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James D. “Buddy” Caldwell was sworn in as Louisiana's 43rd Attorney General on January 14, 2008. Prior to his election as the chief legal officer for the state of Louisiana, Buddy served for 29 years as the District Attorney for the parishes of East Carroll, Madison and Tensas. As District Attorney, Buddy personally tried most major felony cases in his three-parish district achieving a 99% conviction rate.
As Attorney General, Buddy is committed to the people of Louisiana. He is committed to protecting our children from those who use the Internet to prey on our children. His High Technology Crime Unit gives presentations across the state to students, educators and parents on how to stay safe on the Internet. Buddy is committed to keeping our children safe in school. He has advocated for installing cameras in and around the perimeters of schools and in school buses. Buddy knows the importance of working together to bring criminals to justice. With this in mind he created the Attorney General's Fugitive Apprehension Unit. This unit was created for the purpose of assisting local law enforcement agencies in locating and apprehending fugitives from justice.
In 2008 Buddy had the honor of being inducted into the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame. He also serves on the Executive Working Group on Prosecutorial Relations for the National Association of Attorneys General.
Buddy's roots run deep in northeast Louisiana. He was born May 20, 1946, the fourth of seven children, in Columbia located in Caldwell Parish. The family moved to Madison parish in 1949 and has lived there ever since.
Buddy attended Tallulah High School and graduated with honors. Not only did he excel in academics but also athletics. He lettered in basketball, football, and track, and played semi-professional baseball in north Louisiana. Buddy earned a Bachelor's degree from Tulane University where he also played football and ran track. In 1973 he received a law degree from Tulane Law School.
Buddy divides his time between Baton Rouge and Tallulah where he lives with his wife, Pat. Together, they have seven children and six grandchildren.
More than half the population of Louisiana – 51% -- is female. Yet, only 11 % of the state’s Legislators are women. Why?
What factors in Louisiana’s lifestyle – and history - contribute to its weight problems?
What will the changes to the state’s education system mean for Louisiana’s public schools?
How can the system be revamped while keeping the promise to those who have provided years of public service?
What factors in Louisiana’s lifestyle – and history - contribute to its weight problems?
How civic-minded are Louisiana’s citizens and how can they become more involved?
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