Louisiana Supreme Court Continues Collaboration with Educators and Community Stakeholders to Address Truancy - Press Release

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Louisiana Supreme Court Continues Collaboration with Educators and Community Stakeholders to Address Truancy 
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<div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2025 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>June 30, 2025</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT CONTINUES COLLABORATION WITH EDUCATORS AND COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS TO ADDRESS TRUANCY</strong> </p><p>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&rsquo;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&rsquo;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.</p><p>At the recent <a href="https://doe.louisiana.gov/educators/professional-development/teacher-leader-summit" target="_blank">Teacher Leadership Summit</a>, held earlier in June and attended by Louisiana educators from throughout the state, Chief Justice Weimer emphasized, &ldquo;There is a statistical correlation between absenteeism, truancy, and crime. Part of our mission as judges, educators, and community leaders should be to be proactive and involved in addressing behaviors among Louisiana children to hopefully deter criminal activities.&rdquo; Deputy Judicial Administrator, Division of Children and Families Storm Ehlers also spoke at the Teacher Leadership Summit about the value of Families in Need of Services Assistance Program (FINS-AP) in addressing truancy. Truancy was also a topic at the recent Families in Need of Services Association Conference, also addressed by Chief Justice Weimer, which included participation of other judges who shared their initiatives to combat truancy.</p><p>In the works are plans to collaborate for a statewide Solutions Summit to be held later this year on the subject of truancy and absenteeism. The upcoming summit will unite the Louisiana judiciary, educators, and other stakeholders in developing strategies to address truancy. This year, the summit will invite all judicial districts, with joint efforts from the Louisiana Supreme Court, the Children&rsquo;s Cabinet, and the Louisiana Department of Education/BESE. In 2023, the Children&rsquo;s Cabinet focused on addressing truancy in ten jurisdictions, assisting those areas in forming collaborative teams to tackle the issue. The Children&rsquo;s Cabinet serves as the state&rsquo;s governing body responsible for coordinating funding and programmatic services at the state and local level, related to children and their families. FINS-AP Program Manager ReShonn Saul, Chair of the Children&rsquo;s Cabinet Advisory Board, played a vital role in revitalizing the Solutions Summit initiative.</p><p>These collaborative efforts to combat truancy are just another example of the continuing efforts of our Louisiana judges to join with others in improving our communities and reducing recidivism. The Judges in the Classroom/Students in the Courtroom program is a partnership among the Louisiana Supreme Court, our state judges, the Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education (LCLCE), BESE, and the Louisiana Commission on Civic Education to engage students on civic education and legal matters through school visits and courtroom tours. The Integrated Criminal Justice Information System (ICJIS) fosters active collaboration among sheriffs, clerks of court, district attorneys, judges, the Governor, and other state agencies, allowing for secure, real-time data sharing across the state. Finally, our judges collaborated with the Louisiana Department of Public Safety &amp; Corrections (DPS&amp;C) to develop and update the bench book which serves as a resource guide on programs available for individuals in custody or under supervision. These collaborative efforts will continue and will hopefully benefit our citizens and the youth of Louisiana.</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court is one of only a small number of Supreme Courts to administer programs such as specialty courts like drug courts, which follow a drug and treatment court model towards rehabilitation instead of incarceration; Family in Need of Services-Assistance Program (FINS-AP) facilitates the unique FINS process as a legal intervention to assist families experiencing challenges, including child absenteeism and truancy; Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for neglected and abused children that find themselves involved in the court system; and Louisiana Protective Order Registry (LPOR), which provides assistance to those that find themselves embroiled in domestic violence.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em> </p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Deputy Judicial Administrator-Community Relations, Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a>.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2025/images/2025-02_picgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2025/images/2025-08_State_Collaborators_Truancy_Teachers_Leadership_Summit.jpg" alt="14th JDC FINS Program Director Lacey Hull; Louisiana Supreme Court Deputy Judicial Administrator, Division of Children and Families Storm Ehlers; Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Timothy S. Marcel; Orleans Juvenile Court Judge Ranord J. Darensburg; BESE President Ronnie Morris; Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer; Exec. Director, Children's Cabinet Jolie Williamson; BESE District 2 Representative Dr. Sharon Clark; Orleans D.A. Jason Williams; Caddo Parish Juvenile Court Judge Natalie R. Howell; and BESE District 7 Representative Kevin Berken" /><br /><span class="caption">14th JDC FINS Program Director Lacey Hull; Louisiana Supreme Court Deputy Judicial Administrator, Division of Children and Families Storm Ehlers; Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Timothy S. Marcel; Orleans Juvenile Court Judge Ranord J. Darensburg; BESE President Ronnie Morris; Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer; Exec. Director, Children's Cabinet Jolie Williamson; BESE District 2 Representative Dr. Sharon Clark; Orleans D.A. Jason Williams; Caddo Parish Juvenile Court Judge Natalie R. Howell; and BESE District 7 Representative Kevin Berken.</span> </p></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2025 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>June 4, 2025</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT MANDATES
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE/TRAUMA-INFORMED COURTS TRAINING FOR JUDGES</strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; 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.<a href="/rules/orders/2025/RULE_XXX_Rules_2_and_3-DV_training.pdf" target="_blank"> See Order here</a>. 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.</p><p>LJC and LPOR offer various training opportunities for judges and court staff, including five-hour pre-conferences, annual summer school presentations, and workshops by parish bar associations and local courts. Current trainings are based on LPOR&rsquo;s Domestic Violence curriculum developed in conjunction with national partners at the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) and National Conference of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ).</p><p>Justice John Michael Guidry recommended the rule change to the Louisiana Supreme Court because of the increasing incidents of domestic violence in our state. As a former president and current board member of the Judicial College, as well as a member of the LPOR Domestic Violence Training Faculty, he commented: &ldquo;Our Judicial College and Louisiana Protective Order Registry do an excellent job of offering a broad spectrum of judicial education for our judges. We realize the serious step of mandating judicial coursework on a specific subject. However, domestic violence remains a critical issue for Louisiana. This specialized judicial training will give judges additional insight and perspective into how violence and stress affect all types of people who interact with the Louisiana court system.&rdquo;</p><p>Chief Justice John L. Weimer said, &ldquo;The Justices and I share a concern about the unfortunate prevalence of domestic violence in our state. While judges must remain neutral arbiters of the facts and law, we also must be cognizant of the painful toll of domestic violence and trauma in our communities. Trauma-informed judicial training is a tool that we will use to ensure everyone, including domestic violence victims, have their voices heard in our courtrooms.&rdquo;</p><p>The following are course offerings available at the Annual Judicial College Conferences:</p><ul><li>Dynamics of Domestic Violence <ul><li>Context of Domestic Violence <ul><li>Impact Of Violence on Adult Victims </li><li>The Effects of Domestic Violence on Children </li></ul></li></ul></li><li>Court Ordered Protection: Navigating the Court process </li><li>Decision Making in DV Cases: A Case Study </li><li>Legislative Update on recent Domestic Violence laws </li><li>Judicial Best Practice in Domestic Violence Related Cases </li><li>Judicial Fact Finding in Domestic Cases&nbsp;</li><li>Judicial Leadership and Ensuring Court Access</li></ul><p>A trauma-informed court is described as one in which judges and attorneys recognize that people appearing before them have personally experienced acts of violence or other traumatic life events and are also cognizant of how the stress of the courtroom environment impact trauma survivors.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Deputy Judicial Administrator-Community Relations,</strong><strong>Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a>.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong><strong>-30-</strong></p>
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<div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2025 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 29, 2025</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT AMENDS RULES ON JUDICIAL DISCIPLINE FOLLOWING AMENDMENT TO STATE CONSTITUTION
</strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; 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 <a href="https://legis.la.gov/legis/law.aspx?d=206463" target="_blank">Article V, Section 25</a> 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.</p><p>The Justices released a joint statement: &ldquo;The Supreme Court's responsibility is to safeguard the integrity of the judiciary. The Rule modifications improve our ability to address judicial misconduct and to promote ethical conduct within the judiciary.&rdquo;
</p><p>In an <a href="/rules/orders/2025/Rule_XXIII.pdf" target="_blank">Order dated April 9, 2025</a>, the Court amended Supreme Court Rule XXIII to clarify the definition of a &ldquo;quorum.&rdquo; A subsequent <a href="/rules/orders/2025/RULE_XXIII_May16.pdf" target="_blank">Order issued on May 16, 2025</a>, added &ldquo;malfeasance in office&rdquo; as a basis for judicial discipline. This Order also established procedures for the Court to initiate a Judiciary Commission investigation and provisionally disqualify a judge while the investigation is ongoing. Furthermore, the Order allows a complainant to appeal to the Supreme Court if dissatisfied with the Judiciary Commission's response to a judicial complaint after an investigation. Following the amendment, the Supreme Court now has the authority to refer a Judiciary Commission matter for a hearing after a complainant's appeal or a Court-initiated investigation. Additionally, the Court may assess costs to cover the expenses of a substitute judge in cases involving interim disqualification. Finally, the Supreme Court authorized exceptions to its confidentiality rule to facilitate the exercise of its expanded authority.
</p><p>The Judiciary Commission is a constitutionally established body, separate from the Louisiana Supreme Court, which investigates allegations of judicial misconduct, gathers evidence, holds hearings, and makes recommendations to the Supreme Court regarding discipline.  The Constitution authorizes the Supreme Court to enact the rules of procedure for the Judiciary Commission.
</p><p>The April 9, 2025, and May 16, 2025, Orders each became effective upon signing.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Deputy Judicial Administrator-Community Relations,</strong><strong>Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a>.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong><strong>-30-</strong></p>
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<div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2025 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 23, 2025</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT JUSTICE JOHN MICHAEL GUIDRY HONORED WITH 2025 DAVID A. HAMILTON LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT LSBA PRO BONO AWARDS CEREMONY</strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; 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 &amp; Children&rsquo;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.</p><p>The David A. Hamilton Award is the most prestigious pro bono award presented by the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA). It is awarded annually to an individual who has demonstrated a strong commitment to ongoing pro bono activities and has previously received recognition from the LSBA or other statewide pro bono organizations. Recipients of this award have made significant contributions to the pro bono movement in Louisiana throughout their lives, participated in collaborative efforts within the state justice community, and exhibited notable leadership and service benefiting the poor and disenfranchised.</p><p>The pro bono ceremony celebrates outstanding individuals and organizations that have devoted their time and talents to ensuring access to justice for Louisiana citizens, regardless of their financial circumstances.</p><p>Chief Justice John L. Weimer stated, "Congratulations to my colleague, Justice Guidry, and to all the valued legal professionals who have been honored for their pro bono work. The Justices and I commend them for their important contributions, which provide legal guidance and support to those whose economic challenges might otherwise hinder their ability to access justice. Justice Guidry&rsquo;s recognition reflects positively on the courts upon which he has served and on our system of justice and will hopefully inspire others to be called to the service of others in the pro bono arena." </p><p>&ldquo;Several years ago, I committed to assisting the indigent population in our community,&rdquo; Justice Guidry expressed. &ldquo;Through pro bono work, I can help those who cannot afford legal representation for their matters. I am privileged to serve in this manner and am honored to be recognized by the Louisiana State Bar Association with the David A. Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award.&rdquo;</p><p><a href="/About/Biography?p=John_Michael_Guidry"><strong>Justice John Michael Guidry</strong></a> has served the Louisiana judiciary for 27 years. He earned his bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University in 1983 and graduated cum laude with his Juris Doctor from the Southern University Law Center in 1987. Before becoming a judge, he worked as a legislative assistant and assistant parish attorney, and held various commission roles, including on the Greater Baton Rouge Port Commission. Justice Guidry was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 1991 and then to the Louisiana State Senate in 1993. After a decade in private practice, he was elected as a judge of the First Circuit Court of Appeal in 1997. In 2023, he became the 15th Chief Judge and the first African American chief judge in the court's history. On January 1, 2025, he was elected Associate Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, becoming only the fourth African American to serve on the court and the first elected from outside Orleans Parish.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em> </p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2025/images/2025-02_picgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2025/images/2025-05_LSBA_Pro_Bono_Guidry.jpg" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John Michael Guidry Received the LSBA 2025 David A. Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award.  L-R: Louisiana Supreme Court Justices Jay B. McCallum, Jefferson Hughes, Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Justices John Michael Guidry, William J. Crain, Piper D. Griffin, and Cade R. Cole." /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John Michael Guidry Received the LSBA 2025 David A. Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award.  L-R: Louisiana Supreme Court Justices Jay B. McCallum, Jefferson Hughes, Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Justices John Michael Guidry, William J. Crain, Piper D. Griffin, and Cade R. Cole.</span> </p></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2025 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 1, 2025</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT OBSERVES LAW DAY 2025 AND DESIGNATES MAY 2025 LAW MONTH</strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; 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 href="https://www.lasc.org/community_outreach/law_day/img/2025/2025Resolution.pdf" target="_blank">a resolution</a> 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.</p><p>&ldquo;The Constitution enshrines our collective responsibility to one another, and the 2025 Law Day theme urges us to take pride in a Constitution that bridges our differences to bring us together as a united nation,&rdquo; said Chief Justice John L. Weimer. &ldquo;Our civic lives tie us together as one &lsquo;We,&rsquo; whether through legislative efforts that serve the common good, through military service, or by working together, every day, to fulfill the promise of <em>E pluribus unum</em>, or &ldquo;Out of many, one.&rdquo; </p><p>This year's theme for <strong><a href="https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/law-day/" target="_blank">Law Day 2025</a> is &ldquo;The Constitution's Promise: Out of Many, One.&rdquo;</strong> This theme will be central to many Law Day activities. The resolution also emphasizes that members of the judiciary and the legal community nationwide traditionally commemorate this occasion by initiating and participating in educational programs designed to help elementary, middle, and high school students understand the legal system. <strong><a href="https://www.lasc.org/Education?p=Judges_in_the_Classroom">The Judges in the Classroom/Students in the Courtroom</a></strong> outreach initiative reflects these ongoing efforts in May and throughout the year by providing resources for judges to use during their visit.</p><p>This strong emphasis on engaging with students in May is to ensure that judges connect with them before the end of the school year. This outreach will assist educators in providing civic education as the school year concludes and will serve as a reminder for planning visits for the upcoming year. The goal is for judges to have positive interactions with students while conveying important information about the law and the judicial process. Additionally, it offers judges a unique opportunity to connect with the communities they serve.</p><p>The Judges in the Classroom/Students in the Courtroom Initiative is a civic education partnership with The Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education, The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), the Louisiana Commission on Civic Education and the Judges in the Classroom/Students in the Courtroom Task Force.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p>
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<div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2025 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>April 3, 2025</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT JUSTICES HOST CEREMONY HONORING RETIRED XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA PRESIDENT DR. NORMAN C. FRANCIS</strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; 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. </p><p>Chief Justice Weimer explained, &ldquo;You have earned a place here today as an attorney, a role model, and a mentor and you bring to this building diversity that will be displayed here, and that is reflective of the rich diversity of our state. You have absolutely earned a place here by the positive influence that you have had in teaching so many who will sit in judgment as judges in our state. This building is named for one of your classmates with whom you&rsquo;ve also had influence when you were both law school students.&rdquo; </p><p>As Mistress of Ceremonies, Justice Piper D. Griffin stated, &ldquo;Why would the Supreme Court honor Dr. Francis? Dr. Francis is a lawyer who first practiced law before becoming the president of Xavier University.&rdquo; She went on to say, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s really exciting to be a part of this event because almost everyone in this room has been touched in some way by Xavier, whether you are graduates of Xavier, have attended Xavier, or have a relationship with Dr. Francis.&rdquo;</p><p>Judges and legal professionals, many of whom are Xavier alumni, gathered to honor Dr. Francis, who is also an attorney, and his significant contributions. He was appointed by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament to the presidency of Xavier in 1968, becoming the first layperson and African American president of a Catholic university. He served in that capacity for 47 years until his retirement in 2015, making him one of the longest-serving university presidents in the U.S. He advanced Xavier University as a leader in training pharmacists and sending students to medical schools. A civil rights leader, Dr. Francis helped Freedom Riders in the 1960s. Later by appointment by then-Governor Kathleen Blanco, he led the Louisiana Recovery Authority after Hurricane Katrina, aiding in the revitalization of New Orleans. He is the recipient of numerous prestigious honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation&rsquo;s highest civilian honor, from President George W. Bush in 2006, and the Laetare Medal from the University of Notre Dame, which is among the nation&rsquo;s highest honors for Catholics, in 2019. </p><p>Dr. Francis is a 1952 graduate of Xavier University. In 1955 he became the first African American to earn a JD from Loyola University Law School and served in the U.S. Army&rsquo;s Third Armored Division from 1956 to 1957. </p><p>The bust will be displayed in the State Wing of the Law Library of Louisiana, near a portrait of civil rights attorney A.P. Tureaud.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em> </p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2025/images/2025-02_picgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2025/images/2025-03_LASC_Justices_honor_Dr_Norman_C_Francis_PDG.jpg" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Piper D. Griffin spoke to attendees during a ceremony honoring Retired Xavier University of Louisiana President Dr. Norman C. Francis." /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Piper D. Griffin spoke to attendees during a ceremony honoring Retired Xavier University of Louisiana President Dr. Norman C. Francis.</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2025/images/2025-03_LASC_Justices_honor_Dr_Norman_C_Francis_JLW.jpg" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer (standing) addresses Dr. Norman C. Francis (seated left) during an unveiling ceremony honoring the retired Xavier University of Louisiana president. Tim Francis, Esq. (seated right) observes. Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John Michael Guidry looks on." /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer (standing) addresses Dr. Norman C. Francis (seated left) during an unveiling ceremony honoring the retired Xavier University of Louisiana president. Tim Francis, Esq. (seated right) observes. Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John Michael Guidry looks on.</span> </p></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2025 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>March 19, 2025</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT JUSTICES HELD ORAL ARGUMENTS AT <br />SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY LAW CENTERS </strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; 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&rsquo;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. </p><p>The <a href="/dockets/March2025.pdf" target="_blank">Louisiana Supreme Court's docket</a> included four cases heard at SULC on Monday, March 17, 2025 at 1 PM. 19th Judicial District Court retired Judge Richard Anderson sat as Justice ad hoc for Justice Griffin who recused for one case. Three cases were heard at LSU on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 10 AM. The arguments were live-streamed on the Court&rsquo;s website, a service that has been available to the public since 2007. After oral arguments concluded, the Justices had discussions with students and faculty about the justice system and the importance of professionalism in legal practice. Notably, Chief Justice John L. Weimer and Justices Jefferson Hughes, William J. Crain, Jay B. McCallum, and Piper D. Griffin are graduates of LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center; Justice John Michael Guidry is a Southern University Law Center graduate and Justice Cade R. Cole is a Tulane University Law School graduate. </p><p>Chief Justice John L. Weimer expressed, &ldquo;The Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court and I enthusiastically welcome the 20-plus-year tradition of holding oral arguments at academic venues. This practice reflects the historical tradition of 'Riding the Circuit' by past Justices, who once traveled throughout Louisiana to ensure that all citizens had access to justice at a time when transportation to the Supreme Court was challenging. By hearing arguments at law schools, we provide law students&mdash;who may one day argue before the Supreme Court&mdash;and faculty the opportunity to witness the judicial process. This also enables residents in the region an opportunity to observe the application of jurisprudence firsthand.&rdquo; </p><p>This event marked the first time that newly elected Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Guidry and Justice Cole participated in law school visits as Supreme Court Justices. <a href="/About/Biography?p=John_Michael_Guidry">Justice John Michael Guidry</a> was elected as an Associate Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court for the Second District, effective January 1, 2025, after serving 27 years on the First Circuit Court of Appeal, including two years as chief judge. <a href="/About/Biography?p=Cade_R_Cole">Justice Cade R. Cole</a>, who served as Louisiana&rsquo;s first state and local tax judge, was elected Associate Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court for the Third District, effective March 10, 2025. </p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Clerk of Court Veronica O. Koclanes coordinated the oral arguments in collaboration with Southern University Law Center Chancellor Alvin Washington, Vice Chancellor for Institutional Accountability and Accreditation Regina Ramsey, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Shawn D. Vance, and SULC IT and Security staff. At LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Dean Alena Allen, Director of Executive Operations and Strategic Initiatives Leroy Turner, and LSU staff members helped to organize the visit to their institution. In preparation for the oral arguments, students received case briefs that highlighted the key issues of the cases being presented. </p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em> </p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2025/images/2025-02_picgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2025/images/2025-02_Justices_at_LSU_Law_Center.jpg" alt="Riding the Circuit - Louisiana Supreme Court Justices Held Oral Arguments at Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center. (L-R) Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John Michael Guidry, Justice Jay B. McCallum, Justice Jefferson Hughes, Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Justice William J. Crain, Justice Piper D. Griffin, and Justice Cade R. Cole. (FRONT) Clerk of Court Veronica O. Koclanes." /><br /><span class="caption">"Riding the Circuit" - Louisiana Supreme Court Justices Held Oral Arguments at Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center. (L-R) Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John Michael Guidry, Justice Jay B. McCallum, Justice Jefferson Hughes, Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Justice William J. Crain, Justice Piper D. Griffin, and Justice Cade R. Cole. (FRONT) Clerk of Court Veronica O. Koclanes.</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2025/images/2025-02_Justices_at_LSU_Law_Center_Clerk_of_Crt.jpg" alt="Riding the Circuit - Louisiana Supreme Court Justices Held Oral Arguments at Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center. Louisiana Supreme Court Clerk of Court Veronica O. Koclanes addressed the audience prior to oral arguments." /><br /><span class="caption">"Riding the Circuit" - Louisiana Supreme Court Justices Held Oral Arguments at Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center. Louisiana Supreme Court Clerk of Court Veronica O. Koclanes addressed the audience prior to oral arguments.</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2025/images/2025-02_SULC_audience.jpg" alt="Riding the Circuit - Louisiana Supreme Court Justices Held Oral Arguments at Southern University Law Center (SULC) as law students observed." /><br /><span class="caption">"Riding the Circuit" - Louisiana Supreme Court Justices Held Oral Arguments at Southern University Law Center (SULC) as law students observed.</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2025/images/2025-02_Justices_with_SULC_Chancellor_and_Vice_Chancellor.jpg" alt="Riding the Circuit - Louisiana Supreme Court Justices Held Oral Arguments at Southern University Law Center (SULC). (L-R) SULC Chancelor Alvin Washington, Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John Michael Guidry, Justice Jay B. McCallum, Justice Jefferson Hughes, Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Justice William J. Crain, Justice Piper D. Griffin, Justice Cade R. Cole and SULC Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Shawn D. Vance." /><br /><span class="caption">"Riding the Circuit" - Louisiana Supreme Court Justices Held Oral Arguments at Southern University Law Center (SULC). (L-R) SULC Chancelor Alvin Washington, Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John Michael Guidry, Justice Jay B. McCallum, Justice Jefferson Hughes, Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Justice William J. Crain, Justice Piper D. Griffin, Justice Cade R. Cole and SULC Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Shawn D. Vance.</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2025/images/2025-02_Justices_at_SULC_bench_w_atty.jpg" alt="Riding the Circuit - Louisiana Supreme Court Justices Held Oral Arguments at Southern University Law Center (SULC). (L-R) Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John Michael Guidry, Justice Jay B. McCallum, Justice Jefferson Hughes, Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Justice William J. Crain, Justice Piper D. Griffin, Justice Cade R. Cole." /><br /><span class="caption">"Riding the Circuit" - Louisiana Supreme Court Justices Held Oral Arguments at Southern University Law Center (SULC). (L-R) Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John Michael Guidry, Justice Jay B. McCallum, Justice Jefferson Hughes, Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Justice William J. Crain, Justice Piper D. Griffin, Justice Cade R. Cole.</span> </p></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2025 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>March 13, 2025</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT JUSTICE JAY B. McCALLUM IS SLATED TO SPEAK AT <br />A COMMEMORATION OF THE BICENTENNIAL OF THE 1825 LOUISIANA CIVIL CODE</strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jay B. McCallum will be the featured speaker at a free continuing legal education event, <a href="https://www.sclahs.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CLE.Flyer_.Moreau2-3.pdf" target="_blank">commemorating the Bicentennial of the 1825 Louisiana Civil Code</a>, taking place at the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) today at 5:00 PM. This event, which is co-sponsored by the Supreme Court of Louisiana Historical Society, the Steering Committee to Commemorate the Bicentennial of the 1825 Louisiana Civil Code, and the 4th Judicial District Bar Association, will take place in the ULM Library, Terrace, 7th floor.</p><p>During his presentation, &ldquo;Moreau Lislet &amp; The Birth of the Civil Code,&rdquo; Justice McCallum will provide a biographical sketch of Louis Casimir Elisabeth Moreau-Lislet, emphasizing his vital contributions to the creation of the code. Justice McCallum stated, &ldquo;I am honored when asked to speak before religious, legal, civic, business, and trade groups; it is my pleasure to inspire others and enlighten them on matters of importance, in this case, the historical significance of Louisiana's legal history and its impact on the present.&rdquo;</p><p><a href="/About/Biography?p=Jay_B._McCallum">Justice Jay B. McCallum</a> began serving as an Associate Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court on November 13, 2020. He was elected from District 4, which is the largest Supreme Court District in terms of geographic size and number of parishes. He is actively involved in several committees, including the Louisiana Sheriff's Executive Management Institute, the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice, and the Louisiana Supreme Court Historical Society. Additionally, he was appointed by his fellow justices to serve on the Louisiana State Law Institute. Before his tenure as a Supreme Court Justice, Justice McCallum served 11 years as a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives and spent 15 years as a trial judge at the Third Judicial District Court. In 2018, he was elected without opposition to serve on the Second Circuit Court of Appeal. In addition to holding an undergraduate degree from Northeast Louisiana University and a law degree from Louisiana State University, Justice McCallum also earned a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.</p><p>Known affectionately as Judge Jay by many of his constituents, he is a highly sought-after motivational and inspirational speaker. He is married to Deanna McCallum, and together they have two children and three grandchildren.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-01_picgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2025/images/2025-01_Justice_Jay_B_McCallum.jpg" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Associate Justice Jay B. McCallum" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court Associate Justice Jay B. McCallum</span></p></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-01_picgrid.css" /><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2024 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>November 26, 2024</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT APPOINTS NEW LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION MEMBERS</strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; The Louisiana Supreme Court announces the appointment of new members of the Louisiana Supreme Court Technology Commission. </p><p>This standing commission, which consists of judges from all levels of the state judiciary, is tasked with identifying technology needs, establishing goals for implementation, devising best practices, and suggesting necessary rule changes and steps toward implementing articulated technology goals for the judiciary. Louisiana Supreme Court Justice-elect John Michael Guidry will serve as the newly-appointed Chair of the Louisiana Supreme Court Technology Commission. </p><p>The following members have been appointed to the Technology Commission for terms of service which began on September 10, 2024, and will conclude on September 9, 2026: </p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION MEMBERS</strong> </p><table style="margin:0 auto;"><tbody><tr style=""><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-right:10rem;"><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court:</strong> </td><td>Justice-elect John Michael Guidry (Chair)</td></tr><tr style=""><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-right:10rem;"><strong>Louisiana Courts of Appeal:</strong> </td><td>Judge Wilber Stiles, 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal&nbsp;<br />Judge Karen Herman, 4th Circuit Court of Appeal<br /></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-right:10rem;"><strong>Louisiana District Courts:</strong> </td><td>Judge John LeBlanc, 17th JDC Ret.&nbsp;<br />Judge Nghana Lewis, 40th JDC&nbsp;<br />Judge Suzanne de Mahy, 16th JDC&nbsp;<br />Judge Ellen Hazeur, Orleans Civil District Court&nbsp;<br />Judge Laurie Hulin, 15th JDC&nbsp;<br />Judge Cody Martin, 23rd JDC<br /></td></tr><tr style=""><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-right:10rem;"><strong>Louisiana Juvenile Courts:</strong> </td><td>Judge Amanda Calogero, Jefferson Juvenile Court</td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-right:10rem;"><strong>Louisiana Family Courts:</strong> </td><td>Judge Pamela Baker, East Baton Rouge Family Court</td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-right:10rem;"><strong>Louisiana City Courts:</strong> </td><td>Judge Douglas Saloom, Lafayette City Court&nbsp;<br />Judge Shaunn Caillier-Harden, Opelousas City Court<br /></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-right:10rem;"><strong>Justice of the Peace:</strong> </td><td>JP Beau Bowman, St. Bernard Parish District C</td></tr></tbody></table><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&ldquo;The Supreme Court Technology Commission continues to productively work towards researching and utilizing existing and emerging technology to develop a more advanced and user-friendly court system in Louisiana,&rdquo; said Chief Justice John L. Weimer. &ldquo;The Justices and I not only look forward to working with Justice-elect Guidry on the Supreme Court bench, but also appreciate his willingness to serve as Chair of the Commission for this term to help expand access to justice through innovative technology.&rdquo; Louisiana Supreme Court Justice-elect John Michael Guidry, who will take office on the Supreme Court bench January 1, 2025, earned a bachelor&rsquo;s degree from Louisiana State University in 1983, and his juris doctor degree with cum laude honors from the Southern University Law Center. Judge Guidry formerly served as a legislative assistant and as the assistant clerk of the Louisiana House of Representatives. He was an assistant parish attorney for the City of Baton Rouge and the Parish of East Baton Rouge. Judge Guidry is a former commissioner of the Greater Baton Rouge Port Commission and the Greater Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport Commission. Since 1988, Judge Guidry has served as an adjunct professor at the Southern University Law Center and as a Southern University Nelson Mandela School of Public Policy adjunct professor. He was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 1991 and to the Louisiana State Senate in 1993. In 1997, he was first elected as a First Circuit Court of Appeal judge and became the 15th Chief Judge and the first African American Chief Judge of this court in 2023. </p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court Technology Commission has advanced Louisiana through innovation in the courts. Technological improvements include website rebuilding and uniform court website enhancements that unify online access to courts, legislation and rule changes allowing for virtual access to court processes, online forms platform that assists self-represented litigants, disaster recovery assistance that assists courts during weather events, cyber security, and technology training for judges. </p><p>Most recently, the Commission was instrumental in the passing of HB 969/Act 463 of the 2024 Regular Legislative Session, which sets forth provisions for holding remote proceedings and allows the court to require in person attendance in certain circumstances. Based on the passage of this provision, the Technology Commission is working on a publication setting forth guidelines for Preferred Remote Proceedings. </p><p>Additionally, the Commission is working on finalizing for judges Guidelines for Usage of Generative AI. This manual aims to develop guidelines for the permissive uses of GenAI and encourages continued training of judges on its uses and pitfalls. </p><p>Information on the Louisiana Supreme Court Technology Commission is available at <a href="https://www.geauxtocourt.com/" target="_blank">www.geauxtocourt.com</a>. </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em> </p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-18_John_Michael_Guidry.jpg" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Technology Commission Chair, Louisiana Supreme Court Justice-Elect John Michael Guidry" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court Technology Commission Chair, Louisiana Supreme Court Justice-Elect John Michael Guidry</span> </p></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-01_picgrid.css" /><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2024 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>November 26, 2024</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA FIFTH CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEAL JUDGE SCOTT U. SCHLEGEL IS TAPPED TO SERVE ON THE COSCA/NACM/NCSC JOINT TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE</strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; <a href="https://www.fifthcircuit.org/divF.aspx" target="_blank">Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Scott U. Schlegel</a> was appointed by National Center for State Courts (NCSC) President Mary McQueen to serve on the Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA), the National Association for Court Management (NACM), and the National Center for State Courts Joint Technology Committee (JTC) for a three-year term ending on July 31, 2027. He becomes a voting member and is one of two state judges appointed by the NCSC president.</p><p>Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Scott U. Schlegel expressed, &ldquo;As someone who has spent years implementing practical tech solutions in my own courtroom and advocating for the need to modernize the justice system, I'm excited to contribute to the JTC's mission of promoting technology solutions that enhance public trust and confidence in our courts.  And I'm eager to work alongside the talented members of the JTC to help shape that future and demonstrate how every court can become more efficient, effective, and accessible.&rdquo;</p><p>&ldquo;Congratulations to Judge Schlegel on his appointment to the COSCA/NACM/NCSC Joint Technology Committee,&rdquo; Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer said. &ldquo;His efforts in advancing technology within the Louisiana judiciary have been truly exceptional. His innovative ideas, combined with his judicial expertise, have enabled him to extend his influence beyond Louisiana, making him a valuable resource for the national digital improvement of courts. This work enhances the judiciary's ability to provide better access to justice.&rdquo;</p><p>The Joint Technology Committee was established by the Conference of State Court Administrators, the National Association for Court Management, and The National Center for State Courts to develop and promote technology standards for the courts, improve court processes and business practices, ensure adequate education and training for court leaders in technology, and collaborate with the justice community and other stakeholders. The JTC has a strong legacy of providing thought leadership, promoting best practices in court technology, and offering essential educational resources to support the adoption of modern tools to accomplish the important work of the courts.</p><p>Judge Schlegel was elected to the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal in 2023 after serving for 10 years as a Louisiana 24th Judicial District Court judge and has a commitment to juridical innovation through technology.  Recently, he was appointed by American Bar Association President William R. Bay to the Advisory Council of the ABA Task Force on Law and Artificial Intelligence.  In 2021, Judge Schlegel was the first Louisianian to receive the <a href="https://www.ncsc.org/about-us/awards/william-h-rehnquist-award" target="_blank">National Center for State Courts (NCSC) 26th Annual William H. Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence</a>, one of the highest judicial honors in the country, for being a facilitator of innovative technological advancement in the Louisiana judiciary. From 2020-2024, he was appointed to serve as Chair of the newly-created standing commission, the <a href="/Press_Release?p=2020-31">Louisiana Supreme Court Technology Commission</a> tasked with improving the needs, goals, and regulatory statutes regarding technology in state courts. He additionally was named the recipient of the <a href="https://americanlegaltechnology.com/award-winners/#court" target="_blank">American Legal Technology Award</a>, earned by a court or judicial officer for displaying outstanding use of technology that achieves a significant benefit to the public. Judge Schlegel was featured on the cover of the American Bar Association Journal and is a nationally recognized speaker on legal tech and the modernization of the justice system.</p><p>In 2024 he was inducted into the prestigious Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame by the Department of Public Safety &amp; Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc and the Louisiana Prison Museum and Cultural Center.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p>
<p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-17_Schlegel.jpg" alt="Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Scott U. Schlegel" /><br /><span class="caption">COSCA/NACM/NCSC Joint Technology Committee Appointee Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Scott U. Schlegel<br />Pictured above at the US Supreme Court being recognized as a former NCSC William H. Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence recipient. </span></p></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2024 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>November 22, 2024</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT JUSTICE JAY B. MCCALLUM AND THE 2ND CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEAL JUDGES <br />JOIN TOGETHER FOR A PORTRAIT DONATION CEREMONY</strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jay B. McCallum will join the Judges of the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal and Judicial Administrator/Clerk of Court Robin Jones for a ceremony featuring the donation of a portrait of former Louisiana Governor and Supreme Court Associate Justice Newton Crain Blanchard. The event will take place on Monday, November 25, 2024 at 10:30 am in the Louisiana 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal courtroom in Shreveport.</p><p>Justice McCallum is accepting the portrait on behalf of the Supreme Court, and it will be on display in the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse on Royal Street in New Orleans. </p><p>Media coverage is invited. </p><p>Newton Crain Blanchard, a Louisiana lawyer, politician, and statesman, was born on January 29, 1849, in Boyce, Rapides Parish, Louisiana. He was the child of Frances (Crain) and Carey H. Blanchard, both of whom came from pioneer families in north and central Louisiana. Blanchard was a scholar. He attended the Louisiana State Seminary of Learning (the precursor to Louisiana State University), and in 1870 earned a law degree from the University of Louisiana (the precursor to Tulane University). He began his legal career in Shreveport, Louisiana, and soon entered the political arena.</p><p>Blanchard&rsquo;s long career of political service to the State of Louisiana began in 1880, when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, serving until 1893. As a congressman, Blanchard was active in securing legislation for the improvement of the Mississippi River levees. Following that, Blanchard served in the U.S. Senate from 1893 until 1897, when he was appointed as an Associate Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court. As Justice Blanchard, he served until 1904. His judicial decisions were marked for their clarity and obvious depth of knowledge of the law and issues before the Court. </p><p>In 1904, Justice Blanchard was the highly qualified nominee for Governor, to which office he was elected and served for four years. As the 33rd Governor of Louisiana, Governor Blanchard served the state as a reformer. He was responsible for improving the state&rsquo;s weak educational system by pushing for a significant increase to the state appropriation for education, establishing certification of teachers, and doubling the number of high schools in the state. Another notable achievement by Governor Blanchard was making election by popular vote for many state and local officials which had heretofore been governor appointees, including the election of associate justices to the La. Supreme Court. Finally, Governor Blanchard revised the tax system by lowering property taxes and levying a higher tax on corporate interests.</p><p>After leaving the governorship, Blanchard returned to Shreveport where he resumed his law practice, eventually becoming one of the founding members of Blanchard Walker O&rsquo;Quin &amp; Roberts, now a prominent Shreveport law firm. Blanchard also served on the 1913 Constitutional Convention and was chosen to lead the convention as president.</p><p>In his personal life, Blanchard was first married to Emily Barrett, who predeceased him. They had one daughter, Mary Ethel Blanchard. He later married Charlotte Tracy, with whom he had two sons, James Ashton Blanchard and Newton Crain Blanchard, Jr. Additionally, Blanchard&rsquo;s two nephews, brothers Lal Blanchard and Francis Blanchard, were active and esteemed members of the Shreveport Bar Association.<sup>1</sup></p><p>Congressman/Senator/Justice/Governor Blanchard died in Shreveport in 1922&mdash;a north Louisiana political icon.</p><hr width="20%" align="left" /><p><sup>1</sup> The portrait donors are the grandchildren of Francis Blanchard: Zama Blanchard Dexter, William Blanchard, and Mary Anne Blanchard Selber, who received the portrait as a gift from the Estate of Charles B. Amie. The Blanchards are pleased to donate the portrait of Justice Blanchard to the Louisiana Supreme Court for its historical collection.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information&nbsp;</strong><strong>contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2024 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 22, 2024</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT FAMILIES IN NEED OF SERVICES ASSISTANCE PROGRAM RELEASES OPIOID CRISIS DOCUMENTARY</strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; The Louisiana Supreme Court Families in Need of Services Assistance Program (FINS-AP) has developed a documentary designed to shine a light on the opioid crisis in Louisiana with the hope of bringing greater awareness to the epidemic that is impacting so many lives across our state.
