Badon, Lombard going to runoff in Criminal District Court Clerk race
The two City Court clerks are vying to replace Arthur Morrell, who is retiring after more than a decade in the post.
Category: Criminal Justice
Divergent rulings on how to treat old split-jury verdicts could prompt action from La. Supreme Court
On Wednesday, a state appeals court in New Orleans ruled that a non-unanimous conviction should be overturned. On the same day, an appeals court in Lake Charles ruled that another split-jury verdict was valid.
Gusman delays budget presentation, to frustration of criminal justice advocates
Sheriff’s budget hearing pushed to after primary election. Gusman’s office claims it must meet with court-appointed budgetary working group before the budget hearing, but the chair of the working group says that’s not necessary.
Now DA, Williams backs off on the need for funding parity between prosecutors, defenders
As a councilmember, Williams sponsored an ordinance meant to bring Orleans Public Defenders city funding in line with the DA’s office. On Wednesday, he asked for millions more than the defenders.
Jail construction timeline could endanger FEMA funding
FEMA’s deadline for substantial completion of the Phase III jail building is August 2023. The city, which is working on the building reluctantly, says it won’t be finished until January 2024.
Orleans DA says he welcomes court-appointed monitor, a rarity in prosecutors’ offices
Civil rights attorney Katie Schwartzmann will serve as monitor for the Orleans Parish DA’s Office, the result of a settlement in a civil rights suit over the use of fake subpoenas.
Death in New Orleans jail this summer was an overdose, coroner determines
A monitor overseeing the New Orleans jail recently criticized the Sheriff’s Office over continued problems with drugs and contraband.
Angola prisoner who says his parole was stripped illegally appears in Baton Rouge court
Tuesday’s hearing did not address the merits of the case. Attorneys instead argued over whether the court has jurisdiction.
‘In other words, nothing has been accomplished today’: No decision on new trial in Bossier split-jury case
Brandon Jackson was convicted of armed robbery by a 10-2 jury in 1997. Split verdicts are no longer legal. But his conviction, and those for hundreds more, is still considered valid.
Neighborhoods Watched: A discussion with the reporters
Reporters Michael Isaac Stein and Caroline Sinders talk about their five-part series on surveillance in New Orleans.
