Jurors return to criminal court in New Orleans after pause due to summons debacle, but concerns remain
The court has updated language on mailed summonses, but attorneys question completeness of juror rolls.
Category
Criminal Justice
Asking why and how, and what needs to be done.
With future of city’s gun violence office uncertain, health department to develop its own ‘robust’ prevention program
Health director Dr. Jennifer Avegno says she wants to put tens of millions behind violence intervention programs.
Alleged exclusion of people with felonies from jury pool doesn’t warrant new trial, judge rules
Jury summonses continued to list outdated qualifications after a state law change in 2021.
After halting Criminal Court jury trials, hearing reveals new details on juror summons
Lawyers and advocates argue jurors with felony convictions have been improperly excluded from jury pools.
Jury trials in New Orleans criminal court halted through February
Eligible jurors may have been excluded as far back as Aug. 2021 when a new state law went into effect.
State appellate court orders hearing on whether New Orleans criminal court has been illegally excluding people with felony convictions from serving on juries
Previous convictions could be challenged pending the outcome of the hearing.
New Orleans trial put on hold as appellate court considers whether people with felony convictions are being illegally excluded from jury service
The state law was changed in 2021.
Mayor’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention has ceased most operations
The city says employees will be rehired once a new fiscal agent is approved.
Conditions at a north Louisiana prison were found unconstitutional. A trial starts next week to determine what should be done.
The prison says it has made substantial improvements to conditions and mental health care, but civil rights attorneys say prisoners are still suffering.
Phase III jail facility likely much costlier than expected, renewing calls for alternatives
City officials say that FEMA regulations require them to rebid the project.
