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.
Category
Criminal Justice
Asking why and how, and what needs to be done.
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.
Judge dismisses prisoner’s lawsuit against parole board, but calls allegations ‘extremely troubling’
Angola prisoner Bobby Sneed sued the state parole board after it rescinded his release order, charging that the board and its director ignored procedure and law to retaliate against him for going public with his case.
City Council passes resolution opposing Phase III of the New Orleans jail, supporting retrofit
The city has been ordered to move forward with construction of the facility, but that will require the City Council’s approval.
After qualifying for sheriff election, Susan Hutson joins council member, reform advocates opposing new jail facility
The City Council is poised to vote on a resolution signaling support for a retrofit of the current jail, rather than the controversial Phase III building.
Police association accuses NOPD Public Integrity Bureau of ignoring, covering up alleged misconduct by politically favored cops
PANO is asking the city’s Civil Service Commission to open an investigation into PIB.
City Council moves toward full decriminalization of marijuana possession, pardons for anyone cited after 2010
A proposed law would give "prospective pardons" to anyone cited for marijuana possession under city law.
Prosecutors failed to report data on arrests of victims and witnesses, despite requirement in state law
Two years after the legislature passed a law requiring DA’s offices to submit annual data on the use of material witness warrants, the reports only started coming in last week.
