From Injustice to Advocacy: Man Fights to Reform Louisiana’s Legal System After Splitting Juror Verdict

New Orleans, Louisiana — A recent case has sparked discussions about the efficacy of Louisiana’s legal system, particularly regarding the impact of split jury verdicts. After spending years in prison due to a divided jury and a significant falsehood, one man’s journey highlights the need for legislative reform. The individual, whose life was turned upside down by the criminal justice process, was convicted based on a jury’s split decision rather than the unanimous verdict that is typically required in many states. His case has drawn attention to the unique nature of Louisiana’s laws, which allow … Read more

Federal Court Halts Louisiana’s Controversial Police ‘Buffer-Zone’ Regulation

Baton Rouge, La. — A U.S. federal judge recently blocked the enforcement of a Louisiana law designed to create a “buffer zone” around police officers during demonstrations, responding to a lawsuit claiming that the measure restricts free speech and unfairly targets protesters. The law, which took effect in August, had put into place a 25-foot no-approach zone aimed at protecting officers engaged in law enforcement activities at public events from interference or harm. Civil rights advocates, however, argued that the restriction was both vague and excessive, potentially criminalizing ordinary interactions with law enforcement personnel. According … Read more

Louisiana’s New Seafood Law Boosts Transparency and Local Businesses: Here’s What Diners Need to Know

Lake Charles, La. — A recently enacted Louisiana law mandates added transparency in the seafood served at restaurants throughout the state, compelling eateries to clearly disclose the origins of their seafood on their menus. The law, known as Louisiana Law Act 148, took effect at the start of the year and comes at a crucial time during the peak of crawfish season. Under the new regulations, menus in restaurants that feature imported crawfish or shrimp need to clearly state, “Some items served at this establishment may contain imported crawfish or shrimp.” This initiative responds to … Read more

Legal Powerhouses Join Forces to Contest Louisiana’s Ten Commandments Statute

NEW ORLEANS, LA — A legal challenge to Louisiana’s controversial law that mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms has been mounted by a powerful partnership between the civil rights law firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and the American Civil Liberties Union. The lawsuit argues that this state mandate infringes upon First Amendment rights by promoting a specific religious view within public education. The legislation, which came into effect earlier this year, requires each public school classroom in the state to display a poster of the Ten Commandments. It was … Read more