David Crane

David Michael Crane (born May 29, 1950) is an American lawyer who was the Chief Prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) from April 2002 until July 15, 2005. During his tenure, he indicted, among others, the then-President of Liberia, Charles Taylor. Crane was replaced as chief prosecutor by his deputy Desmond de Silva. On April 26, 2012, the SCSL, sitting in The Hague, convicted Taylor on various charges. Crane served as Professor of Practice at Syracuse University College of Law from 2006 until 2018. Early life and education Born in Santa Monica, California, Crane attended Ohio University, earning a Bachelor of General Studies degree in history in 1972 and an M.A. in African Studies in 1973. Commissioned as an Army officer after graduation, he trained to be a paratrooper. His time as an officer included a stint as a platoon leader in the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam war. While still on active duty, he earned a J.D. degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 1980 and joined the Judge Advocate General's Corps. Career Crane served on active duty in the Army for over twenty years, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He then spent about ten more years working for the United States federal government. His former posts include Director of the Office of Intelligence Review, assistant general counsel of the Defense Intelligence Agency and the Waldemar A. Solf Professor of International Law at the United States Army Judge Advocate General's School. Crane served as Professor of Practice at Syracuse University College of Law from 2006 until 2018. He taught international criminal law, international law, national security law, and the law of armed conflict.