</p><p>The <a href="/Children_Families?p=The_Opioid_Crisis_Documentary">Opioid Crisis Documentary</a> is being released in October, which is National Youth Substance Use Prevention Month and Substance Misuse Prevention Month.  Those featured in the documentary include a cross-section of people who observe firsthand the impact of the crisis including medical professionals such as Netflix&rsquo;s &ldquo;The Pharmacist&rdquo; Dr. Dan Schneider, former St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Charles Preston, and officials from the Louisiana Department of Health; FINS officers; law enforcement; and family members who have lost loved ones due to the opioid crisis, including Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer.</p><p>During his interview, Chief Justice Weimer remarked, &ldquo;The Opioid Crisis is a major crisis in Louisiana and throughout most of the country. So many people had prescription drugs prescribed to them by a doctor and yet abused those drugs.  It is not limited to just one group of people, but all people throughout the community must be made aware of this problem that has caused too many to die or become severely addicted. We must address this problem to make our communities safer.&rdquo;</p><p>The documentary, which is publicly available via the website of the Louisiana Supreme Court, is an informative resource tool for partners, stakeholders, and individuals who live and work with those impacted by the opioid crisis.  It was produced to raise awareness about the dangers of current national and statewide opioid misuse with an emphasis on fentanyl, to create an understanding of the risk factors and underlying issues that lead to opioid misuse, and to generate a plan for hope and healing. </p><p>FINS-AP designed the documentary to be available for viewing in courtroom lobbies, during drug court sessions, clinical appointments, FINS conferences, and detention centers, as well as shared with community groups. </p><p>The goal of the documentary is to educate, provide resources, and inspire action to address the opioid crisis, specifically stressing the dangers of fentanyl misuse, which is currently wreaking havoc on the lives of citizens throughout our communities.  It highlights the human aspect of the crisis, which has negatively permeated communities by crossing all socioeconomic, racial, and gender-based boundaries. The opioid crisis has left those addicted and their families to suffer. This epidemic has also presented monumental challenges for healthcare providers.  The video additionally provides information on various solutions, including resources available to teachers and students on all levels, parents, social workers, law enforcement, and other community agencies, as well as information on services for successful recovery.</p><p>The documentary was produced in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Health with the prevailing goal of helping the people of Louisiana by inspiring individuals to join the fight against this epidemic and save lives. FINS-AP wants to leave the viewer with the message that there is help and hope for those who are suffering.</p><p><a href="/Children_Families?p=The_Opioid_Crisis_Documentary">See the Opioid Crisis Documentary here</a>.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit </strong><strong><a href="/Children_Families?p=FINS">Louisiana Supreme Court FINS_AP</a></strong><strong> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-01_picgrid.css" /><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2024 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 11, 2024</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LAW LIBRARY OF LOUISIANA AND LOUISIANA STATE BAR ASSOCIATION NAMED RECIPIENTS OF NATIONAL EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AWARD</strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; The Law Library of Louisiana and the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) were named the recipients of the 2024 American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) Excellence in Community Engagement Award for their innovative and comprehensive Legal Education and Assistance Program (LEAP).</p><p>The award nomination, submitted by Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer, highlighted the work of the Legal Education and Assistance Program in providing legal access and resources to persons and communities in Louisiana where those may not be readily or easily available. The program additionally helps train public librarians to better serve self-represented litigants as part of furthering access to justice for all citizens.</p><p>&ldquo;The Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court and I congratulate the Louisiana State Bar Association and Law Library of Louisiana for receiving national recognition of their incredibly important, impactful, and innovative program,&rdquo; said Chief Justice Weimer. &ldquo;LEAP projects significantly benefit members of vulnerable communities with their legal issues who often cannot afford or access attorneys. The work LEAP has done has made a tremendous impact in our state, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Helping to enable and ensure access to justice for all is truly an honor of which Louisiana can be proud.&rdquo;</p><p>In 2013, the Law Library of Louisiana and the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) first started exploring potential collaborations for outreach to public librarians. This fruitful meeting resulted in LEAP - Legal Education and Assistance Program, a project that is now in its 10th year.</p><p>LEAP began with a few main projects at its focus &ndash; in-person training for public librarians, resource manuals or &ldquo;LibGuides,&rdquo; and the annual 'Lawyers in Libraries' week. In 2023, a fresh revitalization of current LEAP projects and new projects emerged.</p><p>2023 LEAP projects include:</p><ul><li><strong>Publication of a new series of videos on YouTube, which are versions of the former in-person program.</strong> Law Librarians and LSBA Access To Justice (ATJ) staff developed legal reference trainings and travelled the state for several years presenting the program 3-4 times per year. However, due to the pandemic, most of LEAP's outreach was paused and limited to mostly email support. In 2023, the trainings were updated and published so libraries throughout Louisiana could access legal resource training on-demand. The publications were promoted through newsletters, the Louisiana Library Association Conference, and direct email outreach to library contacts;</li><li><strong>Presentation of a new in-person program at the Louisiana Library Association conference on responding to patrons with family law questions.</strong> While LEAP staff has frequently attended and hosted sessions at the Louisiana Library Association, last year was the first year to focus on legal reference training on family law issues, which is the most common legal issue librarians are asked about. The session was well received and attended by approximately 30 public librarians;</li><li><strong>Addition of On-Call Volunteers to "Lawyers in Libraries" events.</strong> "Lawyers in Libraries" is a LEAP project that helps bridge the gap between libraries and lawyers. These weeklong events are held every October and help connect volunteer attorneys with local libraries throughout Louisiana to provide free, limited services to the public. "Lawyers in Libraries" events include Ask-a-Lawyer sessions and virtual presentations on important legal topics. In 2023, LEAP added the On-Call Volunteer option to help prevent last-minute cancellations when a scheduled volunteer attorney could not make it. The goal was to help librarians who may have frustrated patrons when a planned event was cancelled. In its first year, On-Call Volunteers helped save nearly a dozen events and served over 40 library patrons. Overall, in 2023, Lawyers in Libraries events saw 94 attorneys volunteer at over 134 in-person events across the state, with nearly 100 patrons served by phone, and the Facebook webinars reached over 700 viewers;</li><li><strong>Development of a new virtual "Law Talks" webinar series.</strong> "Law Talks" are virtual presentations by legal aid and volunteer attorneys on important legal issues pertinent to Louisiana communities, which the LEAP partnership helped expand to libraries statewide. Presentations are held via Zoom and streamed on the Louisiana Lawyers in Libraries Facebook page. LEAP organizers work with Louisiana libraries to host in-person watch parties for patrons who may not otherwise be able to join. These information sessions have been promoted through public libraries and are incredibly beneficial to library patrons, allowing them to garner legal information directly from attorneys and ask questions pertinent to their situation. The first law talks have been on topics surrounding: divorce, child custody, succession, Social Security Income and Disability, and Medicare and Medicaid; and</li><li><strong>Publication of a new LibGuide specifically for public librarians.</strong> A new LibGuide was created in 2023 specifically for public librarians. The LibGuide features LEAP resources, including videos, quarterly "tips" (important news related to legal information for the public), articles, and research guides. It is a centralized assistance tool to help libraries serve their patrons with their legal questions.</li></ul><p><a href="https://www.aallnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AALL-eBriefing_2024-Award-Recipients.pdf" target="_blank">The American Association of Law Libraries Awards</a> celebrate the exceptional achievements of law librarians, legal information professionals, and organizations acknowledging their commitment to the Association and the field of law librarianship.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-14_AALL_Award_ Law_Library_LA_LSBA1.jpg" alt="The Law Library of Louisiana and the Louisiana State Bar Association(LSBA) hae been honored with the 2024 American Association of Law Libraries Excellence in Community Engagement Award. Pictured from left to right are Louisiana Surpeme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Law Library of Louisiana Head of Public Services Sara V. Pixon, Law Library of Louisiana Director Miriam D. Childs, LSBA Immediate Past President Shayna L. Sonnier and LSBA Access to Justice Projects Counsel Stephanie Beaugh" /><br /><span class="caption">The Law Library of Louisiana and the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) hae been honored with the 2024 American Association of Law Libraries Excellence in Community Engagement Award. Pictured from left to right are Louisiana Surpeme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Law Library of Louisiana Head of Public Services Sara V. Pixon, Law Library of Louisiana Director Miriam D. Childs, LSBA Immediate Past President Shayna L. Sonnier and LSBA Access to Justice Projects Counsel Stephanie Beaugh </span></p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-14_AALL_Award_ Law_Library_LA_LSBA2.jpg" alt="Awards Photos" /><br /><span class="caption">The Law Library of Louisiana and the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) are recipients of the 2024 American Association of Law Libraries Excellence in Community Engagement Award.</span> </p></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2024 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 7, 2024</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>72ND ANNUAL RED MASS IS OBSERVED</strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; Louisiana judges gathered this morning at St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square for the 72nd annual Red Mass, which marks the opening of the judicial year. Traditionally, Red Mass is held on the first Monday in October. Members of the bench and bar, as well as officials of all faiths and the public, were invited to attend. </p><p>&ldquo;The Louisiana Supreme Court Justices and I follow a long, time-honored tradition and attend the Red Mass ceremony for the divine blessing of wisdom, understanding, counsel, and discernment in decision-making relative to the administration of laws and justice for those we serve,&rdquo; said Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer. &ldquo;Louisiana judges are in New Orleans attending the Louisiana Judicial College-sponsored Fall Conference for continuing legal education classes and conference business meetings. While attending Judicial College educational functions, judges can also participate in this centuries-old traditional ceremony.&rdquo; </p><p>The Red Mass is sponsored by the St. Thomas More Catholic Lawyers Association and goes back many centuries in Rome, Paris, and London. The name makes reference to the red vestments worn by the celebrants. In Louisiana, Red Mass was first offered in St. Louis Cathedral on October 5, 1953. The Red Mass has also been celebrated annually in communities throughout Louisiana and in various venues such as California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Georgia, and the District of Columbia.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2024 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 30, 2024</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>RETIRED LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT JUSTICE JEFFREY P. VICTORY 
PASSES AWAY AT AGE 78</strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA/Shreveport, LA</strong> &ndash; The Honorable Justice Jeffrey P. Victory, retired Louisiana Supreme Court Justice, passed away on Thursday, September 26, 2024, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was 78 years old.</p><p>Justice Victory was elected to serve as an Associate Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court for a 10-year term beginning on January 1, 1995, and subsequently re-elected to a second 10-year term which began in 2005. Justice Victory retired from the Louisiana Supreme Court on December 31, 2014 after serving 20 years as an Associate Justice for the Court&rsquo;s Second Supreme Court District. As a Justice, he was a charter member of the Louisiana Sentencing Commission and served as a director and board chair of the Louisiana Judicial College.  He served on the Supreme Court&rsquo;s Internal Audit Committee and was a regular lecturer on ethics issues.  On Oct. 21, 2014, Justice Victory received the 2014 U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform&rsquo;s Judicial Leadership Achievement Award, which recognizes individuals and organizations for outstanding work contributing to reform of the United States civil justice system.</p><p>&ldquo;I am immensely saddened by the passing of my friend, mentor, and colleague Justice Jeffrey Victory.  My thoughts and prayers are with him; his lovely wife, Nancy, who is also a dear friend; and his family,&rdquo; said Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer.  &ldquo;It is often said that the first quality of a good jurist is that one has to be a good person.  Jeff was certainly a good person.  Jeff and I served together on the Supreme Court for 14 years.  Although we did not always agree on each and every opinion, we always had respect for one another and for each other&rsquo;s point of view.  We never allowed our divergent views, which occasionally were polar opposite, or our disagreements on how to apply the law, to become disagreeable.  Besides being an excellent jurist, Jeff was multitalented.  There was nothing mechanical that he would not disassemble to see how it worked.  He always had the ability to put back together whatever he had disassembled.  He was a man of many interests, including our shared passion for riding motorcycles.  He rode faster than I.  Jeff was a person devoted to his faith and his family.  He will live on in the opinions, concurrences, and dissents that he authored and in the memory of his family members and friends.&rdquo;</p><p>Justice Victory was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, on January 29, 1946, and was the son of Thomas Edward and Esther Horton Victory. He graduated from Byrd High School in 1963 as a member of the National Honor Society. He entered Centenary College on an athletic scholarship and graduated in 1967 with a B.A. degree in History and Government. In the Fall of 1967, he entered Tulane University School of Law on a Regional Scholarship, where he served on the Law Review. While in law school, he joined the Special Forces, Airborne, Louisiana National Guard. After finishing Tulane Law School in 1971, he practiced with the prestigious law firm of Tucker, Martin, Holder, Jeter, Jackson and Victory in Shreveport, Louisiana.</p><p>Justice Victory began his judicial career in 1981 when he was elected to the First Judicial District Court, and in 1990, he was elected to the Second Circuit Court of Appeal for a term beginning January 1, 1991. He served there until he was elected as an Associate Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court for a term beginning on January 1, 1995.</p><p>He was a member of the National Lawyers Association and the American, Louisiana State, and Shreveport Bar Associations, and was inducted into the C.E. Byrd High School Hall of Fame and the Centenary College Hall of Fame.</p><p>Justice Victory is survived by his wife Dr. Nancy Clark Victory; and children Paul Bradford Victory and wife Michelle, and their daughters Madilynn and Elizabeth; William Peter Victory; Judge Christopher Thomas Victory; and daughter Mary Kathryn Victory, and her sons Jameson Walters and Prescott Walters.</p><p>In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Broadmoor Baptist Church, Care Pregnancy Center, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and the Louisiana Family Forum.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-01_picgrid.css" /></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-12_Justice_Jeffrey_Victory.jpg" alt="Retired Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey Victory" /><br /><span class="caption">Retired Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey Victory</span></p></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2024 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 26, 2024</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>Retired Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Marcus R. Clark Passes Away at Age 68</strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA/Monroe, LA</strong> &ndash; The Honorable Justice Marcus R. Clark, retired Louisiana Supreme Court Justice, passed away on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, in Gainesville, Georgia. He was 68 years old.</p><p>Justice Clark was elected as an Associate Justice to the Louisiana Supreme Court in 2009 to the Fourth Supreme Court District, filling the unexpired term of former Justice Chet D. Traylor. He was re-elected to a full 10-year term in 2016 after running unopposed. Justice Clark retired from the Louisiana Supreme Court in June 2020. As Justice, he served on several Supreme Court boards and committees including as Chairman of the Judicial Budgetary Control Board, and as a member of the Internal Audit Committee and the Human Resources Committee. He also served as the Supreme Court&rsquo;s liaison to the Louisiana District Judges Association. Justice Clark also was a member of the Sheriff&rsquo;s Executive Management Institute Board.</p><p>&ldquo;Justice Clark was a friend and mentor. He serves as an exemplar of judicial service because he exemplified the highest ideals of a judge: legal ability and integrity. Although he reached the highest point of judicial service by serving as an Associate Justice on the Louisiana Supreme Court, he always remained humble and approachable. He was always available to give wise counsel whenever his assistance was sought. I am grateful for his friendship and support,&rdquo; said Justice Jay McCallum, who succeeded Justice Clark in 2020 as Associate Justice for the Fourth Supreme Court District.</p><p>United States Federal Judge Greg Guidry commented, &ldquo;I have known Marcus Clark for well over 40 years. We met in law school and immediately became fast friends. Years later, we were both Justices on the Louisiana Supreme Court where we sat together at the Justices&rsquo; conference table every week for more than ten years. In between, we were both prosecutors and Judges. Marcus never changed from the first day I met him until his final moment. He sought justice in every decision he made. He was the most kind, ethical, and dedicated person I have ever met. The only things he loved more than the law were his family and his faith. No one has ever deserved to be called Your Honor more than Justice Marcus Clark. Marcus loved and respected everyone he knew, and that love and respect was returned in full measure. I will miss my dear friend for the rest of my life. I promise you that the State of Louisiana will never see a jurist like him again.&rdquo;</p><p>&ldquo;I am saddened by the passing of Justice Marcus Clark,&rdquo; said Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer. &ldquo;He was a good person and a good judge. He was humble, easily approachable, kind, respectful, and dedicated and diligent. I considered him a friend. For many years we worked together on presenting the Judicial budget to the Legislature. He was an advocate for the judiciary and was well respected and well received by the Legislature. As a Justice he was balanced and fair and impartial. He was dedicated to his family and friends and will be missed by many. May he rest in peace.&rdquo;</p><p>A native of Sulphur, Louisiana, Clark was born February 24, 1956, and was the son of the late Hilda and Gerald Clark. Growing up, he worked in the family&rsquo;s washeteria and was active in the Boy Scouts of America. He went on to earn his Eagle Scout ranking and set his sights on becoming a police officer. After graduating from Sulphur High School in 1974, Clark enrolled at Northeast Louisiana University, now known as the University of Louisiana at Monroe. While a student, he participated in Student Government and other campus activities. He graduated in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice. Forty years later in 2014, Justice Clark was the invited speaker for ULM&rsquo;s Fall Commencement Ceremony.</p><p>Following a brief career in law enforcement, Clark attended law school at LSU, and in 1985 he graduated with his Juris Doctorate from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center. He returned to Monroe and joined the Ouachita Parish District Attorney&rsquo;s Office as an assistant district attorney. In 1990 he was promoted to Chief Felony Drug Prosecutor where he assisted state and federal law enforcement with many high-profile drug prosecution cases. His expertise led him to help co-author the Louisiana&rsquo;s Drug Asset Forfeiture Law and co-develop the National TOP Gun Seminar for law enforcement.</p><p>Justice Clark began his judicial career in 1997 when he ran for and won an open District Judge seat in the 4th Judicial District after defeating seven other candidates. During his tenure, he served as the judge for the newly established Drug Court from 2000-2001. He also served as Chief Judge from 2004-2006. He was a member of the Louisiana Bar Association and Fourth Judicial District Court Bar Association and past member of the Louisiana District Judges Association and Louisiana District Judges Association Executive Committee. Justice Clark was a well-respected member of the 4th Judicial District Court and became a valued legal mentor to many of the newer judges, assistant district attorneys and local attorneys. As district judge, he served on a number of committees and boards designed to move the judicial system forward, including the New Judgeship Committee, Ad Hoc NCSC Study Committee, Criminal Judges Committee, Salary &amp; Personnel Committee, Court Technology Committee and the Supreme Court Uniform Rules Committee. Justice Clark enjoyed lecturing and was a repeat lecturer for the North Delta Police Training Academy, Louisiana Sheriff&rsquo;s Association, Louisiana District Attorney&rsquo;s Association, and Louisiana District Judges Association.</p><p>Following his retirement, he enjoyed spending his time with his family and friends and boating on Lake Lanier near Gainesville, Georgia. Justice Clark is survived by his beloved wife Allyson Ayers Clark, his daughter Nicole Clark Smith (Chase), and son Cooper Charles Clark. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Addie and Patrick Smith, his brother Kenneth Streater (Carmel), sisters Karen Clark McManus (Jim), Phyllis Clark Granger (Mike), numerous nephews and nieces, and Patsy Ayers, his mother-in-law. Marcus was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Gary Clark, and niece, Lynne Streater Ward.</p><p>In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Justice Marcus R. Clark First Generation Endowed Scholarship at ULM, the Marcus R. Clark Scholarship Fund at Sulphur High School, or the Louisiana Baptist Children&rsquo;s Home.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-01_picgrid.css" /></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-11_Justice_Marcus_Clark.jpg" alt="Retired Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Marcus Clark" /><br /><span class="caption">Retired Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Marcus Clark</span></p></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-01_picgrid.css" /><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2024 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 23, 2024</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>JUDICIARY COMMISSION OF LOUISIANA ANNOUNCES ELECTION OF NEW OFFICERS</strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash;The Judiciary Commission of Louisiana announces the election of Suzanne H. Stinson as Commission Chair, and Third Judicial District Court Judge Bruce E. Hampton as Vice-Chair of the Judiciary Commission. </p><p>Suzanne Stinson, a citizen member of the Commission, was elected to serve as Commission Chair through the end of her term on March 21, 2025, succeeding Orleans Criminal District Court Judge Robin D. Pittman. Ms. Stinson began working at the 26th Judicial Court District in 1982 and was appointed court administrator in 1996 until her retirement in 2014. Ms. Stinson graduated magna cum laude with her bachelor&rsquo;s degree in 1988, a master&rsquo;s degree in business administration in 1992, and a second master&rsquo;s degree in industrial/organizational psychology in 1994, all from Louisiana Tech University. She served in the Louisiana Army National Guard from 1979 to 1982. Ms. Stinson is a Fellow of the Institute for Court Management and received her Certificate of Judicial Administration from Michigan State University. She is a past president of the National Association for Court Management, served on the board of directors for the International Association of Court Management, served as president of the Louisiana Court Administrators Association, and serves as the President of the Board of Directors for Geaux4Kids. She served two consecutive terms on the Board of Directors for the National Center for State Courts (NCSC), and currently serves on the Editorial Board for <em>Trends in State Courts</em>, an annual publication by the NCSC. She previously served on the Judicial Compensation Commission, the Court Rules Committee, the Advisory Committee to the Performance Audit on Jury Practices, the Disaster Recovery Planning Committee, and the Louisiana Integrated Juvenile Justice Information System Committee. Upon retirement, she performed consulting work in the Bahamas. Ms. Stinson is currently serving a second term on the Commission, having been appointed by the Louisiana District Judges Association. </p><p>Judge Bruce Hampton was elected by Commission members to serve as Vice-Chair for a one-year term, succeeding Suzanne Stinson. He earned his bachelor&rsquo;s degree cum laude from Louisiana Tech University in 1978, his juris doctor degree magna cum laude from Tulane University School of Law in 1981, and his master of laws degree from Southern Methodist University in 1990. Prior to his election to the bench in 2018, he practiced law for over 37 years in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi. He worked as an assistant district attorney for 18 years, prosecuting felony and misdemeanor cases and handling drug court, juvenile court, and serving as counsel for the Union Parish Police Jury. He also served as an indigent defender for 10 years in the Third Judicial District. Judge Hampton is a member of the American Judges Association and the Louisiana District Judges Association (currently serving as Treasurer), was appointed to the Executive Board of the District Judges Association in 2021, and is a member of the Louisiana State Law Institute. Judge Hampton is a supporter of the Judges in the Classroom Program. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Ruston, Farmerville Lions Club, Ruston-Lincoln, and Union Parish Chambers of Commerce, the Bernice Business Club, and St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. </p><p>The Judiciary Commission of Louisiana is a nine-member constitutionally created body empowered to review allegations of judicial misconduct and to recommend to the Supreme Court appropriate discipline when misconduct is proven by clear and convincing evidence. The members of the Commission are volunteers and serve on a part-time basis. To learn more about the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana, visit <a href="https://judiciarycommissionla.org/" target="_blank">https://judiciarycommissionla.org/</a>. </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-10_Stinson_Suzanne.jpg" alt="Suzanne H. Stinson, Chair" /><br /><span class="caption">Suzanne H. Stinson, Chair <br />Judiciary Commission of Louisiana</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-10_Hampton_Bruce.jpg" alt="Third JDC Judge Bruce E. Hampton, Vice Chair" /><br /><span class="caption">Third JDC Judge Bruce E. Hampton, Vice Chair<br />Judiciary Commission of Louisiana</span> </p></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2024 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>August 13, 2024</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>Criminal Justice Stakeholders Collaborate on Sharing Information</strong></p><p>Today, with gratitude to the diligent efforts of Louisiana Department of Public Safety &amp; Corrections Secretary James M. LeBlanc and his staff, Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer circulated to every Louisiana state judge with jurisdiction in criminal cases a &ldquo;bench book&rdquo; to use as a resource in sentencing decisions.&nbsp; Chief Justice Weimer stated, &ldquo;Because most incarcerated offenders will eventually be released, sentencing requirements during incarceration should be tailored&mdash;as much as possible&mdash;to reducing the likelihood of committing crimes after incarceration.&nbsp; The safety of our citizens requires this, and incarcerated offenders who can learn strategies to rid themselves of drug addiction or who develop new job skills are key groups who stand to benefit by later transforming themselves into productive members of society.&rdquo;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court has partnered with the Louisiana Department of Public Safety &amp; Corrections (DPS&amp;C), the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, and the Louisiana Public Defender Board and other stakeholders in the criminal justice system to promulgate information on services offered by DPS&amp;C to eligible incarcerated individuals designed to assist in their reentry into society after incarceration.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>What began as a request by DPS&amp;C Secretary LeBlanc to Chief Justice John L. Weimer to simply remind state judges of the minimum time frame to ensure successful completion of DPS&amp;C&rsquo;s drug treatment intensive incarceration program expanded into an initiative to ensure that state judges had current information at their fingertips about the myriad of available rehabilitation and treatment programs offered by DPS&amp;C.&nbsp; These include programs offered across the state at different correctional facilities, both for men and women, such as substance abuse treatment programs, reentry court programs, transitional work programs, and Young Adult Programs.&nbsp; Information prepared and updated by Secretary LeBlanc was reviewed by a working group of judges as well as representatives of district attorneys, public defenders, and law enforcement.&nbsp; The end product is a &ldquo;bench book&rdquo; provided to state judges as a resource that can be used in sentencing decisions.</p><p>Governor Jeff Landry&rsquo;s administration fully supported the creation of this bench book for our judges and other criminal justice stakeholders across our State, which is another successful step towards fully realizing improvements within our criminal justice system.&nbsp; Governor Landry commends DPS&amp;C, the Louisiana Judiciary, and the other vital criminal justice stakeholders who have been putting in the hard work, and this bench book is an excellent new resource towards moving Louisiana forward towards a more prosperous future.<br /></p><p>Chief Justice Weimer remarked, &ldquo;This demonstrates that when those of us in public service work together, the public benefits.&nbsp; That is something I have strived to do since becoming Chief Justice, specifically, partnering with other public officials in matters of mutual interest to benefit the public that we serve.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /></p><p>In addition to Chief Justice Weimer and Secretary LeBlanc, participating in this collaborative effort were 22nd JDC Judge William Burris, chair of the Louisiana District Judges Association/Department of Corrections Liaison Committee and several committee members; Loren Lampert, past Executive Director, Louisiana District Attorneys Association (and now a judge); and Louisiana Public Defender R&eacute;my Starns.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /></p><p>According to Chief Justice Weimer, &ldquo;The aim here was to broadly share this information with stakeholders in the criminal justice system.&nbsp; This bench book serves as a guide for judges to choose the programs that are most effective for the particular circumstances of each offender. The larger goal is, whenever possible, to end the cycle of release, re-arrest, and re-incarceration and instead rehabilitate offenders into productive tax-paying citizens.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /></p><p>Chief Justice Weimer concluded, &ldquo;I thank Secretary LeBlanc, Judge William Burris and judges from the Louisiana District Judges Association, as well as Loren Lampert, and R&eacute;my Starns for participating in this important project that hopefully in the long run will benefit our citizens by improving public safety.&rdquo;</p><p>A <a href="https://doc.louisiana.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/DPSCBench-Book.v1.7.1.2024-FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">copy of the bench book</a> can be found on the website of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2024 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 29, 2024</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT JUSTICE JAY B. MCCALLUM ADMINISTERS THE OATH TO FIRST MILITARY ATTORNEY SPOUSE ADMITTED TO LOUISIANA BAR UNDER RULE XVII, SECTION 15</strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jay B. McCallum administered the oath of office to Katie Jo Miller, Esq., who is the first military spouse attorney to take advantage of the opportunity to practice law in Louisiana under <a href="/rules/orders/2022/Rule_XVII_%C2%A715.pdf" target="_blank">Louisiana Supreme Court Rule XVII, Section 15</a>. This rule, titled <strong>Temporary Admission of Military Spouse Attorneys</strong> enacted effective September 23, 2022, allows licensed attorney spouses of active-duty military members who reside with their service members in Louisiana to apply for a limited license to practice law.</p><p>According to Louisiana Rule XVII, Section 15, in consideration of attorneys with the need to frequently relocate due to the commitment of their spouses who are active-duty service members of the United States Uniformed Service stationed in Louisiana, the military spouse attorney is allowed to obtain a limited license to practice law without examination, provided that the military spouse attorney fully complies with the additional requirements and completion of procedures as outlined in the rule. Upon the Supreme Court&rsquo;s enactment of this rule in collaboration with the Louisiana State Bar Association, Louisiana joins several other states in affording this privilege to military spouses. </p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer stated, &ldquo;The enacting of this rule assists the men and women who serve in the military and their attorney spouses. We hope it may ultimately provide a very welcome side benefit in drawing more people to the state of Louisiana by allowing both the active-duty service member and their spouse to be productive in careers that they each have worked fervently to maintain. Optimistically, the administration of this oath encourages many other military members with attorney spouses who are considering relocating to Louisiana.&rdquo;</p><p>&ldquo;It was an honor to help usher Katie Jo Miller, Esq, into the practice of law in Louisiana as the very first military spouse attorney under the new rule. It was particularly appropriate that this would occur during National Military Appreciation Month,&rdquo; said Justice Jay B. McCallum. &ldquo;It was the intention of the Louisiana Supreme Court and Louisiana State Bar Association in crafting this rule, to support military service members and their families by making seamless the transition for practicing attorneys who move to the state as the result of a spouse's call of duty for our country.&rdquo; </p><p>Katie Jo Miller earned her bachelor&rsquo;s degree from North Dakota State University and her juris doctor degree from University of North Dakota School of Law. She will be employed at the Caddo Parish Public Defender&rsquo;s Office.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-01_picgrid.css" /></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-08_Justice_McCallum_and_Atty_Katie_Jo_Miller.jpg" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jay B. McCallum administered the oath of officeo to Katie Jo Miller, Esq., the first military spouse attorney to be sworn in under Louisiana Rule XVII, Section 15" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jay B. McCallum administered the oath of officeo to Katie Jo Miller, Esq., the first military spouse attorney to be sworn in under Louisiana Rule XVII, Section 15</span></p></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2024 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 1, 2024</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Justices Issue Law Day Resolution Inspiring Judges to Participate in Civics Education In Schools </strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; In recognition of the 66th annual celebration of Law Day, the Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court <a href="/community_outreach/law_day/img/2024/2024Resolution.pdf" target="_blank">issued a Resolution</a> commemorating today as Law Day. The Resolution urges and requests &ldquo;judges of the State of Louisiana to dedicate the month of May 2024 to reaching out to schools to provide students with an opportunity to learn about the law, the role of a judge and the court system from members of the judiciary.&rdquo; <a href="/LawDay">The Law Day 2024 theme is &ldquo;Voices of Democracy.&rdquo;</a></p><p>&ldquo;I ask judges to incorporate the Law Day 2024 theme, "Voices of Democracy&rdquo; as the topic while visiting students and community organizations through the ongoing Judge in the Classroom/Students in the Courtroom Initiative,&rdquo; said Chief Justice John L. Weimer. &ldquo;Law Day provides an ideal opportunity to teach students about jurisprudence, the rule of law, and the valuable rights we each enjoy as citizens of Louisiana.&rdquo;</p><p>As in past years during the month of May, the Louisiana Supreme Court will host several Law Day-themed activities, which will include interaction and discussions with the Justices, tours of the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse, visits to the Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson Supreme Court Museum and the Law Library of Louisiana.</p><p>Statewide, Judges will visit students and civic organizations, host students in their courtrooms, and continue to find creative ways to converse about civics education. Judges are encouraged to utilize the civics information available on the Louisiana Supreme Court website (<a href="/">www.lasc.org</a>) when they spend time talking to students, including the comprehensive presentation developed by Justice Scott Crichton titled, &ldquo;Crime, Consequences, and the Power of Choice.&rdquo;</p><p>The <a href="/Education?p=Judges_in_the_Classroom">Judges in the Classroom/Students in the Courtroom</a> initiative is a partnership with the Judges in the Classroom/Students in the Courtroom Supreme Court Task Force, Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education, the Louisiana District Judges Association, the Louisiana Commission on Civics Education, the Young Lawyers Division of the Louisiana State Bar Association, and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).</p><p>Law Day was established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to strengthen our heritage of liberty, justice, and equality under the law. In 1961, Congress issued a joint resolution designating May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day. Every president since then has issued a Law Day proclamation on May 1 to celebrate the nation&rsquo;s commitment to the rule of law. Information on Law Day 2024 can be found on the website of the American Bar Association at <a href="https://www.americanbar.org/" target="_blank">https://www.americanbar.org</a>.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2024 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>April 25, 2024</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT JUSTICE JAY B. MCCALLUM APPOINTED TO SERVE ON COUNCIL OF THE LOUISIANA STATE LAW INSTITUTE</strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jay B. McCallum has been appointed by his fellow Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court as the Court's ex officio appointee to the Council of the Louisiana State Law Institute, effective immediately.</p><p>Justice McCallum earned his bachelor&rsquo;s degree from Northeast Louisiana University in 1982 and his juris doctor degree from Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 1985. He worked in the general practice of law at the offices of Rabun and McCallum in Union Parish. Prior to serving as a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1992-2002, Justice McCallum worked as an Assistant District Attorney. He served as a Third Judicial District Court judge from 2002-2018. He was elected without opposition to the Second Circuit Court of Appeal in 2018 and served until his election to the Louisiana Supreme Court for District 4 in 2020. Justice McCallum is married to Deanna Dunham McCallum, Esq.; they are the parents of 2 children, and they have 2 grandchildren.</p><p>The Louisiana State Law Institute was formed under its present name in 1938. That same year the Legislature chartered, created, and organized it as &ldquo;an official, advisory law revision commission, law reform agency and legal research agency of the State of Louisiana&rdquo;. The purpose of the Institute is to promote and encourage the clarification and simplification of the law of Louisiana and its better adaptation to present social need, to secure the better administration of justice, and to carry on scholarly legal research and scientific legal work. La. R.S. 24:204.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-01_picgrid.css" /></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-06_Jay_B_McCallum.jpg" alt="Jay B. McCallum" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jay B. McCallum</span></p></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2024 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>March 27, 2024</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>CHIEF DISCIPLINARY COUNSEL FOR THE LOUISIANA ATTORNEY DISCIPLINARY BOARD CHARLES B. PLATTSMIER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT; <br />SUCCESSOR ANDERSON O. DOTSON III, APPOINTED </strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; Chief Disciplinary Counsel for the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board Charles B. Plattsmier announced his retirement effective March 31, 2024. At nearly 28 years of service, Mr. Plattsmier is the longest-serving Chief Disciplinary Counsel in recent history.</p><p>Mr. Plattsmier attended Nicholls State University (NSU) and attributes the university for providing him with the foundation to move his career forward. While at NSU, he entered an early admissions program at Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center, where he earned his juris doctor degree in 1978. During his first 17 years of private practice, he served as the President of the St. Mary Parish Bar Association and as a House of Delegates member of the Louisiana State Bar from 1983 until 1995. From 1990-1994, he was one of the first lawyer hearing committee members for the then-newly created Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board, and from 1994-1996, Mr. Plattsmier was appointed to serve as a Disciplinary Board member. In 1996, he was appointed Chief Disciplinary Counsel for the State of Louisiana.</p><p>Over his career, Mr. Plattsmier made significant contributions to the attorney discipline system. He authored amendments to both the Rules of Professional Conduct and Louisiana Supreme Court Rule 19 concerning attorney discipline. He was a member of the Ethics 2000 Committee, which updated and amended Louisiana's ethics rules, and has served on many committees of both the Louisiana Supreme Court and the Louisiana State Bar Association. He is an active speaker having provided over 400 lectures and presentations on ethics and professionalism nationally and across the state.</p><p>&ldquo;Chuck Plattsmier served the members of the Louisiana State Bar Association and the general public admirably, as evidenced by his dedication to upholding the standards of professionalism incumbent upon all who hold the distinction of membership in the state Bar,&rdquo; said Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer.</p><p>Upon the recommendation of the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board (LADB), the Louisiana Supreme Court recently approved the appointment of Anderson O. &ldquo;Andy&rdquo; Dotson III, Esq. to succeed Mr. Plattsmier as Chief Disciplinary Counsel for the State of Louisiana. Mr. Dotson has previously served in various positions with the Disciplinary Board, starting from working with the hearing committees, moving to the board where he served as Vice Chairman, and ultimately becoming Chairman of the Disciplinary Board.</p><p>In his correspondence to the LADB, Chief Justice Weimer wrote on behalf of the Louisiana Supreme Court Justices, &ldquo;Based on the recommendation of the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board and considering that the adjudicative function of this Court is separate from the prosecutorial role of the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, the Court accepts the Board&rsquo;s considered recommendation of Mr. Dotson to fill the position of Chief Disciplinary Counsel&hellip;. I wish to express our appreciation for the hard work of the Board and the dedicated service of its members and staff.&rdquo;</p><p>Mr. Dotson earned his bachelor&rsquo;s degree from Louisiana State University in 1996 and his juris doctor degree, <em>magna cum laude</em> from Southern University Law Center in 2000. From 2009 until his appointment as Chief Disciplinary Counsel, Mr. Dotson served the City of Baton Rouge/Parish of East Baton Rouge in the parish attorney&rsquo;s office. He worked as an Assistant City Prosecutor, 2009-2011; First Assistant City Prosecutor, 2011-2015; Chief City Prosecutor, 2015-2019; and Parish Attorney, 2019-2024. Mr. Dotson taught as a part-time Adjunct Professor of Law at Southern University Law Center, 2010/2011-2022, and at Louisiana State University, Paul M. Hebert Law Center, 2022-2024. He also worked at Phelps Dunbar LLP, Baton Rouge, La. as an Associate Attorney, 2000-2009, and in private practice, 2010-the present.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-01_picgrid.css" /></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-05_Charles_B_Plattsmier.jpg" alt="Charles B Plattsmier" /><br /><span class="caption">Charles B. Plattsmier, Esq.</span></p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-05_Anderson_O_Dotson.jpg" alt="Anderson O Dotson" /><br /><span class="caption">Anderson O. "Andy" Dotson III, Esq.</span></p></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2024 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>February 8, 2024</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>JUDICIARY COMMISSION OF LOUISIANA ANNOUNCES OFFICERS AND APPOINTMENTS</strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; The Judiciary Commission of Louisiana announces the election of Orleans Criminal District Court Judge Robin D. Pittman as Commission Chair, and Suzanne H. Stinson as Vice-Chair; the recent appointments of three new members to the nine-member Judiciary Commission: Mr. Lloyd J. Clark of Jefferson Parish, attorney Thomas C. Wicker, IV of Orleans Parish, and attorney David Ardoin of Lafourche Parish; and the appointment of attorney Kelly Blackwell as Judiciary Commission Counsel.</p><p>Orleans Criminal District Court Judge Robin D. Pittman was elected by Commission members to serve as Chair for a one-year term. Judge Pittman received her Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, from Loyola University New Orleans in 1991 and her Juris Doctorate from Loyola University New Orleans School of Law in 1996. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Pittman served as an Assistant District Attorney for the Orleans Parish District Attorney&rsquo;s Office, a Deputy Disciplinary Counsel with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, and an associate in the litigation section of the law firm of Baldwin Haspel Burke &amp; Mayer where she worked until her election to the Orleans Criminal District Court bench in 2009. She is the Second Vice President of the Louisiana District Judges Association, serves on the Executive Board of the Judicial Council for the National Bar Association, and previously served on the Louisiana Judicial College Board of Governors and the Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics. Judge Pittman is a member of the American Judges Association, National Bar Association, Louisiana Judicial Council, Louisiana State Bar Association, New Orleans Bar Association, Louisiana District Judges Association, National Association of Women Judges, Fourth &amp; Fifth Circuit Judges Associations, Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, and Association of Women Attorneys. In accordance with the Louisiana Constitution, Judge Pittman was appointed to the Commission by the Louisiana Supreme Court.</p><p>Suzanne Stinson, a citizen member of the Commission, was elected to serve as Commission Vice Chair for a term of one year. Ms. Stinson began working at the 26th Judicial Court District in 1982 and was appointed court administrator in 1996 until her retirement in 2014. Ms. Stinson graduated magna cume laude with her bachelor&rsquo;s degree in 1988, a master&rsquo;s degree in business administration in 1992, and a second master&rsquo;s degree in industrial/organizational psychology in 1994, all from Louisiana Tech University. She served in the Louisiana Army National Guard from 1979 to 1982. Ms. Stinson is a Fellow of the Institute for Court Management and received her Certificate of Judicial Administration from Michigan State University. She is a past president of the National Association for Court Management, served on the board of directors for the International Association of Court Management, and also served as president of the Louisiana Court Administrators Association. She served two consecutive terms on the Board of Directors for the National Center for State Courts (NCSC), and currently serves on the Editorial Board for Trends in State Courts, an annual publication by the NCSC. She previously served on the Judicial Compensation Commission, the Court Rules Committee, the Advisory Committee to the Performance Audit on Jury Practices, the Disaster Recovery Planning Committee, and the Louisiana Integrated Juvenile Justice Information System Committee. Ms. Stinson is currently serving a second term on the Commission, having been appointed by the Louisiana District Judges Association.</p><p>Selected by the Louisiana District Judges Association, citizen member Lloyd Clark is serving his second term on the Commission. Mr. Clark retired in 2008 after 36 years of service with the Jefferson Parish Public School system. He served as an instructor on the elementary, middle, and high school levels and on the administrative level as a dean of students, disciplinarian, and vice principal. He ended his tenure by serving as the supervisor of child welfare and attendance and student hearing officer for the West Bank region of Jefferson Parish. Mr. Clark received a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and a Master of Education degree in administration and supervision from Nicholls State University. He was selected as a Fulbright Scholar in 1991 and studied in Thailand at the University of Chulalongkorn through the University of New Orleans. Mr. Clark is actively involved in many professional, community, and civic organizations and has served in leadership roles in most of them. He is past president of Jefferson Economic Development Corporation (Jedco); a member of the Louisiana Retired Teachers Association; past president of the Louisiana Association of Child Welfare and Attendance Personnel (2001-2003); and member of the board of directors of the Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union, 1999-present and was board chairman from 2009-2012. Mr. Clark succeeds citizen member Mr. Robert P. Ackerman.</p><p>T.C. Wicker, IV, was appointed to serve on the Judiciary Commission by the Louisiana Conference of Court of Appeal Judges as the young lawyer member for a four-year term. Mr. Wicker earned his bachelor&rsquo;s degree from Georgetown University in 2012, majoring in English and government. He then taught 4th and 5th grade social studies in Marrero as part of the Teach for America program. Mr. Wicker earned his juris doctor degree from Tulane University Law School in 2017 and clerked for the Honorable Nannette Jolivette Brown of the United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, for the 2017-2018 term. He then joined Jones Walker LLP&rsquo;s Compliance and White Collar Defense team as an associate attorney until January 2023, when he then joined the law firm of Capitelli &amp; Wicker, currently specializing in plaintiff medical malpractice and white collar work. Mr. Wicker succeeds young attorney VaRhonda Burrell on the Commission.</p><p>David Ardoin was appointed to serve on the Judiciary Commission by the Louisiana Conference of Court of Appeal judges for a four-year term. He earned his bachelor&rsquo;s degree from Louisiana State University in 1993, and his juris doctor from Tulane University School of Law in 1996, with an Environmental Law Certificate. Mr. Ardoin has extensive experience with complex litigation, focusing his practice on personal injury trial cases including motor vehicle accidents, offshore injuries, product liability claims, and medical malpractice. Mr. Ardoin has participated in and served as lead counsel in numerous multi-million-dollar claims. Mr. Ardoin succeeds attorney member Christopher P. Ieyoub.</p><p>Attorney Kelly Blackwell was recently appointed Judiciary Commission Counsel by the Louisiana Supreme Court. Ms. Blackwell earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in government and Spanish from the University of Texas at Austin (high honors, Phi Beta Kappa) in 2003, and her Juris Doctorate from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in 2007. Prior to her appointment as Commission Counsel, Ms. Blackwell served for eight years as an Assistant Special Counsel in the Office of Special Counsel to the Judiciary Commission. Before joining Judiciary Commission staff in 2015, Ms. Blackwell was in private law practice. Ms. Blackwell succeeds attorney David Becker, Commission Counsel 2019-2023, upon his promotion to General Counsel to the Louisiana Supreme Court.</p><p>The Judiciary Commission of Louisiana is a nine-member constitutionally created body empowered to review allegations of judicial misconduct and to recommend to the Supreme Court appropriate discipline when misconduct is proven by clear and convincing evidence. The members of the Commission are volunteers and serve on a part-time basis. To learn more about the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana, visit https://judiciarycommissionla.org/.</p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-01_picgrid.css" /></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-04_JCL_Pittman.jpg" alt="Judiciary Commission of Louisiana Chair Orleans Criminal District Court Judge Robin D. Pittman" /><br /><span class="caption">Judiciary Commission of Louisiana Chair<br />Orleans Criminal District Court Judge Robin D. Pittman<span></span></span></p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-04_JCL_Stinson.jpg" alt="Judiciary Commission of Louisiana Vice-Chair Ms. Suzanne H. Stinson" /><br /><span class="caption">Judiciary Commission of Louisiana Vice-Chair<br />Ms. Suzanne H. Stinson<span></span></span></p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-04_JCL_Clark.jpg" alt="Judiciary Commission of Louisiana Mr. Lloyd J. Clark, Esq." /><br /><span class="caption">Judiciary Commission of Louisiana<br />Mr. Lloyd J. Clark, Esq.<span></span></span></p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-04_JCL_Wicker.jpg" alt="Judiciary Commission of Louisiana Mr. Thomas C. Wicker, IV, Esq." /><br /><span class="caption">Judiciary Commission of Louisiana<br />Mr. Thomas C. Wicker, IV, Esq.<span></span></span></p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-04_JCL_Ardoin.jpg" alt="Judiciary Commission of Louisiana Mr. David Ardoin, Esq." /><br /><span class="caption">Judiciary Commission of Louisiana<br />Mr. David Ardoin, Esq.<span></span></span></p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-04_JCL_Blackwell.jpg" alt="Judiciary Commission of Louisiana Counsel Kelly Blackwell, Esq." /><br /><span class="caption">Judiciary Commission of Louisiana<br />Counsel Kelly Blackwell, Esq.<span></span></span></p></div><p>&nbsp;</p></div>
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<div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2024 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>February 5, 2024</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT JUSTICES HOLD ORAL ARGUMENTS AT LOYOLA UNIVERSITY NEW ORLEANS COLLEGE OF LAW</strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; The Louisiana Supreme Court recently accepted an invitation by Loyola University New Orleans College of Law to hold oral arguments on the school&rsquo;s uptown campus. Law students, staff, faculty, and the general public gained first-hand knowledge of the Louisiana judiciary by witnessing attorneys argue three matters before the Court. The Supreme Court is traditionally invited by each of the deans of Louisiana&rsquo;s four law schools to hold oral arguments on their campuses. Plans are underway to hold oral arguments at Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Tulane Law Center, and Southern University Law Center.</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.lasc.org/dockets/Jan2024.pdf" target="_blank">The Louisiana Supreme Court docket included oral arguments on three cases</a></strong>, which were live-streamed on the court&rsquo;s website. The court has live-streamed oral arguments since 2007. After oral arguments were concluded, the Justices adjourned to visit with students and faculty about the system of justice and the importance of professionalism in the practice of law.</p><p>&ldquo;The Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court and I appreciate being invited by Loyola Law School Dean Madeleine Landrieu to continue the over 20-year tradition of holding oral arguments at academic venues to enrich the legal experience of future attorneys and others in attendance by exposing them to the work of the Court,&rdquo; said Chief Justice John L Weimer. &ldquo;Holding court outside of the courthouse replicates history when the Supreme Court historically &lsquo;rode circuit&rsquo; at locations throughout the state.&rdquo;</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Justice James T. Genovese commented, "I am always honored to return to the Loyola University College of Law campus where I was once a student and learned so much under the leadership of my law professors. It is important to me as I serve as a Supreme Court Justice to encourage and inspire future attorneys and judges, just as I was inspired as a law student.&rdquo;</p><p>Dean Madeleine M. Landrieu, who served as a judge on the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal and Orleans Parish Civil District Court prior to her appointment as Dean of the law school, commented, &ldquo;It was such a terrific experience for everyone. I am grateful to the justices, the court staff, and the attorneys for allowing our students to see the work of the courts up close.&rdquo;</p><p>The session was coordinated by Louisiana Supreme Court Clerk of Court Veronica O. Koclanes and Dean Landrieu, who prepared the students in advance of oral arguments by providing case briefs and hosting a pre-session with students to highlight the major issues of the cases.</p><p>In the court&rsquo;s early history, before transportation made it possible to travel easily to New Orleans, the Louisiana Supreme Court was constitutionally required to &ldquo;ride the circuit&rdquo; and hold court in parishes throughout the state to ensure citizens statewide would have access to justice.</p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-03_picgrid.css" /></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-03_Loyola1.jpg" alt="Riding the Circuit: Louisiana Supreme Court Justices held Oral Arguments at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law (L-R) Louisiana Supreme Court Clerk of Court Veronica O. Koclanes (standing), Justice Jay B. McCallum, Justice James T. Genovese, Justice Jefferson Hughes, Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Justice Scott J. Crichton, Justice William T. Crain, Justice Piper D. Griffin." /><br /><span class="caption">Riding the Circuit: Louisiana Supreme Court Justices held Oral Arguments at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law (L-R) Louisiana Supreme Court Clerk of Court Veronica O. Koclanes (standing), Justice Jay B. McCallum, Justice James T. Genovese, Justice Jefferson Hughes, Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Justice Scott J. Crichton, Justice William T. Crain, Justice Piper D. Griffin.</span></p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-03_Loyola2.jpg" alt="Riding the Circuit: Louisiana Supreme Court Justices held Oral Arguments at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law (L-R) Justice Jay B. McCallum; Justice James T. Genovese; Justice Jefferson Hughes; Loyola University President, Dr. Xavier A. Cole; Dr. Susanne DeBerry Cole; Loyola University Collee of Law Dean Madeline M. Landrieu; Chief Justice John L. Weimer; Justice Scott J. Crichton; Justice William T. Crain; Justice Piper D. Griffin." /><br /><span class="caption">Riding the Circuit: Louisiana Supreme Court Justices held Oral Arguments at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law (L-R) Justice Jay B. McCallum; Justice James T. Genovese; Justice Jefferson Hughes; Loyola University President, Dr. Xavier A. Cole; Dr. Susanne DeBerry Cole; Loyola University Collee of Law Dean Madeline M. Landrieu; Chief Justice John L. Weimer; Justice Scott J. Crichton; Justice William T. Crain; Justice Piper D. Griffin.</span></p></div><p>&nbsp;</p></div>
