December 31, 2028
- Before joining the Supreme Court, Burris was District Judge for Division E of the 22nd Judicial District Court (covering Washington and St. Tammany Parishes) from 2018 to 2026.
- “Billy” Burris is a Republican judge who became Associate Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court in June 2026, after serving as a judge on the 22nd Judicial District Court from 2018 to 2026
- Began his legal career as an attorney in Baton Rouge, then opened his own law practice in Franklinton

### Education

- Louisiana State University — Philosophy — B.A.
- Southern University Law Center — Law; magna cum laude — J.D.

### Additional information

- Elected in a special general election after the November 2026 general election was canceled
- He assumed office on June 17, 2026, succeeding Allison H. Penzato (acting).
- Attorney - Private Practice · end year: 2018
- Elected in 2017 to fill a vacancy created by the retirement of his father, the late Hon.
- William H.
- Burris is a lifelong Republican and a conservative jurist committed to the rule of law, public safety, and constitutional interpretation.
- He has served on multiple statewide judicial advisory committees, was President of the Washington Parish Bar Association, and is an Eagle Scout and ordained deacon at First Baptist Church in Franklinton
- William J. Burris.
- In that role, he presided over civil and criminal cases, led specialty court initiatives, and served in leadership positions such as Chair of the Louisiana District Judges’ Association–Department of Corrections Joint Committee

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### electronic or photographic presentation of evidence

Scope: statewide

Louisiana trial judges may authorize electronic or photographic means for presenting evidence, preserving the record, counsel use, or judicial-administration purposes.

Evidence excerpt: A trial judge may authorize ... the use of electronic or photographic means for the presentation of evidence

[Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct, Canon 3A(9)](https://www.lasc.org/Court_Rules?p=CJC)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### broadcast recording photography

Scope: statewide

Louisiana judges generally prohibit broadcasting, televising, recording, or photographing courtroom proceedings unless a Canon 3A(9) exception applies.

Evidence excerpt: a judge shall prohibit broadcasting, televising, recording, or taking photographs in the courtroom

[Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct, Canon 3A(9)](https://www.lasc.org/Court_Rules?p=CJC)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### appellate extended media coverage

Scope: statewide

Louisiana appellate courts may permit extended media coverage in public appellate proceedings, subject to the authority of the court and presiding judge or panel.

Evidence excerpt: An appellate court may permit broadcasting, televising, recording, and taking photographs of public judicial proceedings

[Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct, Canon 3A(9)](https://www.lasc.org/Court_Rules?p=CJC)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.lasc.org/bicentennial/justices.html)
- [Official roster](https://www.lasc.org/bicentennial/justices.html)
- [Louisiana Supreme Court official judicial roster](https://www.lasc.org/bicentennial/justices.html)
- [Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct, Canon 3A(9)](https://www.lasc.org/Court_Rules?p=CJC)
- [Supplied Louisiana biography research](https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/william-h-burris-la-supreme-court)
- [Supplied Louisiana biography research](https://www.lasc.org/bicentennial/justices.html)
- [Supplied Louisiana biography research](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Burris)
- [Supplied Louisiana biography research](https://ballotpedia.org/Billy_Burris)
- [Supplied Louisiana biography research](https://www.louisianajudiciary.com/judges/william-h-burris/)

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