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Author: Nick Chrastil

About Nick Chrastil
Nicholas Chrastil covered 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.

The Section G Podcast episode 5: ‘Maybe it should grind to a halt’

June 19, 2020 Updated January 6, 2021
The legacy of Judge Frank Shea.

Amid calls for police defunding, NOPD chief touts reforms

June 18, 2020 Updated June 18, 2020
‘While there is much work to be done there is much that we should be proud of,’ Ferguson said.

Lawyers again ask federal judge to hold New Orleans Magistrate Harry Cantrell in contempt over bail practices

June 9, 2020 Updated June 9, 2020
Civil rights group says the magistrate judge is violating an agreement made as part of a federal lawsuit.

The Section G Podcast episode 4: ‘You are in the courtroom of Judge Frank Shea’

June 5, 2020 Updated January 6, 2021
In this episode, we look at what it was like to be a defendant in the courtroom of Judge Frank Shea.

The Section G Project Part 3: The Defendants

June 5, 2020 Updated June 8, 2020
The third part of a four-part series on the life and career of New Orleans Judge Frank Shea.

DOC to suspend prisoner release program as state enters phase two of reopening

June 3, 2020 Updated June 3, 2020
The furlough review panel, meant to reduce the prison population, has approved just 97 prisoners for release as of Monday

DA’s office refused nearly half of felony domestic violence cases last year, watchdog group finds

June 2, 2020 Updated June 2, 2020
In newly released report, Court Watch NOLA calls for more resources for victims of domestic violence

City says funding new jail building would require ‘cutting basic city services’

June 1, 2020 Updated June 1, 2020
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.

Oakdale union president says prison failed for days to isolate prisoners with coronavirus

May 28, 2020 Updated May 28, 2020
Warden has been replaced after OSHA complaints were filed.

Public defenders ask court to toss 3,000 cases stemming from city begging ordinance previously found unconstitutional

May 22, 2020 Updated May 22, 2020
Move is part of a broader push to clean slate on outstanding municipal warrants and fines.

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