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<div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2024 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>January 12, 2024</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>RETIRED ASSISTANT U.S. ATTORNEY MARY J. MUDRICK IS APPOINTED SHREVEPORT CITY COURT JUDGE PRO TEMPORE</strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; Retired Assistant United States Attorney Mary Mudrick has been <a href="https://www.lasc.org/press_room/press_releases/2024/2024-02_MudrickOrder.pdf" target="_blank">appointed</a> to serve as judge <em>pro tempore</em> of Shreveport City Court Division C, effective January 8, 2024 through December 31, 2024, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner. The vacancy is the result of the retirement of Shreveport City Court Judge Pammela Lattier on December 31, 2023. </p><p>Ms. Mudrick received her bachelor&rsquo;s degree from Southern University A&amp;M College in 1980 and her juris doctor degree from Southern University School of Law in 1983. She has served the United States Department of Justice as Assistant United States Attorney from 1999-2023, Civil Rights Coordinator (Criminal/Civil), 2016-2022; Criminal Chief/Shreveport Office, 2010-2016; Civil Rights Coordinator (Criminal), 2008-2018; and Project Safe Neighborhood&rsquo;s Coordinator, 2002-2008. Ms. Mudrick also served as Assistant Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Shreveport in 1999. She worked at the Shreveport City Attorney&rsquo;s Office as an Assistant City Attorney from 1997-1998, sat as Judge Ad Hoc at Shreveport City Court from 1995-1997; and worked as City Prosecutor from 1989-1995 and Assistant City Attorney from 1986-1989. Ms. Mudrick was also employed as a judicial law clerk to Judge Carl E. Stewart and Judge John Ballard from 1985-1986.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-01_picgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-02_Mary_Mudrick.jpg" alt="Shreveport City Judge Pro Tempore Mary J. Mudrick" /><br /><span class="caption">Shreveport City Judge Pro Tempore Mary J. Mudrick</span></p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-02_Mary_Mudrick_swearing_in.jpg" alt="Shreveport City Judge Pro Tempore Mary J. Mudrick is administered the Oath of Office by Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Scott J. Crichton as attorney Zelda Tucker holds the Bible and Shreveport City Court Chief Judge Sheva M. Sims and Judge Brian H. Barber, Sr. observe." /><br /><span class="caption">Shreveport City Judge Pro Tempore Mary J. Mudrick is administered the Oath of Office by Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Scott J. Crichton as attorney Zelda Tucker holds the Bible and Shreveport City Court Chief Judge Sheva M. Sims and Judge Brian H. Barber, Sr. observe.</span></p></div><p>&nbsp;</p></div>
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<div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2024 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>January 9, 2024</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA FIRST CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEAL CHIEF JUDGE JOHN MICHAEL GUIDRY ELECTED SECRETARY-TREASURER AND CHAIRMAN OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF NATIONAL COURT OF APPEAL ORGANIZATION</strong> </p><p>New Orleans, LA &ndash; <a href="https://www.la-fcca.org/index.php/home-page/41/327.html" target="_blank">Chief Judge John Michael Guidry of the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal</a> has been elected Secretary-Treasurer and Chairman of the Finance Committee of the <a href="https://ccjsca.org/" target="_blank">Council of Chief Judges of the State Courts of Appeal</a> (CCJSCA). His one-year term began Oct. 27 during the CCJSCA Annual Conference in Charleston, South Carolina.</p><p>Formed in 1980, CCJSCA is committed to providing consultation and education for leaders of the state intermediate appellate courts. The conference works toward improving the administration of justice by sharing ideas and best practices, learning about effective programs, and examining ways to promote efficiency and fiscal responsibility in appellate courts.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>&ldquo;This recognition of Chief Judge John Michael Guidry is well deserved. He has been a dedicated public servant, son to his mom, husband, and father. The depth and breadth of his service to the Judiciary of Louisiana, his community, and church are remarkable,&rdquo; said Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer. &ldquo;This national recognition is justified and brings honor to the Louisiana Judiciary. The national recognition of my former colleague on the First Circuit is consistent with the national recognition of other Louisiana judges and reflective of the quality of individuals serving as judges in Louisiana.&rdquo;<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Chief Judge John Michael Guidry expressed, &ldquo;I am deeply honored and humbled by the confidence that has been placed in me by my fellow state appellate court chief judges from throughout the country. I look forward to working in this leadership role to ensure access to our courts and improving the administration of justice.&rdquo; Chief Judge John Michael Guidry has served on the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal since 1997 and became the chief judge January 1, 2023. Before joining the bench, he was a member of the Louisiana State Senate and the Louisiana House of Representatives. He formerly served as an assistant parish attorney for the City of Baton Rouge and the Parish of East Baton Rouge and maintained a private law practice. He continues to serve as an adjunct professor at the Southern University Law Center and formerly served as an adjunct professor in the Nelson Mandela School of Public Policy at Southern University-Baton Rouge. He received his law degree from the Southern University Law Center.</p><p><em>The Council of Chief Judges of the State Courts of Appeal is comprised of chief judges, incoming chief judges, and past chief judges from 40 states of those states presently maintaining state intermediate appellate courts. Learn more at <a href="https://ccjsca.org/" target="_blank">ccjsca.org</a></em></p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-01_picgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2024/images/2024-01_Judge_John_Michael_Guidry.jpg" alt="Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal Chief Judge John Michael Guidry" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal Chief Judge John Michael Guidry</span></p></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2023 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>November 30, 2023</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE JOHN L. WEIMER NAMED BOARD MEMBER OF NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF CHIEF JUSTICES</strong> </p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer was named as a Board Member of the <a href="https://ccj.ncsc.org/" target="_blank">Conference of Chief Justices</a> (CCJ) at its Annual Meeting earlier this year. Chief Justice Weimer&rsquo;s term as a Board Member expires in 2025. </p><p>&ldquo;I am humbled and grateful and very much appreciate being named by my colleagues to serve in a leadership role for the national Conference of Chief Justices,&rdquo; said Chief Justice Weimer. &ldquo;The benefits to Louisiana&rsquo;s judiciary are immense. The Board develops policy and has access to cutting edge information related to the judiciary. I am pleased to report that in many instances, Louisiana is leading the way in providing services to the public. In particular, the Judges in the Classroom/Students in the Courtroom program is both envied and being replicated in other states. Additionally, there will be an economic benefit to the state, as the midyear meeting will be held in New Orleans in 2025.&rdquo; </p><p>The Conference of Chief Justices was founded in 1949 to provide an opportunity for the highest judicial officers of the states to meet and discuss matters of importance in improving the administration of justice, rules and methods of procedure, and the organization and operation of state courts and judicial systems, and to make recommendations and bring about improvements on such matters.</p><p>Membership in the Conference of Chief Justices consists of the highest judicial officer of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the territories of American Samoa, Guam and the Virgin Islands. The Conference of Chief Justices is governed by a Board of Directors and has several standing, temporary and special committees to assist the Conference in meeting its objectives.</p><p>Chief Justice John L. Weimer became the 26th Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court on January 1, 2021. He began his service on the Supreme Court in 2001 when he was elected to serve as an Associate Justice, District 6, comprised of the parishes of: Assumption, Iberia, Lafourche, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, Terrebonne and a portion of the west bank of Jefferson, which includes Grand Isle. In 2002, 2012 and again in 2022, Justice Weimer was re-elected to a 10-year term without opposition.</p><p>Prior to taking the bench, Chief Justice Weimer was a full-time faculty member at Nicholls State University where he taught law and ethics classes for 16 years. He received the <em>Presidential Award for Teaching Excellence</em> and was also named to <em>Who's Who Among America's Teachers</em>. He also served as director of the Free Enterprise Week Program at Nicholls.</p><p>Upon becoming Chief Justice, he immediately set out to reinvigorate the <em>Judges in the Classroom/Students in the Courtroom</em> program, which has been embraced by judges, teachers and schools, and a number of other interested partners to educate students and teachers alike in civics, personal responsibility and respect for the law, themselves and fellow citizens while addressing the consequences of inappropriate behavior.</p><p>Chief Justice Weimer was honored with the <em>Outstanding Judicial Award</em> from Victims and Citizens Against Crime and with the <em>Outstanding Jurist Award</em> from Crimefighters, Inc. &ndash; both statewide organizations dedicated to victims of crime. Additionally, Justice Weimer was honored by Common Sense Against Crime and Crimefighters with an <em>Award of Merit</em>. In 2006, Justice Weimer was named as one of the leading judges in America by a national publication, <span style="text-decoration:underline;">The Law Dragon</span>. He was also recognized for his significant assistance in establishing the Lafourche Parish Drug Treatment Court.</p><p>He formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education. He frequently teaches at schools throughout the district he serves and re-established and coordinates the Lafourche Parish Student Government Day Program.</p><p>Chief Justice Weimer was born and raised in Lafourche Parish, graduated from Thibodaux High School and was an academic honors and Hall of Fame graduate of Nicholls State University, where he twice served as student body President. He received his Juris Doctorate from LSU. Chief Justice Weimer is married to Penny Hymel, a former elementary school teacher, who was born and raised in the River Parishes. They are the parents of three daughters: Jacqueline, Katherine and Emily.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-27_picgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2023%2Fimages%2F2023-27_Weimer_John_L.jpg" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer</span> </p></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_picgrid.css" /><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2023 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>November 28, 2023</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA JUDICIAL ASSOCIATIONS ELECT 2023 OFFICERS AT FALL JUDGES CONFERENCE</strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; At general meetings held during the 2023 Fall Judges Conference, officers were elected by the membership of judicial associations representing different levels of courts in Louisiana. The officers are as follows: </p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><div class="COA"><p><strong>CONFERENCE OF COURT OF APPEAL JUDGES</strong></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Chair: Chief Judge Elizabeth A. Pickett, 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal </p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Vice-Chair: Chief Judge Terri F. Love, 4th Circuit Court of Appeal </p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Secretary-Treasurer: Judge Jude G. Gravois, 5th Circuit Court of Appeal </p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Immediate Past Chair: Chief Judge Frances J. Pitman, 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal </p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p></div><div class="DJA"><p><strong>LOUISIANA DISTRICT JUDGES ASSOCIATION</strong></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">President: Judge Lala B. Sylvester, 10th Judicial District Court </p><p style="margin-left:30px;">First Vice President: Judge Lee V. Faulkner, Jr., 24th Judicial District Court </p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Second Vice President: Chief Judge Robin D. Pittman, Orleans Criminal District Court </p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Secretary: Judge Kelly E. Balfour 19th Judicial District Court </p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Treasurer: Chief Judge Bruce Hampton, 3rd Judicial District Court </p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Immediate Past President: Judge Patricia E. Koch, 9th Judicial District Court </p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p></div><div class="CJA"><p><strong>LOUISIANA CITY COURT JUDGES ASSOCIATION</strong></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">President: Senior Judge Theodore M. &ldquo;Trey&rdquo; Haik, III, New Iberia City Court </p><p style="margin-left:30px;">1st Vice President: Senior Judge Matthew H. Hagen, Houma City Court </p><p style="margin-left:30px;">2nd Vice President: Judge Erin Wiley Lanoux, Ascension Parish Court </p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Secretary: Senior Judge Gary K. Hays, Pineville City Court </p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Treasurer: Senior Judge Sherb Sentell, Minden City Court </p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Immediate Past President, Judge Brian H. Barber, Sr. Shreveport City Court </p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p></div><div class="JuvFam"><p><strong>LOUISIANA COUNCIL OF JUVENILE AND FAMILY COURT JUDGES</strong></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">President: Chief Judge Desiree Duhon Dyess, 10th Judicial District Court </p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Vice President: Chief Judge Gail Grover, East Baton Rouge Juvenile Court </p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Secretary: Senior Judge Theodore M. &ldquo;Trey&rdquo; Haik III, New Iberia City Court </p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Treasurer: Judge Jeffrey C. Cashe, 21st Judicial District Court </p><p style="margin-left:30px;"><strong>TRUSTEES AT LARGE:</strong></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">City Courts: Senior Judge Bryan D. Haggerty, City Court of East St. Tammany </p><p style="margin-left:30px;">District Courts: Judge Jeff Joyce, 4th Judicial District Court </p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Family Courts: Judge Cynthia Clay Guillory, 14th Judicial District Court </p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Juvenile Courts: Judge Amanda Chauvin Calogero, Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court </p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p></div><div class="retjudge"><p><strong>RETIRED JUDGES ASSOCIATION</strong></p><p><em>The Retired Judges Association elects new officers in the spring of 2024. The following officers will continue in service until that time.</em> </p><p style="margin-left:30px;">President, Retired 19th Judicial District Court Judge Curtis Calloway </p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Vice President, Retired 15th Judicial District Court Judge Ronald Cox </p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Secretary, Retired East Baton Rouge Family Court Judge Luke La Vergne </p><p>&nbsp;</p></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em> </p><p><strong>For more information visit lasc.org or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><div id="photos"><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><div class="COApics"><p>&nbsp;</p><h4 class=" pic-title" =""="">2023 Conference of Court of Appeal Judges Association <div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_Pickett.jpg" alt="Conference of Court of Appeal Judges Chair, Third Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Elizabeth A. Pickett" /><br /><span class="caption">Conference of Court of Appeal Judges Chair, Third Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Elizabeth A. Pickett</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_Love.jpg" alt="Conference of Court of Appeal Judges Vice-Chair, Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal Chief Judge Terri F. Love" /><br /><span class="caption">Conference of Court of Appeal Judges Vice-Chair, Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal Chief Judge Terri F. Love</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_Gravois.jpg" alt="Conference of Court of Appeal Judges Secretary-Treasurer, Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal Chief Judge Jude G. Gravois" /><br /><span class="caption">Conference of Court of Appeal Judges Secretary-Treasurer, Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal Chief Judge Jude G. Gravois</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_Pitman.jpg" alt="Conference of Court of Appeal Judges Immediate Past Chair, Second Circuit Court of Appeal Chief Judge Frances J. Pitman" /><br /><span class="caption">Conference of Court of Appeal Judges Immediate Past Chair, Second Circuit Court of Appeal Chief Judge Frances J. Pitman</span> </p></div><p>&nbsp;</p></div></h4></div><div class="DJApics"><p>&nbsp;</p><h4 class="pic-title">2023 Louisiana District Judges Association Officers</h4><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_Sylvester.jpg" alt="Louisiana District Judges Association President, 10th Judicial District Judge Lala B. Sylvester" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana District Judges Association President, 10th Judicial District Judge Lala B. Sylvester</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_Faulkner.jpg" alt="Louisiana District Judges Association First Vice-President, 24th Judicial District Judge Lee V. Faulkner, Jr." /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana District Judges Association First Vice-President, 24th Judicial District Judge Lee V. Faulkner, Jr.</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_Pittman.jpg" alt="Louisiana District Judges Association Second Vice-President, Orleans Criminal District Court Chief Judge Robin D. Pittman" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana District Judges Association Second Vice-President, Orleans Criminal District Court Chief Judge Robin D. Pittman</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_Balfour.jpg" alt="Louisiana District Judges Association Secretary, 19th Judicial District Judge Kelly E. Balfour" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana District Judges Association Secretary, 19th Judicial District Judge Kelly E. Balfour</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_Hampton.jpg" alt="Louisiana District Judges Association Treasurer, 3rd Judicial District Chief Judge Bruce Hampton" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana District Judges Association Treasurer, 3rd Judicial District Chief Judge Bruce Hampton</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_Koch.jpg" alt="Louisiana District Judges Association Immediate Past President, 9th Judicial District Judge Patricia Koch" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana District Judges Association Immediate Past President, 9th Judicial District Judge Patricia Koch</span> </p></div></div></div><div class="CJApics"><p>&nbsp;</p><h4 class="pic-title">2023 Louisiana City Court Judges Association Officers </h4><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_Haik.jpg" alt="Louisiana City Court Judges Association President, New Iberia City Court Senior Judge Theodore M. 'Trey' Haik, III" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana City Court Judges Association President, New Iberia City Court Senior Judge Theodore M. 'Trey' Haik, III</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_Hagen.jpg" alt="Louisiana City Court Judges Association First Vice-President, Houma City Court Judge Matthew H. Hagen" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana City Court Judges Association First Vice-President, Houma City Court Judge Matthew H. Hagen</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_Lanoux.jpg" alt="Louisiana City Court Judges Association Second Vice-President, Ascension Parish Court Judge Erin Wiley Lanoux" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana City Court Judges Association Second Vice-President, Ascension Parish Court Judge Erin Wiley Lanoux</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_Hays.jpg" alt="Louisiana City Court Judges Association Secretary, Pineville City Court Judge Gary K. Hays" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana City Court Judges Association Secretary, Pineville City Court Judge Gary K. Hays</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_Sentell.jpg" alt="Louisiana City Court Judges Association Treasurer, Minden City Court Senior Judge Sherb Sentell" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana City Court Judges Association Treasurer, Minden City Court Senior Judge Sherb Sentell</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_Barber.jpg" alt="Louisiana City Court Judges Association Immediate Past President, Shreveport City Court Judge Brian H. Barber, Sr." /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana City Court Judges Association Immediate Past President, Shreveport City Court Judge Brian H. Barber, Sr.</span> </p></div></div></div><div class="JuvFamPics"><p>&nbsp;</p><h4 class="pic-title">2023 Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Officers </h4><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_Dyess.jpg" alt="Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges President, 10th Judicial District Court Chief Judge Desiree Duhon Dyess" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges President, 10th Judicial District Court Chief Judge Desiree Duhon Dyess</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_Grover.jpg" alt="Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Vice-President, East Baton Rouge Juvenile Court Chief Judge Gail Grover" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Vice-President, East Baton Rouge Juvenile Court Chief Judge Gail Grover</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_Haik.jpg" alt="Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Secretary, New Iberia City Court Senior Judge Theodore M. 'Trey' Haik, III" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Secretary, New Iberia City Court Senior Judge Theodore M. 'Trey' Haik, III</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_Cashe.jpg" alt="Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Treasurer, 21st Judicial District Court Judge Jeffrey C. Cashe" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Treasurer, 21st Judicial District Court Judge Jeffrey C. Cashe</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_Burmaster.jpg" alt="Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Immediate Past President Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court Judge Barron C. Burmaster" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Immediate Past President Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court Judge Barron C. Burmaster</span> </p></div></div></div><div class="JuvFamTrust"><p>&nbsp;</p><h4 class="pic-title">2023 Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Trustees At Large </h4><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_Haggerty.jpg" alt="Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Trustee at Large City Courts, City Court of East St. Tammany Senior Judge Brian D. Haggerty" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Trustee at Large City Courts, City Court of East St. Tammany Senior Judge Brian D. Haggerty</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_Joyce.jpg" alt="Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Trustee at Large District Courts, 4th Judicial District Court Judge Jeffy Joyce" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Trustee at Large District Courts, 4th Judicial District Court Judge Jeffy Joyce</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_Guillory.jpg" alt="Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Trustee at Large Family Courts, 14th Judicial District Court Judge Cynthia Clay Guillory" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Trustee at Large Family Courts, 14th Judicial District Court Judge Cynthia Clay Guillory</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_Calogero.jpg" alt="Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Trustee at Large Juvenile Courts, Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court Judge Amanda C. Calogero" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Trustee at Large Juvenile Courts, Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court Judge Amanda C. Calogero</span> </p></div></div></div><div class="retpics"><p>&nbsp;</p><h4 class="pic-title">Louisiana Retired Judges Association *2022-2023 Officers </h4><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_Calloway.jpg" alt="Louisiana Retired Judges Association President, Retired 19th Judicial District Court Judge Curtis A. Calloway" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Retired Judges Association President, Retired 19th Judicial District Court Judge Curtis A. Calloway</span> </p></div><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_Cox.jpg" alt="Louisiana Retired Judges Association Vice President, Retired 15th Judicial District Court Judge Ronald D. Cox." /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Retired Judges Association Vice President, Retired 15th Judicial District Court Judge Ronald D. Cox</span> <p>&nbsp;</p></div><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-26_Lavergne.jpg" alt="Louisiana Retired Judges Association Secretary, Retired East Baton Rouge Family Court Judge Luke A. Lavergne." /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Retired Judges Association Secretary, Retired East Baton Rouge Family Court Judge Luke A. Lavergne.</span> <p>&nbsp;</p></div></div></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2023 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 26, 2023</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT RECOGNIZED AS A NATIONAL LEADER IN REPORTING OF CRIMINAL DATA TO FBI NICS</strong> </p><p>The Court Case Management Information Systems (CMIS) Division of the Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s Office of the Judicial Administrator, which is responsible for reporting certain qualifying information relative to firearms denials to federal partners and databases, was recently recognized as a national leader in reporting that data.</p><p>This recognition was included in a report published by SEARCH Group, Inc. for the Louisiana Integrated Criminal Justice Information System (ICJIS) Policy Board. In that report, citing statistics from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Louisiana is named &ldquo;at or very near the top in all categories of NICS record submissions among states.&rdquo; The report also states that Louisiana ranks first in the nation in absolute number of records reported to NICS in felony convictions, persons under indictment, unlawful drug users/substance addiction, and misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence convictions. Louisiana additionally ranks second nationally in reporting qualifying domestic violence protection orders to NICS.</p><p>As part of its record-keeping and processing responsibilities, CMIS provides certain qualifying information to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), the FBI's national system that reviews records on persons applying to purchase or own a firearm. In 1988, the FBI established NICS to assist with background checks on prospective firearm transferees, following the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993.</p><p>&ldquo;The Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court and I commend our CMIS staff in the processing and reporting of this critical data. While this recognition acknowledges Louisiana as a leader in reporting this information to our federal partners, we also note the importance of timely reporting to prevent those who are not legally allowed to purchase a firearm from doing so,&rdquo; said Chief Justice John L. Weimer.</p><p>&ldquo;SEARCH, The National Consortium for Justice Information and Statistics, expresses their support for Louisiana&rsquo;s longstanding, successful efforts in making records available to the FBI&rsquo;s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to support firearms purchase decisions,&rdquo; said David J. Roberts, Executive Director, SEARCH. &ldquo;Given the critical nature of making disqualifying records available to prevent unauthorized persons from accessing firearms, Louisiana&rsquo;s efforts to make disqualifying records available for firearms background checks is to be commended and demonstrates the state courts&rsquo; commitment to protecting citizens by keeping weapons out of the hands of potentially dangerous individuals.&rdquo;</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2023 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 17, 2023</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT AND LAW LIBRARY OF LOUISIANA 
OBSERVE HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
</strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans</strong> - In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Louisiana Supreme Court and Law Library of Louisiana recently published a special series of articles highlighting Louisiana&rsquo;s Spanish colonial roots.</p><p>Through the Law Library&rsquo;s publication, De Novo, certain areas of Louisiana&rsquo;s Spanish history were featured, including an overview of the Spanish Cabildo, the center of government in Louisiana during the Spanish Colonial Era from 1767-1803; a profile of Edouard (Edward) E. Bermudez, the first Creole Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court; an examination of <em>Las Siete Partidas</em> and the <em>Recopilacion de Leyes de los Reynos de las Indias</em>, two bodies of Spanish law in effect in Colonial Louisiana; and Spanish Colonial documents relating to Louisiana &ndash; where they are housed, how to find them, and what is available online.</p><p>&ldquo;The Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court and I join many others in highlighting the rich and diverse contributions to Louisiana&rsquo;s founding by those of Hispanic heritage,&rdquo; said Chief Justice John L. Weimer.  &ldquo;I believe it would be especially interesting to those in the legal profession to be reminded of the foundational aspects of Louisiana law and its Spanish influences&rdquo;.</p><p>Those interested in viewing the special Hispanic Heritage Month issues of <em>De Novo</em> can view them via the Hispanic Heritage Month section of the Court&rsquo;s website at <a href="/HispanicHeritageMonth">https://www.lasc.org/HispanicHeritageMonth</a>.&nbsp;Enacted into law on August 17, 1988, National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed for 30 days beginning September 15th to celebrate the history and culture of American citizens with Hispanic ancestry.  
</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2023 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 2, 2023</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>71ST ANNUAL RED MASS IS OBSERVED </strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA </strong>&ndash; Louisiana judges gathered this morning at St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square for the 71st annual Red Mass, which marks the opening of the judicial year. Traditionally, Red Mass is held the first Monday in October. Members of the bench and bar, as well as officials of all faiths and the public, were invited to attend.</p><p>&ldquo;The Louisiana Supreme Court Justices and I attend Red Mass for the divine blessing of wisdom, understanding, counsel, and discernment in decision-making relative to the administration of laws and justice for those we serve,&rdquo; said Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer. &ldquo;It is no coincidence that during this time, Louisiana judges are in New Orleans attending the Louisiana Judicial College-sponsored Fall Conference for continuing legal education sessions and conference business meetings. While attending sessions they can participate in this centuries-old traditional ceremony.&rdquo;</p><p>The Red Mass is sponsored by the St. Thomas More Catholic Lawyers Association and goes back many centuries in Rome, Paris, and London. The name makes reference to the red vestments worn by the celebrants. In Louisiana, Red Mass was first offered in St. Louis Cathedral on October 5, 1953. The Red Mass has also been celebrated annually in communities throughout Louisiana and in various venues such as California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Georgia, and the District of Columbia.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-08_picgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2023%2Fimages%2F2023-23_71st_Red_Mass_Archbishop_Aymond_LASC_CJ_Weimer.jpg" alt="The Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans, pauses to greet Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer at the 71st annual Red Mass." width="300" /><br /><span class="caption">The Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans, pauses to greet Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer at the 71st annual Red Mass.</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2023%2Fimages%2F2023-23_LASC_Justices_at_71st_Red_Mass.jpg" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Justices attend the 71st annual Red Mass at the St. Louis Cathedral (l-r) Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Justice Jay B. McCallum, Justice Piper D. Griffin, Justice James T. Genovese, Ret. Justice Jeanette T. Knoll, Justice Scott J. Crichton, Justice William J. Crain" width="300" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court Justices attend the 71st annual Red Mass at the St. Louis Cathedral (l-r) Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Justice Jay B. McCallum, Justice Piper D. Griffin, Justice James T. Genovese, Ret. Justice Jeanette T. Knoll, Justice Scott J. Crichton, Justice William J. Crain</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2023%2Fimages%2F2023-23_71st_Red_Mass_at_the_St_Louis_Cathedral.jpg" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Justices and Judges from across Louisiana were joined by local and state public officials at the 71st annual Red Mass at St. Louis Cathedral." width="300" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court Justices and Judges from across Louisiana were joined by local and state public officials at the 71st annual Red Mass at St. Louis Cathedral.</span> </p></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2023 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 27, 2023</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE JOHN L. WEIMER HOSTS  LAFOURCHE PARISH STUDENTS FOR CONSTITUTION DAY 2023
</strong> </p><p>In observance of Constitution Day 2023, Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer hosted 120 students and teachers from Lafourche Parish at the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse.</p><p>The students, who were from Thibodaux High School, South Lafourche High School, and E.D. White Catholic High School, took part in a tour of the courthouse, which included the Louisiana Supreme Court courtroom, the Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson Supreme Court Museum, and the Law Library of Louisiana. In the courtroom, the students engaged in a discussion with Chief Justice Weimer about the U.S. Constitution and the rights it guarantees all citizens, whether by birth or through naturalization.</p><p>&ldquo;It is my pleasure to share civics education with the students who visited our Courthouse today, as do many judges through the Judges in the Classroom/Students in the Courtroom program. Constitution Day offers a perfect occasion to teach students about the judicial branch of government, how it functions, and what it means to them as citizens,&rdquo; remarked Chief Justice John L. Weimer. </p><p>Justice Weimer discussed his passion for education, namely civic education, an affinity that continues from his days as a full time instructor of law and ethics at Nicholls State University. He discussed the importance of learning about the branches of government, the legal system, and the laws that govern all. For inspiration, Justice Weimer shared stories about his days as a student and his experiences as a district judge, a Court of Appeal judge, as a Louisiana Supreme Court justice, and ultimately as Chief Justice.  He encouraged students to aspire to whatever positive career they wished by pursuing an education and having zeal, fortitude, and dedication. </p><p>Constitution Day is a federal observance of September 17, 1787, when 39 Founding Fathers signed and adopted the U.S. Constitution, which recognizes the rights of all citizens whether by birth or naturalization.</p><p>The Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse is located at <strong>400 Royal Street in the French Quarter</strong> and is open to visitors between <strong>8:30 a.m. &ndash; 4:30 p.m., Monday &ndash; Friday</strong>.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-08_picgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2023%2Fimages%2F2023-22_JLW_ConstitutionDay.jpg" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer led a QandA with Lafourche Parish School Students during Constitution Day 2023" width="300" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer led a Q&amp;A with Lafourche Parish School Students during a Constitution Day 2023 visit to the  Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse.</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2023%2Fimages%2F2023-22_JLW_South_Lafourche.jpg" alt="Chief Justice Weimer with South Lafourche High School Students" width="300" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer hosted students from Lafourche Parish Schools at the  Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse for Constitution Day 2023. He is pictured above with South Lafourche High School students.</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2023%2Fimages%2F2023-22_JLW_Thibodaux.jpg" alt="Chief Justice Weimer with Thibodaux High School students" width="300" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer hosted students from Lafourche Parish Schools at the  Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse for Constitution Day 2023. He is pictured above with Thibodaux High School students.</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2023%2Fimages%2F2023-22_JLW_ED_White.jpg" alt="Chief Justice Weimer with E.D. White Catholic High School Students" width="300" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer hosted students from Lafourche Parish Schools at the  Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse for Constitution Day 2023. He is pictured above with E.D. White Catholic High School students.</span> </p></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2023 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 26, 2023</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT CONGRATULATES LOCAL AMERICAN JUDGES ASSOCIATION HONOREES</strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans</strong> - The Louisiana Supreme Court congratulates several local honorees recently recognized at the 2023 American Judges Association&rsquo;s (AJA) 62nd Annual Conference.</p><p>In recognition of outstanding service to the AJA, Justice Piper D. Griffin was bestowed the 2023 President&rsquo;s Award by AJA President Judge Yvette M. Alexander. Justice Griffin serves on the AJA Board of Governors, and was elected secretary for the 2023-2024 year. She also chairs the AJA Diversity Committee, and will be co-hosting the 2024 American Judges Association 63rd Annual Conference in New Orleans with Judge Alexander. </p><p>Additional local honorees included Orleans Civil District Court Judge Bernadette D&rsquo;Souza, who received the Judge Libby Hines Domestic Violence Award; 19th Judicial District Court Chief Judge Donald R. Johnson, who received the Judge Elliot Zide Judicial Educator Award; and Louisiana Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program Executive Director Dr. Angela White-Bazile, Esq., who received the Nachtigal Award/Contributions to the Judiciary. </p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer remarked, &ldquo;I speak on behalf of myself and the Justices in congratulating Justice Griffin on receiving this notable award. It is an honor that is well deserved. Congratulations are also deserving to Judge D&rsquo;Souza, Chief Judge Johnson, and Dr. White-Bazile, and I thank them for their contributions to our state judiciary.&rdquo;</p><p>&ldquo;I am honored to receive the 2023 AJA President&rsquo;s Award and to be acknowledged along with my colleagues from Louisiana by this association which, while facilitating judicial camaraderie, provides for collaborative leadership, networking, and access to continued educational resources from judicial peers from throughout the United States,&rdquo; said Justice Piper D. Griffin. &ldquo;Further, I am enthused about AJA&rsquo;s new &lsquo;Courts in the Community Initiative&rsquo; which reflects AJA&rsquo;s mission to serve by identifying organizations and individuals in need and assisting through member-donated contributions.&rdquo;</p><p>The purpose of the &ldquo;Courts in the Community Initiative&rdquo; is to allow AJA members to provide assistance and support through contributions made to communities where AJA events take place. The agency chosen to receive assistance this year was <a href="https://usvets.org/locations/waianae/" target="_blank"><strong>U.S. Vets Wai'Anae</strong></a> in Hawaii, which is a shelter for military veterans and the homeless but has also been aiding those in need affected by the Maui wildfires. AJA members contributed a total of 200 bags of needed items, which were prepared and delivered for veterans and Maui wildfire victims. Further, AJA members were provided a link to contribute at any time to U.S. Vets Wai&rsquo;Anae, whose mission is to aid in the successful transition of military veterans and their families through the provision of housing, counseling, career development, and comprehensive support.</p><p>AJA is the largest independent, judge-only, member-driven organization in North America. Members include present and former judges of courts of all jurisdictions in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa and the Virgin Islands.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-08_picgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2023%2Fimages%2F2023-21_AJA_Louisiana_Honorees.jpg" alt="2023 AJA Annual Conference Louisiana Honorees with AJA President Yvette M. Alexander" width="300" /><br /><span class="caption">2023 AJA Annual Conference Louisiana Honorees with AJA President Yvette M. Alexander: (L-R) Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Piper D. Griffin, 19th JDC Chief Judge Donald R. Johnson, AJA President Alexander, Orleans Civil District Court Judge Bernadette D'Souza, Louisiana Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program Executive Director Dr. Angela W-Bazile, Esq.</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2023%2Fimages%2F2023-21_Griffin_AJA_Pres_Award_.jpg" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Piper D. Griffin received the American Judges Associtation 2023 President's Award from AJA President Judge Yvette M. Alexander at the AJA 2023 Annual Conference. " width="300" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Piper D. Griffin received the American Judges Associtation 2023 President's Award from AJA President Judge Yvette M. Alexander at the AJA 2023 Annual Conference. Depicted in the picture are some fof the AJA 'Courts in the Community Initiative' members' contributions for U.S. Vets Wai'Anae/Maui wildfire victims.</span> </p></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2023 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 18, 2023</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT OBSERVES CONSTITUTION DAY 2023</strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans</strong> - The Louisiana Supreme Court is celebrating Constitution Day 2023 by offering free pocket-sized copies of the U.S. Constitution from Monday, September 18, 2023 through Friday, September 22, 2023 to visitors of the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse, located at 400 Royal Street in New Orleans&rsquo; French Quarter.</p><p>Constitution Day, which is observed annually on September 17, is a federal observance of September 17, 1787, when 39 Founding Fathers signed and adopted the U.S. Constitution, recognizing the rights of all citizens whether by birth or naturalization.</p><p>Commenting on behalf of Associate Justices Jefferson D. Hughes III, Scott J. Crichton, James T. Genovese, William J. Crain, Jay B. McCallum and Piper D. Griffin, Chief Justice John L. Weimer remarked, &ldquo;Courts throughout Louisiana give reverence daily to the U.S. Constitution. In observance of the 236th Anniversary of its signing, we pause with respect to the creation of this governing document which is the foundation of our laws. This week, many Louisiana judges will commemorate the Constitution by visiting schools and inviting students to courtrooms for educational discussions on the importance of the Constitution.&rdquo; </p><p>The Supreme Court encourages all who pick up a copy of the Constitution to additionally visit the exhibits in the Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson Supreme Court Museum and the Law Library of Louisiana, both of which are open to visitors between <strong>8:30 a.m. &ndash; 4:30 p.m., Monday &ndash; Friday</strong>. No food, drink or cameras are permitted in the building, however cell phones are permitted.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2023 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 15, 2023</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>RETIRED LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT CLERK OF COURT FRANS J. LABRANCHE, JR. DIES AT 89 </strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans</strong> - Retired Louisiana Supreme Clerk of Court Frans J. Labranche, Jr., 89, passed away on Friday, September 8, 2023. Mr. Labranche served at the state&rsquo;s high court for 18 years, serving as clerk of court from 1978-1996 and was a deputy clerk from 1977-1978.</p><p>Mr. Labranche earned his bachelor&rsquo;s degree from St. Joseph Seminary College and his juris doctor degree from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in 1960. From 1961-1964, he served in the United States Air Force as a Judge Advocate General and as a reserve officer from 1964-1974. From 1964-1977, he worked in private practice until his appointment as a deputy clerk at the Louisiana Supreme Court. During his tenure at the Supreme Court, he served as president of the National Conference of Appellate Court Clerks.</p><p>Mr. Labranche was a member of the American, Louisiana State, and New Orleans Bar Associations. He also served as a member of the American Judicature Society, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, and the St. Thomas More Catholic Lawyers Association. He was a committed member of the St. Joseph Seminary Alumni Board, president of the Loyola Alumni Association and the Loyola Law Alumni Association, serving as its secretary, vice president, and president. He worked on the Loyola Law School Task Force on Legal Education. Mr. Labranche additionally worked as a lecturer in Business Law at Loyola and as an associate professor in Legal Medicine at Tulane University. </p><p>For his outstanding service professionally, to Loyola Law School and the community, Mr. Labranche was honored with the St. Ives Award and was awarded the J.O. Sentell Award for Leadership and outstanding service and the President&rsquo;s Award from the National Conference of Appellate Court Clerks. In the community, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion and the Royal Order of the Hibernians. From 1981-1996, he served as an ordained permanent deacon in St. Jane de Chantal Parish in Abita Springs. He was an Archdiocese Spiritual Director in 1991 and was an instructor for the Diaconate Formation Program of social teachings from 1983-2016. He was appointed an Associate Judge of the Archdiocese of New Orleans Metropolitan Tribunal by Pope John Paul II in 1992 and served until 2013.</p><p>&ldquo;I am honored by the service of Mr. Labranche, who was one of my predecessors,&rdquo; said Louisiana Supreme Court Clerk of Court Veronica O. Koclanes. &ldquo;His unwavering commitment to public service, tireless efforts to improve the operations of the Clerk&rsquo;s Office and his legacy of professionalism have left an indelible mark on our Court.&rdquo; </p><p>Retired Louisiana Supreme Court Clerk of Court John T. Olivier said, &ldquo;Frans was my predecessor at the Supreme Court. In addition to being my mentor, he was very active in the National Conference of Appellate Court Clerks, serving as President and host for the conference. Frans strove to improve the Court&rsquo;s operations, moving it from cumbersome and weighty bound books, known affectionately as &ldquo;hernia&rdquo; books, to computerized data during his tenure.&rdquo;</p><p>He was married to the former Ms. Delphine LeBourgeois for 64 years; his family includes Michael Labranche (Shanna), Jeannine Gonzales (Edwin), Gregory Labranche (Andrea), Richard Labranche (Melissa-deceased), and Robert Labranche, twelve grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2023 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 12, 2023</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA STATE BAR ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZED WITH PRESTIGIOUS HARRISON TWEED AWARD </strong> </p><p>New Orleans - The Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) recently received the Harrison Tweed Award, a significant and important national honor, for its volunteer efforts to help impoverished citizens of our state with invaluable and needed legal services.</p><p>The LSBA was honored with the Harrison Tweed Award for its creation of innovative Legal Help Access Points. Made possible through a National Center for State Courts (NCSC) Justice for All grant, the Legal Help Access Points provide access to legal services in underserved areas of the state where civil legal in-person services and resources are further than a 45-minute drive. (The Louisiana Bar Foundation was the fiscal agent for the grant.) With assistance from local courts, public libraries, and non-profit community agencies, Harrisonburg, Lake Providence and Vidalia currently have access points. The LSBA&rsquo;s Access to Justice Commission hopes to continue beyond the grant to establish access points throughout the state.</p><p>The Harrison Tweed Award recognizes the extraordinary achievements of state and local bar associations that develop or significantly expand projects or programs to increase access to civil legal services to persons living in poverty or criminal defense services to indigents, and is presented by the ABA&rsquo;s Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defense (SCLAID) and the National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA).</p><p>&ldquo;NLADA is honored to co-present this year&rsquo;s Harrison Tweed Award to the Louisiana State Bar and the Louisiana Access to Justice Commission,&rdquo; said Radhika Singh, Vice President, Civil Legal Services and Strategic Policy Initiatives for the National Legal Aid &amp; Defender Association (NLADA). &ldquo;Harrison Tweed believed that legal aid was an obligation of the bar and essential to secure the success of the adversary system. Those of us who work to advance equal justice know that legal services are vital to securing justice and basic human needs, but remain inaccessible to so many. The efforts of the State Bar and Access to Justice Commission working together and partnering with others across to weave legal aid into the fabric of human services is an inspiration to all of us across the country.&rdquo;</p><p>&ldquo;The Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court and I congratulate the Louisiana State Bar Association on being selected as the recipient of the 2023 Harrison Tweed Award,&rdquo; said Chief Justice John L. Weimer. &ldquo;I am immensely proud that the attorneys and staff of the Louisiana State Bar Association received this richly deserved significant national recognition. By establishing Legal Help Access Points in underserved areas of Louisiana, the LSBA continues to rightly and positively address access to justice issues faced by certain of our state&rsquo;s citizens, utilizing technology and available resources to assist in &lsquo;civil legal deserts&rsquo; to provide a starting point for legal help in those communities. This award appropriately publicly recognizes that Louisiana attorneys are dedicated to assisting the needy and less fortunate and ensuring that all have access to justice. This recognition underscores that our state&rsquo;s attorneys voluntarily devote that which is irreplaceable, namely their time, training and talent, plus their financial support in doing so much for so many who have so little but such great needs,&rdquo; Chief Justice Weimer added.</p><p>&ldquo;The Supreme Court district from which I am elected contains the most economically depressed areas in the United States,&rdquo; said Justice Jay B. McCallum. &ldquo;It is encouraging that the people of this area have taken the lead in implementing this program for the benefit of their fellow man. We may be poor, but we are concerned and resourceful.&rdquo;</p><p>&ldquo;The LSBA&rsquo;s commitment to &lsquo;Serving the Public&rsquo; has been an ongoing, long-term goal. We are privileged and honored to have our access to justice work recognized by the ABA with the prestigious Harrison Tweed Award,&rdquo; said 2022-23 LSBA President Stephen I. Dwyer.</p><p>&ldquo;The Legal Help Access Points are the most recent demonstration of the LSBA&rsquo;s promise to ensure access to justice. The ABA&rsquo;s recognition of our access to justice work with the Harrison Tweed Award reassures us that these efforts are important and should continue,&rdquo; commented 2023-24 LSBA President Shayna L. Sonnier.</p><p>The award was created in 1956 and was named for Harrison Tweed, an outstanding leader in the promotion of free legal services to the poor. Harrison Tweed served in many areas of public service, including as chairman of the legal aid committee of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York; and president of the Legal Aid Society of New York, the National Legal Aid &amp; Defender Association, the New York City Bar Association, and the American Law Institute.</p><p>The LSBA was presented with the 2023 Harrison Tweed Award at the American Bar Association (ABA) Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado on August 4, 2023. The presentation took place during the annual joint luncheon of the National Conference of Bar Presidents, the National Association of Bar Executives and the National Conference of Bar Foundations.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-08_picgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2023%2Fimages%2F2023-18_HarrisonTweedAward.jpg" alt="(Pictured L to R): Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John L. Weimer, 2022-23 LSBA President Stephen I. Dwyer, 2023-24 LSBA President Shayna L. Sonnier, and 2023-24 LSBA President-elect Patrick A Talley. Jr." width="300" /><br /><span class="caption">(Pictured L to R): Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John L. Weimer, 2022-23 LSBA President Stephen I. Dwyer, 2023-24 LSBA President Shayna L. Sonnier, and 2023-24 LSBA President-elect Patrick A Talley. Jr.</span> </p></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2023 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>August 22, 2023</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT APPOINTS ATTORNEY AND FORMER STATE REPRESENTATIVE <br />JOSEPH A. MARINO III AS JUDGE <em>PRO TEMPORE</em> OF 24TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT</strong> </p><p>New Orleans - The Louisiana Supreme Court <a href="/press_room/press_releases/2023/2023-17_Marino_ProTempore_Order.pdf" target="_blank">has appointed</a> Jefferson Parish attorney and former state Representative Joseph A. Marino III as Judge <em>pro tempore</em> of Division D of the 24th Judicial District Court, to fill the vacancy created by the election of 24th JDC Judge Scott Schlegel to the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal. The appointment of attorney Marino as Judge <em>pro tempore</em> is for the period of August 28, 2023 through December 31, 2023, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner.</p><p>Marino, who is an alumni of Holy Cross School in New Orleans, graduated from Louisiana State University with a BA in Journalism and the University of South Carolina School of Law with a Juris Doctor degree. Marino has been in the practice of law for over 31 years, focusing on criminal defense work for most of his career. He most recently served as Louisiana State Representative for District 85 in Gretna, and was appointed to the House Judiciary Committee and the Civil Law Committee. He served as the Chairman of the Administration of Criminal Justice Committee for the past two years.</p><p>Prior to being elected a State Representative, he served as a Gretna City Councilman. Additionally Marino was a two-term President of the Jefferson Parish Bar Association and a Board Member for eight years. He has been a guest lecturer at Loyola School of Law and Tulane University and is a certified instructor for the Gretna, Kenner, and Westwego Police Academies. He is a Fellow of the Louisiana Bar Foundation and Representative in the Louisiana Bar Association House of Delegates. He additionally was a Front End Committee Member of the Louisiana Sentencing Commission.</p> <p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-08_picgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2023%2Fimages%2F2023-17_Joseph_A_Marino_III.jpg" alt="Joseph A. Marino III" width="300" /><br /><span class="caption">Joseph A. Marino III</span> </p></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2023 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>August 21, 2023</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>RETIRED 16TH JDC JUDGE WILLIAM D. HUNTER, EARLY LEADER OF LOUISIANA&rsquo;S DRUG COURTS, PASSES AWAY AT 85</strong> </p><p>Retired 16th Judicial District Court Judge William D. Hunter, who was one of the early pioneers of the drug court movement in Louisiana, died on July 24, 2023 at the age of 85.</p><p>Judge Hunter started the 16th Judicial District Adult Drug Court in St. Mary Parish in 1997, which is believed to be among the nation&rsquo;s first drug courts.  The 16th JDC Drug Court later expanded to Iberia Parish in 1998 and St. Martin Parish in 2002.  For his efforts in establishing drug treatment courts in Louisiana, Judge Hunter received national recognition.  As a testament to the success of these programs, currently Louisiana&rsquo;s Drug and Specialty Courts include 31 Adult Drug Courts, seven Juvenile Drug Courts, nine Family Preservation/Intervention Courts, seven Reentry Courts, three Behavioral Health/Co-Occurring Courts, nine Sobriety/DWI Courts, and five Veterans Courts among the 71 operational specialty courts in Louisiana in 2022.</p><p>&ldquo;Judge Hunter&rsquo;s innovation, dedication, and belief in rehabilitation has served countless people in Louisiana while saving souls and an astronomical amount of state funds related to incarceration,&rdquo; said Chief Justice John L. Weimer.  &ldquo;When I served as a district court judge in Lafourche Parish, we patterned our drug court after Judge Hunter&rsquo;s program due to the success of the treatment-based model provided by specialty courts.&rdquo;</p><p>Judge Hunter served as a judge on the 16th JDC from 1995 until his retirement in 2008.  He received a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts from Washington University in St. Louis and his LL.B. degree from LSU Law School.  He served as a Law Clerk at the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana from 1963-1964.  He was in the private practice of law with Lippman, Hunter &amp; Rawls from 1964-1977, and Hunter &amp; Plattsmier from 1978-1994, where he practiced law alongside Chuck Plattsmier, who now serves as Chief Disciplinary Counsel for the Office of the Disciplinary Counsel.</p><p>&ldquo;I had the privilege of working with Bill as his law partner for 15 years,&rdquo; said Plattsmier.  &ldquo;He quite literally taught me how to practice law.  To this day he was the finest trial lawyer I&rsquo;ve ever seen.  His compassion and concern for his clients was real and was evident later to those who appeared before him when he became a judge.  He left our legal profession and our system of justice better.&rdquo;</p><p>Judge Hunter was a member of the American and Louisiana State Bar Associations; the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges; the Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association; member and Past President of the St. Mary Parish Bar Association; Chairman of the Louisiana Association of Drug Court Professionals; Chairman of the Task Force of Louisiana Drug Court Issues; National Co-Chairman on Study and Implementation of Drug Court Laws in the U.S.; and received the 1998 National Association of Drug Court Professionals Leadership Award.</p><p>Louisiana&rsquo;s Drug and Specialty Courts operate under the guidance of the Louisiana Supreme Court through the Supreme Court Drug and Specialty Court Office (SCDSCO).  Funds for Louisiana&rsquo;s drug and specialty courts are primarily appropriated by the Louisiana Legislature and administered by the Supreme Court Drug and Specialty Court Office. The SCDSCO awards funds annually to programs and monitors each program&rsquo;s operations throughout the year.
