Ligon adopted the motto "Fiat justitia, ruat caelum" - "Let justice be done though the heavens fall." What power did this give him as Montgomery County DA?

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This Latin phrase gave Ligon zero formal legal authority—mottos don't grant power. But as Montgomery County DA earning $145,908 annually, Ligon controlled which cases prosecutors pursued, plea bargain terms, and sentencing recommendations. Texas DAs operate with minimal oversight: no state agency reviews their charging decisions, and voters only hold them accountable every four years. Ligon used this discretion for 17 years (2008-2025) to shape Montgomery County's criminal justice approach. The motto signaled his brand: a prosecutor who wouldn't compromise principles for political convenience, appealing to conservative primary voters who value "tough on crime" messaging.

Ligon adopted the motto "Fiat justitia, ruat caelum" - "Let justice be done though the heavens fall." What power did this give him as Montgomery County DA?

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