In an effort to address the growing rates of truancy in Louisiana, earlier this year Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer met with the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) and representatives from the Governor’s office. The group discussed ways to collaborate in addressing the truancy rate impacting Louisiana, which according to some statistics is currently over 40% for Louisiana’s K-12th grade students in public schools. This discussion energized educators, judges, social workers, faith-based leaders, and other community stakeholders to action, including organizing a statewide summit to address the root causes of student absenteeism.

The Louisiana Supreme Court has issued an Order mandating one hour of training every other year in domestic violence and trauma-informed courts for all judges, effective immediately. The training, which will be offered by the Louisiana Judicial College (LJC) and Louisiana Protective Order Registry (LPOR), is intended to ensure judges have access to the latest information and best practices on domestic violence issues, including issuing protective orders, the special needs of domestic violence victims, and evidence-based practices to minimize or eliminate further trauma to children and families.

The Louisiana Supreme Court has enacted two Orders modifying the Rules of the Louisiana Supreme Court which serve to implement the recent constitutional amendment to Article V, Section 25 of the Louisiana Constitution. The Amendment added five members to the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana and expanded the authority of the Louisiana Supreme Court in judicial discipline cases.

Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John Michael Guidry was honored with the 2025 David A. Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award at the Louisiana State Bar Association's 40th annual Pro Bono Publico & Children’s Law Awards Ceremony. In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Award, Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Justices Jefferson Hughes, William J. Crain, Jay B. McCallum, Piper D. Griffin, John Michael Guidry, and Cade R. Cole assisted LSBA President-Elect Edward J. Walters, Jr. and LSBA Access to Justice Commission Co-Chair Alainna R. Mire in presenting awards to legal professionals from throughout the state.

In observance of Law Day, which is recognized May 1, 2025 in the United States, Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Justices Jefferson Hughes, William J. Crain, Jay B. McCallum, Piper D. Griffin, John Michael Guidry, and Cade R. Cole issued a resolution dedicating the entire month of May as Law Month to encourage judicial outreach efforts in schools aimed at supporting civic education. The resolution encourages judges throughout Louisiana to engage with schools, offering students the opportunity to learn about the law, the role of a judge, and the court system.

On behalf of the Louisiana Supreme Court Justices, Chief Justice John L. Weimer issued the following statement.

The Louisiana Supreme Court hosted an event honoring Dr. Norman C. Francis, President Emeritus of Xavier University of Louisiana, at the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse. The ceremony, organized in collaboration with attorney Tim Francis, son of Dr. Norman Francis, featured the unveiling of a bust of Dr. Francis which will be on display in the Courthouse. Speakers included Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Justice Piper D. Griffin, Justice John Michael Guidry, Justice Cade R. Cole, and current Xavier University President Dr. Reynold Verret. Retired Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Scott J. Crichton also attended.

The Louisiana Supreme Court recently held oral arguments at Southern University Law Center (SULC) and Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center (LSU) in Baton Rouge, LA. Students, staff, and faculty from the law schools were invited to attend. Each of Louisiana’s four law school deans traditionally invites the Supreme Court to conduct oral arguments on their campuses. Last year, the Court held oral arguments at Loyola University New Orleans School of Law and plans to visit Tulane University Law School for oral arguments in the future.

Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jay B. McCallum was the featured speaker at a free continuing legal education event, commemorating the Bicentennial of the 1825 Louisiana Civil Code.