</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1115.5px;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2023 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:1115.5px;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1115.5px;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>AUGUST 4, 2023</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT JUSTICE WILLIAM J. CRAIN NAMED CRIMEFIGHTERS, iNC. JUDGE OF THE YEAR</strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Louisiana Supreme Court Justice William J. Crain was honored by Crimefighters, Inc. with the Judge of the Year Award at the organization&rsquo;s annual gala on July 25, 2023.&nbsp;</p><p>Crimefighters, Inc., Louisiana&rsquo;s largest victims&rsquo; rights organization, represents more than 12,500 victims or family members of victims of crime throughout the state. The organization&rsquo;s board of over fifty members, comprised primarily of law enforcement leaders, is a leading advocate for protecting the rights of victims and promoting the benefits of our criminal justice system.&nbsp;</p><p>&ldquo;Receiving this distinguished award from a group of volunteers committed to advocating for the rights of crime victims is truly an honor,&rdquo; said Justice Crain.&nbsp; &ldquo;Their efforts have supported victims of crime for nearly 30 years, and have resulted in protections now found in both our statutory and constitutional law.&nbsp; I applaud their efforts and am humbled that they would select me for this award.&rdquo;</p><p>Justice Crain has served on the Louisiana Supreme Court since 2019.&nbsp; Prior to his election to the high court, he served on the First Circuit Court of Appeal.&nbsp; From 2009 to 2013 he was a judge on the Twenty-Second Judicial District Court for St. Tammany and Washington Parishes. Justice Crain earned his juris doctor degree from Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 1986 and his bachelor&rsquo;s degree from Louisiana State University in 1983. Prior to his election to the district court, he maintained a general litigation law practice for 22 years handling complex judge and jury trial cases.&nbsp; He has been a lecturer at continuing legal education seminars on many topics including &ldquo;Evidence and Persuasion at Trial&rdquo;, &ldquo;Professionalism&rdquo; and writ and appellate practice. He co-chairs the Board of Governors of the Louisiana Judicial College and formerly served as President of the Board.&nbsp; He also chairs the Court Cost Committee of the Louisiana Judicial Council, has served on the Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics, and was a member of the 2011 inaugural class of the Louisiana Judicial Leadership Institute.<br /></p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong>&nbsp;To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lasc.org/">lasc.org</a>&nbsp;or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a>&nbsp;or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2023%2Fimages%2F2023-15_Justice_Crain_Crimefighters_Judge_of_the_Year_01.jpg" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Justice William J. Crain was named 2023 Judge of the Year by Crimefighters, Inc. at the organization's annual gala on July 25, 2023." width="300" /></p><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2023%2Fimages%2F2023-15_Justice_Crain_Crimefighters_Judge_of_the_Year_02.jpg" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Justice William J. Crain was named 2023 Judge of the Year by Crimefighters, Inc. at the organization's annual gala on July 25, 2023." width="600" /></p><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2023%2Fimages%2F2023-15_Justice_Crain_Crimefighters_Judge_of_the_Year_03.jpg" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Justice William J. Crain was named 2023 Judge of the Year by Crimefighters, Inc. at the organization's annual gala on July 25, 2023." width="600" /></p><div class="picgrid" style="display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fill, minmax(500px, 1fr));gap:0.8rem;align-content:center;max-width:100%;"><div style="text-align:justify;max-width:500px;width:500px;height:auto;font-size:10px;padding-bottom:0.8rem;"><p><br /></p></div><div style="text-align:justify;max-width:500px;width:500px;height:auto;font-size:10px;padding-bottom:0.8rem;"><p>&nbsp;</p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2023 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>July 19, 2023</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT LIFTS GLOBAL STAY AND APPLAUDS WORK OF SPECIAL TRUSTEE IN MCCLENNY, MOSELEY, AND ASSOCIATES, PLLC CASES</strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; Today, the Louisiana Supreme Court released an <strong><a href="/press_room/press_releases/2023/Huye_23-0277.global_order_20230719.pdf" target="_blank">Order</a> </strong>lifting in thirty days the global stay it previously imposed in the multitude of hurricane and storm-related suits filed by McClenny, Moseley and Associates, PLLC (&ldquo;MMA&rdquo;) in Louisiana state courts. The stay will be lifted effective August 21, 2023. Although the Court&rsquo;s order lifts the global stay, the order empowers trial courts to issue further stays in cases filed by MMA or former MMA clients as the interests of justice may require, in addition to issuing stays of up to 120 days for the purpose of facilitating the ability of newly retained attorneys of former MMA clients to investigate their clients&rsquo; claims. </p><p>The Order also ends the appointment of attorney Edward J. Walters, Jr., of Walters, Thomas, Cullens, LLC, as special trustee. The Court&rsquo;s action was precipitated by Mr. Walters&rsquo; report that he had completed his duties as special trustee to provide notice to former MMA clients of the inability of MMA to continue to represent them and resources to help them obtain new counsel, if necessary. As part of his role as special trustee, Mr. Walters created a website to display and provide information that would be helpful to all former MMA clients seeking information, <a href="https://www.edwalterstrustee.com" target="_blank">www.edwalterstrustee.com</a>.</p><p>&ldquo;The Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s extraordinary actions were in response to serious and unprecedented circumstances,&rdquo; said Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer. &ldquo;The Supreme Court expresses its gratitude to Mr. Walters for his service as special trustee, the skill and professionalism that he brought to bear, and the expeditious manner in which he and his team fulfilled their duties. I must also thank Chief Disciplinary Counsel, Chuck Plattsmier, and his staff for their concerted efforts in assisting Mr. Walters. Now that Mr. Walters has diligently completed his work, we expect that these cases will be able to proceed in an efficient and orderly manner in the trial courts, while ensuring and recognizing that our state&rsquo;s hard-working trial court judges have the authority and flexibility to accomplish this important task.&rdquo;</p><p><strong>See the Court&rsquo;s previous <a href="/press_room/press_releases/2023/Huye_23-0277.stay_order.pdf" target="_blank">May 10, 2023 Order here</a> and <a href="/press_room/press_releases/2023/Huye_23-0277.global_order.pdf" target="_blank">May 18, 2023 Order here</a>.</strong></p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2023 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>July 18, 2023</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT CONGRATULATES THE LSBA FOR RECEIVING THE HARRISON TWEED AWARD </strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; The Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court congratulate the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) on being selected to receive the 2023 Harrison Tweed Award presented by the American Bar Association&rsquo;s (ABA) Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defense (SCLAID) and the National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA).  The award, which will be presented at the ABA Annual Meeting in Denver Colorado on August 4, 2023, recognizes the extraordinary achievements of state and local bar associations that develop or significantly expand projects or programs to increase access to civil legal services to persons living in poverty or criminal defense services to indigents.</p><p>The LSBA is being recognized with the Harrison Tweed Award for its creation of innovative Legal Help Access Points. Made possible through a National Center for State Courts (NCSC) Justice for All (JFA) grant, the Legal Help Access Points provide access to legal services in underserved areas of the state where civil legal in-person services and resources are further than a 45-minute drive.  (The Louisiana Bar Foundation was the fiscal agent for the grant.) With assistance from local courts, public libraries, and non-profit community agencies, Harrisonburg, Lake Providence and Vidalia currently have access points. The LSBA&rsquo;s Access to Justice Commission hopes to continue beyond the grant to establish access points throughout the state.</p><p>&ldquo;The Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court and I congratulate the Louisiana State Bar Association on being selected as the recipient of the 2023 Harrison Tweed Award,&rdquo; said Chief Justice John L. Weimer. &ldquo;I am immensely proud that the attorneys and staff of the Louisiana State Bar Association received this richly deserved significant national recognition. By establishing Legal Help Access Points in underserved areas of Louisiana, the LSBA continues to rightly and positively address access to justice issues faced by certain of our state&rsquo;s citizens, utilizing technology and available resources to assist in &lsquo;civil legal deserts&rsquo; to provide a starting point for legal help in those communities. This award appropriately publicly recognizes that Louisiana attorneys are dedicated to assisting the needy and less fortunate and ensuring that all have access to justice. This recognition underscores that our state&rsquo;s attorneys voluntarily devote that which is irreplaceable, namely their time, training and talent, plus their financial support in doing so much for so many who have so little but such great needs,&rdquo; Chief Justice Weimer added.</p><p>&ldquo;The Legal Help Access Points are the most recent demonstration of the LSBA&rsquo;s promise to ensure access to justice. The ABA&rsquo;s recognition of our access to justice work with the Harrison Tweed Award reassures us that these efforts are important and should continue,&rdquo; said 2023-24 LSBA President Shayna L. Sonnier.</p><p>The award was created in 1956 and was named for Harrison Tweed, an outstanding leader in the promotion of free legal services to the poor.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2023 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>July 17, 2023</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>ORLEANS PARISH JUDGES HOSTED AREA STUDENTS TO COMMEMORATE LAW DAY 2023 </strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash;Orleans Parish judges commemorated Law Day 2023 by hosting students from area schools throughout the month of May. Spearheaded by Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Piper D. Griffin, judges from the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal, Orleans Criminal District Court, Orleans Juvenile Court, and New Orleans First City Court spent time in their respective courthouses with students discussing aspects of the law. This is the first of many civic and community outreach initiatives planned for the parish by a strong coalition of Orleans Parish judges.</p><p>To give emphasis on the American Bar Association&rsquo;s Law Day 2023 theme <em>&ldquo;Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration,&rdquo;</em> Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Justice Piper D. Griffin, and Louisiana Supreme Court Clerk of Court Veronica O. Koclanes, along with several New Orleans attorneys, met with St. Katharine Drexel Preparatory School students for a civics discussion. Students took part in a tour of the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse, located at 400 Royal Street, which included visiting the Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson Supreme Court Museum, the Law Library of Louisiana and the Louisiana Supreme Court Courtroom. The tour culminated with a visit to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal, also located in the building.</p><p>Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal Judges Paula A. Brown, Rachael D. Johnson, and Nakisha Ervin-Knott invited St. Katharine Drexel Preparatory School students to observe oral arguments. Judge Johnson led a discussion about courtroom procedure with the students prior to oral arguments. Students participated in one-on-one conversations with the judges during a luncheon which included Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Dale N. Atkins, who also helped to organize the visit.</p><p>Orleans Criminal District Court Chief Judge Robin Pittman and Judges Marcus O. DeLarge and Angel S. Harris invited students from Christian Brothers School, St. Augustine High School, and the NET Charter High School: Gentilly to tour the criminal court building. The judges provided a presentation on the &ldquo;Cornerstones of Democracy&rdquo; to the students.</p><p>Orleans Juvenile Court Chief Judge Ranord J. Darensburg and Candice Bates-Anderson, joined First City Court Chief Judge Veronica E. Henry to provide a presentation to students from Sarah T. Reed High School and Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary Charter School regarding civility and women in the judiciary.</p><p>&ldquo;I was pleased to work with judges of Orleans Parish to bring students from my alma mater as well as other schools to their courtrooms. I appreciate my colleagues for taking time to welcome all of the students and to share nuggets for legal wisdom with them.&rdquo; said Justice Piper D. Griffin. &ldquo;We plan to participate in more community outreach initiatives going forward.&rdquo;</p><p>Law Day was established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to strengthen our heritage of liberty, justice, and equality under the law. In 1961, Congress issued a joint resolution designating May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day. Every president since then has issued a Law Day proclamation on May 1 to celebrate the nation&rsquo;s commitment to the rule of law. Information on Law Day 2023 can be found on the website of the American Bar Association at <a href="https://www.americanbar.org" target="_blank">https://www.americanbar.org</a>. Although the official date of Law Day is May 1, Judges across Louisiana celebrate Law Day throughout the month of May. </p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-08_picgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-12_Orleans_Parish_Judges_Law_Day_Events_1.jpg" alt="Law Day Event Photos" width="800" /><br /><span class="caption"></span></p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-12_Orleans_Parish_Judges_Law_Day_Events_2.jpg" alt="Law Day Event Photos" width="800" /><br /><span class="caption"></span></p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2023 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>JULY 17, 2023</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE WEIMER MEETS LOUISIANA BOYS STATE CHIEF JUSTICE BLOCK</strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash;Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer recently had the honor of meeting a fellow Chief Justice, Thomas F. Block, at Weimer&rsquo;s office in Thibodaux. This fellow Chief Justice, however, still has his sights set on high school graduation.</p><p>Chief Justice Thomas F. Block was elected Chief Justice at Louisiana Boy&rsquo;s State this summer. Block was also chosen as the Outstanding Jurist at Boy&rsquo;s State. Block is a senior at E.D. White High School in Thibodaux, which is named for former United States Supreme Court Chief Justice Edward Douglass White, a Thibodaux native.</p><p>Chief Justice Block is the son of Matthew Block, who served as Executive Counsel to Governor John Bel Edwards. As a youth, the elder Block was an altar server in the wedding of Weimer 37 years ago.</p><p>&ldquo;Thomas is the fourth generation of the Block family who have demonstrated an interest in serving his community, beginning with his Great Grandfather Ferd, his Grandfather Jerald, his Great Uncle Harold, and his Father Matthew, the later three who are attorneys,&rdquo; said Chief Justice Weimer. &ldquo;I appreciate having a contemporary Chief Justice in my hometown of Thibodaux which historically has been the home of US Chief Justice E.D. White and Louisiana Chief Justice Francis T. Nicholls.&rdquo;</p><p>According to the Louisiana Boys State website, &ldquo;Louisiana Boys State (LABS) is the premier leadership development program for young men in the state of Louisiana. Sponsored by the Louisiana Department of the American Legion, LABS is dedicated to providing a hands-on learning environment in which participants (termed &ldquo;Citizens&rdquo;) not only learn the ins and outs of the Louisiana political system but also learn how to transform themselves into effective leaders in their school, community, state, and country.&rdquo;</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-08_picgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-11_CJ_Weimer_and_CJ_Block.jpg" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer (l), with Louisiana Boys State Chief Justice Thomas F. Block (r)" width="600" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer (l), with Louisiana Boys State Chief Justice Thomas F. Block (r)</span> </p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1115.5px;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2023 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:1115.5px;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1115.5px;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>JUNE 23, 2023</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ANNOUNCES ITS UNANIMOUS SUPPORT FOR THE LOUISIANA STATE BAR ASSOCIATION&rsquo;S TRANSITION INTO PRACTICE MENTORING PROGRAM </strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer and the Associate Justices announced today the Court&rsquo;s unanimous support for the Louisiana State Bar Association&rsquo;s Transition Into Program (TIP) mentoring program.&nbsp; The program, which is voluntary, matches newly admitted members of the Bar with an experienced attorney, who serves as a mentor.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&ldquo;The Transition Into Practice program, which has been in existence since 2015, allows veteran attorneys to share their knowledge, advice, and hands-on experience with those who are just starting their careers,&rdquo; said LSBA President Shayna Sonnier.&nbsp; &ldquo;I encourage all newly admitted attorneys to take full advantage of this program, which will help give them the tools they need to be successful in today&rsquo;s legal profession.&rdquo;&nbsp;<br /><br />Chief Justice Weimer stated, "The Court is deeply grateful for the work and leadership of the Bar and its steadfast desire to support and improve the legal profession and provide mentorship and guidance to new attorneys.&nbsp; The Transition Into Practice program has proven over years of hard work and stewardship by the Bar its value to newly admitted attorneys, who would be well-served by participating in the program.&rdquo;</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong>&nbsp;To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lasc.org/">lasc.org</a>&nbsp;or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a>&nbsp;or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2023 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 18, 2023</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT TAKES ACTION REGARDING CERTAIN LAWSUITS FILED BY MCCLENNY, MOSELEY AND ASSOCIATES, PLLC</strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; In order to protect the public, the administration of justice, and the interests of affected litigants, the Louisiana Supreme Court has stayed the multitude of hurricane and storm-related suits filed by McClenny, Moseley and Associates, PLLC (&ldquo;MMA&rdquo;) in Louisiana state courts pending further orders of the Supreme Court. The chief judge of every state court will provide to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel within twenty (20) days information relative to these lawsuits filed in each parish of the state. <a href="/press_room/press_releases/2023/Huye_23-0277.stay_order.pdf" target="_blank">See the Court&rsquo;s May 10, 2023 Order here</a>.</p><p>To assist persons affected by these unprecedented developments, the Louisiana Supreme Court also appointed attorney Edward J. Walters, Jr., of Walters, Papillion, Thomas, Cullens, LLC, as a special trustee to receive the information provided to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel relative to these lawsuits and contact each client formerly represented by MMA to provide resources to them in obtaining new counsel, if necessary. Clients represented by MMA in these lawsuits will receive communication from Mr. Walters in the coming weeks. <a href="/press_room/press_releases/2023/Huye_23-0277.global_order.pdf" target="_blank">See the Court&rsquo;s May 18, 2023 Order here</a>.</p><p>These orders were issued in connection with the Court&rsquo;s earlier March 3, 2023 Order suspending MMA&rsquo;s Louisiana supervising attorney, Richard William Huye, III, from the practice of law in Louisiana on an interim basis pending further orders of the Court.</p><p>The stays in these cases may be lifted by the presiding judge in any case (1) in which there is mutual consent of the parties to proceed with the litigation or (2) in which a voluntary motion to dismiss has been or will be filed. Clients represented by MMA who have already obtained new counsel may wish to consult with their counsel regarding the impact of the Court&rsquo;s Orders on their lawsuits.</p><p>&ldquo;The Supreme Court took this extraordinary action due to the serious and unprecedented circumstances presented by MMA&rsquo;s alleged recent actions and the possible consequences to affected litigants. We appreciate the assistance of our judges and Mr. Walters in protecting the orderly administration of justice and the hundreds of parties potentially affected by the alleged conduct of MMA,&rdquo; said Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2023 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 15, 2023</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT RECEIVES THE LOUISIANA BAR FOUNDATION 2023 HORN BLOWER AWARD</strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; On Friday, April 21, 2023, the Louisiana Supreme Court received the <a href="https://www.raisingthebar.org/" target="_blank">Louisiana Bar Foundation</a> (LBF) 2023 Horn Blower Award during the LBF 37th Annual Fellows Gala at the National World War II Museum. The award was given in recognition of the Supreme Court&rsquo;s outstanding support and leadership in promoting the LBF&rsquo;s mission to advance the legal profession, increase public understanding of the legal system, and advance the reality of equal justice under the law. Alan G. Brackett, 2022-23 LBF president, presented the award to Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Justice James T. Genovese, and Justice Piper D. Griffin, who accepted the award on behalf of the Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court, including Justices Jefferson D. Hughes III, Scott J. Crichton, William J. Crain and Jay B. McCallum.</p><p>&ldquo;The Supreme Court is honored and grateful to receive the award from the LBF, which is a truly outstanding group consisting of judges and attorneys who volunteer their time, talent, and financial support to insure underprivileged individuals have access to civil justice in the courts of our state,&rdquo; said Chief Justice Weimer. &ldquo;Although the Court was honored to receive the award, it is the countless volunteer judges and lawyers who work so tirelessly who truly deserve the honor.&rdquo;</p><p>Additional honorees recognized at the LBF Gala included Distinguished Jurist Honorable Richard T. Haik, Ret., U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana; Distinguished Attorney Leo C. Hamilton, Esq. of Breazeale, Sachse &amp; Wilson, L.L.P.; Distinguished Professor Andrea Beauchamp Carroll, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center; and Calogero Justice Award recipient Judge Ivan L. R. Lemelle, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana.</p><p>The Louisiana Bar Foundation exists to preserve, honor, and improve our system of justice by funding, developing or otherwise promoting efforts which enhance the legal profession, increase public understanding of the legal system and advance the reality of equal justice under the law. The foundation is the single statewide funder that is fully committed to ensuring that Louisiana&rsquo;s civil justice system is accessible to all. With its robust network of well-established partnerships with more than 70 grantees across the state&rsquo;s 64 parishes that are leading community-driven efforts, the foundation helps hundreds of thousands of Louisiana residents gain access to the legal system regardless of mental or physical condition, economic status, or type of legal problem.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-08_picgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-08_LBF_Horn_Blower_Award.jpg" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court receives the Louisiana Bar Foundation Horn Blower Awards at the LBF 37th Annual Fellows Gala. (l-r): Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer, 2022-2023 LBF President Alan Brackett, Justice Piper D. Griffin, and Justice James T. Genovese." width="600" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court receives the Louisiana Bar Foundation Horn Blower Awards at the LBF 37th Annual Fellows Gala. (l-r): Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer, 2022-2023 LBF President Alan Brackett, Justice Piper D. Griffin, and Justice James T. Genovese.</span> </p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2023 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 12, 2023</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ANNOUNCES AMENDMENTS<br />TO THE RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT</strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer and the Associate Justices announced today the Court&rsquo;s adoption of <a href="/rules/orders/2023/ROPC1.10.pdf" target="_blank">amendments to Rule of Professional Conduct 1.10</a> pertaining to the imputation of conflicts of interest when lawyers are associated in a firm. The Rules of Professional Conduct set forth the standards of ethical conduct required of lawyers.</p><p>The amendments relax the imputation of conflicts of interest requirements relative to lateral hires; non-lawyers, such as paralegals and legal secretaries; and lawyers whose conflict arose because of events that occurred before the person became a lawyer (e.g., work that the person did as a law student). The amendments recognize the increasingly mobile nature of attorneys in today&rsquo;s legal climate and eliminate significant impediments on lateral transitions, while remaining sensitive to client concerns regarding loyalty and confidentiality. The amendments further provide needed clarity concerning non-lawyers, such as paralegals and legal secretaries, as well as the effect of events occurring before a person becomes an attorney.</p><p>Chief Justice Weimer stated, "In an effort to respond expeditiously and to work cohesively with the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Louisiana Supreme Court enacted these amendments, which are in response to recommendations made by the LSBA as the result of resolutions from its Rules of Professional Conduct Committee."</p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2023 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 1, 2023</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT JUSTICES ISSUE LAW DAY RESOLUTION URGING JUDGES TO PARTICIPATE IN CIVICS EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS</strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; In recognition of the 65th annual celebration of Law Day, the Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court <a href="/press_room/press_releases/2023/2023-06-LawDayResolution.pdf" target="_blank">issued a Resolution</a> commemorating today as Law Day. The Resolution urges and requests &ldquo;judges of the State of Louisiana to dedicate the month of May 2023 to reaching out to schools to provide students with an opportunity to learn about the law, the role of a judge and the court system from members of the judiciary.&rdquo; The Law Day 2023 theme is &ldquo;<em>Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration</em>.&rdquo;</p><p>&ldquo;Law Day is a perfect time for judicial outreach through the Judges in the Classroom/Students in the Courtroom program,&rdquo; said Chief Justice John L. Weimer. &ldquo;Over the past two years, participation in the Judges in the Classroom/Students in the Courtroom initiative has increased among our state&rsquo;s judges, who have been visiting Louisiana students and welcoming them in courtrooms to teach about the law, the judicial system, the three branches of government, making wise decisions, and more.&rdquo;</p><p>During the month of May, the Louisiana Supreme Court will host several Law Day-themed activities, which will include tours of the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse, visits to the Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson Supreme Court Museum and the Law Library of Louisiana, and discussions with the Justices.</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Piper D. Griffin is spearheading a strong coalition of judges in Orleans parish who will utilize the month of May and beyond for outreach to schools, civic, and community groups throughout the parish. Statewide, Judges will host students in their courtrooms and continue to find creative ways to present civics to students. Judges are encouraged to utilize the civics information available on the Louisiana Supreme Court website (<a href="/">www.lasc.org</a>) when they spend time talking to students, including the comprehensive presentation developed by Justice Scott Crichton titled, &ldquo;Crime, Consequences, and the Power of Choice.&rdquo;</p><p>&ldquo;I am convinced that judges can have a positive impact on the communities they serve by engaging in outreach programs that combine civics and lessons on equality, respect for all people, the consequences of inappropriate behavior, and personal responsibility,&rdquo; said Chief Justice Weimer. &ldquo;Most importantly, outreach programs benefit the community, while positively reflecting on the judiciary and having an immensely positive impact on judges who participate.&rdquo;</p><p>The <a href="/Education?p=Judges_in_the_Classroom">Judges in the Classroom/Students in the Courtroom</a> initiative is a partnership with the Judges in the Classroom/Students in the Courtroom Supreme Court Task Force, Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education, the Louisiana District Judges Association, the Louisiana Commission on Civics Education, the Young Lawyers Division of the Louisiana State Bar Association, and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).</p><p>Law Day was established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to strengthen our heritage of liberty, justice, and equality under the law. In 1961, Congress issued a joint resolution designating May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day. Every president since then has issued a Law Day proclamation on May 1 to celebrate the nation&rsquo;s commitment to the rule of law. Information on Law Day 2023 can be found on the website of the American Bar Association at <a href="https://www.americanbar.org" target="_blank">https://www.americanbar.org</a>.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2023 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>March 14, 2023</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>ORLEANS CIVIL DISTRICT COURT JUDGE BERNADETTE G. D&rsquo;SOUZA WAS THE FEATURED SPEAKER AT <br />THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF FAMILY LAW CARIBBEAN REGIONAL CONFERENCE </strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6026ae91e9901c22e746e32a/t/60b77f016898bf6499ddff9c/1622638337315/Judge+D%27Souza+Biography.pdf" target="_blank">Orleans Civil District Court Judge Bernadette G. D&rsquo;Souza</a> was the invited keynote speaker at the opening ceremony of the International Society of Family Law (ISFL) Caribbean Regional Conference in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Human rights, child protection, and women and families advocates from around the world attended the conference, which highlighted the theme, &ldquo;Safeguarding the Human Rights of Family Members from the Womb to the Tomb.&rdquo; The conference chair was Independent Senator in the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago Hazel Thompson-Aye.</p><p>Judge D'Souza, who was elected in 2012 as the first Family Court Judge of Orleans Civil District Court, is a longtime proponent of women&rsquo;s and families&rsquo; rights. She expounded on the topic, &ldquo;A Holistic Approach to Eradicating a Most Egregious Violation of Human Rights: Violence against Women and Children.&rdquo;   Judge D&rsquo;Souza, consistently passionate about justice for women and human rights for all, expressed, &ldquo;I am honored to have been given an opportunity at the ISFL Conference to speak with those who share in the fight for justice for women and children who are victims of violence.  It is important to give a voice to these countless innocent victims and discuss methods to combat this global challenge.&rdquo;</p><p>Judge D&rsquo;Souza has previously addressed these issues speaking internationally at the U.S. State Department INL Office at the &ldquo;Role of Women in Justice&rdquo; Conference, in Yerevan, Armenia.  She participated on a panel on &ldquo;Integrated Domestic Violence Courts&rdquo; at the United Nations Convention on Status of Women in New York, and at the invitation from His Holiness Pope Francis, she presented on Equal Access to Justice at the First Pan-American Judges Summit, at the Vatican in Rome.</p><p>A large number of judges, law professors, legal practitioners, lawyers, social workers, and policy- makers from the United States, Ireland, England, Scotland, Sweden, Denmark, South Africa, Nigeria, Belgium, The Netherlands, Barbados, Grenada, St Lucia, St Kitts, Dominica, Antigua, Turks and Caicos, The Bahamas and Guyana also participated. New Zealand, Italy, Lithuania, and Argentina were among the countries that presented virtually.</p><p>The ISFL is an independent, international, scholarly association dedicated to the study, research, and discussion of family law and related disciplines. ISFL&rsquo;s membership includes professors, jurists, legal practitioners, and researchers from over fifty (50) countries.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-02_picgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-05_ISFLConf1.jpg" alt="Orleans Civil District Court Chief Judge Bernadette G. D'Souza delivered the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the International Society of Family Law Regional Conference" width="600" /><br /><span class="caption">Orleans Civil District Court Chief Judge Bernadette G. D'Souza delivered the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the International Society of Family Law Regional Conference</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-05_ISFLConf2.jpg" alt="Senator Hazel THompson-Ahye, Chair, International Society of Family Law Regional Conference and Orleans Civil District Court Chief Judge Bernadette G. D'Souza at 2023 ISFL Regional Conference." width="600" /><br /><span class="caption">(l-r)Senator Hazel THompson-Ahye, Chair, International Society of Family Law Regional Conference and Orleans Civil District Court Chief Judge Bernadette G. D'Souza at 2023 ISFL Regional Conference.</span> </p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2023 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>February 13, 2023</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT OBSERVES BLACK HISTORY MONTH</strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; Louisiana Supreme Court Justices, judges throughout the state, the Law Library of Louisiana and court staff are observing Black History Month in February through civic education initiatives that call attention to African American contributions to history and the legal profession. These initiatives will emphasize and recount these contributions through interaction with local school students and special informational publications and displays that are available to the public.</p><p>As in years past, the Louisiana Supreme Court hosted students from Homer A. Plessy Community School for a book reading and Q&amp;A session by the Justices, which was digitally recorded and shared with the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) and the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) for distribution to elementary schools statewide.</p><p>In alignment with the ongoing Judges in the Classroom/Students in the Courtroom initiative, judges throughout the state will incorporate historical facts regarding prominent African Americans&rsquo; accomplishments and contributions to history during their presentations as they visit schools during Black History Month. The Judges in the Classroom/Student in the Courtroom initiative works year-round in partnership with the BESE and LDOE, as well as the Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education, the Louisiana Commission on Civic Education, and judges&rsquo; organizational groups.</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer said, &ldquo;As part of our continuing civic education initiatives, my Colleagues on the Supreme Court and judges throughout Louisiana consistently engage in creative ways to enlighten students and the community on the diverse contributions and accomplishments woven into the state&rsquo;s justice system. Black History Month offers the opportunity to share African American achievements that may have historically been overlooked and is a time to reflect on the development of the legal system that allows our diverse citizenry the liberties we enjoy today.&rdquo;</p><p>Law Library of Louisiana Director Miriam Childs announced several additional educational outreach initiatives scheduled for February. They include four weekly special issues of the Law Library&rsquo;s newsletter, De Novo, featuring: Louis A. Martinet, Thomas Morris Chester, Retired First Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Freddie Pitcher, Jr, and First Circuit Court of Appeal Chief Judge John Michael Guidry. Educational outreach initiatives can be accessed on the Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s Press Room page under the <a href="/BlackHistoryMonth">Black History Month</a> link.</p><p><em><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Mission:</strong> To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, to build and maintain public trust, to provide effective and efficient administration of justice in the Supreme Court, to ensure proper administration and performance of all courts under Supreme Court authority, and to ensure the highest professional conduct, integrity, and competence of the bench and bar.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-02_picgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-04_HomerPlessySchool1.jpg" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Black History Month Observance: Justice Piper D. Griffin delivered a virtual message to Homer Plessy Community School students during a visit to the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse." width="600" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court Black History Month Observance: Justice Piper D. Griffin delivered a virtual message to Homer Plessy Community School students during a visit to the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse.</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-04_HomerPlessySchool2.jpg" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Black History Month Observance: (1-r) Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Justice William J. Crain, and Justice Jay B. McCallum read to 2nd-grade students from Homer Plessy Community School about the life of US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall." width="600" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court Black History Month Observance: (1-r) Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Justice William J. Crain, and Justice Jay B. McCallum read to 2nd-grade students from Homer Plessy Community School about the life of US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.</span> </p></div></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-04_HomerPlessySchool3.jpg" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Black History Month Observance: (1-r) Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Justice William J. Crain, and Justice Jay B. McCallum discussed the life of US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall during a book reading at the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse." width="600" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court Black History Month Observance: (1-r) Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Justice William J. Crain, and Justice Jay B. McCallum discussed the life of US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall during a book reading at the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse.</span> </p></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2023 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>January 25, 2023</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA COURTS WRAP UP LANGUAGE ACCESS PROJECTS WITH U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, <br />FOLLOWING EXEMPLARY IMPROVEMENTS TO SERVICES FOR LITIGANTS</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;">- <a href="/press_room/press_releases/2023/2023-03_Esp.pdf" target="_blank">En Espa&ntilde;ol</a> -&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="/press_room/press_releases/2023/2023-03_Veit.pdf" target="_blank">bằng tiếng việt</a> -&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; In 2019, the Supreme Court of Louisiana entered into an agreement with the United States Department of Justice, whereby the Supreme Court would oversee improved services for non-English speakers involved in criminal and civil litigation throughout the state. Pursuant to the agreement, the Supreme Court embarked on a system-wide study of state courts, ascertained areas for improvement, implemented various changes to court procedures, and took numerous additional steps. The specific steps taken for improved language access to court proceedings and operations in the Louisiana court system included:</p><ol><li>Creation of an <a href="/LanguageAccess">Office of Language Access (OLA)</a>;<br /></li><li>Completion of a language access self-assessment of the Louisiana courts;</li><li>Adoption and publication of the first <a href="/Court_Interpreters/LAPwithAppend.pdf" target="_blank">Language Access Plan</a> for the Louisiana courts;</li><li>Removal of text from Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure, Article 192.2, which previously authorized courts to assess persons with limited English proficiency for the cost of interpreters (Act 207 of 2021 Regular Session);</li><li>Creation of a <a href="/LanguageComplaints">centralized complaint system</a> that addresses concerns about retaliation and includes an online complaint form in Spanish, Vietnamese, Arabic, and Chinese;</li><li>Establishment and maintenance of the Language Access Stakeholder Committee;</li><li>Creation of <a href="/LanguageAccess?p=OLATraining">training modules</a> for judiciary employees and other stakeholders;</li><li>Provision of quarterly language access communications to judges and court staff;</li><li>Creation of language access training protocols, presentations for judges and court personnel, and a language access article in the Louisiana Bar Journal;</li><li>Provision of funding for translated materials;</li><li>Adoption of language access plans by local courts;</li><li>Creation of a <a href="/court_interpreters/Language_Access_Bench_Card.pdf" target="_blank">language access judicial bench card</a> for judges and court staff;</li><li>Appointment of local court Language Access Coordinators; and</li><li>Adoption of <a href="/Supreme_Court_Rules?p=PartGSection14">Louisiana Supreme Court rules</a> in December 2022, applicable to all Louisiana courts, regarding language access. These rules include a requirement that judges appoint qualified interpreters for court proceedings upon a determination that a party in interest is a person with limited English proficiency.</li></ol><p>With the goals of their agreement having been met, the Supreme Court&rsquo;s work directly with the United States Department of Justice has drawn to an end. However, the Supreme Court remains engaged in improving access to the judicial system for everyone.</p><p>On the occasion of wrapping up the Supreme Court&rsquo;s work with the U.S. Department of Justice, Chief Justice Weimer commented, &ldquo;I would like to commend all those who worked diligently to improve access to justice in Louisiana for limited English proficient individuals. I look forward to continuing our positive progress in further expanding accessibility to courts for all individuals.&rdquo; Chief Justice Weimer also remarked, &ldquo;From the efforts made to date, Louisiana&rsquo;s judicial system now serves as a model for other states. We receive calls from other states asking for information to help improve their judicial systems. So, I would particularly like to thank our judges and dedicated court administrators from all over the state for their assistance with this effort. &rdquo;</p><p>&ldquo;This process, which was spearheaded by Chief Deputy Judicial Administrator Brian Wiggins, required the full cooperation and involvement of the entire judiciary,&rdquo; said Louisiana Supreme Court Judicial Administrator Sandra Vujnovich. &ldquo;In addition to our judges and court administrators, thank you to our various partners, including the Louisiana State Bar Association&rsquo;s Access to Justice Committee and the many other dedicated individuals who served on the Language Access Stakeholder Committee. From drafting the state&rsquo;s first Language Access Plan to producing online training modules for judges, lawyers, and judicial partners, we have dramatically increased the resources available to assist limited English proficient individuals.&rdquo;</p><p>The online training modules were produced by the National Center for State Courts with a grant provided by the <a href="https://www.sji.gov/" target="_blank">State Justice Institute</a>, a non-profit established by federal law to distribute grants to courts. The modules may be used by all justice system partners including judges, administrators, clerks of court, law enforcement and lawyers to learn more about language access and court interpreters.</p><p><strong>For more information on the Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s Language Access and Court Interpreter Programs, visit <a href="/languageaccess">www.lasc.org/languageaccess</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2023 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>January 24, 2023</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE JOHN L. WEIMER<br />TAKES THE OATH TO SERVE HIS FINAL 10 YEAR TERM</strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; Oaths of office were recently administered in Thibodaux, as both Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer as well as members of the Lafourche Parish School Board were sworn in for their new terms of office.</p><p>Thibodaux attorney Danny Cavell administered the oath of office to Chief Justice Weimer, who was first elected to the Louisiana Supreme Court in 2001. This will mark Chief Justice Weimer&rsquo;s final ten-year term on the Louisiana Supreme Court due to the mandatory retirement age for Louisiana judges. Chief Justice Weimer&rsquo;s term will run through 2032.</p><p>Following his oath of office, Chief Justice Weimer then had the honor of administering oaths of office to members of the Lafourche Parish School Board. Prior to taking the bench, Chief Justice Weimer was a full-time faculty member at Nicholls State University where he taught law and ethics classes for 16 years. He received the Presidential Award for Teaching Excellence and was also named to Who's Who Among America's Teachers multiple times. Having the oath administered before the School Board and administering the oath to School Board members symbolizes the Chief Justice&rsquo;s commitment to education and demonstrates how important education is to a properly functioning democracy and the importance of education to individuals and our communities, state and nation.</p><p>As evidence of his commitment to promoting civic education, Chief Justice Weimer&rsquo;s first act was to send all Louisiana judges a letter on January 1, 2021, encouraging them to become active teachers: &ldquo;Judges have a unique opportunity to educate the community about the law and our legal system, and I urge my colleagues on the bench to take advantage of opportunities to teach &ndash; especially to teach our young people about respect for the law, personal responsibility, and consequences of inappropriate behavior.&rdquo; Judges statewide have embraced this opportunity to positively engage with students in classroom or courtroom educational settings to support Louisiana&rsquo;s teachers and schools in civic or law-related education. Based on reported numbers, 111 judges took part in educational outreach initiatives as part of &ldquo;Judges in the Classroom/Students in the Courtroom&rdquo; programs in 2022, which impacted nearly 11,500 students across the state.</p><p>A native of Lafourche Parish and Thibodaux, Chief Justice Weimer became the 26th Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court January 1, 2021. Under the Louisiana Constitution, the senior justice in point of service serves as Chief Justice and as the chief administrative officer of the judicial system. The Louisiana Supreme Court is composed of seven justices &ndash; one Chief Justice and six Associate Justices &ndash; elected from districts across Louisiana. Chief Justice Weimer began his judicial career with a 7&frac12; month appointment by the Louisiana Supreme Court to serve as Judge <em>pro tempore</em> of the 17th Judicial District Court in 1993. Two years later, in 1995, he was elected to serve as Judge of the 17th Judicial District Court, and was re-elected in 1996 without opposition. In 1998, he was elected to serve on the Louisiana Court of Appeal, 1st Circuit. In 2001, he was elected as an Associate Justice to the Louisiana Supreme Court. Chief Justice Weimer was subsequently re-elected without opposition to full ten-year terms in 2002, 2012, and in 2022. Since 2001, he has been dedicated to serving District 6 comprised of the parishes of: Assumption, Iberia, Lafourche, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, Terrebonne, and a portion of the west bank of Jefferson, which includes Grand Isle.</p><p>Newly elected Lafourche Parish School Board members include Tina Naquin Babin (President), Valerie Bourgeois (Vice President), Dr. Dennis Guillot, Myron Wright, Marian Fertitta, Clyde &ldquo;Joey&rdquo; Duplantis, III, Jamie Marlbrough, Leslie Wells, and BuffyLynn Charpentier.</p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-02_picgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-02_WeimerOath.jpg" alt="Thibodaux attorney Danny Cavell administers the oath of office to Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer" width="600" /><br /><span class="caption">Thibodaux attorney Danny Cavell administers the oath of office to Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-02_WeimerAndLafourcheSchoolBoard.jpg" alt="Lafourche Parish School Board Members (l-r): Dr. Dennis Guillot; Myron Wright; Tina Naquin Babin, President; Marian Fertitta; Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer; Valerie Bourgeois, Vice President; Clyde " joey="" duplantis,="" iii;="" jamie="" marlbrough;="" leslie="" wells;="" buffy="" lynn="" charpentier="" width="600" /><br /><span class="caption">Lafourche Parish School Board Members (l-r): Dr. Dennis Guillot; Myron Wright; Tina Naquin Babin, President; Marian Fertitta; Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer; Valerie Bourgeois, Vice President; Clyde "Joey" Duplantis, III; Jamie Marlbrough; Leslie Wells; Buffy Lynn Charpentier</span> </p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2023 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>January 3, 2023</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>APPOINTMENT OF NEW MEMBERS TO THE JUDICIARY COMMISSION OF LOUISIANA</strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; Today the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana (JCL) announced the appointment of two new members: Third Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Sharon Darville Wilson and Judith Rozier. </p><p>Judge Wilson was appointed to serve on the Judiciary Commission by the Louisiana Supreme Court as the appellate court member for a term which commenced January 1, 2023 and will conclude December 31, 2026. She earned her bachelor&rsquo;s degree from Louisiana State University in 1988 and her juris doctor degree from Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 1991. Judge Wilson worked as an assistant district attorney at the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney&rsquo;s Office from 1992-1999. She worked as a chief felony prosecutor at the Allen Parish District Attorney&rsquo;s Office from 1999-2002. She returned to the Calcasieu Parish DA&rsquo;s office and worked from 2002-2009 when she began work in private practice. Prior to her election to the Louisiana Court of Appeal, Third Circuit, Judge Wilson was elected Fourteenth Judicial District Court Judge and served from 2014-2020; she served as Chief Judge of the Fourteenth JDC from 2017 to 2018 and co-founded the Veterans Treatment Court in Calcasieu Parish. Judge Wilson has served as an Executive Board Member for the Louisiana District Judges Association and also as a district judge-member of the Judiciary Commission from 2019 to 2020. Judge Wilson succeeds outgoing appellate judge member Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal Judge John J. Molaison, Jr. </p><p>Judith Rozier was appointed to serve on the Judiciary Commission by the Louisiana District Judges Association as a citizen member for a term which commenced November 8, 2022 and will conclude November 7, 2026. Originally from Alexandria, LA, she earned her bachelor&rsquo;s degree in Speech Pathology from Louisiana State University, Shreveport and her master&rsquo;s degree in special education with an emphasis in Speech Pathology from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. She spent much of her career serving the students of Rapides Parish School District as a Speech Pathologist, working with the Deaf and as an Educational Strategist. She served an integral role on the Rapides Parish Coordinated Services Committee, working closely with the judiciary and professionals in education, medicine, and mental health to coordinate services for at-risk students. Ms. Rozier was director of the Inpatient Physical Rehabilitation Services at St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria. Prior to her time with the hospital, she founded an outpatient physical rehabilitation center, providing physical, occupational, and speech therapy services. Now retired, she was a sustaining member of the Junior League of Alexandria and currently volunteers with the Bags of Hope Program at St. Vincent De Paul, a non-profit, charitable organization in Baton Rouge. Ms. Rozier succeeds outgoing citizen member Lloyd J. Clark. </p><p>The Judiciary Commission of Louisiana is a nine-member constitutionally-created body empowered to review allegations of judicial misconduct and to recommend to the Supreme Court that a judge be sanctioned when misconduct is proven by clear and convincing evidence. </p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-01_picgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-01_JudgeSharonDarvilleWilson.jpg" alt="Court of Appeal, Third Circuit Judge Sharon Darville Wilson" width="400" /><br /><span class="caption">Court of Appeal, Third Circuit <br />Judge Sharon Darville Wilson</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2023/images/2023-01_JUDITH_ROZIER.jpg" alt="Judith Rozier" width="400" /><br /><span class="caption">Judith Rozier</span> </p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>December 28, 2022</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>32ND JDC JUDGE JASON A. DAGATE APPOINTED TO SERVE<br />ON THE LOUISIANA COMMISSION ON CIVIC EDUCATION</strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; 32nd JDC Judge Jason A. Dagate was appointed by Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer to serve on the Louisiana Commission on Civic Education. Judge Dagate, who serves on the Judges in the Classroom/Students in the Courtroom Task Force, will serve as the Louisiana Supreme Court designee. </p><p>Judge Dagate is a 2003 Hall of Fame graduate of Nicholls State University, where he earned a degree from the College of Business Administration, and a 2006 cum laude graduate of Southern University Law Center, where he earned his juris doctor degree. Prior to his election to the bench, Judge Dagate served as First Assistant District Attorney for Terrebonne Parish where he supervised assistant district attorneys. He additionally served as the Drug Court Prosecutor for the 32nd JDC, Chief of Trials, and the Director of the District Attorney&rsquo;s Project LEAD Program, which focuses on positive legal enrichment and decision making by students. </p><p>The Louisiana Commission on Civic Education was established to educate students of the importance of citizen involvement in a representative democracy and to promote communication and collaboration among organizations in the state that conduct civic education programs. The 26 member Commission is comprised of representatives of the Louisiana judiciary, legislature, Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), Department of Education, Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education, Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana (PAR), and the Council for a Better Louisiana (CABL), among others. For more information on the Louisiana Commission on Civic Education, visit <a href="https://house.louisiana.gov/civiced/">https://house.louisiana.gov/civiced/</a>.</p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-21_picgrid.css" /></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2022%2Fimages%2F2022-29_Dagate.jpg" alt="32nd Judicial District Court Judge Jason A. Dagate" /><br /><span class="caption">32nd Judicial District Court Judge Jason A. Dagate</span> </p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 21, 2022</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>APPOINTMENT OF A NEW JUDICIARY COMMISSION OF LOUISIANA MEMBER</strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; Third Judicial District Court Chief Judge Bruce E. Hampton has been appointed to the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana for a four-year term which commenced September 13, 2022. Chief Judge Hampton was selected by the Louisiana Supreme Court to serve as a judge member of the Judiciary Commission, succeeding Judge Brady O&rsquo;Callaghan.</p><p>Chief Judge Hampton earned his bachelor&rsquo;s degree cum laude from Louisiana Tech University in 1978, his juris doctor degree magna cum laude from Tulane University School of Law in 1981, and his master of laws degree from Southern Methodist University in 1990. Prior to his election to the bench in 2018, he practiced law for over 37 years in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi. He worked as an assistant district attorney for 18 years, prosecuting felony and misdemeanor cases and handling drug court, juvenile court, and serving as counsel for the Union Parish Police Jury. He also served as an indigent defender for 10 years in the Third Judicial District. Chief Judge Hampton is a member of the Louisiana District Judges Association Executive Board and was appointed by Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer to serve on the Task Force on Statewide Standards for Clerks of Court Electronic Filing and Records Retention. Chief Judge Hampton is married to Cindy Hampton. They are the parents of two children and grandparents of seven.</p><p>The Judiciary Commission of Louisiana is a nine-member constitutionally created body empowered to review allegations of judicial misconduct and to recommend to the Supreme Court that a judge be sanctioned when misconduct is proven by clear and convincing evidence.</p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-21_picgrid.css" /></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2022%2Fimages%2F2022-28_Hampton.jpg" alt="Third Judicial District Chief Judge Bruce E. Hampton" /><br /><span class="caption">Third Judicial District Chief Judge Bruce E. Hampton</span> </p></div></div>
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<link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-27_picgrid.css" /><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 10, 2022</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA JUDICIAL ASSOCIATIONS ANNOUNCE 2022 OFFICERS</strong> </p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; At general meetings held during the 2022 Fall Judges Conference, officers were elected by the membership of judicial associations representing different levels of courts in Louisiana. The officers are as follows: </p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>CONFERENCE OF COURT OF APPEAL JUDGES</strong></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Chair through 12/31/2022: Chief Judge Milton Moore, 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal (Retires 12/31/2022)</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Chair for 2023: Chief Judge Frances Pitman, 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal (Becomes Chief Judge 1/1/2023)</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Vice-Chair through 12/31/2022: Chief Judge Sylvia Cooks, 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal (Retires 12/31/2022)</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Vice-Chair for 2023: Chief Judge Elizabeth Pickett, 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal (Becomes Chief Judge 1/1/2023)</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Secretary-Treasurer: Judge Jude Gravois, 5th Circuit Court of Appeal</p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>LOUISIANA DISTRICT JUDGES ASSOCIATION</strong></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">President: Judge Patricia Koch, 9th Judicial District Court</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">First Vice President: Chief Judge Timothy Marcel, 29th Judicial District Court</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Second Vice President: Chief Judge Lala Sylvester, 10th Judicial District Court</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Secretary: Judge Lee Faulkner, 24th Judicial District Court</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Treasurer: Chief Judge Robin Pittman, Orleans Criminal District Court</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Immediate Past President: Judge Scott U. Schlegel, 24th Judicial District Court</p><p><em>The Louisiana District Judges Association is a professional nonprofit corporation established in 1981. All Louisiana District Judges with general jurisdiction and Judges of Juvenile and Family Courts are eligible for membership. The mission of the LDJA includes the administration of justice, representation of the interests of judges, and the professional development of its membership to provide the greatest access to fair, just, and responsive trial courts. The newly elected officers will serve from October 4, 2022 through October 5, 2023. </em></p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>LOUISIANA CITY COURT JUDGES ASSOCIATION</strong></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">President: Judge Brian Barber, Shreveport City Court</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">1st Vice President: Judge Theodore &ldquo;Trey&rdquo; Haik III, New Iberia City Court</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">2nd Vice President: Chief Judge Veronica Henry, New Orleans First City Court</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Secretary: Judge Matthew Hagen, Houma City Court</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Treasurer: Judge Erin Wiley Lanoux, Ascension Parish Court</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Immediate Past President Jefferson Second Parish Court Judge Raylyn Beeers</p><p><em>The officers will serve one-year terms.</em></p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>LOUISIANA COUNCIL OF JUVENILE AND FAMILY COURT JUDGES</strong></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">President: Judge Barron Burmaster, Jefferson Juvenile Court</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Vice President: Judge Jefferson &ldquo;Jeff&rdquo; Joyce, Monroe City Court</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Secretary: Judge Desiree Duhon Dyess, 10th JDC</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Treasurer: Judge Theodore &ldquo;Trey&rdquo; Haik III, New Iberia City Court</p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>RETIRED JUDGES ASSOCIATION</strong></p><p><em>The Retired Judges Association elects new officers in the spring of 2023. The following officers will continue in service until that time.</em></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">President: Judge Curtis Calloway (Ret., 19th JDC)</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Vice President: Judge Ronald Cox (Ret., 15th JDC)</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Secretary: Judge Luke LaVergne (Ret., East Baton Rouge Family Court)</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>For more information visit lasc.org or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4 class="pic-title">Louisiana Conference of Court of Appeal Judges 2022-2023 Officers</h4><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-27_Moore.jpg" alt="Conference of Court of Appeal Judges Chair through 2022, 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal Chief Judge D. Milton Moore." /><br /><span class="caption">Conference of Court of Appeal Judges Chair through 2022 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal Chief Judge D. Milton Moore.</span> </p></div><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-27_Pitman.jpg" alt="Conference of Court of Appeal Judges Chair effective Jan. 2023, 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Frances Pitman." /><br /><span class="caption">Conference of Court of Appeal Judges Chair effective Jan. 2023 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Frances Pitman.</span> <p>&nbsp;</p></div><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-27_Cooks.jpg" alt="Conference of Court of Appeal Judges Vice Chair through 2022, 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal Chief Judge Sylvia R. Cooks." /><br /><span class="caption">Conference of Court of Appeal Judges Vice Chair through 2022 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal Chief Judge Sylvia R. Cooks.</span> <p>&nbsp;</p></div><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-27_Pickett.jpg" alt="Conference of Court of Appeal Judges Vice Chair effective Jan. 2023, 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Elizabeth A. Pickett." /><br /><span class="caption">Conference of Court of Appeal Judges Vice Chair effective Jan. 2023 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Elizabeth A. Pickett.</span> <p>&nbsp;</p></div><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-27_Gravois.jpg" alt="Conference of Court of Appeal Judges Secretary-Treasurer, 5th Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Jude G. Gravois." /><br /><span class="caption">Conference of Court of Appeal Judges Secretary-Treasurer 5th Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Jude G. Gravois.</span> <p>&nbsp;</p></div></div><h4 class="pic-title">Louisiana District Judges Association 2022-2023 Officers</h4><div><div style="max-width:600px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;"><p><img style="object-fit:contain;width:100%;height:auto;margin:top 0.8rem;" src="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-27_LDJA.jpg" alt="Judge Daniel Ellender, 4th Judicial District Court (pictured far left) swore-in the new officers. To his right are Judge Timothy Marcel, Judge Lala Sylvester, Judge Robin Pittman, Judge Lee Faulkner, Judge Patricia Koch, Judge Scott Schlegel." /><br /><span class="caption">Judge Daniel Ellender, 4th Judicial District Court (pictured far left) swore-in the new officers. To his right are Judge Timothy Marcel, Judge Lala Sylvester, Judge Robin Pittman, Judge Lee Faulkner, Judge Patricia Koch, Judge Scott Schlegel.</span> </p></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p><h4 class="pic-title">Louisiana City Court Judges Association 2022-2023 Officers</h4><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-27_Barber.jpg" alt="Louisiana City Court Judges Association President Shreveport City Cout Judge Brian H. Barber, Sr." /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana City Court Judges Association President Shreveport City Cout Judge Brian H. Barber, Sr.</span> </p></div><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-27_Haik.jpg" alt="Louisiana City Court Judges Association 1st Vice President New Iberia City Court Judge Theodore 'Trey' Haik, III." /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana City Court Judges Association 1st Vice President New Iberia City Court Judge Theodore "Trey" Haik, III.</span> <p>&nbsp;</p></div><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-27_Henry.jpg" alt="Louisiana City Court Judges Association 2nd Vice President New Orleans First City Court Judge Veronica E. Henry." /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana City Court Judges Association 2nd Vice President New Orleans First City Court Judge Veronica E. Henry.</span> <p>&nbsp;</p></div><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-27_Hagen.jpg" alt="Louisiana City Court Judges Association Secretary Houma City Court Judge Matthew H. Hagen." /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana City Court Judges Association Secretary Houma City Court Judge Matthew H. Hagen.</span> <p>&nbsp;</p></div><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-27_Lanoux.jpg" alt="Louisiana City Court Judges Association Treasurer Ascension Parish Court Judge Erin Wiley Lanoux." /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana City Court Judges Association Treasurer Ascension Parish Court Judge Erin Wiley Lanoux.</span> <p>&nbsp;</p></div><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-27_Beevers.jpg" alt="Louisiana City Court Judges Association Immediate Past President Jefferson Second Parish Court Judge Raylyn R. Beevers." /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana City Court Judges Association Immediate Past President Jefferson Second Parish Court Judge Raylyn R. Beevers.</span> <p>&nbsp;</p></div></div><h4 class="pic-title">Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges 2022-2023 Officers</h4><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-27_Burmaster.jpg" alt="Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges President Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court Judge Barron C. Burmaster." /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges President Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court Judge Barron C. Burmaster.</span> </p></div><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-27_Joyce.jpg" alt="Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Vice President Monroe City Court Judge Fefferson 'Jeff' Joyce." /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Vice President Monroe City Court Judge Fefferson "Jeff" Joyce.</span> <p>&nbsp;</p></div><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-27_Dyess.jpg" alt="Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Secretary 10th JDC Judge Desiree Duhon Dyess." /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Secretary 10th JDC Judge Desiree Duhon Dyess.</span> <p>&nbsp;</p></div><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-27_Haik.jpg" alt="Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Treasurer New Ibearia City Court Judge Thoedore 'Trey' Haik, III." /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Treasurer New Ibearia City Court Judge Thoedore "Trey" Haik, III.</span> <p>&nbsp;</p></div></div><h4 class="pic-title">Louisiana Retired Judges Association *2022-2023 Officers</h4><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-27_Calloway.jpg" alt="Louisiana Retired Judges Association President Retired 19th JDC Judge Curtis A. Calloway." /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Retired Judges Association President Retired 19th JDC Judge Curtis A. Calloway.</span> </p></div><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-27_Cox.jpg" alt="Louisiana Retired Judges Association Vice President Retired 15th JDC Judge Ronald D. Cox." /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Retired Judges Association Vice President Retired 15th JDC Judge Ronald D. Cox</span> <p>&nbsp;</p></div><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-27_Lavergne.jpg" alt="Louisiana Retired Judges Association Secretary Retired East Baton Rouge Family Court Judge Luke A. Lavergne." /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Retired Judges Association Secretary Retired East Baton Rouge Family Court Judge Luke A. Lavergne.</span> <p>&nbsp;</p></div></div><p><em>*The Retired Judges Association elects new officers in the spring of 2023. The above officers will continue in service until that time.</em></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 3, 2022</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>70th Annual Red Mass is Observed</strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; As is the tradition to mark the opening of the judicial year, Louisiana judges
gathered this morning for the 70th annual Red Mass at St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square.
