May 18-19, 2000

ITEM 107-1012-R0500  Resolution Concerning the Retirement of William F. "Duke" Crowley, Professor, School of Law; The University of Montana-Missoula

THAT: William F. "Duke" Crowley, Professor of Law, after 33 years of service to The University of Montana, merits the appreciation of the Board of Regents of the Montana University System and deserves recognition as Professor of Law Emeritus.

EXPLANATION: Professor Crowley earned his J.D. from The University of Montana School of Law and his LL.M. from New York University School of Law. After serving as Assistant Attorney General of the State of Montana and Deputy County Attorney of Lewis and Clark County, William F. Duke Crowley joined The University of Montana School of Law faculty in 1966, specializing in Evidence, Criminal Law, Civil Procedure, and Local Government.

Professor Crowley's study of case law, particularly Montana case law in the areas of evidence and criminal law, included not only the analysis of legal principles, but also the reported and unreported background facts that gave rise to legal disputes. Professor Crowley would share this extensive knowledge with his students regarding the evolution of Montana case law, Montana government, and Montana history.

Professor Crowley's published research includes law review articles, handbooks, manuals, and form books for the practicing bar. He wrote reports for Montana prosecutors, the Montana Supreme Court, the Montana Legislature, and the Montana Constitutional Convention.

Professor Crowley has served the people of Montana by advancing law reform. As a member of the Criminal Law Commission, he helped revise the Montana criminal law and procedure and drafted the Montana Code of Criminal Procedure adopted by the Legislature in1967 and the Criminal Code adopted by the Legislature in1973. A member of the Montana Commission on Rules of Evidence, he drafted a revision of Montana's Venue Statutes and Montana Statutes of Limitations for consideration and adoption by the Legislature.

Professor Crowley has served Montana as Director of the Reorganization of the Executive Branch of Montana State Government and was a member of the Commission on Post-Secondary Education. 

For these accomplishments and in recognition of Professor Crowley's meritorious service as teacher, researcher, and public servant, the School of Law recommends Professor William F. "Duke" Crowley for Emeritus status.