Special judge for the 19th Judicial District Austin C. Browning was sworn in Monday morning by District Judge Mark Campbell.
Browning replaces Emily Redman who stepped down in October to become a Choctaw Tribal Court prosecutor.
Before the ceremony, Campbell thanked those for attending that included State Sen. David Bullard, State Rep. Cody Maynard, State Rep. Justin Humphrey and former judges, court personnel and law enforcement officers.
Campbell said that one of his most important duties as district judge and presiding judge for southeast Oklahoma is appointing a special judge who will serve the people of Bryan County with hard work, a fundamental sense of fairness and an absolute dedication to the rule of law.
“With the help of Judge (Abby) Rogers, and with the approval of the other three district judges in southeast Oklahoma, I have found that in a young man that will soon take the oath of office as our new special judge named Austin Browning,” Campbell said. “Austin has been carefully vetted to assume the great responsibilities that come with being a judge.
“I know he will serve the legal community, the men and women of law enforcement and the citizens of Bryan County, with un- wavering devotion to doing what is right and treating people with whom he comes in contact with respect and dignity.”
Browning spoke after he was sworn in.
“This is the honor and thrill of a lifetime and there’s so many people in this room today that have played such a huge and crucial role in me being here and I am eternally grateful to humble each and every one of you,” Browning said. “I’d like to give a special thanks to Representative Humphrey, Representative Maynard for being here this morning. I really do appreciate you all and the community appreciates your presence as well.
“I’m both thrilled and elated to serve the citizens of Bryan County. The law enforcement. The legal community. I can’t wait to start. So many people had such a huge role in me being here today. You guys probably know who you are. From (Choctaw prosecutor) Kara Bacon, that approached me from a funeral a few years back. My mom for shaping me into the man I am today. Dan Pond for teaching me everything I know about being a lawyer it feels like. How to prepare. How to train. The things to look for and most of all, my wife for being my best friend, my constant support. I’m not right here if not for you and I love you so much.”
Browning shared a quote from an attorney he respects, and he said the quote really fits the situation.
“What I may lack in experience, I make up for in integrity and that’s what I aim to do as special judge here in the 19th district,” Browning said.
Browning graduated from Dibble High School and his undergraduate studies were at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. From there, he attended Oklahoma City School of Law, and he worked for the district attorney’s offices in Cleveland and Grady counties. He then went to work for the Choctaw Nation as a tribal prosecutor. After that, he worked for Swain Law Group as a defense attorney.
“I have tried several cases since last year and was elated to be selected for this position,” Browning said. “I’ve practiced on both sides. I’ve been a prosecutor, been a defense attorney. I’ve represented mothers and fathers on both sides of family law cases. I’m looking forward to being a fair person in this county and to support the citizens and do the best I can.”
