The Bench
Judge William L. Dawson, Presiding Judge
Presiding & Administrative Judge
East Cleveland Municipal Court
Judge William L. Dawson is an author, motivational speaker, and the Administrative and Presiding Judge of the East Cleveland Municipal Court. He is married to Elsie Dawson. They have one daughter, Aria Dawson, and he has a son, William L. Dawson II.
Executive summary of Judge Dawson's message
Key takeaways from Judge Dawson's message to the community. The full text follows below.
A state of emergency
Judge Dawson opens with urgency: the conditions facing our residents demand an immediate, active response — not business as usual.
Two paths, one moment
Societal and technological change has created an environment full of opportunity for success — and, at the same time, a fast lane to destruction.
What destruction looks like
Incarceration, negative interaction with the legal system, teen pregnancy, violence, and unemployment — the outcomes the Court sees every day.
The Court's response
Use the Court's judicial reach to be active in the lives of the people and community it serves, opening doors to a different outcome.
Changing the Narrative of Justice.
A Message from Judge Dawson
“We are in a state of emergency! Societal and technological advancements are creating an environment full of opportunity for success as well as a fast lane to destruction.”
By destruction, I am referring to:
- Incarceration
- Negative interaction with the legal system
- Teen pregnancy
- Violence
- Unemployment
So the mission and call of the East Cleveland Municipal Court is to use our judicial reach to be active in the lives of the people and the community we serve — meeting residents where they are, and opening doors to a different outcome.
Changing the Narrative of Justice.
— Judge William L. Dawson, Presiding & Administrative Judge
The work behind the message
Explore the programs that carry this mission into the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Judge Dawson and the Court's programs
Common questions about the bench, the Court's mission, and how to get in touch.
Judge William L. Dawson serves as the Presiding and Administrative Judge of the East Cleveland Municipal Court. He is also an author and motivational speaker.