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Category
Criminal Justice

Asking why and how, and what needs to be done.

Brandon Jackson, convicted in split-jury verdict in Bossier Parish, to go before parole board on Friday

Jackson is one of hundreds of people still locked up more than three years after non-unanimous jury verdicts were outlawed in the state.
by Nick Chrastil February 9, 2022 Updated May 26, 2022

In trial over conditions at state prison, Tulane psychiatry chair says mental health care is ‘adequate’

Dr. John Thompson was called by the defense this week, the fourth week of a month-long trial in the class-action suit.
by Nick Chrastil February 4, 2022 Updated November 2, 2022

Council approves resolution opposing Phase III jail building, declines to vote on alternative retrofit plan

The resolution instructs the council’s attorneys to prepare and submit an amicus brief in federal appeals court expressing the council’s opposition to the controversial jail building.
by Nick Chrastil February 3, 2022 Updated February 3, 2022

‘The needs are urgent’: Sheriff-elect Hutson pledges compliance with jail consent decree, seeks long-term operating agreement with city

The sheriff-elect praised the City Council over its opposition to a controversial new jail facility.
by Charles Maldonado February 2, 2022 Updated February 3, 2022

Council members, sheriff-elect say they will oppose new jail building in federal appeals court

A proposed council resolution calls for an amicus brief against Phase III. It also suggests that the council may not vote to approve an alternative plan, saying the vote is not necessary.
by Nick Chrastil February 1, 2022 Updated February 1, 2022

Louisiana State Police used surveillance drones at George Floyd protests in New Orleans and Baton Rouge

A New Orleans surveillance watchdog group calls the deployment of drones over protests a misuse of technology.
by Nick Chrastil January 27, 2022 Updated January 27, 2022

DA’s office asks for bigger budget for criminal investigations, prosecutions

Williams wants $1.3 million for more prosecutors, a full-time embed at the city surveillance hub and other priorities.
by Nick Chrastil January 24, 2022 Updated January 24, 2022

Reported COVID cases in Louisiana prisons more than double in a week

Cases among prison staff are also up. The spike follows major increases in the general state, national population due to the omicron variant.
by Nick Chrastil January 24, 2022 Updated January 24, 2022

Mental health care at state prison is ‘insufficient, and almost non-existent,’ expert testifies in federal civil rights trial

The case, filed in 2018, is in its second week of trial.
by Nick Chrastil January 20, 2022 Updated November 2, 2022

Significant COVID-19 outbreaks reported at New Orleans jail, Louisiana state prisons

Nearly 100 detainees at the jail are reported to be positive, and more than 400 at state prisons.
by Nick Chrastil January 13, 2022 Updated January 13, 2022

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Most Popular

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‘Somebody’s life is at stake’ — Louisiana advocates push for fair, representative juries‘Somebody’s life is at stake’ — Louisiana advocates push for fair, representative juriesJuly 27, 2026Bernard SmithCriminal Justice

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The Lens fights to reveal and report on issues that impact the community and the region. Staunchly defending the public's right to know and deeply committed to sharing our knowledge with the community at large. We center human impact in all our work.
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For more than a decade, we have reported on issues as well as public policy meant to address the needs of residents. The Lens seeks to focus on the inherent inequality that has created a multi-tiered system. We, at The Lens seek to uncover, illuminate, inform and take part in a forward-looking community. Join us.

 
 

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