Red Mass is held annually on the first Monday in October. Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond was
the Celebrant and the Most Reverend Bishop Robert W. Marshall, Jr., the thirteenth Bishop of the
Diocese of Alexandria, was the Homilist. Judges, lawyers, officials of all faiths, and the public
were invited to attend the Mass.</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer remarked, &ldquo;Each year in October, the
Louisiana Supreme Court Justices and I join Louisiana judges for blessings directed to those we
serve and the challenges they face, for the integrity of the legal profession, and for wisdom and
discernment in making decisions.&rdquo; He continued, &ldquo;Judges from across the state are in New
Orleans for the annual Fall Conference, which is sponsored by the Louisiana Judicial College. In
addition to attending the continuing legal education sessions and business meetings of the
conference, state judges can also participate in this solemn ceremony, deeply rooted in tradition
dating back centuries.&rdquo;</p><p>The Red Mass is sponsored by the St. Thomas More Catholic Lawyers Association. The
celebration of Red Mass goes back many centuries in Rome, Paris, and London. In Louisiana,
Red Mass was first offered in St. Louis Cathedral on October 5, 1953. The Red Mass has also
been celebrated annually in communities throughout Louisiana and in various venues such as
California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Georgia, and the District of Columbia.</p><p><strong>For more information visit lasc.org or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-24_picgrid.css" /></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2022%2Fimages%2F2022-26_Red_Mass 2022_LASC JLW_Archbishop_Aymond.jpg" alt="The Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans, pauses to greet Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer at the 70th annual Red Mass." /><br /><span class="caption">The Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans, pauses to greet Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer at the 70<sup>th</sup> annual Red Mass.</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2022%2Fimages%2F2022-26_Red_Mass_LASC_Justices.jpg" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Justices attend the 70th annual Red Mass at the St. Louis Cathedral (l-r) Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Justice Scott J. Crichton, Justice Jay B. McCalum, Justice William J. Crain, Justice Piper D. Griffin, and Justice James T. Genovese" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court Justices attend the 70<sup>th</sup> annual Red Mass at the St. Louis Cathedral (l-r) Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Justice Scott J. Crichton, Justice Jay B. McCalum, Justice William J. Crain, Justice Piper D. Griffin, and Justice James T. Genovese</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2022%2Fimages%2F2022-26_Red_Mass_LASC_Justices_and_Public_Officials.jpg" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Justices and Judges from across Louisiana were joined by local and state public officials at the 70th annual Red Mass at St. Louis Cathedral." /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court Justices and Judges from across Louisiana were joined by local and state public officials at the 70<sup>th</sup> annual Red Mass at St. Louis Cathedral.</span> </p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 29, 2022</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:bold;">Louisiana Supreme Court Issues Order Allowing Limited Practice of Law for Attorney Spouses of U.S. Uniformed Service Members</p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; The <a href="/rules/orders/2022/Rule_XVII_§15.pdf" target="_blank">Louisiana Supreme Court adopted a new rule</a> that allows military spouse attorneys who reside with their service members in the state to apply for a limited license to practice law. The new rule went into effect September 23, 2022.</p><p>The rule change Order issued by the Court stipulates that due to the need for the frequent relocation of active duty service members of the United States Uniformed Services, as defined by the United States Department of Defense, attorneys who are the spouses of these members, stationed within Louisiana, may obtain a limited license to practice law without examination according to the terms of Louisiana Supreme Court Rule XVII, Section 15. The Louisiana Supreme Court and the Louisiana State Bar Association worked together to craft this rule change, making Louisiana the latest state to enact a similar rule.</p><p>&ldquo;I commend the work of the Louisiana State Bar and staff of the Supreme Court who collaborated on this rule change, which allows attorney spouses of active-duty military members who reside with their spouses in Louisiana the opportunity to practice law in our state in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the rule,&rdquo; said Chief Justice John L. Weimer. &ldquo;The Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court and I appreciate the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and their families, and are glad to join other states who have passed similar rules.&rdquo;</p><p><strong>For more information&nbsp;visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 22, 2022</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT HOSTS CONSTITUTION DAY 2022 OBSERVANCE</strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; In honor of Constitution Day 2022, Chief Justice John L. Weimer hosted 70 students and teachers from Thibodaux, South Lafourche, Central Lafourche, and E.D. White High Schools at the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse on September 20, 2022 at 400 Royal Street in New Orleans.</p><p>Chief Justice Weimer, a past Nicholls State University instructor, told the eager students about the U.S. and state Constitutions, their purpose, their application in courts of law and importance to every citizen. He discussed his humble upbringing and real-life experiences in the same area where they now reside. The Chief Justice explained that with education, commitment, and a work ethic, they can aspire to whatever positive career path they choose. The students at the courthouse learned about women in law and Chief Justices throughout Louisiana history in the Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson Supreme Court Museum and observed the rare books collection in the Law Library of Louisiana, both located in the courthouse.</p><p>&ldquo;State judges and Louisiana Supreme Court Justices often welcome students to their courtrooms,&rdquo; said Chief Justice Weimer. &ldquo;The effort to increase law-related outreach programs coincides with the mission of the Judges in the Classroom/Students in the Courtroom initiative. The initiative encourages judges to meet students in courtrooms and classrooms to share civic education.&rdquo; Justice Weimer also visited students at C.M. Washington Elementary School and St. Joseph Elementary School in Thibodaux in observance of Constitution Day.</p><p>Constitution Day is a federal observance of September 17, 1787, when 39 Founding Fathers signed and adopted the U.S. Constitution, which recognizes the rights of all citizens whether by birth or naturalization.</p><p>The courthouse is located at <strong>400 Royal Street in the French Quarter</strong> and is open to visitors between <strong>8:30 a.m. &ndash; 4:30 p.m., Monday &ndash; Friday.</strong></p><p><strong>For more information visit lasc.org or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-24_picgrid.css" /></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2022%2Fimages%2F2022-24_Constitution_Day 2022_Chief_Justice_John_L_Weimer_1.jpg" alt="Constitution Day 2022 Observance: Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer invited students from Lafourche Parish Schools to the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse." /><br /><span class="caption">Constitution Day 2022 Observance: Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer invited students from Lafourche Parish Schools to the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse.</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2022%2Fimages%2F2022-24_Constitution_Day 2022_Chief_Justice_John_L_Weimer_2.jpg" alt="Constitution Day 2022 Observance: Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer invited students from Lafourche Parish Schools to the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse." /><br /><span class="caption">Constitution Day 2022 Observance: Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer invited students from Lafourche Parish Schools to the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse.</span> </p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 21, 2022</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION ANNOUNCES IMPROVEMENTS IN STATE COURT TECHNOLOGY</strong></p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court Technology Commission, which was established by Supreme Court Order September 10, 2020, today announced a number of technological improvements in Louisiana courts advanced over the past two years.</p><p>Those advancements include the following:</p><ul><li><strong>Website Rebuilding and Uniform Court Website Enhancements</strong><p style="margin-left:30px;">The Louisiana Supreme Court Information Technology department provided staff support to build and launch new uniform websites for approximately half of the 42 judicial district courts in the state. The goal is to construct new websites for all district courts to help unify a non-unified court system. The new state court websites can be accessed at <a href="https://www.geauxtocourt.com" target="_blank">www.geauxtocourt.com</a>, which is hosted by the Louisiana District Judges Association.</p></li><li><strong></strong><strong>Legislation and Rule Changes</strong><p style="margin-left:30px;" margin-left:30px"="">In the 2021 legislative session, several provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure were amended to modernize the procedure for e-signing orders and judgments. Additional legislation was passed in 2022 that allowed for remote testimony for hearings and trials in the ordinary course of litigation.</p></li><li><strong>Online Forms Platform</strong><p style="margin-left:30px;">The Technology Commission partnered with the Louisiana Access to Justice Commission to create guided forms that assist self-represented litigants. Currently, there are a couple of forms that were approved for use in Louisiana District Courts with more to follow. All completed forms can be accessed at <a href="https://www.geauxtocourt.com/forms" target="_blank">https://www.geauxtocourt.com/forms</a> and on the public resources page of the Louisiana State Bar Association: <a href="https://www.lsba.org/Public/FindLegalHelp/Forms.aspx" target="_blank">https://www.lsba.org/Public/FindLegalHelp/Forms.aspx</a></p></li><li><strong></strong><strong>Disaster Recovery/Disaster Assistance</strong><p style="margin-left:30px;" margin-left:30px"="">Subsequent to damage caused to the courts within Hurricane Ida&rsquo;s path in 2021, the Technology Commission contracted with an international company to provide cellular and internet capabilities for courts without local services. This allowed courts in the 14th Judicial District and 27th Judicial District to resume court operations on a remote platform even when there was insufficient cellular or internet service in the community. Because of the success of this endeavor, and with the continued threat of severe weather events potentially shutting down the court system, the Supreme Court contracted with the same company to provide two disaster recovery units for deployment in any area of the state, should the need arise.</p></li><li><strong>Cyber Security</strong><p style="margin-left:30px;">Due to the growing number of cyber security attacks on courts and court data, the Supreme Court Technology Commission organized and sponsored two full-day cyber security trainings for judges and court personnel. This training will continue on an annual basis.</p></li><li><strong>Technology Training for Judges</strong><p style="margin-left:30px;">The Technology Commission recommended that the Louisiana Judicial College offer one (1) hour of technology education to all judges at each Judicial College Seminar. This recommendation was implemented in the summer of 2021 and to date, each Louisiana Judicial College program has included training in some aspect of technological applications or cyber-security for all judges statewide.</p></li><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court Technology Commission was originally established September 10, 2020 to identify technology needs, create a list of technology improvements, establish goals for implementation, devise best practices, and suggest necessary rule changes and steps towards implementation of articulated technology goals for the judiciary. The fifteen (15) members originally named to the Commission have, over the span of their two-year term, advanced the mission of designing a more accessible, efficient, and effective justice system by utilizing existing technologies in courts statewide. The work of the Commission continues with new members being named for a two-year term. Both the original task force and the current membership consist of fifteen (15) judges from all levels of court, who serve two (2) year terms.</p><p>The following members have been appointed for the current term:</p><table style=""><tbody><tr style=""><td style="vertical-align:top;"><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court:</strong></td><td>Justice Jay McCallum; Justice Will Crain</td></tr><tr style=""><td style="vertical-align:top;"><strong>Louisiana Courts of Appeal:</strong></td><td>Judge Jonathan Perry; Judge John Michael Guidry</td></tr><tr style=""><td style="vertical-align:top;"><strong>Louisiana District Courts:</strong></td><td>Judge Scott Schlegel (Chair), 24th Judicial District Court <br />Judge Laurie Brister, 6th Judicial District Court <br />Judge Nghana Lewis, 40th Judicial District Court <br />Judge Suzanne deMahy, 16th Judicial District Court <br />Judge Ellen Hazeur, Orleans Civil District Court <br />Judge Marla Abel, 17th Judicial District Court <br />Judge Clayton Davis, 14th Judicial District Court</td></tr><tr style=""><td style="vertical-align:top;"><strong>Louisiana Juvenile Courts:</strong><span style="white-space:pre;"> </span></td><td>Judge David Matlock, Caddo Juvenile Court&nbsp;</td></tr><tr style=""><td style="vertical-align:top;"><strong>Louisiana Fanily Courts:</strong></td><td>Judge Pamela Baker, East Baton Rouge Family Court</td></tr><tr style=""><td style="vertical-align:top;"><strong>Louisiana City Courts:</strong></td><td>Judge Bryan Haggerty, City Court of East St. Tammany <br />Judge Doug Saloom, Lafayette City Court</td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;"><strong>Justice of the Peace:</strong></td><td>Justice of the Peace: Judge Kevin Centanni, Jefferson Parish</td></tr></tbody></table><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court Technology Commission continues to explore new ways to increase efficiency and accessibility within the court system. Other projects being explored include a statewide court interpreter platform, greater remote accessibility to courts in rural areas, online calendaring and scheduling, regional staff attorneys, cyber security, and assistance with work towards a statewide warrant registry. Information on the Louisiana Supreme Court Technology Commission is available at <a href="https://www.geauxtocourt.com" target="_blank">www.geauxtocourt.com</a>.</p><p><strong>For more information&nbsp;visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p></ul>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 19, 2022</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>RETIRED ORLEANS PARISH JUVENILE COURT JUDGE ERNESTINE GRAY NAMED CHAIR OF THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION JUDICIAL DIVISION</strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; Retired Orleans Parish Juvenile Court Judge Ernestine Gray was recently named chair of the American Bar Association (ABA) Judicial Division. Members of the Judicial Division include judges, lawyers, tribal members, court administrators, academics, and students interested in the courts and the justice system.</p><p>Judge Gray has announced that her theme for the upcoming year is, &ldquo;For Our Children: A Justice System that Protects, Corrects, and Prepares&rdquo;. The goal is to bring attention to the impact of courts on the lives of children and families while maintaining the Division&rsquo;s focus on the rule of law, diversity in the profession, and security of judges.</p><p>Earlier this year, after serving 36 years on the juvenile court bench, Judge Gray became the first Louisiana recipient to earn the prestigious ABA Mark Hardin Award for Child Welfare Legal Scholarship and Systems Change. Upon bestowing the award, Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Piper D. Griffin expressed, &ldquo;&hellip;retired Judge Ernestine S. Gray has devoted her judicial career to serving children, youth and families. Through her intellectual courage, Judge Gray has pushed all members of our children&rsquo;s law community to think deeper and harder about the legal work we do in Louisiana and the citizens we serve.&rdquo; In 2020, Judge Gray was honored with the Charles R. English Award for a lifetime of service from the ABA Criminal Justice Section. A past president of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, National Court Appointed Special Advocates, and the local YMCA, YWCA, and Volunteers of America, Judge Gray developed innovative programs and is a recognized leader in the legal community.</p><p>Judge Gray received her bachelor&rsquo;s degree from Spelman College in 1970 and her juris doctor degree from the Louisiana State University School of Law in 1976. She was employed by the Baton Rouge Legal Aid Society, the Attorney General of the State of Louisiana, and the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as a trial attorney. She was elected to the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court bench in 1984 to fill an unexpired term. She was reelected in 1986, 1994, 2002, 2010, and again in 2018. She served until her retirement in 2020. She and her husband, James Austin Gray II, an attorney, are the proud parents of two children, former State Senator Cheryl Gray Evans, an attorney; and James Austin Gray III, a chemical engineer and attorney. They are also grandparents to four grandchildren.</p><p><strong>For more information visit lasc.org or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-21_picgrid.css" /></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2022%2Fimages%2F2022-22_Retired_Judge_Ernestine_Gray.jpg" alt="Retired Orleans Juvenile Court Judge Ernestine Gray American Bar Association Judicial Division Chair" /><br /><span class="caption">Retired Orleans Juvenile Court Judge Ernestine Gray American Bar Association Judicial Division Chair</span> </p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 16, 2022</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>Louisiana Judges are Honored by the American Judges Association</strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Edwin Lombard, Orleans Civil District Court Judge Kern A. Reese, and Shreveport City Court Judge Sheva M. Sims were recently honored at the 2022 American Judges Association (AJA) Annual Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.</p><p>AJA is the largest independent, judge-only, member-driven organization in North America. Members include present and former judges of courts of all jurisdictions in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa and the Virgin Islands.</p><p>Judge Edwin Lombard was honored with the AJA Chief Justice Richard W. Holmes Award of Merit for his years of dedicated service and outstanding contributions to the judiciary. He was instrumental in writing laws and procedures for the Dayton Peace Accord (Bosnia), Indonesia&rsquo;s presidential election, and South African local elections. He has served as a lecturer at the University of Canto Domingo on the establishment of a criminal court record-keeping system. In addition, Judge Lombard was appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court to supervise the recovery, remediation, and restoration of criminal evidence at Orleans Criminal District Court after Hurricane Katrina.</p><p>Orleans Civil District Court Judge Kern A. Reese, who has taught pre-law and law students at Tulane Law School, Loyola University New Orleans, College of Law, and Dillard University, has positively influenced future generations of lawyers and judges. Judge Reese recently led the Dillard University Mock Trial Team, which advanced to compete in the American Mock Trial Association&rsquo;s National Championship Tournament, a first in the school&rsquo;s history. Judge Reese received the AJA Judge Elliot Zide Award, which is given to an AJA member in recognition of significant contributions to judicial education.</p><p>Shreveport City Court Judge Sheva M. Sims, who serves the AJA as an executive committee member, was honored by AJA President Yvette Mansfield Alexander with the President&rsquo;s Award for outstanding service. Through her involvement in leadership roles in several national and local organizations, Judge Sims has cultivated a wealth of organizational prowess which she brings to every project.</p><p>AJA President Baton Rouge City Court Judge Yvette Mansfield Alexander was elected as president for an unprecedented second term. Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Piper D. Griffin will continue to serve on the Board of Governors, and Shreveport City Court Judge Sheva Sims will continue serving as an executive committee member.</p><p><strong>For more information visit lasc.org or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-21_picgrid.css" /></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2022%2Fimages%2F2022-21_AJA_Honorees.jpg" alt="American Judges Association President, Baton Rouge City Court Judge Yvette Mansfield Alexander with AJA 2022 Confrence Award Honorees (L-R) Orleans Civil District Court Judge Kern A. Reese, Judge Alexander, Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Edwin Lombard, and Shreveport City Court Judge Sheva M. Sims." /><br /><span class="caption">American Judges Association President, Baton Rouge City Court Judge Yvette Mansfield Alexander with AJA 2022 Confrence Award Honorees (L-R) Orleans Civil District Court Judge Kern A. Reese, Judge Alexander, Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Edwin Lombard, and Shreveport City Court Judge Sheva M. Sims.</span> </p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 15, 2022</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT CELEBRATES CONSTITUTION DAY 2022</strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; Constitution Day 2022 is Saturday, September 17. On <strong>Friday, September 16, 2022</strong>, in observance of this day the Louisiana Supreme Court will give free pocket-sized copies of the U.S. Constitution to visitors of the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse located at 400 Royal Street. This marks the first time since COVID-19 protocols halted in-person visits to this majestic building that the court will welcome guests in celebration of this annual occasion. All are encouraged to pick up a copy and visit the exhibits in the Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson Supreme Court Museum and the Law Library of Louisiana. </p><p>On behalf of Associate Justices Jefferson D. Hughes III, Scott J. Crichton, James T. Genovese, William J. Crain, Jay B. McCallum and Piper D. Griffin, Chief Justice John L. Weimer commented, &ldquo;In courts throughout the nation, we give daily reverence to the U.S. Constitution as the blueprint for the rule of law. It is the foundation on which government was built and on which it is sustained. Every year in September throughout the United States, a day is set aside to acknowledge its importance and moreover on this, its 235th Anniversary, the Louisiana judiciary celebrates unwavering adherence to this document in application of justice. Throughout Louisiana, state judges will commemorate Constitution Day by inviting students into their courtrooms, or by visiting local schools to meet with students, and will be discussing the importance of our United States Constitution.&rdquo; Constitution Day is a federal observance of September 17, 1787, when 39 Founding Fathers signed and adopted the U.S. Constitution, which recognizes the rights of all citizens whether by birth or naturalization. </p><p>The courthouse is located at <strong>400 Royal Street in the French Quarter</strong> and is open to visitors between <strong>8:30 a.m. &ndash; 4:30 p.m., Monday &ndash; Friday</strong>. No food, drink or cameras are permitted in the building, however cell phones are permitted. </p><p><strong>For more information&nbsp;visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>August 12, 2022</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>NEW ORLEANS FIRST CITY COURT SENIOR JUDGE VERONICA HENRY INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN EVICTION REFORM SUMMIT BY THE WHITE HOUSE </strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans First City Court Senior Judge Veronica Henry</strong> was among a select group of individuals invited by the White House to give a presentation during a summit titled, &ldquo;Building on Emergency Rental Assistance to Ensure Long-Term Eviction Reform&rdquo; on Tuesday, August 2, 2022. Senior Judge Henry spoke specifically about First City Court&rsquo;s Eviction Diversion Program.</p><p>This virtual event focused &ldquo;on the need to build on the American Rescue Plan&rsquo;s Emergency Rental Assistance Program to ensure long-term eviction reform, including highlighting model innovations across the country.&rdquo; Senior Judge Henry&rsquo;s presentation was part of the panel on <em>Visionary Court-Led Eviction System Reform</em>, and included Vanita Gupta, Associate Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice; Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack, Michigan Supreme Court; Chief Justice C. Shannon Bacon, New Mexico Supreme Court; and Senior Judge Veronica Henry, First City Court of New Orleans.</p><p>&ldquo;I am extremely honored to have received an invitation from the White House to detail the tremendous success of eviction diversion in New Orleans City Courts,&rdquo; said Senior Judge Henry. &ldquo;The passage of the White House American Rescue Plan gave municipalities the much needed funding to build an infrastructure to handle the swell of tenants and landlords in need of help as a result of the global pandemic. To date, Treasury dollars in New Orleans have helped over 17,000 tenants and landlords with 5,000 more anticipated to be served.</p><p>&ldquo;During the pandemic, the Judges of New Orleans First and Second City Courts determined that we needed to incorporate eviction diversion in order to cement Court-based reform in the way evictions were handled. The Eviction Diversion Program of First and Second City Courts incorporates legal assistance at every eviction hearing, on-site emergency rental assistance representatives from the City of New Orleans at every eviction hearing, an Evictions Help Desk, and other supportive services &mdash; all to prevent eviction and maintain housing stability.</p><p>&ldquo;In May 2022, the City of New Orleans built on the City Courts&rsquo; Eviction Diversion Program by approving a Right to Counsel Ordinance for tenants facing eviction in 2022. Two million dollars in Treasury funding was utilized to implement the Right to Counsel Program at First and Second City Court - a first in the state of Louisiana, yet there is still more work to be done to fully ensure equitable and meaningful access to justice in eviction cases.&rdquo;</p><p>In October 2021, New Orleans First and Second City Courts received the 2021 Legal Services Innovation Award from the Louisiana State Bar Association&rsquo;s Access To Justice Committee for its Eviction Diversion initiatives. </p><p>Further information on the White House Summit is available through <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/" target="_blank">www.whitehouse.gov</a>, or through <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/08/02/fact-sheet-white-house-summit-on-building-lasting-eviction-prevention-reform/" target="_blank">the fact sheet issued on the event</a>. </p><p><strong>For more information contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-19_picgrid.css" /></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2022%2Fimages%2F2022-19_Judge_Veronica_Henry.jpg" alt="Judge Veronica Henry" /><br /><span class="caption">Judge Veronica Henry</span> </p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>August 8, 2022</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;">Public Statement</p><p><strong>The Louisiana Supreme Court and the Louisiana Judicial College issued the following statement upon the death of LSU Law Professor Frank L. Maraist:</strong></p><p>The Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court and Governors of the Louisiana Judicial College mourn the passing of Louisiana State University Law Professor Emeritus Frank L. Maraist, who served as Executive Director of the Louisiana Judicial College from 1985-1994. Professor Maraist was an icon and truly beloved by all he taught which included scores and generations of Louisiana lawyers and judges. He was and will remain a giant in the law of Louisiana through his countless contributions in the Treatises and law review articles he wrote. His newsletter was a &ldquo;must read&rdquo; to keep up with statutory and jurisprudential changes. Professor Marist had the rare ability to address legal issues scholarly and practically but always with wit and charm and with good humor. He was a magnificent teacher who was beloved by his students.</p><p>Chief Justice Weimer commented, &ldquo;As a former student of his, when I became an attorney, I called upon Professor Maraist&rsquo;s expertise and experience. When I became a teacher, I tried to emulate him. When I became a judge, he continued to encourage and promote my career. I am proud to say he became not only a mentor but a very dear friend.&rdquo;</p><p>Justice Scott J. Crichton, who serves as chair of the Louisiana Judicial College Board of Governors added, &ldquo;Professor Maraist, a pioneer in judicial education as an early leader of the Louisiana Judicial College and an exceptional Professor of Law at the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, led an exemplary life of scholarship, service and grace. Those who knew him and learned from him - lawyers, judges, and students alike &ndash; are grateful for his enormous contributions and tireless commitment to the legal community in Louisiana. He will be dearly missed.&rdquo;</p><p><strong>For more information&nbsp;visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>August 8, 2022</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;">LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ANNOUNCES AMENDMENT TO<br />RULE ON APPLICATIONS SEEKING PRIORITY REVIEW</p><p><strong>NEW ORLEANS, LA</strong> &ndash; The Louisiana Supreme Court today announced an amendment to its rule on applications seeking priority review to require that such applications be filed as soon as possible after the court of appeal&rsquo;s disposition and in no event more than ten days after the mailing of notice of judgment by the court of appeal. <a href="/rules/orders/2022/RULE_X_%C2%A75(a).pdf" target="_blank">The Order, signed July 26</a>, 2022, amends Louisiana Supreme Court Rule X, Section 5(a), and is effective September 1, 2022. </p><p>The Order, signed by Chief Justice John Weimer on behalf of the court, provides a time delay for the filing of formal requests for priority review. The Official Comment to Rule X, Section 5(a) notes &ldquo;[a]pplications requesting expedited review place a considerable burden on the resources of the court and its staff. The court&rsquo;s ability to address such applications in an orderly fashion can be significantly impaired when applicants elect to wait to until the last day of the thirty-day period following the court of appeal&rsquo;s disposition to request expedited attention in this court. Although this rule does not change the general thirty-day filing period set forth in La. Code Civ. P. art. 2166, it makes it clear that any request for expedited review must be made promptly.&rdquo; The amendment to Rule X, Section 5(a) provides an application seeking expedited review &ldquo;shall be filed as soon as possible after the court of appeal&rsquo;s disposition and in no event more than ten days after the mailing of notice of judgment by the court of appeal.&rdquo; In the event an application seeking priority review is not filed within the ten-day period and absent a showing of good cause for the delay, the court retains the discretion to summarily deny the request for priority review and/or impose other sanctions pursuant to La. Code Civ. P. art. 2164. </p><p><strong>For more information&nbsp;visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>July 20, 2022</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;">Louisiana Supreme Court Justices Participate in LSBA Pro Bono <br />Ceremony and Encourage Judges&rsquo; Assistance in &ldquo;20 Hours in 2022&rdquo; Initiative </p><p><strong>NEW ORLEANS, LA</strong> &ndash; Recipients of the 2022 <a href="https://www.lsba.org/ProBono/ProBonoAwards.aspx?fbclid=IwAR1hYkW3v6zfKzzY73qL4PnsyuxsvuVkCET4VSIBH7Io_-L1NFr_tde5qlY" target="_blank">Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) Pro Bono Publico and Children's Law Awards</a> were honored recently in a special ceremony at the Louisiana Supreme Court. In a show of support, appreciation, and respect, all seven Louisiana Supreme Court Justices participated in the ceremony, which recognized outstanding individuals and organizations who have given their time and talent to ensuring access to justice for citizens of Louisiana, regardless of their ability to pay. The Justices, who hold in high regard the pro bono work of the award recipients, have also encouraged state judges to assist attorneys who seek to provide 20 hours of pro bono service in 2022, a current initiative of the LSBA. </p><p>This is the 37th year the LSBA has held the Annual Pro Bono Publico &amp; Children&rsquo;s Law Awards Ceremony, which returned to an in-person ceremony at the Supreme Court after two years of virtual celebration honoring recipients. Their offering of legal services to those who otherwise may not have such access is a valued commodity. With challenges resulting from the pandemic and weather events experienced throughout the state of Louisiana and nationally, many of our citizens are unable to afford legal assistance. Pro bono work is impactful in serving these citizens and gives them equal attainable access to justice. A list of 2022 pro bono award recipients is available on the <a href="https://www.lsba.org/probono/default.aspx" target="_blank">pro bono section</a> of the LSBA website. </p><p>As a further demonstration of their support for pro bono services, the seven Justices recently sent a letter to all Louisiana attorneys, encouraging their participation in the LSBA<em> &ldquo;20 hours in 2022&rdquo; pro bono initiative, which encourages attorneys to provide 20 hours of pro bono legal services in 2022. The Justices also sent a letter to all Louisiana judges, which included a quote by United States Supreme Court Justice Lewis Powell, Jr., who once said, &ldquo;Equal justice under the law is not merely a caption on the fa&ccedil;ade of the Supreme Court building. It is perhaps the most inspiring ideal of our society&hellip;it is fundamental that justice should be the same, in substance and availability, without regard to economic status.&rdquo;</em> The letter further explains that <em>&ldquo;judges can set a tone within the legal profession that pro bono is a central part of fulfilling the promise of justice for all.&rdquo;</em> According to the Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct, attorneys are encouraged to provide 50 hours of pro bono legal service annually. In a recent ABA survey, &ldquo;judge solicitation&rdquo; was one of the most &ldquo;encouraging factors&rdquo; for attorney volunteerism. The Justices suggested that judges use their unique positions to promote the &ldquo;20 hours in 2022&rdquo; pro bono initiative to attorneys and to participate in events that honor attorneys offering pro bono work. </p><p>If ten percent of Louisiana attorneys provided 20 hours of pro bono service, the result would be over 40,000 hours of pro bono legal work provided for our needy citizens. This would have a significant impact on the lives of many people who cannot afford civil legal representation. </p><p>&ldquo;The attorneys of our state who perform pro bono service truly render a service to all of society, by championing the rule of law and by providing access to justice,&rdquo; said Chief Justice John L. Weimer. &ldquo;The Justices and I applaud them for their efforts and thank them profusely for volunteering to serve those who cannot afford an attorney but cannot afford to be without an attorney.&rdquo;</p><p><strong>For more information&nbsp;visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> orcontact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-16_picgrid.css" /></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2022%2Fimages%2F2022-16_LSBA_Pro_Bono_Publico_Childrens_Law_Awards.jpg" alt="(l-r) Justices Jay B. McCallum, James T. Genovese, Jefferson D. Hughes III, Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Justices Scott J. Crichton, William J. Crain, and Piper D. Griffin with 37th Annual Pro Bono Publico & Children's Law Award Recipients" /><br /><span class="caption">(l-r) Justices Jay B. McCallum, James T. Genovese, Jefferson D. Hughes III, Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Justices Scott J. Crichton, William J. Crain, and Piper D. Griffin with 37th Annual Pro Bono Publico &amp; Children's Law Award Recipients</span> </p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>June 24, 2022</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT JUSTICE SCOTT J. CRICHTON RECOGNIZED WITH THE JUDGE BENJAMIN JONES JUDGES IN THE CLASSROOM AWARD</strong></p><p><strong>NEW ORLEANS, LA</strong> &ndash; Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Scott J. Crichton was named the recipient of the Judge Benjamin Jones Judges in the Classroom Award by the Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education on Friday, June 10, 2022 at the General Assembly of the Louisiana State Bar Association Annual Meeting. </p><p>Justice Crichton expressed, &ldquo;I am pleased to accept the Judge Benjamin Jones Judges in the Classroom Award. It has been my firm belief for many years that as judges, we should educate young people about basic concepts of criminal law and the real-life consequences of violating the law. In other words, we expect our children to obey the rule of law but we do not adequately teach them what those rules are. Simply saying &rsquo;don&rsquo;t break the law&rsquo; is not enough. I believe that knowledge is critical, and I encourage my judicial colleagues to educate our children with knowledge of basic legal concepts to enable them to intelligently exercise the power of choice.&rdquo; </p><p>The award, named for retired 4th Judicial District Court Judge Benjamin Jones, honors a member of the judiciary who has contributed greatly to the law-related education of Louisiana youth. Judge Jones served the judiciary for 22 years, created the Judges in the Classroom program, and is a facilitator of judges visiting schools to impart civic education and to encourage students. Judge Jones, who is still active in the program, currently serves as the 4th Judicial District Court Judicial Administrator. </p><p>Through his involvement in civic instruction of students and ethical education of adults throughout Louisiana, Justice Crichton personifies the spirit of the Judge Benjamin Jones Award. He is a member of the Judges in the Classroom/Students in the Courtroom Task Force. The Task Force expands Judge Jones&rsquo; vision for judges to connect with local schools to instruct on law and the judiciary by incorporating Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer&rsquo;s newly added strategy to build statewide pedagogical partnerships.</p><p>Justice Crichton, as a district judge, proactively developed a program that teaches young people about the consequences of certain behavior in an effort to deter them from seeing him in his professional capacity as a judge. During his time on the district bench, some 20,000 students benefitted from his teachings, which often included parents. He has re-instituted his programs as a Justice and teaches students and their parents in standing-room-only auditoriums and gyms. </p><p>In addition to teaching as an adjunct faculty member at Tulane Law School and as faculty at the LSU Law Center Trial Advocacy Program, Justice Crichton works inside and outside of his district, visiting students to expound on the rule of law. Inspired by an experience as a district court judge when a juvenile litigant whose lack of knowledge of the law and consequences resulted in a negative penalty, Justice Crichton decided to make a difference by devising a way to inform young people about the law. He created <a href="/Education?p=Judges_in_the_Classroom"><strong>The Crime Consequences and the Power of Choice program</strong></a>, which is a PowerPoint presentation he uses to teach about the law and the consequences of bad choices. Justice Crichton has shared the program with other judges via the Louisiana Supreme Court website and various Continuing Legal Education seminars to use as they visit schools or host students in their courtrooms. The presentation helps viewers by defining the justice system in an easily comprehensible manner. </p><p>Before his election to the Supreme Court, Justice Crichton served 24 years as a judge with the First Judicial District Court (Shreveport/Caddo Parish), presiding in both the civil and criminal divisions. See more on Justice Scott J. Crichton&rsquo;s Bio <a href="/About/Biography?p=Scott_J._Crichton"><em>here</em></a>.</p><p><strong>For more information contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-15_picgrid.css" /></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2022%2Fimages%2F2022-15_CrichtonAward.jpg" alt="24th JDC Judge Shayna Beevers Morvant, Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education President, presented the Judge Benjamin Jones Judges in the Classroom Award to Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Scott J. Crichton." /><br /><span class="caption">24th JDC Judge Shayna Beevers Morvant, Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education President, presented the Judge Benjamin Jones Judges in the Classroom Award to Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Scott J. Crichton.</span> </p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:100%;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>June 1, 2022</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ANNOUNCES NEW OPERATING HOURS FOR COURTHOUSE AND CLERK OF COURT&rsquo;S OFFICE</strong></p><p><strong style="text-align:center;">New Orleans, LA&minus;&nbsp;</strong>Today, the Louisiana Supreme Court announced new operating hours for the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse and the Clerk of Court&rsquo;s office.</p><p>Beginning July 1, 2022, the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse, located at 400 Royal Street in New Orleans, and the Louisiana Supreme Court Clerk of Court&rsquo;s Office will be open to the public 8:30 am &ndash; 4:30 pm. These updated courthouse hours are a change from the previous operating hours of 9:00 am &ndash; 5:00 pm.</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s e-filing system, which launched in August 2012, remains accessible and available for filing 24 hours a day. For information on e-filing, see <a href="https://www.lasc.org/ClerksOffice">https://www.lasc.org/ClerksOffice</a>.</p><p>The hours of operation of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal, which are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, remain unchanged.</p><p><strong>For more information&nbsp;</strong><strong>visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or</strong><strong> contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><span class="photo-by">&nbsp;</span></p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590 </td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 31, 2022</strong></span> </td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE JOINS JUDGES OF THE <br />40th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT AND 5TH CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEAL <br />FOR LAW DAY 2022 PROGRAM</strong> </p><p><strong>NEW ORLEANS, LA</strong> &ndash; Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer joined judges of the 40th Judicial District Court and the 5th Circuit Court of Appeal for a Law Day 2022 event with students from throughout the St. John the Baptist School District on May 6, 2022 at the courthouse in Edgard.</p><p>With a courtroom filled to capacity, students were engaged in a discussion about the Constitution with Chief Justice Weimer, 40th Judicial District Court Chief Judge Nghana Lewis, and 40th JDC Judges Vercell F. Fiffie and J. Sterling Snowdy. Retired 40th JDC Chief Judge Madeline Jasmine as well as 5th Circuit Court of Appeal Judges Jude G. Gravois and Marc E. Johnson also participated in the Law Day panel. A special thank you was extended to the St. John the Baptist School District teachers, parents, and students and St. John the Baptist Sheriff Michael Tregre for their support of the event. </p><p>The event, which was organized and sponsored by the Judges of the 40th JDC, has been a Law Day fixture for many years.</p><p>Law Day was established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to strengthen our heritage of liberty, justice, and equality under the law. In 1961, Congress issued a joint resolution designating May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day. Every president since then has issued a Law Day proclamation on May 1 to celebrate the nation&rsquo;s commitment to the rule of law. The Louisiana Supreme Court issued a resolution dated April 28, 2022 encouraging Louisiana judges to participate in Law Day activities.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong></strong><strong>For more information contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-13_picgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2022%2Fimages/2022-13_40thJDCLawDay1.jpg" alt="40th JDC Chief Judge Nghana Lewis (l), retired 40th JDC Chief Judge Madeline Jasmine (seated rear) along with 40th JDC Judge Sterling Snowdy (r) hosted a Law Day 2022 event for the St. John the Baptist Parish School students." /><br /><span class="caption">40th JDC Chief Judge Nghana Lewis (l), retired 40th JDC Chief Judge Madeline Jasmine (seated rear) along with 40th JDC Judge Sterling Snowdy (r) hosted a Law Day 2022 event for the St. John the Baptist Parish School students.</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2022%2Fimages/2022-13_40thJDCLawDay2.jpg" alt="Louisiana Surpeme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer discusses the U.S. Constitution with students from St. John the Baptist Parish School District during a 40th JDC Law Day event." /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Surpeme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer discusses the U.S. Constitution with students from St. John the Baptist Parish School District during a 40th JDC Law Day event.</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2022%2Fimages/2022-13_40thJDCLawDay3.jpg" alt="5th Circuit Court of Appeal Judges Jude G. Gravois and Mark E. Johnson participated in Law Day 2022 event at the 40th JDC for St. John the Baptist Parish School students." /><br /><span class="caption">5th Circuit Court of Appeal Judges Jude G. Gravois and Mark E. Johnson participated in Law Day 2022 event at the 40th JDC for St. John the Baptist Parish School students.</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2022%2Fimages/2022-13_40thJDCLawDay4.jpg" alt="40th JDC Judges invited students from St. John the Baptist Parish School District to a Law Day 2022 event at the courthouse." /><br /><span class="caption">40th JDC Judges invited students from St. John the Baptist Parish School District to a Law Day 2022 event at the courthouse.</span> </p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 19, 2022</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>LAW LIBRARY OF LOUISIANA STAFF MEMBERS ARE RECENTLY ELECTED AS KEY OFFICERS OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF LAW LIBRARIES</strong></p><p><strong>NEW ORLEANS, LA</strong> &ndash; Two staff members of the Law Library of Louisiana were recently elected as officers of the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL). Law Library Director Miriam D. Childs was elected AALL treasurer, and Law Library Head of Public Services Sara V. Pic was elected AALL secretary/treasurer of the Government Law Libraries Special Interest Section.</p><p>AALL is the premier national association for law librarians, whose members are legal information experts. It is the only national association that keeps law librarians and other legal information professionals informed of industry advancements. Ms. Childs, who has been an active member of the AALL since 2003, will serve as treasurer for a term that will commence July 2022 and will end July 2025.</p><p>Ms. Childs received her Bachelor of Arts in History from Louisiana State University in 1992 and her Master of Library and Information Science (M.L.I.S.) from Louisiana State University in 1993. She has worked as a serials librarian at the University of New Orleans, reference and collection management librarian at Jefferson Parish Public Library, and assistant librarian at Exxon Chemical Baton Rouge. With a strong foundation in technical services, Ms. Childs began at the Law Library of Louisiana in 2003 as an assistant librarian responsible for serials and acquisitions. In 2006 she was promoted to head of technical services, and then to associate director in 2013. In May 2016, she was named director of the Law Library of Louisiana. During her tenure at the Law Library, Ms. Childs has been responsible for or provided support to all areas of library operations, including staff management and training; cataloging; database maintenance; outreach; reference and research services; government documents; and preservation.</p><p>Ms. Pic received her Bachelor of Arts in Women&rsquo;s Studies and Russian Civilization from Smith College in 2000, her Juris Doctorate from Northeastern University School of Law in 2005 and her Master of Library &amp; Information Science (M.L.I.S.) from LSU School of Library and Information Science in 2014. She worked as an assistant at Equal Justice Works from 2000-2002 before working from 2005-2007 as a Parmet Fellow/staff attorney at Health Law Advocates. She additionally worked as an AmeriCorps attorney at The Pro Bono Project in 2007. From 2008-2010 she worked as an attorney at Mental Health Advocacy Service and worked as a legal director with Health Law Advocates of Louisiana from 2010-2012. She was a fellow at LSU Law Library from 2013-2014 when she joined the staff at the Law Library of Louisiana.</p><p><strong></strong><strong>For more information contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-12_picgrid.css" /></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2022%2Fimages/2022-12_Miriam_Childs.jpg" alt="Miriam D. Childs<br />Director, Law Library of Louisiana" /><br /><span class="caption">Miriam D. Childs<br />Director, Law Library of Louisiana</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2022%2Fimages/2022-12_Sara_V_Pic.jpg" alt="Sara V Pic, Law Library of Louisiana" /><br /><span class="caption">Sara V. Pic<br />Law Library of Louisiana</span> </p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 10, 2022</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Holds Official Investiture Ceremony For Clerk of Court Veronica Odinet Koclanes</strong></p><p><strong>NEW ORLEANS, LA</strong> &ndash; The Louisiana Supreme Court held the official investiture ceremony for Clerk of Court Veronica Odinet Koclanes on Monday, May 9, 2022, at an evening ceremony in the Supreme Court courtroom at the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse. Surrounded by her husband and children, with her parents, close family, and friends in attendance, Koclanes was sworn in by Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer, after an introduction by Justice Jay B. McCallum.</p><p>Koclanes earned her bachelor&rsquo;s degree from Louisiana State University in 1985, and her juris doctor degree from Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 1991. She joined the law firm of Milling, Benson, Woodward, and Hillyer and worked as an associate attorney from 1992 to 1995. She served as a Law Clerk/Research Attorney for five Louisiana Supreme Court justices as well as a Research Attorney for the Civil Staff division of the Supreme Court. Additionally, she served as a Law Clerk for three judges on the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal and as a Legislative Clerk in the Office of the Senate President for the Louisiana Legislature. Koclanes is admitted to practice in Louisiana and in the Eastern District, United States District Court. She is a member of the National Conference of Appellate Court Clerks, Louisiana Clerk of Courts Association, Louisiana Bar Foundation, Supreme Court of Louisiana Historical Society, American Bar Association, and Louisiana State Bar Association. Koclanes is married to Dr. George Koclanes and they are the parents of two adult children. She is one of 13 children of Kenneth Louis and Rosemary Popich Odinet.</p><p>&ldquo;I am honored to serve as Louisiana Supreme Court Clerk of Court and I appreciate the confidence entrusted in me by the Justices and this court,&rdquo; said Koclanes. &ldquo;I am also grateful to my husband and children who inspire me daily; my parents, who instilled in me the fortitude to set and reach goals; and my close family, who consistently supports my efforts. I look forward to years of continued service to the Supreme Court and to the people of our great state.&rdquo;</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer stated, &ldquo;The Justices and I congratulate Veronica and look forward to our continued working relationship. She is not unfamiliar to us; before this appointment she worked as a well-respected attorney at the Supreme Court for 23 years. Her diligence, professionalism, and expertise in matters of the Court heralded her advancement to the office of Clerk of Court. Due to her tenure at the Court and keen understanding of judicial processes, she has made a seamless transition to competently and adeptly serving our citizens as the Clerk of Court of the Louisiana Supreme Court.