The legacy of Judge Frank Shea.
Author Archives: Nick Chrastil
Nicholas Chrastil covers criminal justice for The Lens. As a freelancer, his work has appeared in Slate, Undark, Mother Jones, and the Atavist, among other outlets. Chrastil has a master's degree in mass communication from Louisiana State University, where his research focused on New Orleans' newspapers during the Reconstruction era. During his time at LSU, he also covered the Louisiana state legislature as part of the Manship Statehouse Bureau. He is a native of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Amid calls for police defunding, NOPD chief touts reforms
‘While there is much work to be done there is much that we should be proud of,’ Ferguson said.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Lawyers again ask federal judge to hold New Orleans Magistrate Harry Cantrell in contempt over bail practices
Civil rights group says the magistrate judge is violating an agreement made as part of a federal lawsuit.
Posted inSection G
The Section G Podcast episode 4: ‘You are in the courtroom of Judge Frank Shea’
In this episode, we look at what it was like to be a defendant in the courtroom of Judge Frank Shea.
Posted inSection G
The Section G Project Part 3: The Defendants
The third part of a four-part series on the life and career of New Orleans Judge Frank Shea.
Posted inCoronavirus
DOC to suspend prisoner release program as state enters phase two of reopening
The furlough review panel, meant to reduce the prison population, has approved just 97 prisoners for release as of Monday
Posted inCriminal Justice
DA’s office refused nearly half of felony domestic violence cases last year, watchdog group finds
In newly released report, Court Watch NOLA calls for more resources for victims of domestic violence
Posted inCriminal Justice
City says funding new jail building would require ‘cutting basic city services’
It appeared that ‘Phase III’ was ready to move forward after years of debate. But with expected shortfalls due to COVID-19, City Hall says a new jail building could take funding away from other priorities.
Posted inCoronavirus
Oakdale union president says prison failed for days to isolate prisoners with coronavirus
Warden has been replaced after OSHA complaints were filed.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Public defenders ask court to toss 3,000 cases stemming from city begging ordinance previously found unconstitutional
Move is part of a broader push to clean slate on outstanding municipal warrants and fines.