An Emmy, duPont-Columbia, and Gracie Allen Award-winning journalist and the youngest state judge to ever be elected in Texas, Catherine Crier joined Court TV's distinguished team of anchors in November 1999. She serves as Executive Editor, Legal News Specials, in addition to hosting Catherine Crier Live, a fast-paced, live daily series that premiered in February 2001 and addresses the legal perspective of the day's "front-page" story. Crier, a Texas-bred independent with a spirited passion for justice, released her first book, the New York Times Bestseller -- The Case Against Lawyers -- on October 8, 2002. In this eye-opening and plain-spoken treatise on the law, Crier shares her outrage at the state of the justice system and calls American citizens to demand reform.

Crier previously anchored Crier Today, which debuted on the network January 10, 2000. In addition, she has hosted Court TV's signature prime time series The System and numerous other specials such as Court TV Investigates: The Laci Peterson Murder, Serial Sniper: The Investigation, The Skakel Jury Speaks with Dominick Dunne and Catherine Crier, Osama bin Laden on Trial and Safe Passage: Voices from the Middle School, part of the network's public affairs initiative Choices and Consequences. Crier's work on The System documentary The Interrogation of Michael Crowe was recognized with a duPont-Columbia Award, and Crier has received two Gracie Allen awards (presented by the Foundation for American Women in Radio and Television) for Outstanding Program Host and for the Catherine Crier Live special, Grandmothers: Voices from Oklahoma City.

Prior to joining Court TV, Crier anchored The Crier Report for Fox News Channel, a live, one-hour interview program airing nightly, during which she interviewed the leading newsmakers of the day and celebrities. Crier joined Fox News after spending three and a half years at ABC News. There, she served as a correspondent and as a regular substitute anchor for Peter Jennings on ABC's World News Tonight, as well as a substitute host for Ted Koppel's Nightline. She also worked as a correspondent on 20/20, the primetime news magazine program. Crier was awarded a 1996 Emmy for outstanding investigative journalism for her work on the segment "The Predators" which examined nursing home abuses throughout the United States.

Crier began her television career at CNN. She was co-anchor of both Inside Politics '92, a daily show which followed the 1992 political process, and The World Today, the premier nighttime newscast. Additionally, she hosted Crier & Company, a live, half-hour news talk show. This show included a panel of female policy experts who discussed popular national and international issues.

Prior to her accomplished career in television journalism, Crier presided over the 162nd District Court in Dallas County, TX as a State District Judge. When she took the bench in 1984, she became the youngest elected state judge in Texas history. From 1982 to 1984, Crier was a civil litigation attorney in Dallas and before that, an Assistant District Attorney and Felony Chief Prosecutor for the Dallas County District Attorney's office from 1978 to 1981.

In 1996, Crier received the Les Femmes du Monde Award which is sponsored by the Dallas Council on World Affairs. The Ex-Students' Association of the University of Texas at Austin awarded her the 1990 Outstanding Young Texas Ex Award. She was recognized as one of TV Guide's "Dynamic Dozen" in 1990. Also in that year, the American Bar Association's Barrister magazine honored her among their "Twenty Young Lawyers Who Make a Difference."

Crier, a native of Dallas, earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and international affairs from the University of Texas. She received a Juris Doctor in two and a half years from Southern Methodist University School of Law. Crier lives in Westchester County, New York. In her free time, she raises and trains Arabian Horses. Crier also enjoys playing golf and scuba diving.

Speaking Topics Include:

Empowering the individual in a society that often discourages leadership, creativity and assertiveness is the focus of her remarks in You Make a Difference.

The World is Watching examines the extraordinary changes in recent years and the important role of television and the media in initiating and sustaining these events.

Government and Politics in the 21st Century questions who really governs in the emerging global society. Catherine evaluates the status and future of citizenship and democracy in the new millennium.

Testimonials:

"Nobody captivates and inspires a crowd like Catherine Crier. A recent panel discussion that Catherine moderated for American Women in Radio & Television was hailed as one of 'the best' programs our guests ever attended, thanks to Catherine's skill as moderator and host. She exudes intelligence, humor, style and grace in all that she does."

Ellen Schned, Chairperson
Advisory Group of American Women In Radio and Television
NY City Chapter

"A thousand thanks for coming to Daytona Beach. The show went perfectly, and the praise from judges and attorneys from our radio audience during the replay was very heartening."

Marc Bernier, Host
The Marc Bernier Show
WNDB AM 1150
Daytona Beach, Florida

"You delivered a outstanding presentation at our Annual Conference and you moved the crowd with a message that was both substantive and inspiring. Your perspective on governance and democracy was a valuable message for the city officials in attendance. And, your passion for America is infectious and is communicated with grace and style."

Don Moler
Executive Director
League of Kansas Municipalities