&rdquo;</p><p>Koclanes succeeded retired Clerk of Court John Tarlton Olivier, the longest-serving Clerk of Court in Louisiana&rsquo;s history. Olivier retired in 2021. </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>For more information contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-11_picgrid.css" /></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2022%2Fimages%2F2022-11_Koclanes_Investiture.jpg" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Clerk of Court Veronica Odinet Koclanes' Investiture Ceremony (l-r) Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Veronica O. Koclanes, Dr. George Koclanes, Isabella Koclanes, and Helena Koclanes." /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court Clerk of Court Veronica Odinet Koclanes' Investiture Ceremony (l-r) Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Veronica O. Koclanes, Dr. George Koclanes, Isabella Koclanes, and Helena Koclanes.</span> </p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:100%;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>April 28, 2022</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ISSUES LAW DAY 2022 RESOLUTION</strong></p><p><strong style="text-align:center;">New Orleans, LA&minus;&nbsp;</strong>The Louisiana Supreme Court has <a href="/press_room/press_releases/2022/2022-10-LawDayResolution.pdf" target="_blank">issued a Resolution</a> commemorating Law Day 2022, in recognition of the 64th annual celebration of Law Day. The Resolution reads in part &ldquo;all judges have a unique ability to educate young people about our legal system and respect for the law.&rdquo; It encourages Louisiana state court judges to dedicate the month of May to spending time either visiting with students in schools or in their courtrooms teaching students about the legal system, utilizing the Law Day 2022 theme: Toward a More Perfect Union: The Constitution in Times of Change.</p><p>During the month of May, the Louisiana Supreme Court will host several Law Day activities, including tours of the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse, and visits to the Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson Supreme Court Museum and the Law Library of Louisiana. Additionally, the Law Library of Louisiana will have a Law Day exhibit on display, which will be available to the public throughout the month of May at the Courthouse.</p><p>Chief Justice John L. Weimer, the Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court, and a host of state court judges have been heavily involved in the ongoing initiative, &ldquo;Judges in the Classroom/Students in the Courtroom.&rdquo; Chief Justice Weimer considers Law Day a chance to expand this initiative and increase students&rsquo; exposure to civics. &ldquo;We are pleased with the involvement we have seen from judges visiting schools throughout the state to share civics instruction,&rdquo; expressed Chief Justice Weimer. &ldquo;Law Day provides for us another welcomed chance to invite students to our courtrooms to observe real-life cases, take part in mock trials, or to simply converse about the day in the life of a judge; an opportunity most would only witness on television. I encourage all state judges to embrace the opportunity offered by Law Day to reach out to your local students&rdquo;</p><p>Law Day was established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to strengthen our heritage of liberty, justice, and equality under the law. In 1961, Congress issued a joint resolution designating May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day. Every president since then has issued a Law Day proclamation on May 1 to celebrate the nation&rsquo;s commitment to the rule of law.</p><p><em><strong>Teachers or principals interested in coordinating a Law Day presentation with a local judge or a Louisiana Supreme Court tour are asked to please contact the Louisiana Supreme Court Community Relations Department at 504.310.2588 or email at <a href="mailto:webmaster@lasc.org">webmaster@lasc.org</a>.</strong></em></p><p><strong>For more information&nbsp;</strong><strong>visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or</strong><strong> contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><span class="photo-by">&nbsp;</span></p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>April 27, 2022</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT APPOINTS ATTORNEY DONALD W. WEIR, JR.&nbsp;AS JUDGE PRO TEMPORE OF FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT</strong></p><p><strong>NEW ORLEANS, LA</strong> &ndash; The Louisiana Supreme Court has unanimously appointed Shreveport attorney/mediator Donald W. Weir, Jr., as Judge <em>pro tempore</em> of First Judicial District Court, to fill the vacancy created by the election of Caddo Judge Craig Marcotte to the Second Circuit Court of Appeal. The appointment of attorney Weir as Judge <em>pro tempore</em> is for the period of May 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner. This <em>pro tempore</em> assignment will be to the family division on the First JDC.</p><p>Weir attended public schools in Shreveport. He then graduated from Washington &amp; Lee University (1972) and LSU Law School (1975), both with honors. He has practiced law in Shreveport since 1975 and has also served as a mediator since 1998. From 2016-2020, Weir volunteered to represent minors in child protection cases at the Caddo Parish Juvenile Court, and in 2017 received the Shreveport Bar Association&rsquo;s Professionalism Award.</p><p>Weir has previously served by appointment as both Judge <em>ad hoc</em> and Judge <em>pro tempore</em> on Shreveport City Court.</p><p>Upon completion of his appointment, Weir will return to his private legal and mediation practice.</p><p><strong>For more information contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-03_picgrid.css" /></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2020%2Fimages%2FWeir_Don.jpg" alt="Don Weir" /><br /><span class="caption">Don Weir</span> </p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>April 21, 2022</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>RETIRED ORLEANS PARISH JUVENILE COURT JUDGE ERNESTINE S. GRAY <br />THE FIRST LOUISIANA RECIPIENT HONORED WITH THE ABA MARK HARDIN AWARD</strong></p><p><strong>NEW ORLEANS, LA</strong> &ndash; Prior to recent oral arguments held at the Louisiana Supreme Court, retired Orleans Parish Juvenile Court <strong>Judge Ernestine S. Gray</strong> was presented the prestigious American Bar Association&rsquo;s Mark Hardin Award for Child Welfare Legal Scholarship and Systems Change for her service in improving the welfare of children through legal representation and advocacy. Judge Gray is the first Louisiana recipient to receive the award.</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer stated, &ldquo;Judge Gray&rsquo;s career, which includes 36 years on the Orleans Juvenile Court bench, has been dedicated to the improvement and welfare of the lives of children in Louisiana and this honor is fitting. Though retired, she serves as the Louisiana Court Improvement Program Judicial Fellow, where she provides technical assistance to state judges in matters concerning child welfare litigation. She additionally assists the Louisiana Supreme Court with its Court Improvement Strategic Plan and continues to be committed to bettering children&rsquo;s lives throughout the state.&rdquo; </p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Piper D. Griffin, who presented the award, expressed, &ldquo;On behalf of the American Bar Association I am honored today to present the Mark Hardin Award for Child Welfare Legal Scholarship and Systems Change for 2022 to the honorable retired Judge Ernestine S. Gray, who has devoted her judicial career to serving children, youth and families. Through her intellectual courage, Judge Gray has pushed all members of our children&rsquo;s law community to think deeper and harder about the legal work we do in Louisiana and the citizens we serve.&rdquo;</p><p>Judge Gray has served as the Chair of the ABA Commission on Youth at Risk for the last three years and has been an active member of the Commission and the ABA for decades. She has been involved in national and local legal and judicial organizations where she has worked to develop legal strategies to uphold the integrity of families in Louisiana and nationally. She has received national attention from legal scholars on the effectiveness of her courtroom procedure and application of the Children&rsquo;s Code Law, assisted in the drafting of child welfare policies for the Department of Children and Family Services, and has served as a mentor and trainer to Louisiana judges and lawyers on understanding aspects of laws pertaining to juvenile justice.&nbsp; </p><p>Judge Gray expressed, &ldquo;In many instances, the issues that plague children's welfare are based on poverty and not borne of neglect.&nbsp; Poverty and neglect are not the same thing.&nbsp; Our challenge is to implement laws, policies, procedures and services and supports that take these issues into consideration and lead to the best outcomes for children and families - where families are supported and children are nurtured.&nbsp; As a state, we are better when both families and children thrive. I am honored to receive this award in recognition of the attributes of Mark Hardin that I tried to emulate: a willingness to serve and a deep driving compassion for children and families.&rdquo;</p><p>ABA Center on Children and the Law, Director Legal Representation Mimi Laver commented, &ldquo;Judge Gray has devoted her entire career to serving children, youth and families and she has fundamentally reshaped the children&rsquo;s law field within her own courtroom and well-beyond. She brings qualities of excellence and integrity to everything she does, and she has had the &ldquo;intellectual courage&rdquo; to push all members of our children&rsquo;s law community to think deeper and harder about the work we do and the individuals we serve.&rdquo;</p><p>Born in Denmark, South Carolina in 1946, retired Judge Ernestine S. Gray received her early education in the public schools of Orangeburg, South Carolina. She received her bachelor&rsquo;s degree in Political Science from Spelman College in 1970 and her juris doctor degree from the Louisiana State University School of Law in 1976. She was admitted to the Louisiana State Bar Association that same year. She was employed by the Baton Rouge Legal Aid Society, the Attorney General of the State of Louisiana, and by the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as a trial attorney. She was elected to the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court bench in 1984 to fill an unexpired term. She was reelected in 1986, 1994, 2002, 2010, and again in 2018 where she served until her retirement in 2020. She and her husband, James Austin Gray II, an attorney, are the proud parents of two children, former State Senator Cheryl Gray Evans, an attorney; and James Austin Gray III, a chemical engineer and attorney, and grandparents to four grandchildren.</p><p>The American Bar Association (ABA) Mark Hardin Award for Child Welfare Legal Scholarship and Systems Change honors the work of ABA Center on Children and the Law Director of Child Welfare Mark Hardin.&nbsp; In 2011 with the approval from the ABA Board of Governors, the ABA Center on Children and the Law created and presented Mark Hardin with the award in honor of his 30 years of child welfare legal work. Since 2011, only eight other recipients from around the country have received the award after Mark Hardin.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>For more information contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-08_picgrid.css" /></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-08_Judge_Ernestine_Gray01.jpg" alt="Retired Orleans Juvenile Court Judge Ernestine Gray makes remarks to Louisiana Supreme Court Justices after receiving the Mark Hardin Award from the American Bar Association prior to oral arguments." /><br /><span class="caption">Retired Orleans Juvenile Court Judge Ernestine Gray makes remarks to Louisiana Supreme Court Justices after receiving the Mark Hardin Award from the American Bar Association prior to oral arguments.</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-08_Judge_Ernestine_Gray02.jpg" alt="Retired Orleans Juvenile Court Judge Ernestine Gray, recipient of the Mark Hardin Award from the American Bar Association" /><br /><span class="caption">Retired Orleans Juvenile Court Judge Ernestine Gray, recipient of the Mark Hardin Award from the American Bar Association</span> </p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:100%;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>March 15, 2022</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>2022 STATE OF THE JUDICIARY ADDRESS TO THE JOINT SESSION OF THE LOUISIANA LEGISLATURE </strong><br /><strong>BY CHIEF JUSTICE JOHN L. WEIMER SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA </strong><br /><strong>TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2022, 3:00 P.M.&nbsp;</strong><br /><strong>HOUSE CHAMBER</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><em>On Tuesday, March 15, 2022, Chief Justice John L. Weimer delivered the State of the Judiciary Address. His remarks included the following. -&nbsp;<a href="/Press_Release?p=2022_State_of_the_Judiciary_Address_Video">Watch the Video</a></em><em></em></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><em></em>President Cortez and Speaker Schexnayder, President pro tem Mizell, Speaker pro tem Magee, ladies and gentlemen of the Louisiana Legislature, and also the staff of the Legislature,</p><p style="text-align:justify;">I consider it an honor and am grateful to be provided an opportunity to address the Legislature on behalf of a group of fellow public servants, the judges and staff of the judiciary, who share the same concern as do the public servants and their employees who serve in this branch of government&ndash;our common concern is how to work together to best serve the citizens of our state. This is the first time a chief justice appears before the Legislature since 2018, due to scheduling and COVID issues.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Roughly 45 years ago, I sat in the back of this chamber, in this very corner. Needless to say, Representative Francis Thompson was here and I got to know him. I had the invaluable learning experience all those years ago to serve as a legislative assistant to a Senator&ndash;Harvey Peltier, Jr, and a Representative&ndash;Billy Tauzin, who went on to serve in Congress. Both served in the Legislature in the 1970&rsquo;s, apparently before many of you were born, except for my friend, Representative Thompson.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">My colleagues on the Supreme Court and I know very well the sacrifices each of you, and your families, make for you to serve. We thank you for that service. While sitting in the back of this chamber all those years ago, I allowed myself just a moment to contemplate the possibility of one day addressing legislative colleagues from this very podium. Like most legislative assistants, I guess I contemplated the possibility of serving in the Legislature. I have continued to work for the State of Louisiana in various judicial capacities, and last year became the 26th Chief Justice. Like you, it wasn&rsquo;t the financial rewards, but the opportunity to serve that attracted me to public service. I learned how gratifying it is to be of service to others, Mr. Speaker, growing up working in my father&rsquo;s service station.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">I am joined today by my colleagues on the Supreme Court. By custom, we do things by seniority, but custom must yield to old fashion good manners and etiquette. Our newest colleague is Justice Piper Griffin of New Orleans. Justice Jay McCallum of Farmerville, is a former legislator; Justice Will Crain of Bogalusa and Madisonville, worked as a legislative aide to Senator Sixty Rayburn. All three of these Justices are relatively new to the Supreme Court, but are experienced jurists. Also here today are: Justice Jimmy Genovese of St. Landry Parish and the greater Opelousas metro area; Justice Scott Crichton of Shreveport and Webster Parish; and Justice Jeff Hughes of Walker and Denham springs. All of the Justices came up through the ranks of what I refer to as judicial first responders, having served as trial judges addressing citizens&rsquo; legal issues face to face and person to person. I am proud of my colleagues, individually and collectively, and together we work hard resolving the many cases before us as a group. The most important case we decide is the case immediately before the court. We are also joined by a new Clerk of Court, daughter of former Representative Ken Odinet, Veronica Odinet Koclanes, who was once a staff member for the Legislature.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Acknowledging the potential risk of being too basic, the judiciary, of course, is a separate and coequal branch of government, which performs core constitutional functions essential to our system of democracy and our constitutional system of checks and balances. The judiciary provides a forum for citizens to resolve disagreements, for adjudicating criminal cases, for ensuring constitutional rights are protected, and for addressing issues involving rights related to life, liberty, and property. In the course of a day on the bench, a judge may be called upon to resolve family matters involving the most fundamental and important relationships in society, or to determine how long someone must be incarcerated, or to determine the remedy when someone is involved in a tragic accident, or to determine an esoteric constitution matter, or to resolve a complicated tax question. On average, over the last five years, more than 1.2 million filings occurred annually in Louisiana courts. That means, if today is an average day, there will be 3,287 filings, which is over twice the number of bills filed here. Pre-COVID studies nationally indicate that approximately one percent of a state&rsquo;s population will appear in courts statewide on a weekly basis.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">I firmly believe that a judge is a public servant who serves by being dedicated to the principles of justice, fairness, independence, and impartiality while applying the law as written by the Legislature and signed into law by the executive. Based on our civil law heritage, the Louisiana Civil Code teaches that the sources of law are legislation and custom, which cannot abrogate legislation. Legislation is the solemn expression of legislative will. When the law is clear and unambiguous, and its application does not lead to absurd consequences, the law shall be applied as written by the Legislature. Cases involving statutory construction often acknowledge that judges &ldquo;begin, as we must, with the statutory language enacted by the Legislature.&rdquo; This court does not &ldquo;legislate from the bench.&rdquo;</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Daily, and often many times in a day, judges are called upon to separate fact from fiction, truth from untruth. Judges are called upon to address infinitely difficult issues related to those who perceive that they have been wronged or have been wronged, committed a wrong, or are accused of wrongful behavior, and, after listening carefully and patiently, judges attempt to make it right based on the law. My belief is that judges do not declare winners or losers in litigation, but rather, apply the law to the facts to reach a solution. When people are treated as equals and impartiality prevails, society benefits because a disagreement is resolved and where there was conflict, there is now certainty.</p><p>Allow me to speak to finances: the judicial budget is a microcosm of the state budget, meaning the judicial budget has, like the state budget, constitutionally mandated expenditures that cannot be cut; statutorily dedicated funds that must be spent on the dedicated purpose; interagency transfers; and federal grants&ndash;all of which significantly limit the ability of the judiciary&ndash;just like the state--to respond to budgetary challenges in funding core judicial functions.</p><p>For fiscal year 2022, the judicial budget, including the programs I will address momentarily, is slightly less than one-half of one percent of the entire state of Louisiana budget. Last year, the Legislature restored some of the cuts from 5 years ago, but as you know, inflation has risen exponentially.</p><p>The current fiscal year judicial budget is only $4 million above the budget from July 1, 2015, even though the mandated expenses, such as healthcare and LASERS have increased by $6 million, which does not account for general inflation in other areas. If the inflation factor of the Division of Administration were applied to the judicial budget from six years ago, we would get $4 million more than we are currently requesting. So, from my perspective, we are saving the state $4 million.</p><p>As valuable and indispensable as your employees and staff are to you, our employees and staff are as valuable and indispensable to us. We need to recognize that value, particularly due to the inflation figures of the past year.</p><p>In our system of democracy, the institutional legitimacy of the judiciary depends on its independence. The declaration of independence referenced the lack of judicial independence as a grievance against the king. Let&rsquo;s not repeat that history. Granted, independence must be tempered with responsibility, respect, and comity. The Legislature has appropriately asserted its independence. The framers of our federal constitution were clear at the time of the birth of our nation that an independent judiciary was critical to the future of our nation.</p><p>Independence is contingent, in part, on proper funding. For our system of democracy to survive and flourish, the public must believe our courts have the necessary tools to render fair and impartial decisions.</p><p>The Legislature, year before last, provided $7 million of CARES Act funds that were onetime funds spent on onetime expenses related to the coronavirus, as required by federal law. As good stewards of these funds, the judiciary spent a portion of the funds on onetime expenses primarily to improve technology so the judiciary could continue to function to provide access to our system of justice during the continuing pandemic. I will come back to these funds later. I am proud to say that, although courthouses had to shutter due to public health issues, the courts remained open virtually and judges implemented and learned new technology to ensure our system of justice remained available. Jurisdictions innovated and utilized auditoriums, gyms, and even onsite tents to ensure public safety while conducting court proceedings. Throughout the pandemic, judges continued to provide services to our citizens in innovative and creative ways.</p><p>The Supreme Court established a Technology Commission, which has initiated a plan to bring every jurisdiction to a more consistent level of technology across our state, which is especially important to our rural areas. Technology is saving time and costs for litigants, is accommodating those who have legal issues before the courts, and provides access to justice. While we took a first step in making sure that our judges had the hardware that they needed to conduct court proceedings remotely, and to meet technological challenges, however, that was just the beginning and we are currently working on a proposal to seek funding for additional technological enhancements which would ensure that all of judges have the tools they need to run a court in the 21st-century and address cyber-security challenges. We are also working on the legislation known as clean slate and we look forward to our continued discussions with Representative Royce Duplessis on this important legislation.</p><p>The Supreme Court&rsquo;s Technology Commission has been ably chaired by a judge now known, particularly in this chamber, as the spouse of Representative Laurie Schlegel. I am proud to share that her husband, Judge Scott Schlegel, received the prestigious William H. Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence from the National Center for State Courts, conferred by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. Judge Schlegel received this award, which is one of the highest judicial honors in the country, for his efforts in using and promoting technology in the Louisiana court system, and is the first Louisiana judge so honored.</p><p>Judge Yvette Alexander, who serves on the Baton Rouge City Court, was sworn in as president of the American Judges Association last year. This association is the largest independent organization of judges from all jurisdictions and levels of courts throughout the United States and Canada. Chosen by a vote of her peers, her selection is a reflection of Judge Alexander&rsquo;s dedication to our system of justice and her leadership. Her presidency was to have an economic benefit to Louisiana because judges planned to come from all over the country for a conference, which had to be scaled back due to the pandemic. Judge Alexander is the fifth Louisiana judge to lead this international organization.</p><p>In addition to core functions such as resolving disputes and administering justice, allow me, in summary fashion, to touch on what our citizens and this body receive in return for their investment in the judiciary. I refer to this as an investment because there is an economic and societal return. Please note that Louisiana is in a distinct minority of states in which the Supreme Court operates all of these programs, many of which are operated by agencies of other states such as departments of corrections or departments of children and family services.</p><p>Drug &amp; Specialty Courts include drug treatment courts, Family Preservation Courts, DWI Courts, mental health courts, Veterans Courts, and Re-entry Courts. All of these courts require additional work and training for which the judges do not receive additional pay, but they receive the immense satisfaction of serving others&ndash;much like each of you. These courts teach personal responsibility and accountability and favor rehabilitation over incarceration, reduce recidivism, and save the state money in corrections, mental health, and healthcare, while also saving souls and families.</p><p>I can tell you about statistics for these programs. For example, based on the most recent information, since the inception of drug courts in Louisiana, 923 drug-free babies have been born to drug court participants for an estimated cost savings to the state of $230,750,000. And, drug court participants work significant hours of community service every year, which equates to free labor for the state.</p><p>I can also tell you how most of those who enter drug courts don&rsquo;t have a job and/or education. Almost all who graduate have a job and/or an education.</p><p>We are grateful for the Legislature&rsquo;s investment in the judicial budget, which supports this type of occurrence. If you wish to see remarkable transformations, attend a drug court graduation, or read the testimonial of graduates, such as the following. Said one Veterans Court participant: &ldquo;the benefits of attending Veterans Court are immeasurable. If I had to pick out the greatest things, they would have to be the reinstallation of the core values I had as a member of the armed forces. Values such as integrity, service, and excellence. Veterans Court mandated that I return to a lifestyle that was honorable.&rdquo;</p><p>The Legislature&rsquo;s investment also allows the judiciary to administer the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).</p><ul><li>These advocates are community volunteers who advocate for the most vulnerable people in our state&ndash;children who have been abused or neglected.</li><li>These extraordinary ordinary citizens are specially trained and vetted and are appointed to the case of one child, or sibling group, unlike caseworkers and attorneys who carry heavy caseloads.</li><li>CASA volunteers have provided critical services for children throughout the COVID crisis.</li><li>There are 17 local CASA programs serving 41 of 42 judicial districts in 61 of 64 parishes. In 2021, 1,610 CASA volunteers, your neighbors, friends, and family members served 3,490 children, and they dedicated 53,447 volunteer hours equaling $1,525,383 in savings for the state. More importantly, 1,968 of these children were able to leave foster care to safe, permanent homes, saving the state approximately $2,400 per month, per child, amounting to millions more in savings.</li></ul><p>The court also manages the Families In Need of Services assistance program, or FINS, that serves to effectively address self-destructive behaviors by a child and conduct by other family members which contribute to the child&rsquo;s harm and which warrant court intervention so that appropriate services to remedy the family&rsquo;s dysfunction can be secured. The most common status offenses where children get into what I call a &ldquo;R.U.T.&rdquo;&ndash;they are running away, ungovernable, and truant.</p><p>Domestic violence is still far too prevalent in Louisiana and throughout the nation. Louisiana has long ranked near the top in annual surveys of states regarding domestic violence. It is critical to address the protection of victims in our state by making resources widely available. The Louisiana Protective Order Registry (LPOR) is a statewide repository of court orders of protection for victims of domestic and dating violence, stalking and sexual assault. As such it offers important access to information needed by law enforcement and courts to continue to provide protection to victims. The registry operates an on-call service available 24 hours a day/365 days per year which responds to over 1,700 annual inquiries from local, state, and federal agencies. LPOR won a national award from the FBI some years ago for its competence in addressing domestic violence.</p><p>These programs are not the judiciary&rsquo;s &ldquo;core functions,&rdquo; and, if we did not manage these programs, our budget would go down drastically and we could fund our core functions. The irony of our budget is that we built these programs at the request and with the support of the Legislature and individual legislators, and we made these programs viable and available throughout the state. However, we are facing deficit spending and using some savings we accumulated over three decades to sustain the programs at the cost of the judiciary&rsquo;s core functions. The judiciary absolutely has to fund its core functions, so when we request additional investments, it is for these programs, which save the state money in other areas of the budget.</p><p>I believe our judiciary should be &ldquo;F.I.T.,&rdquo; an acronym that reflects concepts of frugality, integrity, and transparency. Indeed, among judges, I am known as &ldquo;tight&rdquo; with state dollars, and that&rsquo;s when they are being kind. I prefer the term &ldquo;frugal.&rdquo;</p><p>For example, as previously indicated, in 2020, the Legislature generously allocated to the judiciary $7 million of CARES Act money, which was described then as the quote &ldquo;coin of the realm.&rdquo; After months of court staff meetings with input from the justices and from legislators and legislative staffs, the judiciary found that the restrictions imposed by the CARES Act limited what the judiciary could spend and still be frugal.</p><p>Rather than spending this money just to spend it, which after all is taxpayer money regardless of the source, we contacted our colleagues in the house and senate leadership and worked with the division of administration and the governor&rsquo;s office, and returned $5 million, which was desperately needed by local governments throughout the state in members&rsquo; districts. In a meeting before the Senate Finance Committee, after approval by Appropriations and the House, we completed the transfer of the $5 million, for which we got half of the $5 million and an &ldquo;IOU&rdquo; for the balance, secured by trust and good faith. It was described by Chairman White and those present at the meeting as a rare trifecta&ndash;a win, win, win where one branch returns funds to another branch that then reallocated the funds so the third branch could apply the funds where desperately needed. I am proud of the judiciary for initiating this effort and grateful that last year the IOU was satisfied.</p><p>When we seek opportunities to work together, our citizens benefit. All I ask is that when we request appropriations, you please remember the judiciary once returned funds.</p><p>We save money also. Working with my colleagues and our dedicated staff, the judiciary cancelled a long-time lease and brought the employees from the leased office space into the courthouse at 400 Royal Street in New Orleans&ndash;saving the state a quarter of a million dollars a year.</p><p>Please allow me a moment to share an initiative. The judiciary has developed a program known as &ldquo;Judges in the Classroom and Students in the Courtroom.&rdquo; We have partnerships with the BESE Board; the Louisiana Commission on Civic Education, created by the Legislature and chaired by north Louisiana Judge Wendell Manning; the Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education; the Louisiana State Library; the School Superintendents Association; the School Board Association; and others, to help educate our children about how all citizens are equal before the law, the consequences of inappropriate behavior, making good choices, and personal responsibility, while also teaching civics. Despite the pandemic waxing and waning last year and a major hurricane disrupting school schedules, judges positively impacted almost 10,000 students in classrooms and courtrooms throughout our state.</p><p>Drug courts have demonstrated the power of the robe. Judges can have a positive impact on teaching our young people.</p><p>I have reached out to a former teacher, who I suggest is still a teacher at heart and is now the President of the Senate, and he is interested in partnering with us, as is the House Speaker.</p><p>Justice Crichton, as a district judge, proactively developed a program that teaches young people about the consequences of certain behavior in an effort to convince them not to see him in his professional capacity as a judge - 20,000 students benefitted from his teachings, which often included parents. He has re-instituted his programs as a Justice and teaches students and their parents in standing-room-only auditoriums and gyms.</p><p>As previously mentioned, District Judge Wendell Manning of Monroe has been long involved in a program teaching civics to adults. District Judge Randy Bethancourt of Houma has taught over 20,000 students about our court system. He had a group of students scheduled to meet him prior to Hurricane Ida and kept the appointment in a severely damaged courthouse.</p><p>A few judges are present representing all the many judges who have been involved in this outreach:</p><ul><li>Judge Randy Bethancourt *immediate past president of the Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education</li><li>Judge Wendell Manning *also attending as chair of the Louisiana Commission on Civic Education</li><li>Judge Karelia Stewart</li><li>Judge Jason Dagate</li><li>Judge Dawn Amacker</li><li>Judge Lee Faulkner</li><li>Judge Shayna Beevers Morvant *currently serving as president of the Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education</li></ul><p>If any legislator wishes to partner with a judge in these teaching endeavors, please let us know. We urge you to join us in this outreach program.</p><p>On another topic, I do not have to remind you the Legislature recently addressed reapportionment in a special session. I am positive many of you have a malaise&ndash;what I refer to as reapportionment fatigue, which manifests in eyes being crossed due to staring at maps and body aches from being beat up and beat down. Obviously, the Supreme Court districts as currently configured need some modification because of population shifts. However, in their adjudicative function, justices are not elected to represent people, but rather to apply principles essential to a properly functioning system of justice: impartiality, independence, the rule of law&ndash;all while realizing that all are equal before the law and all who appear must be&nbsp;treated with dignity and respect. As such, perfect population proportionality of judicial districts is not legally required.</p><p>I believe the districts can and should reflect the historical boundaries that have long existed so as to maintain communities of like interests, and the court should reflect the rich geographical diversity of our state. I do not believe it appropriate for the court as a separate branch of government to opine on what is a task constitutionally assigned to the Legislature, but I believe individual justices have an obligation to confer with legislators. Benjamin Franklin said about democracy: &ldquo;It is the wearer of the shoe who knows where it pinches.&rdquo; And, just like each of you knows your district, each of the Justices knows the district they serve. Note, I did not say &ldquo;their districts.&rdquo; Like you, we hold seats in trust for the time elected. Besides respecting the community of interest in the current makeup of the judicial districts and not excessively dividing parishes, the court as a whole should provide opportunities to elect those who reflect the rich diversity of our great state. Because the Supreme Court acts as a single entity, with each justice casting one vote, reflecting our state&rsquo;s diversity will foster respect for the rulings.</p><p>Louisiana&rsquo;s system of court costs and fees is an immensely significant issue that needs attention. Speaker pro tempore Magee heads the Louisiana Commission on Justice System Funding, which is working vigorously to unravel and improve this system that federal courts have ruled, in two cases that are now final, has flaws.</p><p>While I am a firm believer in the &ldquo;user pays&rdquo; principle, some who show up in court often simply cannot pay exceptionally high fees and costs. We cannot afford to fund our judicial system strictly on the backs of the impoverished.</p><p>Additionally, for far too long our state has shifted the costs of our state court system to local government and has done so with fines, fees, and costs to keep the system afloat. I will admit there was historically some heel dragging by the judiciary in the past, but no more. In conjunction with the Commission on Justice System Funding, an analysis was performed last year with the assistance of judges statewide by the Supreme Court staff and is posted on the Supreme Court&rsquo;s website. We cannot continue to rely on local governments to fund the state judiciary because the funding of our justice system should not be contingent on whether a court is in an impoverished area of our state. This system of funding is antiquated and does not ensure justice or equality statewide. Let us work together to rectify this inefficient and antiquated system.</p><p>I have been in discussions with judges, legislators, and other judicial stakeholders regarding how to ensure that the judiciary is efficient, effective, and reflects the rich diversity of our state. Once, years ago, while presenting the judicial budget, I was asked &ldquo;how many judgeships did the judiciary create?&rdquo; My response was that the judiciary did not create any judgeships, that we have precisely and exactly the number of judgeships established by the constitution. The judiciary has never created a judicial position and the judiciary cannot eliminate a judicial position. Adding and eliminating judicial positions are legislative functions. No doubt in recognition of our system of checks and balances, our constitution wisely requires a two-thirds vote of each legislative chamber to change the number of judges in any judicial district. It is important to remember that judges must remain independent to apply the rule of law without fear of reprisal when a judges makes a decision fully supported by the law, but which may prove unpopular.</p><p>In 2006, after Hurricane Katrina, the Legislature asked the Supreme Court to study and provide information and recommendations on the appropriate number of district court judgeships. We responded and submitted what became known as the Lentini Report, because the author of the requesting legislation was Senator Art Lentini of Jefferson Parish. The Lentini Report contained several recommendations, including developing a permanent process for determining the appropriate number of judgeships, including reducing judgeships when necessary, preferably by attrition. In 2007, through another resolution sponsored by Senator Lentini, the Legislature requested that the Court provide yearly information on the&nbsp; appropriate number of judgeships. The Supreme Court responded by submitting reports to the Legislature from 2008 through 2011, which contained the requested analysis of judicial workload in courts throughout the state and caseload data. These reports remain accessible to the public on the Supreme Court&rsquo;s website. In 2011, the Legislature again requested a comprehensive study of judges, which was done and submitted to the Legislature, along with the conclusion that the workpoint formula was outdated and invalid, and needed to be revised. That report is known as the Act 143 Report.</p><p>At this time, based on population shifts and the latest filings data, I suggest the Legislature and judiciary establish a Joint Task Force. This Task Force would not re-invent the wheel, but would instead revisit previous recommendations, obtain a viable workpoint analysis, and take action to make the judiciary more efficient and effective, while ensuring diversity. The only way this can be done is with all stakeholders in the justice system having a seat at the table.</p><p>Relatedly, any attempts to reapportion the judiciary, except the Supreme Court, should await an analysis after a study, funded by the Legislature separate from the judicial budget, regarding a work-points analysis, which should be utilized along with data on population and a filing analysis. There are two entities that have provided proposals for the study&ndash;the National Center for State Courts and the Justice Management Institute. This work must be done hand-in-glove with the fines, fees, and costs analysis to ensure the judiciary is effective and efficient. Any attempt to alter judicial districts, other than the Supreme Court, should await this analysis.</p><p>Please know that the justices and judges are disappointed in the current state of some lawyer advertising, believing it unprofessional. That disappointment is not new and was reflected in changes to the rules governing lawyer advertisements some years ago. These changes were made based on recommendations by constitutional law scholars. Unfortunately, the federal courts determined that changes violated their views on the first amendment after a suit was filed before the ink was dry on the rule changes. The first amendment and our state constitution both protect freedom of speech and, in 1977, the U.S. Supreme Court held that lawyer advertising, like other advertising, was protected by the First Amendment. The federal courts are reluctant to enforce limitations on free speech for fear that our precious right to freedom of speech will be suppressed.</p><p>We must use extreme caution in regulating speech, even if we find it unprofessional or disappointing. Please note, the court&rsquo;s rules have long prohibited &ldquo;false and misleading&rdquo; advertisements, but that becomes exceptionally hard to prove and prevent given the broad view of the First Amendment and that federal courts are reluctant to limit speech. The justices pledge to continue to work with the Legislature on this challenging issue and the Court has enacted some rules to address these issues. Please keep a judicial seat available at the table.</p><p>Although we continue to address this challenging issue, but please note carefully&ndash;if a rule or statute is struck down by a federal judge on the basis of unconstitutionality, the entity that enacted the rule or statute or attempts to enforce the rule pays the legal fees and costs of whomever filed the suit. The judiciary&rsquo;s budget simply cannot afford to risk paying those attorney fees.</p><p>On another topic related to the functioning of the justice system, it is prudent, wise, and necessary to properly fund public defenders to ensure that those who are presumed innocent until proven guilty will be properly represented. We have come to understand that, occasionally, innocent people are convicted and incarcerated, while the real criminals continue to prey on society. The Legislature has authorized compensation for those who were wrongfully incarcerated, but prove their innocence.</p><p>Astute prosecutors know that public defenders are an essential component to our system of justice. Too many have spent too much time incarcerated for crimes they did not commit, at&nbsp;too great a cost to the state without providing safety to society. I commend the Legislature for its efforts to increase funding for indigent defense.</p><p>We thank you for your dedicated service to your district and to our state in these difficult and trying times. The judiciary and the Legislature have enjoyed a close working relationship that ultimately benefits our citizens. History teaches that the citizens of Louisiana have always responded to these challenges with perseverance, resolve, and tenacity. Let us work collaboratively, my friends, to serve our citizens well.</p><p>On a personal note, thank you for inviting me to address the Legislature, 45 years after thinking one day I may do so.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><p><strong>For more information contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><span class="photo-by">&nbsp;</span></p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:100%;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>March 14, 2022</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>THE JUSTICES OF THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT WILL APPEAR AT&nbsp;THE LOUISIANA STATE LEGISLATURE, <br />WHERE CHIEF JUSTICE JOHN L. WEIMER WILL DELIVER THE STATE OF THE JUDICIARY ADDRESS</strong></p><p><strong style="text-align:center;">New Orleans, LA&minus;&nbsp;</strong>On Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 3 p.m. the Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court will attend a joint session of the Louisiana State Legislature. Chief Justice John L. Weimer will deliver the State of the Judiciary address in the chambers of the House of Representatives.</p><p>The first State of the Judiciary address by a Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice to the Legislature was in 1997, and this will be Chief Justice Weimer&rsquo;s first State of the Judiciary address since becoming Chief Justice in 2021. The speech will be live-streamed from the Legislature&rsquo;s website at <a href="http://www.legis.la.gov" target="_blank">www.legis.la.gov</a> and the Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s website at <a href="/">www.lasc.org/</a>.</p><p><strong>For more information contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><span class="photo-by">&nbsp;</span></p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:100%;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>February 14, 2022</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT OBSERVES&nbsp;</strong><br /><strong>BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES</strong></p><p><strong style="text-align:center;">New Orleans, LA&minus;&nbsp;</strong>The Louisiana Supreme Court Justices and staff and Law Library of Louisiana will once again host special activities in observance of Black History Month. These educational outreach initiatives highlight the contributions of prominent African Americans to the field of law and recount these accomplishments through interaction with local school students and special informational publications and displays.</p><p>&ldquo;During Black History Month, the Louisiana Supreme Court Justices and the Court&rsquo;s staff, which includes the Law Library of Louisiana, will focus on the historic and significant contributions of several African Americans which have greatly impacted the history of the state and the nation,&rdquo; stated Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer. &ldquo;In alignment with our ongoing civic educational initiatives, we will concentrate on educating students and the general public on how African American achievements are ingrained into the state&rsquo;s legal history. As was done in 2021, the Louisiana Supreme Court will host students from Homer A. Plessy Community School for a book reading by the Justices, which will be digitally recorded and shared with elementary schools statewide by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Louisiana Department of Education. The reading will be followed by a Q&amp;A session. My colleagues and I look forward to taking part in these upcoming observances and remembrances of those who sought to make the promise of the Declaration of Independence - that all are created equal - a reality.&rdquo;</p><p>Miriam Childs, Director, Law Library of Louisiana, announced several additional educational outreach initiatives scheduled for February. They include four weekly special issues of the Law Library&rsquo;s newsletter, <em>De Novo</em>, featuring <a href="https://lasc.libguides.com/ld.php?content_id=65366494" target="_blank">Mr. Oscar J. Dunn</a> (2/4/22), <a href="https://lasc.libguides.com/ld.php?content_id=65505606" target="_blank">Homer A. Plessy</a> (2/11/22), Reverend Avery C. Alexander (2/18/22), and Mr. Charles J. Hatfield (2/23/22). Other initiatives include a new library exhibit examining a court case on Louisiana Civil Rights legal representation by out-of-state counsel, and a recorded vignette commemorating Homer Plessy&rsquo;s life arc and posthumous pardon. Educational outreach initiatives can be accessed on the Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s Press Room page under the <a href="/BlackHistoryMonth">Black History Month</a> link.</p>For many years, the Supreme Court has hosted student and general public tours of the Court which often include meeting with one of the Justices. Additionally, Judges statewide continue to make visits to various schools throughout the state, both in person and virtually, as part of the &ldquo;Judges in the Classroom/Students in the Courtroom&rdquo; program. The upcoming visit by the students from Homer A. Plessy Community School to the Louisiana Supreme Court will mark the first visit by a group of students to the court in 2022. COVID-19 guidelines will be followed.<p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>For more information contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><span class="photo-by">&nbsp;</span></p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:100%;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>January 12, 2022</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF BUILDING CLOSURE TO PUBLIC TRAFFIC; <br />JANUARY ORAL ARGUMENTS WILL BE LIVE WITH COUNSEL ONLY</strong></p><p><strong style="text-align:center;">New Orleans, LA&minus;&nbsp;</strong>The Louisiana Supreme Court announced today that until further notice, the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse will remain closed to the public.&nbsp; This closure extension is due to the spread of COVID-19 and the rising number of cases in Louisiana, and in consideration of public health recommendations to reduce the risk of exposure.</p><p>The Courthouse closure to public traffic in no way affects the work of the Court and is in response to the recent rise in cases of the Omicron variant in the nation and specifically in Louisiana.&nbsp; It is a proactive safety measure to protect Louisiana citizens and Court staff who frequent the Court building.&nbsp; Court filings will be accepted in person at the 400 Royal Street entrance to the Courthouse, however e-filing is encouraged.</p><p>The Supreme Court additionally announces that the January 24-26, 2022 oral arguments will be live with the justices and counsel only in attendance. All others interested in watching oral arguments are invited to view via the Supreme Court&rsquo;s livestream, <a href="https://livestream.lasc.org" target="_blank">https://livestream.lasc.org</a>.&nbsp; The Court&rsquo;s livestream service was first launched in January 2007 and carries the Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s oral arguments in real-time.&nbsp; The January 24-26, 2022 docket is available at <a href="/dockets/Jan2022.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.lasc.org/dockets/Jan2022.pdf</a>.</p><p>&ldquo;The Justices and their staffs and the staff of the Supreme Court, using technology, have continued to meet in weekly conferences addressing administrative and adjudication responsibilities and the court&rsquo;s docket remains current,&rdquo; expressed Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer.&nbsp; &ldquo;The work of the court in addressing legal and administrative matters has continued unabated because of the foresight of harnessing technology.&nbsp; The Justices are committed to continuing to do whatever it takes to insure the work of the courts continue as we learn to live and work while protecting the health of our employees and the public we serve.&nbsp; We look forward to the day when the public, whose visits we miss, can enter their courthouse.&rdquo;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">REMINDER FOR ALL MEDIA:<br /></span></strong>In response to the public health emergency created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Louisiana Supreme Court is posting Orders and information from the Louisiana&rsquo;s courts on its website, <a href="/">www.lasc.org</a> and <a href="/COVID19">www.lasc.org/COVID19</a>.&nbsp; We ask and encourage all who are seeking information on Louisiana courts and the COVID-19 pandemic to visit the Supreme Court&rsquo;s website for information.</p><p><strong>For more information contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><span class="photo-by">&nbsp;</span></p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>January 5, 2022</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>JUDGE TERRI FLEMING LOVE TO SERVE AS CHIEF JUDGE&nbsp;OF FOURTH CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEAL</strong></p><p><strong>NEW ORLEANS, LA</strong> &ndash; Judge Terri Fleming Love has become Chief Judge of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal following the retirement of former Chief Judge James F. McKay III. Chief Judge Love officially became Chief Judge January 4, 2022.</p><p>Chief Judge Love was elected to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal in 2000, and is the senior member of that court. She joined the Fourth Circuit after serving on the Orleans Parish Civil District Court bench since 1995.</p><p>Chief Judge Love earned her Bachelor of Arts from Jackson State University in 1983 and her Juris Doctor from Tulane University Law School in 1986. She additionally earned a Master of Laws in the Judicial Process from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2004. She participated in the Institute of Judicial Administration at New York University School of Law in 2001; George Mason School of Law Collegium in 2002; and the International Judicial Academy, The Hague, Netherlands in 2007.