Category: Criminal Justice
Louisiana prosecutors begin reporting data on witness arrests
After The Lens reported that prosecutors had failed to report how often they used controversial witness warrants, two years after a law requiring the reports took effect, most DA’s offices have submitted the information.
City Council passes ordinance effectively removing all penalties for simple marijuana possession under city law, pardons roughly 10,000 past cases
Police can still cite people under state marijuana laws, but DA Jason Williams has said he will refuse minor drug cases.
COVID cases on the rise in state prisons as local sheriffs begin transfers to Angola quarantine facility
Camp J, a former disciplinary facility at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, has been used to quarantine prisoners from across the state, a move that has generated criticism from civil rights groups.
State prisoner enters third week of hunger strike over restrictive housing conditions
Prisoners have alleged that they have been kept in hot cells for 23 hours per day and abused by prison staff.
DA’s office settles all claims in civil rights suit over use of fake subpoenas
The suit accused New Orleans prosecutors of violating the civil rights of witnesses.
After COVID-19 exposures at criminal courthouse, some judges move back to all virtual proceedings
Public defenders push for return to virtual court until surge subsides.
Council considers measures to stop Phase III jail expansion, but it’s unclear whether they will succeed
The council advanced a motion asking the City Planning Commission to study an alternative to Phase III, even though the director of the City Planning Commission said it likely isn't necessary.
Prisoners at David Wade Correctional facility went on hunger strike to protest conditions, alleged overuse of restrictive housing
Prisoners participating in the action described a lack of mental health and medical care, being denied access to their families and attorneys and being exposed to extreme temperatures.
Judge denies city’s attempt to halt Phase III jail construction
Cantrell administration hoped to delay work on the facility, which it opposes, pending an appeal of a January court order to move forward with it.
