Category
Criminal Justice
City has yet to determine use for nearly $1 million of conflicted court money
In 2020, the City Council told the court to return the money to defendants. State law says it must be used in “defraying the expenses of the criminal justice system.”
State Supreme Court hears case that could overturn hundreds of split-jury convictions
Reginald Reddick was convicted of murder by a non-unanimous jury. Though split juries were ruled unconstitutional, hundreds of old split-jury convictions are still considered valid.
Louisiana Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in case that could determine if hundreds with split-jury verdicts are entitled to new trials
Advocates for prisoners convicted by split juries worry that a bill moving through the legislature could provide an excuse for the court to dodge the issue.
House committee advances bill creating prison medical oversight panel
Amendments adopted by the committee would require prison officials on the panel and remove its power to sign off on medical director hires.
Susan Hutson sworn in as sheriff
Hutson, who ran on a reform platform, defeated longtime incumbent Marlin Gusman in last year’s election.
Bill limiting co-pays for prison health care fails to advance out of committee
Committee members were split on the measure in spite of a compromise reached between advocates and DOC.
Public meeting scheduled on controversial Phase III jail facility
The meeting is being held as part of a FEMA review process, which the city says has caused delays in pre-construction work.
Vera Institute proposes additional spending on prevention, rather than arrests and prosecution, to tackle violent crime
Group says the city should use federal funds for mental health treatment, violence intervention programming.
Judge threatens contempt for city officials over Phase III delays
The judge said he will likely give the city until mid-May to complete a required FEMA report.