</p><p>She is Past Judicial Committee Chair of the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, and a member of the National Bar Association, American Judges Association, National Association of Women Judges, the American Bar Association Appellate Judges&rsquo; Conference, New Orleans Bar Association, and the Louisiana State Bar Association.</p><p>Chief Judge Love is engaged in community service through various volunteer activities. She has chaired the City of New Orleans&rsquo; annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Planning Commission. She is a Certified instructor and active member of the Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education. Since 2008, she has volunteered as a mentor for the College Track program to help high school students prepare for college and expose them to different professional pathways. Chief Judge Love has served as the Activity Director for the Senior Citizens Ministry of her church, the Greater Saint Stephens Full Gospel Baptist Church. She is also an active member of the Omicron Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and is a board member of the Amistad Research Center. </p><p>Chief Judge Love is married to Ellria Love and they are the proud parents of two children.</p><p><strong>For more information contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-03_picgrid.css" /></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-03_Terri_F_Love.jpg" alt="Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal Chief Judge Terri F. Love" /><br /><span class="caption">Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal Chief Judge Terri F. Love</span> </p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>January 5, 2022</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>FOURTH CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEAL CHIEF JUDGE JAMES F. McKAY III ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT</strong></p><p><strong>NEW ORLEANS, LA</strong> &ndash; Chief Judge James F. McKay III has announced his retirement from the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal, effective January 3, 2022. With the retirement of Chief Judge McKay, Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Terri Fleming Love becomes the Chief Judge of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal. </p><p>Chief Judge McKay is a native of New Orleans. He earned his bachelor&rsquo;s degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (currently the University of Louisiana at Lafayette) in 1969. He earned his juris doctorate from Loyola University New Orleans, College of Law in 1974. While enrolled in law school, he also worked as an adult probation and parole officer.</p><p>From 1974-1978, Chief Judge McKay worked at the Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office where he served as a Senior Trial Attorney. From 1978-1982, he served as the Chief Prosecutor of the Criminal Division for the Metropolitan office of the State Attorney General's Office. On December 12, 1982, he was elected to the Orleans Criminal District Court bench where he served until 1998. Chief Judge McKay was elected to the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal on March 7, 1998, and since January 1, 2013, he has served as Chief Judge.</p><p>Chief Judge McKay is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Judges Association, serving as President in 2009. He previously served as Vice President and National Secretary, and was twice elected to the Board of Governors. In 2007 he received the Judge William H. Burnett Award from the American Judges Association. Chief Judge McKay is also a member of the American Bar Association, the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Fourth and Fifth Circuit Judges Association, Francophone Section of the Louisiana State Bar Association and the American Judicature Society.</p><p>Chief Judge McKay is also active in a number of civic and fraternal organizations. In 2010, Chief Judge McKay was appointed as the Honorary Consul General of Ireland for the State of Louisiana. He served as National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians from 2016-2020, National Vice President from 2012-2016, and National Treasurer from 2008-2012. He remains Past National President for life. Chief Judge McKay is the current Chair of the National Oversite Committee for the National Ancient Order of Hibernians and National Hibernian Charity. He is married to Marie Soniat McKay and they are the parents of four children: James F., IV, Michael B., Katherine L. and Colleen S. McKay.</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court has <a href="/Press_Room/press_releases/2022/2022-02-Order-Luker.pdf" target="_blank">appointed</a> attorney Lynn Luker as judge pro tempore to the Fourth Circuit to fill the vacancy created by the retirement. That appointment is effective January 4, 2022 through May 31, 2022. </p><p><strong>For more information contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-02_picgrid.css" /></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-02_James_F_McKay_III.jpg" alt="Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal Chief Judge James F. McKay, III" /><br /><span class="caption">Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal Chief Judge James F. McKay, III</span> </p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2022 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>January 1, 2022</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT BIDS FAREWELL TO LONG-TIME CLERK OF COURT JOHN TARLTON OLIVIER </strong></p><p><strong>NEW ORLEANS, LA</strong> &ndash; <strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Clerk of Court John Tarlton Olivier</strong>, who in early 2021 announced his retirement, exited the magnificent Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse at 400 Royal Street for the last time as Clerk of Court on December 31, 2021. He served the Louisiana Supreme Court for 36 years, including 25 years and 9 months as Clerk of Court. Olivier has the distinction of being the longest serving Clerk of Court in the history of the Louisiana Supreme Court. </p><p>Olivier received his bachelor&rsquo;s degree from Loyola University New Orleans in 1976 and his juris doctor degree in 1979 from Loyola University New Orleans, College of Law. He entered the private practice of law with the firm of Olivier &amp; Brinkhaus in 1979, and served as Secretary-Treasurer of the St. Landry Parish Bar Association and of the Sertoma International-Sunset Area Sertoma. In 1982 he worked for the Board of Commissioners for the Port of New Orleans, and served as Dredging Committee Chairman of the Marine Safety Society. He served on the Vocational Tech Committee of the Chamber of Commerce, New Orleans and the River Region; was appointed by the Mayor to the Anti-Truancy Committee for the City of New Orleans and the Orleans Parish School Board, and served as a member of the Metropolitan Area Committee and on the Forum Selection Committee. </p><p>In 1985, Olivier was appointed Louisiana Supreme Court Deputy Clerk of Court. Eleven years later, he was sworn in as Clerk of Court on March 1, 1996. Known as &ldquo;John T.&rdquo; to friends and family, Olivier and his office oversaw all filings submitted to the Louisiana Supreme Court, coordinated the scheduling of dockets, maintained the Court&rsquo;s calendar, and managed the Supreme Court&rsquo;s non-judicial operations.&nbsp; Olivier was an integral part of the Court&rsquo;s e-filing initiative, which allows attorneys to submit filings to the Supreme Court electronically and access briefs. In 1986, Olivier was tasked to coordinate the painstaking effort of obtaining funding for and renovating the severely deteriorated former home of the Louisiana Supreme Court on Royal Street, to which the Court returned in 2004. </p><p>Olivier graduated from the National Center for State Courts' Institute for Court Management and was recognized as a Fellow of the Institute during ceremonies at the United States Supreme Court in 1991, presided over by Chief Justice Warren Burger, Retired. Since 1991, Olivier has been a member of the Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA)/National Center for State Courts (NCSC) Court Statistics Project Advisory Committee, he is currently a member of the Supreme Court of Louisiana Historical Society, National Association for Court Management, American Bar Association, Louisiana State Bar Association, and served as president of the National Conference of Appellate Court Clerks. Olivier is married to Terry L. Seemann and they are the parents of Jeffrey Tarlton Olivier and Emily Marie Kesler, and grandparents of two. </p><p>In December 2021, the Justices of the Court presented Olivier with a plaque that read:&nbsp; &ldquo;In recognition of his 36 years of service to the Louisiana Supreme Court, including 11 years as Deputy Clerk of Court and 25 years and 9 months as Clerk of Court: His unparalleled contributions to the work of the Louisiana Supreme Court in ensuring the fair administration of justice for the citizens of Louisiana; His unsurpassed intellect and knowledge of court operations and pioneering contributions in the area of State court caseload statistics;&nbsp; His invaluable and dedicated efforts as &ldquo;clerk of the works&rdquo; in the historic restoration of 400 Royal Street; His tenure as the longest serving Clerk of Court in the history of the Louisiana Supreme Court; And for his incomparable diligence and unselfish dedication, making him one of the Supreme Court&rsquo;s true &ldquo;unsung heroes&rdquo;, We, the Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court, express our deep appreciation.&rdquo;</p><p>&ldquo;I offer my congratulations to John T. upon his retirement,&rdquo; said Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer.&nbsp; &ldquo;His presence will be missed as a member of the Supreme Court family and certainly his support of the Supreme Court bench.&nbsp; John T. has shown great dedication to the citizens of Louisiana through his humble yet professional demeanor and exceptional competence.&nbsp; The years he dedicated in service to the Court have resulted in a well-run Clerk&rsquo;s office, a magnificent courthouse, and an excellent example of professionalism for colleagues and court staff as well.&rdquo;</p><p>John T. Olivier expressed, &ldquo;I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the Louisiana Supreme Court and the citizens of Louisiana in a capacity that was rewarding both personally and professionally.&nbsp; I have worked with some of the most talented legal minds in the history of the Louisiana judiciary and I treasure the opportunity I had to learn from them as well as pass on to others the knowledge I have acquired. I feel privileged to have served as Clerk, am satisfied with the direction my career took, and feel confident this position is left in very capable hands as I retire.&rdquo;</p><p>When asked what he plans to do once retired, Olivier responded, &ldquo;I plan to pursue my passion for sailing and spending time with my friends, family, and especially my grandchildren. However, I&rsquo;ll always be near as a resource, just call, I will always pick up to answer.&rdquo;</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court announced earlier in 2021 that <strong><a href="/Clerk&#39;s_Office?p=VERONICA_O_KOCLANES">Veronica O. Koclanes, Esq.</a></strong> will succeed Olivier as Louisiana Supreme Court Clerk of Court. Koclanes said of Olivier, &ldquo;I am honored to follow the exemplary service of John T. Olivier, who set a high standard for over 25 years as Clerk of Court."</p><p><strong>For more information contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-01_picgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2022/images/2022-01_John_T_Olivier.jpg" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Clerk of Court John T. Olivier" /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court Clerk of Court<br />John T. Olivier</span> </p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:100%;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>December 27, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ANNOUNCES BUILDING CLOSURE TO PUBLIC TRAFFIC DUE TO RISING NUMBER OF OMICRON VARIANT CASES</strong></p><p><strong style="text-align:center;">New Orleans, LA&minus;&nbsp;</strong>The Louisiana Supreme Court announced today that considering the resurgence in the spread of COVID-19 and the rising number of cases in Louisiana, and in consideration of public health recommendations to reduce the risk of exposure, the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse will be closed to the public, effective December 28, 2021 through January 17, 2022.</p><p>The Court&rsquo;s closing of the building at 400 Royal Street to public traffic will in no way affect the work of the Court and is in response to the recent rise in cases of the Omicron variant in the nation and specifically in Louisiana.&nbsp; It is a proactive safety measure to protect Louisiana citizens and Court staff who frequent the Court building.&nbsp; Court filings will be accepted in person at the 400 Royal Street entrance to the Courthouse, however e-filing is encouraged.</p><p>&ldquo;Despite the short-term closure of the Courthouse to public traffic, the work of the Court can and will continue, just as it has throughout the pandemic,&rdquo; said Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer.&nbsp; &ldquo;It is the responsibility of the Louisiana Supreme Court to provide access to justice and to offer it in a safe environment.&nbsp; The modification to reduce the number of individuals in one space by reducing traffic to the court will help combat the spread of the Omicron variant. The prudent implementation of modern technology has enabled Court staff and Justices to continue to work effectively and efficiently despite the pandemic.&rdquo;</p><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">REMINDER FOR ALL MEDIA:<br /></span></strong>In response to the public health emergency created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Louisiana Supreme Court is posting Orders and information from the Louisiana&rsquo;s courts on its website, <a href="/">www.lasc.org</a> and <a href="/COVID19">www.lasc.org/COVID19</a>.&nbsp; We ask and encourage all who are seeking information on Louisiana courts and the COVID-19 pandemic to visit the Supreme Court&rsquo;s website for information.</p><p>For more information contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><span class="photo-by">&nbsp;</span></p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>December 17, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT APPOINTS RETIRED OPELOUSAS CITY COURT <br />JUDGE VANESSA HARRIS AS JUDGE <em>PRO TEMPORE</em> OF LAFAYETTE CITY COURT DIVISION A</strong></p><p><strong>NEW ORLEANS, LA</strong> &ndash; The <a href="/press_room/press_releases/2021/2021-36-Harris_Vanessa_12-17-21_through_2-28-22_Lafayette_City_Court.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court today appointed</strong></a> retired Opelousas City Court Judge Vanessa Harris as judge pro tempore of Division A, Lafayette City Court, for the period of December 17, 2021 through February 28, 2022, subject to the completion of any unfinished business.&nbsp;</p><p>Retired Judge Harris earned her bachelor&rsquo;s degree in Computer Science from Southern University in 1985 and her juris doctorate from Southern University Law Center in 1988.&nbsp; She began her career practicing with the Harris &amp; Harris Law Firm in 1988 and served as an assistant district attorney in St. Landry Parish from 1988-2008. She made history in 2009 when she was elected Opelousas City Court Judge, becoming the first female and first African American to serve on that bench.&nbsp; She served as judge of Opelousas City Court until her retirement in December 2020. Judge Harris is married to Mr. Senic Batiste and is the mother of three daughters. </p><p><strong>For more information contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-36_picgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-36_Judge_Vanessa_Harris_ret.jpg" alt="Judge Vanessa Harris, Ret" /><br /><span class="caption">Judge Vanessa Harris, Ret</span> </p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>December 13, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>24<sup>th</sup> JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT JUDGE SCOTT U. SCHLEGEL RECEIVES</strong><br /><strong>THE WILLIAM H. REHNQUIST AWARD FOR JUDICIAL EXCELLENCE</strong></p><p><strong style="text-align:center;">New Orleans, LA&minus;&nbsp;</strong> <a href="https://www.onlinejudge.us/bio" target="_blank"><strong>Louisiana 24<sup>TH</sup> Judicial District Court Judge Scott U. Schlegel</strong></a> was presented the <a href="https://www.ncsc.org/about-us/awards/william-h-rehnquist-award" target="_blank"><strong>National Center for State Courts (NCSC) 26th Annual William H. Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence</strong></a> at a ceremony at the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse.  Bestowed upon the Jefferson Parish judge for being a facilitator of innovative technological advancement in the Louisiana judiciary, the award is one of the highest judicial honors in the country; Judge Schlegel is the first recipient from Louisiana. </p><p>The Rehnquist Award is presented annually and honors a state court judge who demonstrates the outstanding qualities of judicial excellence, including integrity, fairness, open-mindedness, knowledge of the law, professional ethics, creativity, sound judgment, intellectual courage, and decisiveness. Court leaders who nominated Judge Schlegel for the award touted his cost-saving measures and efforts to create uniform websites for district courts statewide that will include online calendaring systems, web pages with remote court access, and online forms and resources. To date, Judge Schlegel has overseen the construction of more than a dozen new websites.</p><p>&ldquo;The initiatives Judge Schlegel has brought to the Supreme Court for consideration have not only changed court systems but are changing lives,&rdquo; Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John Weimer wrote in his nomination to the NCSC &ldquo;By allowing court users greater and more convenient access to the courts, in providing resources to lawyers and litigants, in offering alternative, more efficient ways to navigate the court process, Judge Schlegel is leading positive and technologically supported changes within the Louisiana system of justice, which save time for court users and result in cost savings,&rdquo; continued Chief Justice Weimer. </p><p>&ldquo;Judge Schlegel has certainly exhibited all of these traits and has gained the respect and admiration of his colleagues and others who serve in state judiciaries across the nation,&rdquo; said NCSC President Mary C. McQueen.</p><p>Judge Schlegel expressed, &ldquo;I am honored to receive this prestigious award for my work in support of the judiciary, which I consider a calling.  It has been my goal to apply the technological knowledge and resources that I have acquired to advance access to justice and better serve the Louisiana judiciary and the citizens it serves.&rdquo;  </p><p>The evening ceremony, hosted by the NCSC, began with a welcome from Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Weimer followed by remarks from NCSC President Mary C. McQueen.  The program included an introduction of the honoree by Chief Justice Paul Suttell, Supreme Court of Rhode Island, with recorded messages from John G. Roberts, Jr., Chief Justice of the United States, and Amy Coney Barrett, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, and New Orleans area native.</p><p>Also present at the ceremony was Judge Schlegel&rsquo;s family including his son Luke and wife Laurie Schlegel, a State Representative in the Louisiana Legislature, who commented: &ldquo;I am so proud of Scott for receiving such a prestigious award, not only for the amazing judge he is but for the kind of man he is. He is an incredible husband, loving father, and example to our son and is a true public servant.&rdquo; </p><p><em>The National Center for State Courts, headquartered in Williamsburg, Va., is a nonprofit court organization dedicated to improving the administration of justice by providing leadership and service to the state courts. Founded in 1971 by the Conference of Chief Justices and Chief Justice of the United States Warren E. Burger, NCSC provides education, training, technology, management, and research services to the nation&rsquo;s state courts.</em></p><p><strong>For more information contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S.&nbsp;Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p><strong>Visit <a href="https://www.ncsc.org" target="_blank">ncsc.org</a> or contact NCSC Director of Communications and Online Media Molly Justice at <a href="mailto:mjustice@ncsc.org">mjustice@ncsc.org</a> or (757) 259-1564. </strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-35_picgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-35_RehnquistAward01.jpg" alt="24th JDC Judge Scott U. Schlegel (l) receives the William H. Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence from Rhode Island Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul A. Suttell (r), who serves as chair of the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) Board of Directors.  The William H. Rehnquist Award, presented annually by NCSC, is one of the nation's highest judicial honors." /><br /><span class="caption">24th JDC Judge Scott U. Schlegel (l) receives the William H. Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence from Rhode Island Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul A. Suttell (r), who serves as chair of the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) Board of Directors.  The William H. Rehnquist Award, presented annually by NCSC, is one of the nation's highest judicial honors.</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-35_RehnquistAward02.jpg" alt="24th JDC Judge Scott U. Schlegel was the recipient of the 26th Annual William H. Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence, presented annually by the National Center for State Courts (NCSC).  Joining Judge Schlegel are (l to r) Rhode Island Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul A. Suttell, who also serves as chair of the NCSC Board of Directors; Mary C. McQueen, president of NCSC; Judge Schlegel; state Representative Laurie Schlegel; and Luke Schlegel." /><br /><span class="caption">24th JDC Judge Scott U. Schlegel was the recipient of the 26th Annual William H. Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence, presented annually by the National Center for State Courts (NCSC).  Joining Judge Schlegel are (l to r) Rhode Island Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul A. Suttell, who also serves as chair of the NCSC Board of Directors; Mary C. McQueen, president of NCSC; Judge Schlegel; state Representative Laurie Schlegel; and Luke Schlegel.</span> </p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:100%;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>November 22, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ANNOUNCES</strong><br /><strong>AMENDMENTS TO JUDICIAL DISCIPLINE RULES</strong></p><p><strong style="text-align:center;">New Orleans, LA&minus;&nbsp;</strong>Today, the Louisiana Supreme Court Justices announced several substantive changes to its rules, effective immediately, that will increase accountability for judges facing allegations of judicial misconduct, protect the public fisc, and help expedite judicial discipline matters. These amendments are a continuation of the Court&rsquo;s ongoing study and revision of judicial discipline rules and the adoption last year of rules that increased public access to and transparency in proceedings before the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana. <a href="/rules/orders/2021/Rule_XXIII.pdf" target="_blank">See Order here.</a></p><p>The Judiciary Commission of Louisiana is a nine-member constitutionally created body empowered to review allegations of judicial misconduct and to recommend to the Supreme Court that a judge be sanctioned when misconduct is proven by clear and convincing evidence.</p><p>After extensive study, review, and deliberation, the Louisiana Supreme Court voted unanimously to make several substantive changes to Louisiana Supreme Court Rule XXIII:</p><ul><li>First, judges who have been charged and convicted of a felony or lesser crime that reflects adversely on the judge&rsquo;s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as judge may now be required to repay the costs of appointing a judge to cover their dockets while they are suspended from performing judicial functions during the pendency of criminal and judicial discipline proceedings.<br /><br /></li><li>Second, judges who retire or resign prior to the conclusion of public judicial discipline proceedings may now be required to repay the costs incurred in the Commission&rsquo;s investigation and litigation of the matter.<br /><br /></li><li>Third, in cases the Commission has determined should be expedited, including cases involving possible criminal conduct, the Commission is now required to issue an order to the hearing officer providing instructions regarding the expediting of the matter.</li></ul><p>&ldquo;The Justices of the Supreme Court and I agree that our system of justice requires accountability for wrongdoing and the fair and efficient resolution of court proceedings, and judges and judicial discipline proceedings are no exception,&rdquo; said Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer. &ldquo;These changes ensure that judges who are convicted of crimes or who resign or retire in the late stages of judicial discipline proceedings, sometimes to avoid the imposition of public discipline by this Court, may be held accountable for the costs incurred as a result of their actions and that such costs are not ultimately borne by the taxpayers of this State. Additionally, these changes will help ensure the efficient and expeditious resolution of the most important matters pending before the Commission.&rdquo;</p><p></p><p><strong>For more information visit&nbsp;<a href="/">LASC.org</a>&nbsp;or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S.&nbsp;Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><span class="photo-by">&nbsp;</span></p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:100%;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>November 10, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE JOHN L. WEIMER</strong><br /><strong>COMMENDS LOUISIANA ATTORNEYS FOR THEIR PRO BONO EFFORTS</strong></p><p><strong style="text-align:center;">New Orleans, LA&minus; </strong>The last few years have challenged our system of justice in unique ways. The pandemic as well as recent damaging storms in Louisiana have contributed to a surge in the need for attorneys to offer legal services to those who lack financial resources.&nbsp; </p><p>The cause of justice in Louisiana is aided by the work of countless attorneys who donate their time, skills, and talent in what the legal system refers to as &ldquo;pro bono publico&rdquo; or &ldquo;pro bono&rdquo; work.&nbsp; The Rules of Professional Conduct that enumerate the ethical standards for attorneys provide in part: &ldquo;Every lawyer should aspire to provide legal services to those unable to pay.&rdquo;&nbsp; In 2009 the National Celebration of Pro Bono was launched by a Committee of the American Bar Association to draw attention to the increasing need for pro bono services during harsh economic times and the unprecedented response of attorneys to meet this demand.&nbsp; During National Celebrate Pro Bono Week, legal organizations across America participate by highlighting the need for providing this service and giving thanks to the many attorneys who donated their legal skills throughout the year. </p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer remarked, &ldquo;I want to commend our Louisiana attorneys who donate to those who are less fortunate; the amount of time they put into meeting this need is remarkable. In 2020, attorneys across our state reported that over 47,700 hours of their time was donated to providing pro bono legal services to those in need.&rdquo;&nbsp; </p><p>The Louisiana State Bar Association is an excellent resource for attorneys seeking to provide pro bono legal services as well as for citizens in need.&nbsp; Through the Access to Justice Commission and its Access to Justice Program, the LSBA encourages its members to provide much-needed pro bono work.&nbsp; The LSBA provides attorneys and citizens with invaluable resources and information on pro bono opportunities and other affordable legal assistance options.</p><p>Relatedly, the goals of lawyers&rsquo; pro bono work are also aided by the largest single facilitator of legal services in the state to those in financial need, which is the Louisiana Bar Foundation.&nbsp; The Bar Foundation uses an innovative funding source to sustain programs and services to some of the most vulnerable in our society, such as children in need of care and victims of domestic violence.&nbsp; That funding source is interest on amounts held on deposit in the trust accounts lawyers maintain for their clients.</p><p>Chief Justice Weimer continued: &ldquo;The legal system exists to resolve disputes within society, as an alternative to the way our ancestors long ago might have resolved their grievances through retribution.&nbsp; The attorneys of our state who perform pro bono service truly render a service to all of society, by championing the rule of law and by providing access to justice.&nbsp; I applaud them for their efforts and thank them profusely for volunteering to serve those who cannot afford an attorney but cannot afford to be without an attorney.&rdquo;</p><p></p><p><strong>For more information visit&nbsp;<a href="/">LASC.org</a>&nbsp;or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S.&nbsp;Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><span class="photo-by">&nbsp;</span></p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:100%;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 15, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>APPOINTMENT OF A NEW ATTORNEY MEMBER</strong><br /><strong>TO THE JUDICIARY COMMISSION OF LOUISIANA</strong></p><p><strong style="text-align:center;">New Orleans, LA&minus;</strong>&nbsp;Attorney John D. Fitzmorris, Jr. has been appointed to the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana for a four-year term which commenced September 1, 2021. Mr. Fitzmorris was selected by the Conference of Court of Appeal Judges to serve as an attorney member of the Judiciary Commission, succeeding Edward J. Walters, Jr.</p><p>Mr. Fitzmorris received his bachelor&rsquo;s degree from Loyola University New Orleans in 1965 and his juris doctor degree from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in 1968. He also attended the Judge Advocate General&rsquo;s School at the University of Virginia in 1968 and received a master&rsquo;s degree from Loyola University New Orleans in 1999.</p><p>From 1968 to 1971, Mr. Fitzmorris served in the Legislative Branch of the Military Affairs Division, Office of the Judge Advocate General of the Army, Department of the Army, followed by Chief of the Legal Assistance Office at Fort Polk, Louisiana. From 1972 to 1973, he worked in private practice before serving as Section Assistant at the Office of the District Attorney in Orleans Parish from 1973 to 1978. He was a senior attorney at Texaco Inc. in the New Orleans Division from 1978 to 1998 before returning to private practice from 1998 to 2005. In 2005, he joined the Office of the District Attorney in Jefferson Parish where he served in the Juvenile/Nonsupport Division until 2015. He served as Chairman of the New Orleans Panel of the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board from 1990 to 1996 and was an adjunct instructor of Religious Studies at Tulane University&rsquo;s University College, currently the School of Professional Advancement, from 2006 to 2018. Mr. Fitzmorris is married to Katherine McKay and they are the parents of five children.</p><p>The Judiciary Commission of Louisiana is a nine-member constitutionally created body empowered to review allegations of judicial misconduct and to recommend to the Supreme Court that a judge be sanctioned when misconduct is proven by clear and convincing evidence.</p><p><strong>For more information visit&nbsp;<a href="/">LASC.org</a>&nbsp;or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S.&nbsp;Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><div class="picgrid"><div><p><span class="photo-by">&nbsp;</span></p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:100%;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 14, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong><strong>BATON ROUGE CITY COURT JUDGE YVETTE M. ALEXANDER IS SWORN IN AS<br />PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN JUDGES ASSOCIATION</strong></p><p><strong style="text-align:center;">New Orleans, LA&minus;</strong>&nbsp;Baton Rouge City Court Judge Yvette Mansfield Alexander was sworn in as president of the American Judges Association (AJA) on Monday, October 4, 2021. Originally founded as the National Association of Municipal Judges (NAMJ) in 1959, AJA is the largest independent organization of judges from all jurisdictions and levels of courts throughout the United States and Canada. Judge Alexander was sworn in by retired Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson.</p><p>&ldquo;I am grateful to God for the honor to serve as president of this outstanding association,&rdquo; said Judge Alexander. &ldquo;It is my passion to affect the administration of justice with excellence and exemplify an unwavering commitment to justice and fundamental fairness; I will serve as president with the same goals in mind. I look forward to the opportunity to work with judges from throughout the nation to fine-tune ever-advancing skills in the perfection of the judiciary.&rdquo;</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer stated, &ldquo;This is a significant honor that rewards Judge Alexander&rsquo;s dedication to our system of justice and her leadership, which was recognized by votes from judges from around the nation. We are proud of her accomplishment, which reflects positively on the judiciary of our state. Judge Alexander is the sixth judge from Louisiana who has served this national judges' association, a reflection of how much Louisiana judges are respected for their leadership capabilities. I&nbsp;commend and congratulate Judge Alexander for this wonderful honor that she has earned.&rdquo;</p><p>Judge Alexander's efforts resulted in judges from around the country planning to visit Louisiana to attend AJA's conference which included continuing legal education courses offered by the Louisiana Judicial College (LJC), the educational arm of the Supreme Court. Like AJA at the national level, the LJC coordinates educational opportunities for Louisiana judges, by Louisiana judges. Unfortunately, because of challenges encountered due to the pandemic coupled with a hurricane and tropical storm, this year&rsquo;s conference was held virtually, with assurances that Louisiana will be considered for hosting a future in-person conference.</p><p>Judge Yvette M. Alexander earned her bachelor's degree from Grambling State University and her juris doctor from the Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 1979. She worked as counsel for the Louisiana State Legislature, Louisiana State Senate, East Baton Rouge Parish Public Defender&rsquo;s Office, and was an assistant attorney general for the Louisiana Attorney General&rsquo;s Office. From 1988-1995, she served as chief legal counsel for the Secretary of State, and served as an Ex-Officio Member of both the Louisiana State Bond Commission and the Louisiana School Employees Retirement System. Judge Alexander serves as a member of the Louis A. Martinet Society, Louisiana Judicial Council of the National Bar Association, National Association of Women Judges, and the Baton Rouge Association of Women Attorneys. She is the mother of two daughters.</p><p>Other Louisiana judges who served as president of AJA include former Shreveport City Court Judge G. Randell Whitmeyer and former Orleans Municipal and Traffic Court Judge Oliver S. Delery, both deceased, Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal Chief Judge James F. McKay, III, retired First Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Toni M. Higginbotham, and Third Circuit Court of Appeal Judge John E. Conery.</p><p>The American Judges Association is an organization of judges. AJA is an independent, non-profit organization housed at the National Center for State Courts, and addresses concerns of interest to all judges. According to its website, AJA works to promote and&nbsp;improve the effective administration of justice and maintains the status and independence of the judiciary by acting to assure that courts: always have due process, are fair, are just, and accessible to all. AJA has strong ties with major judicial organizations, a commitment to enhancing diversity, and provides the highest quality of continuing professional development for judges. It provides multiple models for peer mentoring for judicial colleagues and a variety of platforms and strategies for the exchange of new ideas among all judges while encouraging the role of judges as teachers.</p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">LASC.org</a>&nbsp;or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S.&nbsp;Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-31_picgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-31_Judge_Yvette_M_Alexander_AJA_President.jpg" alt="Baton Rouge City Court Judge Yvette M. Alexander American Judges Association President" /><br /><span class="caption">Baton Rouge City Court Judge Yvette M. Alexander<br />American Judges Association President</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-31_AJA_Presidential_Swearing_In_2021_02.jpg" alt="American Judges Association Presidential Swearing-In - L-R Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer; AJA President, Baton Rouge City Court Judge Yvette M. Alexander; Retired Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette J. Johnson; Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Piper D. Griffin; Orleans Civil District Court Judge Rachael Johnson" /><br /><span class="photoHeading">American Judges Association Presidential Swearing-In</span><br /><span class="caption">L-R Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer; AJA President, Baton Rouge City Court Judge Yvette M. Alexander; Retired Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette J. Johnson; Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Piper D. Griffin; Orleans Civil District Court Judge Rachael Johnson </span><br /><span class="photo-by">Photo Courtesy of Video/Photography by J.R.</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-31_AJA_Presidential_Swearing_In_2021_01.jpg" alt="American Judges Association Presidential Swearing-In - Retired Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette J. Johnson swears in AJA President, Baton Route City Court Judge Yvette M. Alexander as Miss Raegan Parker Vernon (holding the bible); Dr. Diedra Atkins Ball, Mrs. NaKesha Alexander Vernon look on." /><br /><span class="photoHeading">American Judges Association Presidential Swearing-In</span><br /><span class="caption">Retired Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette J. Johnson swears in AJA President, Baton Route City Court Judge Yvette M. Alexander as Miss Raegan Parker Vernon (holding the bible); Dr. Diedra Atkins Ball, Mrs. NaKesha Alexander Vernon look on.<br /></span><span class="photo-by">Photo Courtesy of Video/Photography by J.R.</span> </p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:100%;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590<br /><br />Molly Justice<br />(757) 259-1564<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 12, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>LOUISIANA JUDGE TO RECEIVE</strong><br /><strong>WILLIAM H. REHNQUIST AWARD FOR JUDICIAL EXCELLENC</strong><strong>E</strong> </p><p><strong>Williamsburg, Va. &ndash;</strong> Louisiana District Court Judge Scott U. Schlegel, an energetic and passionate jurist who is a pioneer in using technology in Louisiana state courts, has been named the recipient of the National Center for State Courts&rsquo; 26th Annual William H. Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence, one of the highest judicial honors in the country.</p><p>Presented annually by NCSC, the Rehnquist Award honors a state court judge who demonstrates the outstanding qualities of judicial excellence, including integrity, fairness, open-mindedness, knowledge of the law, professional ethics, creativity, sound judgment, intellectual courage and decisiveness. Judge Schlegel, who sits in the 24th Judicial District Court in Gretna, is the first Louisiana judge to receive the award.&nbsp;</p><p>&ldquo;Judge Schlegel has certainly exhibited all of these traits and has gained the respect and admiration of his colleagues and others who serve in state judiciaries across the nation,&rdquo; said NCSC President Mary C. McQueen.&nbsp;</p><p>His early and extensive use of technology to improve accessibility and efficiency in the courtroom led to his appointment as chair of the Louisiana Supreme Court Technology Commission in 2020.</p><p>&ldquo;The initiatives Judge Schlegel has brought to the Supreme Court for consideration have not only changed court systems, but are changing lives,&rdquo; Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John Weimer wrote in his nomination. &ldquo;By allowing court users greater and more convenient access to the courts; in providing resources to lawyers and litigants; in offering alternative, more efficient ways to navigate the court process, Judge Schlegel is leading positive and technologically supported changes within the Louisiana system of justice.&rdquo;</p><p>These changes save time for court users and result in cost savings, noted Chief Justice Weimer and other court leaders who nominated Judge Schlegel for the award. One change involves creating uniform websites for district courts statewide that will include online calendaring systems, web pages with remote court access and online forms and resources. To date, Judge Schlegel has overseen the construction of more than a dozen new websites.&nbsp;</p><p>&ldquo;His creativity in weaving various technologies throughout the justice system is bringing Louisiana courts into the digital age with positive collateral consequences for all court users,&rdquo; wrote nominator Jennifer Eagan, liaison counsel to the state&rsquo;s district judges. Ms. Eagan also noted Judge Schlegel&rsquo;s critical work in reimagining the criminal justice system by starting the Smart on Crime Initiative, which included the creation of two new Specialty Court programs in Jefferson Parish to better protect the community and reduce the disturbing cycle of recidivism: Reentry Court and Swift &amp; Certain Probation. Former American Bar Association President and Louisiana native Judy Perry Martinez echoed these sentiments in her recommendation letter:&nbsp; &ldquo;&hellip; Judge Schlegel approaches innovation with scalability and sustainability as his end goals.&nbsp; He is making justice a reality for populations that struggle to not only access justice but to comply with the law once in the Reentry system.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p><p>Upon receiving the news that her husband was this year&rsquo;s Rehnquist Award recipient, Laurie Schlegel, a State Representative in the Louisiana Legislature, commented: &ldquo;I am so proud of Scott for receiving such a prestigious award, not only for the amazing judge he is but for the kind of man he is. He is an incredible husband, loving father and example to our son and is a true public servant.&rdquo;</p><p>Judge Schlegel earned a bachelor&rsquo;s degree in finance at Louisiana State University and started a career in financial services before he decided to pursue a law degree at the Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. After law school, he practiced civil law with a focus in products liability law before becoming a prosecutor in Jefferson Parish; first in the domestic violence prosecution unit and then in the felony division. He became a general jurisdiction district court judge in May 2013.&nbsp;</p><p>Since then, he has been at the forefront of modernizing the justice system. His keen knowledge of civil and criminal processes, coupled with a creative look at procedure has allowed Judge Schlegel to coax outmoded methods into the digital age. He currently serves as the President of the Louisiana District Judges Association (LDJA); Chair of the Louisiana Supreme Court Technology Commission; Chair of the Specialty Treatment Court Committee for the 24th JDC; and sub-committee Chair of the legislatively created Task Force on Statewide Standards for Clerks of Court Electronic Filing and Records Retention. Judge Schlegel is also a current member of the Louisiana Drug Policy Board; Council of Specialty Court Judges of the Louisiana Supreme Court; and Louisiana State Law Institute&rsquo;s Criminal Code &amp; Code of Criminal Procedure Committee. He previously served as the Chair of the LDJA Technology Committee and LDJA/Department of Corrections Liaison Committee.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>LDJA Immediate Past President Judge Brady O&rsquo;Callaghan commented: &ldquo;Judge Schlegel&rsquo;s innovation and work ethic have earned him the respect and gratitude of judges around Louisiana for the improvements he has brought to their administration of justice.&nbsp; He has always solicited input from his colleagues and other stakeholders without clamoring for credit, and it is gratifying to see his selfless efforts recognized.&rdquo;</p><p><em>The National Center for State Courts, headquartered in Williamsburg, Va., is a nonprofit court organization dedicated to improving the administration of justice by providing leadership and service to the state courts. Founded in 1971 by the Conference of Chief Justices and Chief Justice of the United States Warren E. Burger, NCSC provides education, training, technology, management, and research services to the nation&rsquo;s state courts.</em></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="https://www.ncsc.org/" target="_blank">ncsc.org</a> or contact NCSC Director of Communications and Online Media Molly Justice at <a href="mailto:mjustice@ncsc.org">mjustice@ncsc.org</a> or (757) 259-1564, or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-29_picgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-29_24thJDC_Judge_Scott_Schlegel_Rehnquist_Award_Recipient.jpg" alt="William H. Rehnquist Award Recipient 24th Judicial District Court Judge Scott U. Schlegel" /><br /><span class="caption">William H. Rehnquist Award Recipient <br />24th Judicial District Court Judge Scott U. Schlegel</span> </p></div><div></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:100%;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 12, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ANNOUNCES IN-PERSON ORAL ARGUMENTS</strong><br /><strong>FOR OCTOBER SITTING WEEK</strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA &minus; </strong>The Louisiana Supreme Court announced today that oral arguments will be held October 18-20, 2021.&nbsp; Attorneys will appear in person before the Justices at the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse. Social distancing guidelines and additional precautions will be observed.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&ldquo;The Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court look forward to welcoming attorneys and parties scheduled for the October docket to the courthouse for in-person oral arguments,&rdquo; said Chief Justice John L. Weimer.&nbsp; &ldquo;Although the Supreme Court remained operational in the wake of Hurricane Ida, the September oral arguments had to be rescheduled for October. And after holding previous oral arguments via video conference out of an abundance of caution due to the worsening of the pandemic in the summer, we are glad to return to having attorneys and litigants personally appear in our court.&rdquo;</p><p>Due to the observation of COVID-19 safety protocols, including social distancing, limited seating, a temperature screen, and required masking, only attorneys on the docket and litigants will be allowed to attend.&nbsp; &nbsp;All others interested in watching oral arguments are invited to view via the Supreme Court&rsquo;s livestream, <a href="https://livestream.lasc.org/">https://livestream.lasc.org</a>.&nbsp; The Court&rsquo;s livestream service was first launched in January 2007 and carries the Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s oral arguments in real-time.&nbsp;</p><p>Due to the courthouse&rsquo;s closure for Hurricane Ida, matters on the Supreme Court&rsquo;s September Docket were moved to this session in October.&nbsp; The October docket can be viewed <a href="/dockets/Oct2021.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong style="text-align:center;">-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:100%;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 8, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>THE LOUISIANA DISTRICT JUDGES ASSOCIATION ELECTS NEW OFFICERS</strong></p><p><strong style="text-align:center;">New Orleans, LA&minus;</strong> At a meeting of its general membership on Monday, October 4, 2021, the Louisiana District Judges Association elected new officers for the 2021-2022 term. The officers are as follows:</p><p>President &ndash; Judge Scott U. Schlegel, 24th Judicial District Court<br />First Vice President&ndash; Judge Daniel Ellender, 4th Judicial District Court<br />Second Vice President - Judge Patricia Koch, 9th Judicial District Court<br />Secretary &ndash; Judge Timothy Marcel, 29th Judicial District Court<br />Treasurer &ndash; Judge Lala Sylvester, 10th Judicial District Court<br />Immediate Past President &ndash; Judge Brady O&rsquo;Callaghan, 1st Judicial District Court</p><p>The Louisiana District Judges Association is a professional nonprofit corporation established in 1981. All Louisiana District Judges with general jurisdiction and Judges of Juvenile and Family Courts are eligible for membership. The mission of the LDJA includes the administration of justice, representation of the interests of judges, and the professional development of its membership to provide the greatest access to fair, just, and responsive trial courts. The newly elected officers will serve from October 5, 2021 through October 4, 2022.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="https://www.ldja.net" target="_blank">LDJA.net</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/">LASC.org</a>, or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S.&nbsp;Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-28_picgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-28_Judge_Scott_Schlegel_LDJA.jpg" alt="24th Judicial District Court Judge Scott U. Schlegel, Louisiana District Judges Association President" /><br /><span class="caption">24th Judicial District Court Judge Scott U. Schlegel,<br />Louisiana District Judges Association President</span></p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-28_Judge_Daniel_Ellender_LDJA.jpg" alt="4th Judicial District Court Judge Daniel Ellender, Louisiana District Judges Association First Vice President" /><br /><span class="caption">4th Judicial District Court Judge Daniel Ellender,<br />Louisiana District Judges Association First Vice President</span></p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-28_Judge_Patricia_Koch_LDJA.jpg" alt="9th Judicial District Court Judge Patricia Koch, Louisiana District Judges Association Second Vice President" /><br /><span class="caption">9th Judicial District Court Judge Patricia Koch,<br />Louisiana District Judges Association Second Vice President</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-28_Judge_Timothy_Marcel_LDJA.jpg" alt="29th Judicial District Court Judge Timothy Marcel, Louisiana District Judges Association Secretary" /><br /><span class="caption">29th Judicial District Court Judge Timothy Marcel,<br />Louisiana District Judges Association Secretary</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-28_Judge_Lala_Sylvester_LDJA.jpg" alt="10th Judicial District Court Judge Lala Sylvester, Louisiana District Judges Association Treasurer" /><br /><span class="caption">10th Judicial District Court Judge Lala Sylvester,<br />Louisiana District Judges Association Treasurer</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-28_Judge_Brady_O&#39;Callaghan_LDJA.jpg" alt="1st Judicial District Court Judge Brady O’Callaghan, Louisiana District Judges Association Immediate Past President" /><br /><span class="caption">1st Judicial District Court Judge Brady O&rsquo;Callaghan,<br />Louisiana District Judges Association Immediate Past President</span> </p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:1112px;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 4, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>THE 69<sup>TH</sup> ANNUAL RED MASS IS OBSERVED</strong></p><p><strong style="text-align:center;">New Orleans, LA&minus;&nbsp;</strong>Louisiana judges donned their robes and gathered at St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square in New Orleans this morning for the 69th annual Red Mass, traditionally held the first Monday in October. Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond was the Celebrant and the Most Reverend Robert E. Barron, the Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles, theologian and well-known Catholic media personality, was the Homilist.&nbsp; Judges, lawyers, officials of all faiths, and the public were invited to attend the Mass, which was preceded by a walking procession of judges from the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse to St. Louis Cathedral.&nbsp;</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer remarked, &ldquo;At the annual Red Mass, we traditionally gather for blessings for members of Louisiana&rsquo;s legal profession at the opening of the judicial year. Numerous challenges have been unfortunately visited upon many communities across our state, with so many lives having been affected by storms and by the pandemic. In this upcoming judicial year, citizens from all walks of life will enter courtrooms, seeking judicial guidance in their efforts to recover from the events that have befallen our state. This year, in consultation with religious leaders and the St. Thomas More Catholic Lawyers Association, we broadened the request for divine blessings beyond the legal profession to include all who have been adversely affected by the storms and by the pandemic and now face difficulties on the road to recovery. Our citizens who were in the path of Hurricanes Laura and Ida are especially deserving of our prayers.&rdquo;</p><p>The Red Mass is sponsored by the Catholic Bishops of the State of Louisiana and the St. Thomas More Catholic Lawyers Association. The celebration of Red Mass goes back many centuries in Rome, Paris, and London. In Louisiana, Red Mass was first offered in St. Louis Cathedral on October 5, 1953.&nbsp; The Red Mass has also been celebrated annually in communities throughout Louisiana and in various states such as California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Georgia, and the District of Columbia.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S.&nbsp;Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-27_RedMass01.jpg" width="350" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Justices and Judges from across Louisiana were joined by local and state public officials at the annual Red Mass at St. Louis Cathedral." /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court Justices and Judges from across Louisiana were joined by local and state public officials at the annual Red Mass at St. Louis Cathedral.</span></p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-27_RedMass02.jpg" width="350" alt="The Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans pauses to greet Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer and Orleans Civil District Court Chief Judge Bernadette D'Souzza, President, St. Thomas More Catholic Lawyers Association." /><br /><span class="caption">The Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans pauses to greet Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer and Orleans Civil District Court Chief Judge Bernadette D'Souzza, President, St. Thomas More Catholic Lawyers Association.</span></p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:1112px;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 24, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT JUSTICE SCOTT J. CRICHTON</strong><br /><strong>OBSERVES CONSTITUTION DAY 2021 AT C.E. BYRD HIGH SCHOOL</strong><strong></strong></p><p><strong style="text-align:center;">New Orleans, LA&minus;&nbsp;</strong>In observance of Constitution Day 2021, judges throughout the state are visiting schools to participate in civics education for students. Today, Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Scott J. Crichton visited C.E. Byrd High School to present his <a href="https://lascorg.sharepoint.com/:p:/s/communityrelationsDC/EfPN3EDl0jNMsAtNnTS1osUBwqwCqPhP5Zgry77mwfRu6w?rtime=Nk0ssmB82Ug" target="_blank">Crime Consequences and the Power of Choice program</a>. Justice Crichton was joined by Caddo Parish District Attorney James Stewart, himself a Byrd High School graduate who served nearly 25 years as a judge on the 1st JDC in Shreveport and the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal. Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jay B. McCallum was also in attendance for the program.</p><p>Justice Crichton and C.E. Byrd High School Vice Principal Marilyn Prothro coordinated the visit to highlight the importance of civics education. The presentation, which is in conjunction with the <a href="/Education?p=Judges_in_the_Classroom">Judges in the Classroom/Students in the Courtroom</a> initiative, was held in observance of COVID guidelines, which limited attendance due to social distancing requirements.</p><p>&ldquo;As a result of my experience with young offenders while serving as a 1st Judicial District Court judge, I arrived at the decision to create a tool to communicate to students about the law,&rdquo; said Justice Crichton. &ldquo;My goal is to educate young people about criminal law and the real-life consequences of violating the law in a manner that they can understand. I think if they knew the possible ramifications of bad choices, they would make positive decisions accordingly.&rdquo;</p><p>The presentation, which has been viewed by over 25,000 students, parents, and teachers throughout the state, helps viewers by defining the justice system in an easily comprehensible manner. It covers topics pertinent to high school students and the average citizen, and includes an explanation of the branches of government and how laws are made and implemented. It also aims to define legal terms while discussing real-life situations. The &ldquo;Crime, Consequences and the Power of Choice&rdquo; presentation is available on the Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s website at <a href="/">lasc.org</a> and has been shared with other judges to present to various audiences.</p><p>Constitution Day is a federal observance of September 17, 1787, when 39 Founding Fathers signed and adopted the U.S. Constitution, which recognizes the rights of all citizens whether by birth or naturalization. This year marks the 234th anniversary of this commemoration.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S.&nbsp;Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-26_Justice SJCrichton on stage at Byrd HS.jpg" width="350" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Scott J. Crichton presents his Crime, Consequences, and the Power of Choice Program to C.E. Byrd High School students. Photo Courtesy of Caddo Parish Public Schools." /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Scott J. Crichton presents his Crime, Consequences, and the Power of Choice Program to C.E. Byrd High School students. Photo Courtesy of Caddo Parish Public Schools.</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-26_Justice SJCrichton_DA J_Stewart_CE Byrd HS.jpg" width="350" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Scott J. Crichton and Caddo Parish District Attorney James E. Stewart following a Constitution Day presentation to C.E. Byrd High School students. Photo Courtesy of Caddo Parish Public Schools." /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Scott J. Crichton and Caddo Parish District Attorney James E. Stewart following a Constitution Day presentation to C.E. Byrd High School students. Photo Courtesy of Caddo Parish Public Schools.</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-26_DA J_Stewart at CE Byrd HS.jpg" width="350" alt="Caddo Parish District Attorney James E. Stewart presents to C.E. Byrd High School students in honor of Constitution Day. Photo Courtesy of Caddo Parish Public Schools." /><br /><span class="caption">Caddo Parish District Attorney James E. Stewart presents to C.E. Byrd High School students in honor of Constitution Day. Photo Courtesy of Caddo Parish Public Schools.</span> </p><p>&nbsp;</p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-26_SJCrichton presents at Byrd HS.jpg" width="350" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Scott J. Crichton presenting his Crime, Consequences, and the Power of Choice Program to C.E. Byrd High School students. Photo Courtesy of Caddo Parish Public Schools." /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Scott J. Crichton presenting his Crime, Consequences, and the Power of Choice Program to C.E. Byrd High School students. Photo Courtesy of Caddo Parish Public Schools.</span> </p><p>&nbsp;</p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:1112px;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 23, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ISSUES</strong><br /><strong>ORDER SUSPENDING TIME LIMITATIONS IN SIX PARISHES</strong></p><p><strong></strong><strong style="text-align:center;">New Orleans, LA&minus;&nbsp;</strong>Today, Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer, acting under the authority of Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 958, and considering the state of emergency declared by Governor John Bel Edwards as a result of then-Tropical Storm Ida on August 26, 2021 in Proclamation Number 165 JBE 2021 and the disruption that the damage from Hurricane Ida continues to cause, released the following order regarding certain deadlines in six parishes.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;"><strong>IT IS HEREBY <a href="/court_closure_orders/2021/2021-09-23_LASC_DEADLINES.pdf" target="_blank">ORDERED</a> THAT:</strong></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">1. Emergency suspension of time limitations. All time periods, limitations, and delays pertaining to the initiation, continuation, prosecution, defense, appeal, and post-conviction relief of any prosecution of any state or municipal criminal, juvenile, wildlife, or traffic matter within the parishes of Lafourche, Orleans, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. John the Baptist, Terrebonne, are hereby suspended for a period of 30 days commencing from September 26, 2021.</p><p>&ldquo;The Justices of the Supreme Court are aware of the challenges in the most severely impacted areas and commend the judges and public officials who have accepted the challenges to insure that citizens continue to be served by our system of justice,&rdquo; said Chief Justice Weimer. In executing this Order on behalf of the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice added that it is intended to provide relief where needed, but otherwise, &ldquo;this Order does not prevent courts from moving forward if all parties are willing and able to do so.&rdquo;</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">&nbsp;</p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S.&nbsp;Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:1112px;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 17, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ISSUES</strong><br /><strong>ORDER EXTENDING FILING DEADLINES</strong><strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong><strong style="text-align:center;">New Orleans, LA&minus;&nbsp;</strong>Today, Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer, acting under the authority of Article V, Sections 1 and 5 of Constitution of 1974, and the inherent power of this Court, and considering the ongoing interruption from Hurricane Ida and Tropical Storm Nicholas, Governor John Bel Edwards&rsquo; declaration of emergency in Proclamation Numbers 173 JBE 2021 and 165 JBE 2021, Governor John Bel Edwards&rsquo; extension of emergency provisions in Proclamation Number 170 JBE 2021, and the need to amend the Order of this Court dated August 31, 2021, released the following Order:</p><p>IT IS HEREBY <a href="/court_closure_orders/2021/2021-09-17_LASC_DEADLINES.pdf" target="_blank">ORDERED</a> THAT:</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">All filings which were or are due to this Court between Wednesday, September 1, 2021 through Friday, September 24, 2021 shall be considered timely if filed no later than Monday, September 27, 2021. Parties who are unable to meet this deadline due to Hurricane Ida or Tropical Storm Nicholas may submit motions for extensions of time, supported by appropriate documentation and argument.</p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S.&nbsp;Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:100%;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td style="text-align:left;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 17, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>CHIEF JUSTICE JOHN L. WEIMER</strong><br /><strong>OBSERVES CONSTITUTION DAY AT MORGAN CITY HIGH SCHOOL</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong></strong><strong style="text-align:center;">New Orleans, LA&minus;&nbsp;</strong>Amid COVID variants and ongoing recovery from Hurricane Ida, the Louisiana Supreme Court continues its work. Additionally, the Court, along with judges statewide, continues community outreach initiatives designed to bolster civics education for Louisiana&rsquo;s students. Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer, in observance of Constitution Day, visited Morgan City High School in St. Mary Parish on Thursday, September 16, where he met with dual enrollment U.S. History and honors Civics students. The presentation was in conjunction with the Judges in the Classroom/Students in the Courtroom program.</p><p>Chief Justice Weimer coordinated the visit with St. Mary Parish Superintendent of Schools Dr. Teresa Bagwell and Morgan City High School Principal Tim Hymel to highlight the importance of civics education. Dr. Bagwell, who has previously brought students to visit the state&rsquo;s high court, was similarly enthusiastic about the visit by the Chief Justice.</p><p>St. Mary Parish, and especially Morgan City High School, has strong ties for Chief Justice Weimer. His Supreme Court district and the appellate district he served while a judge on the First Circuit Court of Appeal both include St. Mary Parish. Morgan City High School Principal Tim Hymel was first hired as a teacher by Chief Justice Weimer&rsquo;s cousin, also named John Weimer (but pronounced Why-mer). Principal Hymel also attended the Chief Justice&rsquo;s beloved alma mater, Nicholls State University, where he was a pitcher on the Colonel&rsquo;s baseball team alongside the Chief&rsquo;s brother-in-law, Louis Hymel. Further, retired Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Harry T. Lemmon, whose seat Chief Justice Weimer was elected to fill, was a member of the Morgan City High School&rsquo;s class of 1945. Justice Lemmon was a star athlete and a member of that school&rsquo;s hall of fame. </p><p>&ldquo;These coincidences join each of us with past ties and a present role in education, especially during a time when the importance of education must be made a priority for our students,&rdquo; said Chief Justice Weimer. &rdquo;There is no better time for the Judges in the Classroom/Students in the Courtroom program to support our state&rsquo;s educators in presenting civics education programs to students.&rdquo;</p><p>St. Mary Parish Superintendent of Schools Dr. Teresa Bagwell said, &ldquo;As educators we recognize the value of real-life experience in promoting learning that extends beyond the classroom. Programs that promote student understanding through those who are part of the process are so beneficial to their academic growth and possibly even their eventual career choice. We thoroughly enjoyed Justice Weimer&rsquo;s visit to Morgan City High School and are thankful for his role in advocating the Judges in the Classroom program.&rdquo;</p><p>Morgan City High School Principal Tim Hymel said, &ldquo;It was an honor to host a very special and highly knowledgeable &lsquo;teacher&rsquo; at Morgan City High School this morning as Justice Weimer met with our honors Civics and dual enrollment U.S. History students. His talent for explaining the role of the court and its challenges while answering questions posed by students is uniquely personable and offered them an insight into the application of Constitutional law that they will remember for years to come. As principal, I am grateful for the opportunity to welcome such a prestigious member of the court to our school and deeply appreciate his genuine support of education.&rdquo;</p><p>Constitution Day is a federal observance of September 17, 1787, when 39 Founding Fathers signed and adopted the U.S. Constitution, which recognizes the rights of all citizens whether by birth or naturalization. This year marks the 234th anniversary of this commemoration.</p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S.&nbsp;Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><link rel="stylesheet" href="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-23_picgrid.css" /><div class="picgrid"><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-23_CJ_Weimer_Constitution_Day_01.jpg" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer leads the Constitution Day 2021 program for students at Morgan City High School." /><br /><span class="caption">Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer leads the Constitution Day 2021 program for students at Morgan City High School.</span> </p></div><div><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-23_CJ_Weimer_Constitution_Day_02.jpg" alt="Joining Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer at the Morgan City High School Constitution Day 2021 program were (l to r): Mr. Tim Hymel: Principal, Morgan City High School; Mr. Kenneth E. Alfred: President, St. Mary Parish School Board; Dr. Theresa T. Bagwell: Superintendent, St. Mary Parish Schools; Chief Justice Weimer; Ms. Sandy L. Holloway, District 3 Representative, BESE President; Representative Beryl A. Amedée, Louisiana House District 51; and Representative Vincent L. St. Blanc III, Louisiana House District 50." /><br /><span class="caption">Joining Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer at the Morgan City High School Constitution Day 2021 program were (l to r): Mr. Tim Hymel: Principal, Morgan City High School; Mr. Kenneth E. Alfred: President, St. Mary Parish School Board; Dr. Theresa T. Bagwell: Superintendent, St. Mary Parish Schools; Chief Justice Weimer; Ms. Sandy L. Holloway, District 3 Representative, BESE President; Representative Beryl A. Amed&eacute;e, Louisiana House District 51; and Representative Vincent L. St. Blanc III, Louisiana House District 50.</span> </p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table style="width:100%;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>SEPTEMBER 9, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ISSUES ORDER EXTENDING ATTORNEY REGISTRATION COMPLIANCE DEADLINE</strong><strong></strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA -&nbsp;</strong>The Louisiana Supreme Court has today <a href="https://www.lasc.org/court_closure_orders/2021/2021-09-09_LASC_Hurricane_Ida_Ineligibility_Extension.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>issued an Order</strong></a> extending the deadline for attorneys to comply with notices of delinquency for failure to complete annual registration by 30 days.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><br />This extension allows attorneys to now comply with the registration requirements set forth in Supreme Court Rule XIX, Section 8D by September 30, 2021.&nbsp; Attorneys who are unable to meet this extended deadline due to hardships caused by Hurricane Ida may be granted additional relief on a case-by-case basis.<br /><br />&ldquo;The Louisiana Supreme Court is mindful of the impact of Hurricane Ida on our state&rsquo;s communities and people, including members of the bar and our state&rsquo;s judges,&rdquo; said Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer.&nbsp; &ldquo;We realize our communities impacted by the hurricane face a long road ahead, and know that the resilience and resolute nature of our people will guide them on the road to recovery.&rdquo;<br /><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>For more information visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lasc.org/">lasc.org</a>&nbsp;or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S.&nbsp;Vincent at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a>&nbsp;or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table style="width:100%;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:100%;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:100%;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 8, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT CONTINUES ITS WORK DURING </strong><br /><strong>AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE IDA</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA -&nbsp;</strong>Today, the Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court announced that the work of the Court is continuing during the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Ida. Although the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse is currently closed due to the COVID pandemic, as a convenience to the public, the Court will immediately resume accepting filings brought in person to the courthouse at 400 Royal Street, New Orleans. The Court will also continue to accept and process pleadings submitted by e-filing, and has waived the e-filing convenience fee. While maintaining the Court&rsquo;s August 31, 2021 Order that noted the Supreme Court&rsquo;s closure until September 19, 2021, and that all filings due during this period of closure shall be deemed timely filed if filed on or before Monday, September 20, 2021, judicial operations have in fact been ongoing.</p><p>&ldquo;The work of the Court has continued during the aftermath of Hurricane Ida,&rdquo; said Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer. &ldquo;The seven Justices have continued to meet in regular conferences to handle emergency and administrative matters and to consider writ applications and other court business. Many court employees have continued to do their jobs remotely, even while evacuated.&rdquo;</p><p>Oral arguments originally scheduled for September will be postponed until the week of October 18, 2021, and affected attorneys will be contacted with further information.</p><p>&ldquo;Our thoughts and prayers go out to the many people of Louisiana, including my home parish of Lafourche, who were ravaged by Hurricane Ida,&rdquo; commented Chief Justice John L. Weimer. &ldquo;The devastation is widespread and shocking. In recent days I have traveled to most of the severely impacted areas. I have visited with judges and local officials and found them to be resilient and resolute to bring their communities back. We believe that one important way the Justices can contribute to this recovery is to continue our work, and we have done so without hesitation. We also thank the many judges throughout the area who have demonstrated their dedication and commitment to keeping the court system operational during this challenging time. In particular, thank you to the members of the Louisiana District Judges Association who have done a commendable job of assisting their colleagues in need.&rdquo;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>For more information visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lasc.org/">lasc.org</a>&nbsp;or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S.&nbsp;Vincent at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a>&nbsp;or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:1112px;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>August 31, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ISSUES THREE ORDERS&nbsp;</strong><br /><strong>FOLLOWING THE IMPACT OF HURRICANE IDA</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA-&nbsp;</strong>Today, Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer, acting under the authority of Article V, Section 1 of Constitution of 1974, and the inherent power of this Court, and considering the devastation caused by Hurricane Ida, including road closures, damage due to high winds, and flooding, and the loss of power and water in many areas of the state, for the safety of the public and court staff issued three orders addressing <strong>closure of the Louisiana Supreme Court; emergency suspension of prescription and peremption and emergency suspension of abandonment;</strong> and <strong>emergency suspension of time limitations</strong>.&nbsp; The orders read in pertinent part as follows:</p><p><strong>IT IS <a href="/court_closure_orders/2021/2021-08-31_LASC.pdf" target="_blank">ORDERED</a> THAT:</strong></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">The Louisiana Supreme Court Offices and the Supreme Court Clerk of Court&rsquo;s office will be closed Wednesday, September 1, 2021 thru Sunday, September 19, 2021.&nbsp; &nbsp;All filings due during this period of closure, shall be deemed timely filed if filed on or before Monday, September 20, 2021.&nbsp; However, during this closure, the Court will continue to handle emergency matters as necessary.</p><p><strong>IT IS FURTHER <a href="/court_closure_orders/2021/2021-08-31_LASC.pdf" target="_blank">ORDERED</a> THAT:</strong></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Cases scheduled to be heard on the September docket (September 7-9) are hereby postponed to the October docket, the week of October 18, 2021.</p><p>Additionally, Chief Justice Weimer, acting under the authority of Louisiana Civil Code Article 3472.1 and Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 562, and considering the state of emergency declared statewide by Governor John Bel Edwards as a result of then-Tropical Storm Ida in Proclamation 165 JBE 2021 on August 26, 2021 and the catastrophic damage that Hurricane Ida has caused in the state released the following Order:</p><p><strong>IT IS FURTHER <a href="/court_closure_orders/2021/2021-08-31_LASC_Ida_Civil.pdf" target="_blank">ORDERED</a> THAT:</strong></p><ol style="margin-left:30px;"><li>Emergency suspension of prescription and peremption: All prescriptive and peremptive periods are hereby suspended statewide for a period of thirty days commencing from the Governor&rsquo;s August 26, 2021 declaration of state of emergency.<br /><br /></li><li>Emergency suspension of abandonment:&nbsp; All periods of abandonment are hereby suspended statewide for thirty days commencing from the Governor&rsquo;s August 26, 2021 declaration of state of emergency.<br /><br /></li></ol><p>Further, Chief Justice Weimer, acting under the authority of Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 955 and 958, and considering the state of emergency declared statewide by Governor John Bel Edwards as a result of then-Tropical Storm Ida on August 26, 2021 in Proclamation Number 165 JBE 2021 and the catastrophic damage that Hurricane Ida has caused in the state, released the following Order:&nbsp;</p><p><strong>IT IS HEREBY <a href="/court_closure_orders/2021/2021-08-31_LASC_Ida_Criminal.pdf" target="_blank">ORDERED</a> THAT:</strong></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Emergency suspension of time limitations.&nbsp; All time periods, limitations, and delays limitations pertaining to the initiation, continuation, prosecution, defense, appeal, and post-conviction relief of any prosecution of any state or municipal criminal, juvenile, wildlife, or traffic matter within the parishes of Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Point Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana are hereby suspended for a period of 30 days commencing from August 26, 2021.</p><p>Court Closure Orders and information from courts across Louisiana are posted on the website of the Louisiana Supreme Court, <a href="/">www.lasc.org</a>, as they are received.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>*Muốn c&oacute; c&aacute;c văn bản đ&atilde; chuyển ngữ hoặc nếu cần được trợ gi&uacute;p về ng&ocirc;n ngữ li&ecirc;n quan đến việc to&agrave; &aacute;n đ&oacute;ng cửa ở Louisiana, xin vui l&ograve;ng li&ecirc;n lạc với Brian Wiggins ở <a href="mailto:ola@lasc.org">ola@lasc.org</a>*</p><p>*Para obtener informaci&oacute;n traducida o asistencia ling&uuml;&iacute;stica relacionada con cierres de tribunales en Luisiana, comun&iacute;quese con Brian Wiggins en <a href="mailto:ola@lasc.org">ola@lasc.org</a>*</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>For more information visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lasc.org/">lasc.org</a>&nbsp;or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S.&nbsp;Vincent at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a>&nbsp;or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:1112px;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>August 27, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ANNOUNCES</strong><br /><strong>CLOSURE DUE TO HURRICANE IDA</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA-</strong> Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer announced today that, considering the emergency created by the expected hazardous weather conditions resulting from Hurricane Ida, potentially causing road closures, the threat of high winds and flooding, and other safety risks for the public and court staff, the Louisiana Supreme Court Offices and the Supreme Court Clerk of Court&rsquo;s Office will close at 1:00pm, today, August 27, 2021 and will remain closed until Wednesday, September 1, 2021. </p><p>Court Closure Orders and information from courts across Louisiana will be posted on the website of the Louisiana Supreme Court, <a href="/"><strong>www.lasc.org</strong></a>, as they are received.</p><p><strong>For more information visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lasc.org/">lasc.org</a>&nbsp;or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S.&nbsp;Vincent at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a>&nbsp;or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:1112px;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>JUNE 17, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ANNOUNCES OBSERVANCE OF JUNETEENTH HOLIDAY</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p>In recognition of Governor John Bel Edwards&rsquo; proclamation of Juneteenth becoming a legal holiday in the State of Louisiana and that all state offices will close for a half-day, the offices of the Louisiana Supreme Court will close at noon on Friday, June 18, 2021.&nbsp; The Louisiana Supreme Court Clerk of Court&rsquo;s office, however, will remain open with reduced staff until 5:00 pm to receive filings, and Court Security will maintain a presence in the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse to address the possibility of inclement weather.<br /><br />&ldquo;This holiday provides a time to reflect on that day in our nation&rsquo;s history when the promise of the Declaration of Independence that all are &lsquo;created equal&rsquo; became a much more inclusive promise,&rdquo; said Chief Justice John L. Weimer.&nbsp; &ldquo;However, as a society, we still have work to do to ensure that the aspirational goal reflected in the Declaration becomes a reality.&rdquo;<br /><br />In recognition of Juneteenth, the Chief Justice encourages courts throughout Louisiana to review the Governor&rsquo;s press release and, guided by their workloads and discretion, observe Juneteenth in the spirit reflected in the Governor&rsquo;s proclamation.<br /><br />As stated in that proclamation, &ldquo;Juneteenth is a day of learning, sharing and honoring the history, culture, and achievements of African Americans across the state and nation in areas including education, medicine, art, culture, public service, economic development, politics, sports, civil and human rights; &hellip; to date, 47 states in the nation, including Louisiana, have designated Juneteenth a holiday or a special day of recognition &hellip; in honor of the rich history and contributions of African Americans to our state and country; &hellip; Juneteenth honors the significant contributions and advances made by African Americans in our state, across our nation, and throughout the world, and commemorates the strength and resolve of African Americans throughout their history &hellip;.&rdquo;<br /><br />On June 10, 2021, Governor Edwards signed House Bill 554 (ACT 128) enacting the Juneteenth celebration into law, making it a permanent state holiday.&nbsp; The law, co-authored by the entire Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, commemorates the official date of June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger led Union soldiers to Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved people that the Civil War had ended and that the Emancipation Proclamation had freed them over two-and-a-half years prior.<br /><br />ACT 128 designates the third Saturday in June as Juneteenth Day throughout the State of Louisiana, in honor of the day African Americans celebrate Emancipation Day.&nbsp; Beginning in 2022, all state offices will be closed the Friday before that Saturday.<br /><br />On Tuesday, June 15, 2021, the United States Senate unanimously passed a resolution establishing June 19, 2021 as Juneteenth National Independence Day.&nbsp; On Wednesday, June 16, 2021, the United States House of Representatives, in a 415-14 vote, passed similar legislation.&nbsp; President Joe Biden signed the bill into law on Thursday, June 17, 2021.<br /><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>For more information visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lasc.org/">lasc.org</a>&nbsp;or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S.&nbsp;Vincent at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a>&nbsp;or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:1112px;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>June 8, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>TRANSLATING THE LOUISIANA CIVIL CODE INTO SPANISH<br />A JURILINGUISTIC EXERCISE</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p>The Law Library of Louisiana and the Supreme Court of Louisiana Historical Society recently co-sponsored a free CLE titled, <em>Translating the Louisiana Civil Code into Spanish: A Jurilinguistic Exercise</em>. This free CLE, which was held via webinar, was attended by 284 people including 42 persons who joined from other countries around the world. This is the latest translation project undertaken by the Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law School&rsquo;s Center of Civil Law Studies (CCLS). Previous projects include translating the Louisiana Civil Code into French, and a new translation of the English version of Louisiana&rsquo;s 1825 Civil Code.</p><p>&ldquo;I think the turnout, especially including such a large international audience, further underscores the quality programming offered by the Law Library of Louisiana and Supreme Court of Louisiana Historical Society,&rdquo; said Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer. &ldquo;The level of interest in these programs both locally and internationally affirms the Library&rsquo;s commitment to offering interesting and informative content for its audiences.&rdquo;</p><p>The CLE was presented by Mariano Vitetta, research associate at CCLS, where he is responsible for the translation of the Louisiana Civil Code from English into Spanish under the leadership of Professor Olivier Mor&eacute;teau. Translating a civil code is a complex endeavor calling for expertise in both the law and legal translation, thus a &ldquo;jurilinguistic&rdquo; exercise. The Louisiana Civil Code, a unique piece of legislation that sets Louisiana apart, requires an approach combining legal translation, comparative law, and legal history. Participants in the CLE learned about the project&rsquo;s history and the intricacies of the translation process. With a Spanish translation, CCLS at LSU plans to make Louisiana&rsquo;s flagship legal instrument available to the legal Spanish-speaking community at large, while also paying homage to the years in which the territory was part of Spain. Civil Code Books I and IV in Spanish are now available on the Louisiana Civil Code Online trilingual database alongside the English and the French translation, which can be accessed here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.law.lsu.edu/clo/louisiana-civil-code-online/">https://www.law.lsu.edu/clo/louisiana-civil-code-online/</a></p><p>Mariano Vitetta obtained a degree as a certified legal translator (English-Spanish) and a law&nbsp;degree from the University of Buenos Aires. He also obtained an LL.M. in Comparative Law from&nbsp;LSU, with a dissertation on the connection between European-style codification and plain&nbsp;language. He has taught English-Spanish legal translation (CAECE University), legal writing and&nbsp;drafting in Spanish (Argentine Catholic University), and introduction to the common law tradition&nbsp;for law students (Austral University). Mr. Vitetta has been working for more than 15 years as a&nbsp;legal translator for law firms, companies, and academic institutions. His most recent published&nbsp;translations include Por qu&eacute; el derecho importa (Alon Harel, Marcial Pons 2018) and <em>Fostering&nbsp;Innovation for Agriculture 4.0: A Comprehensive Plant Germplasm System</em> (Miguel &Aacute;ngel Rapela,&nbsp;Springer 2019).</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S.&nbsp;Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:1112px;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 27, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT APPOINTS VERONICA O. KOCLANES</strong><br /><strong>CLERK OF COURT; FIRST FEMALE CLERK IN COURT&rsquo;S 208-YEAR HISTORY</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong></strong><strong style="text-align:center;">New Orleans, LA&minus;&nbsp;</strong>Today the Louisiana Supreme Court made history when it appointed attorney Veronica O. Koclanes as its Clerk of Court. Ms. Koclanes becomes the first female Clerk of Court in the Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s 208-year history. She will succeed current Clerk John Tarlton Olivier upon his retirement at the end of this year. Mr. Olivier has served as Clerk of Court since March 1, 1996.</p><p>&ldquo;Veronica is a well-respected attorney who has spent the past 23 years on staff at the Supreme Court,&rdquo; said Chief Justice John L. Weimer. &ldquo;Her experience and knowledge of the Court and its processes will serve her well as she takes on the responsibilities of Clerk of Court.&rdquo;</p><p>Ms. Koclanes brings a wealth of experience to the position, having served as a Law Clerk/Research Attorney for five Louisiana Supreme Court justices as well as a Research Attorney for the Civil Staff division of the Supreme Court. Additionally, she served as a Law Clerk for three judges on the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal and a Legislative Clerk in the Office of Senate President for the Louisiana Legislature. Ms. Koclanes earned her bachelor&rsquo;s degree from Louisiana State University in 1985. She earned her juris doctorate from Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 1991 where she was a member of the Moot Court and was Student Government Secretary. She joined the law firm of Milling, Benson, Woodward, and Hillyer and worked as an associate attorney from 1992-1995. She is admitted to the Louisiana State Bar and to practice in the Eastern District of the United States District Court.</p><p>&ldquo;I appreciate the trust and confidence placed in me by the justices of this Court,&rdquo; said Ms. Koclanes. &ldquo;I am honored to follow the exemplary service of John T. Olivier, who set a high standard over his 25 years as Clerk of Court. As was done by those who came before me, I look forward to serving the Court and the public with dignity and respect and ensuring the Clerk&rsquo;s office meets the expectations of the Court as well as all those parties whose matters come through this office.&rdquo;</p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S.&nbsp;Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><div class="row"><div class="col-md-6 text-center"><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-16_Veronica_Odinet_Koclanes_full.jpg" width="350" alt="Clerk of Court Veronica Odinet Koclanes" /><br /></div><div class="col-md-6 text-center"><p><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-16_Veronica_Odinet_Koclanes.jpg" width="350" alt="Clerk of Court Veronica Odinet Koclanes" /></p><p><span style="font-size:.8em;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size:.8em;">&nbsp;</span></p></div></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:1112px;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 25, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE JOHN L. WEIMER</strong><br /><strong>PRESENTS JUDGES&rsquo; EDUCATION INITIATIVE TO COMMISSION </strong><br /><strong>ON CIVIC EDUCATION AND TO AREA JUDGES</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong><br /></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA&minus;&nbsp;</strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer presented the Court&rsquo;s inspirational Judges in the Classroom/Students in the Courtroom initiative on Friday, May 21, 2021, before the Louisiana Commission on Civic Education at the State Capitol. The Chief Justice was eager to share with the Commission and Commission Chair, Judge Wendell Manning, the court&rsquo;s strategy for encouraging Louisiana&rsquo;s judges to visit elementary, middle, and high schools to present civics education instruction.</p><p>During his presentation, Chief Justice Weimer mentioned retired 4th Judicial District Judge Benjamin Jones, who, in 2001, developed the Judges in the Classroom initiative to bring Louisiana judges to classrooms to engage in civics education. As a former teacher of law and ethics at Nicholls State University, Chief Justice Weimer spoke about how interactions in his community made a difference in his life. For that reason, he encouraged judges to engage with current students. Chief Justice Weimer said, &ldquo;The more time judges spend in classrooms instructing young people about the consequences of inappropriate behavior, the importance of personal responsibility, the value of education, and how all are equal in a court of justice, the less time judges will have to spend in the courtroom, which is beneficial to society.&rdquo; Fourth Judicial District Court Judge C. Wendell Manning, who also has long advocated for judges serving as teachers, said, &ldquo;I commend Chief Justice Weimer&rsquo;s efforts to engage scholastic organizations in collaboration with district courts in outreach that will improve civics education in Louisiana schools.&rdquo;</p><p>On Saturday, May 22, 2021, Chief Justice Weimer also met with attendees of the 23rd Annual Meeting and Continuing Legal Education of the Louisiana Judicial Council, a local branch of the National Bar Association. The National Bar Association, founded in 1925, is the nation's oldest and largest national network of predominantly African-American attorneys and judges. During his meeting with participating judges, Chief Justice Weimer spoke on the Judges in the Classroom/Students in the Courtroom initiative, which was met with great interest by those in attendance.</p><p>So passionate is the Court about developing the Judges in the Classroom/Students in the Courtroom initiative, it has included programming during judicial education classes, which consists of an informative video and ideas for bringing the program to the community. The judicial education program is led by 24th JDC Judge Shayna Beevers Morvant, president, Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education; 32nd JDC Judge Randall L. Bethancourt; retired 4th JDC Judge Benjamin Jones; and 4th JDC Judge C. Wendell Manning. The informational video promotes judicial engagement in the classroom and includes footage of judges instructing students and the impact of that engagement on students. Additionally, judges will learn about &ldquo;Crime, Consequences and the Power of Choice&rdquo; in a presentation by Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Scott J. Crichton and 1st JDC Judge Karelia Stewart.</p><p>Courts often schedule student visits surrounding Law Day activities each year in May and on Constitution Day in September; however, Chief Justice Weimer is encouraging judges to further engage in their local school systems. He is building on the initial program by asking judges to not only invite students to the courtrooms for Law Day, but also to visit schools in their districts and invite students to state courthouses year-round.</p><p>The Supreme Court has also partnered with Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) in expanding the program and engaging Louisiana students with facts and information about our state&rsquo;s judicial system and to improve civic education throughout the state of Louisiana. The presentation to the Louisiana Commission on Civic Education highlighted possibilities for more collaborative efforts with the Court. As the Court maintains its responsibility to the rule of law, it also observes its allegiance to improving its community by reaching out to future generations and positively affecting the future of many.</p><p>&ldquo;I truly believe that judges can make a significant contribution to educating young people about the role of the courts in our system of government,&rdquo; said Chief Justice Weimer.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S.&nbsp;Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:1112px;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 6, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ANNOUNCES</strong><br /><strong>AMENDMENTS TO LAWYER ADVERTISING RULES</strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA&minus;&nbsp;</strong>Chief Justice John L. Weimer announced today the Court&rsquo;s adoption of <a href="/press_room/press_releases/2021/2021-14-Order_Amending_LA_Professional_Rules_of_Conduct_Attorney_Advertising_Rules.pdf" target="_blank">amendments to the Rules of Professional Conduct</a> pertaining to lawyer advertising. The Rules of Professional Conduct set forth the standards of ethical conduct required of lawyers.</p><p>The amendments are the result of a study and recommendations to the Court by the Louisiana State Bar Association&rsquo;s Rules of Professional Conduct Committee in response to Senate Concurrent Resolution 57 of the 2020 Regular Legislative Session, which requested the implementation of a lawyer advertisement review recognition program.</p><p>Among the significant changes to the rules are the following:</p><ul><li>A database of all advertisements and unsolicited written communications that have been filed with the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) shall be made readily available to and searchable by the public.<br /><br /></li><li>All &ldquo;non-exempt&rdquo; advertisements and unsolicited written communications (as defined in the Rules) shall contain a &ldquo;filing number&rdquo; visible on the communication. The number will be provided by the LSBA at the time of the filing required by Rule of Professional Conduct 7.7.<br /><br /></li><li>Advertisements and unsolicited written communications that contain a reference or testimonial to past successes or results obtained must contain a disclaimer such as &ldquo;Results May Vary&rdquo; or &ldquo;Past Results are not a Guarantee of Future Success.&rdquo;</li></ul><p>&ldquo;This newly-implemented searchable public database, along with the additionally-enacted rule changes, will offer the ability to review compliance with rules governing attorney advertising in Louisiana, and will provide a safeguard against false or misleading advertising for the public,&rdquo; said Chief Justice John L. Weimer. &ldquo;I would like to commend the Louisiana State Bar Association and the Rules of Professional Conduct Committee for their hard work and thoughtful deliberation on this important matter.&rdquo;</p><p>The amendments to the Rules of Professional Conduct become effective on January 1, 2022, in order to provide (i) the LSBA with sufficient time to create the public database and (ii) lawyers&nbsp; with ample opportunity to evaluate the rule changes and review their advertising practices.</p><p>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S.&nbsp;Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:1112px;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>APRIL 30, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration-line:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong></strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>APPOINTMENTS TO THE&nbsp;</strong><br /><strong>JUDICIARY COMMISSION OF LOUISIANA</strong></p><p><strong><br /></strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA&minus;</strong>&nbsp;Several new appointments have been made to the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana, including Orleans Criminal District Court Judge Robin D. Pittman and citizen Suzanne H. Stinson. In addition, Louisiana Court of Appeal, Fifth Circuit, Judge John J. Molaison, Jr. was elected Commission Chair, and First Judicial District Court Judge Brady O&rsquo;Callaghan was elected Vice Chair. Further, attorney David Becker was appointed Judiciary Commission Counsel, succeeding attorney Kelly McNeil Legier.</p><p>Orleans Criminal District Court Deputy Chief Judge Robin D. Pittman was appointed judge- member of the Commission for a four-year term by the Louisiana Supreme Court, commencing January 1, 2021. Judge Pittman received her bachelor&rsquo;s degree from Loyola University New Orleans in 1991 and her juris doctor from Loyola University New Orleans School of Law in 1996. Judge Pittman served as an assistant district attorney for the Orleans Parish District Attorney&rsquo;s Office, as deputy disciplinary counsel with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, and as an associate in the litigation section of Baldwin Haspel Burke &amp; Mayer Law Firm where she worked until her election to the Orleans Criminal District Court bench in 2009. She previously served on the Louisiana Judicial College Board of Governors and the Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics. Judge Pittman is a member of the American Judges Association, National Bar Association, Louisiana Judicial Council, Louisiana State Bar Association, New Orleans Bar Association, Louisiana District Judges Association, National Association of Women Judges, Fourth &amp; Fifth Circuit Judges Associations, Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, and Association of Women Attorneys. She succeeds Judge Sharon Darville Wilson as a judge-member on the Judiciary Commission.</p><p>Suzanne H. Stinson was appointed as a citizen-member of the Judiciary Commission by the Louisiana District Judges Association for a four-year term commencing March 22, 2021. This is Ms. Stinson&rsquo;s second term on the Commission. She began working at the 26th Judicial Court District as a&nbsp;court reporter in 1982. Ms. Stinson received her bachelor&rsquo;s degree in 1988, a master&rsquo;s degree in 1992,&nbsp;and a second master&rsquo;s degree in 1994, all from Louisiana Tech University. She served in the Louisiana&nbsp;National Guard from 1979 to 1982. Ms. Stinson is a Fellow of the Institute for Court Management and&nbsp;received her Certificate of Judicial Administration from Michigan State University. In 1996, she was&nbsp;appointed court administrator for the 26th Judicial District Court where she worked until her retirement&nbsp;in 2014. She is a past president of the National Association for Court Management, served on the board&nbsp;of directors for the International Association of Court Management, and also served as president of the&nbsp;Louisiana Court Administrators Association. She previously served on the Judicial Compensation&nbsp;Commission, the State Court Rules Committee, the Advisory Committee to the Performance Audit on&nbsp;Jury Practices, the Disaster Recovery Planning Committee, and the Louisiana Integrated Juvenile&nbsp;Justice Information System Committee. Ms. Stinson succeeds Sibal S. Holt as a citizen-member on the&nbsp;Commission.</p><p>Louisiana Court of Appeal, Fifth Circuit, Judge John J. Molaison, Jr. was elected to serve as&nbsp;Chair of the Commission for a term of one year commencing December 11, 2020. Judge Molaison&nbsp;received his bachelor&rsquo;s degree from Loyola University New Orleans in 1983 and his juris doctor from&nbsp;Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in 1986. He was elected to the Louisiana Court of&nbsp;Appeal, Fifth Circuit, in 2018. From 2007 to 2018, he served on the 24th Judicial District Court, where&nbsp;he was reelected without opposition and served as Chief Judge. In addition to serving as a Drug&nbsp;Treatment Court judge, he helped create the D.W.I. Treatment Court, the Veterans Treatment Court,&nbsp;the Re-entry Court, the Swift and Certain Intensive Probation Court, and the 24th Judicial District Court&rsquo;s&nbsp;supervised misdemeanor probation program. He has served as president of the Louisiana District&nbsp;Judges Association. From 1986-2007, Judge Molaison worked with the Jefferson Parish District&nbsp;Attorney&rsquo;s Office where he held several positions including: Executive Assistant District Attorney,&nbsp;Supervisor of Parish Courts, Felony Trial Assistant District Attorney, Felony Screening Assistant District&nbsp;Attorney, and Research and Appeals District Attorney. During this time he also was a partner in the law&nbsp;firms of John Molaison, Jr. &amp; Associates 2005 - 2007 and Molaison &amp; LeBlanc 1988 - 2005. He served&nbsp;as the Prosecutor and City Attorney for the City of Westwego and the Prosecutor and Town Attorney&nbsp;for the Town of Grand Isle. Judge Molaison is the appellate judge member of the Judiciary Commission,&nbsp;succeeding Chief Judge Felicia Toney Williams. He succeeds Baton Rouge attorney Edward J. Walters,&nbsp;Jr. as Commission Chair.</p><p>First Judicial District Court Judge Brady O&rsquo;Callaghan was elected to serve as Vice Chair of the&nbsp;Commission for a one-year term commencing December 11, 2020. Judge O'Callaghan received his&nbsp;bachelor&rsquo;s degree with honors in philosophy from Yale University in 1995 and his juris doctor from&nbsp;Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 1999. After two years of general civil practice&nbsp;in Baton Rouge, he served as a prosecutor in the Orleans Parish District Attorney&rsquo;s Office, and then&nbsp;returned to Shreveport to serve as an assistant district attorney for Caddo Parish. Judge O&rsquo;Callaghan&nbsp;was elected in 2013 as a district judge for the First Judicial District Court, Section 3. He is president of&nbsp;the Louisiana District Judges Association and serves as a board member of the Supreme Court of&nbsp;Louisiana Historical Society. He formerly served as a hearing officer for the Commission and succeeds&nbsp;Judge John J. Molaison, Jr. as Vice Chair.</p><p>Attorney David Becker was recently appointed Judiciary Commission Counsel by the Louisiana&nbsp;Supreme Court. He received his bachelor&rsquo;s degree from The Wharton School at the University of&nbsp;Pennsylvania in 2000 and his juris doctor from The George Washington University Law School in 2007.&nbsp;&nbsp;Prior to his position as Judiciary Commission Counsel, he served as Assistant Commission Counsel for&nbsp;approximately six years. After law school, he clerked for Judge Fortunato P. Benavides on the United&nbsp;States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and Judge William Wayne Justice on the United States&nbsp;District Court for the Western District of Texas. Mr. Becker also spent several years practicing appellate&nbsp;law at Vinson &amp; Elkins, LLP.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more information visit <a href="http://www.lasc.org" target="_blank">lasc.org</a> or <a href="www.judiciarycommissionla.org" target="_blank">www.judiciarycommissionla.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme&nbsp;Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at tvincent@lasc.org or (504) 310-2590. </p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:1112px;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>APRIL 8, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration-line:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong></strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ANNOUNCES</strong><br /><strong>METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION OF JULY 2021 BAR EXAMINATION</strong></p><p><strong><br /></strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA&minus;</strong>&nbsp;Upon the recommendation of the Committee on Bar Admissions (COBA), the Louisiana Supreme Court <a href="https://www.lasc.org/COVID19/Orders/2021-04-07_LASC_BarExam.pdf" target="_blank">issued an Order</a> announcing the method of administering the July 2021 Louisiana Bar Examination due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p>The July 2021 remote bar examination will be in open-book format, with no live monitoring or proctoring. The exam will be administered utilizing the services of a third-party software vendor. Applicants will download the software onto their personal computer to facilitate viewing and responding to examination questions. The Louisiana Supreme Court Committee on Bar Admissions will publish information regarding the third-party software vendor no later than May 1, 2021.</p><p>Chief Justice John L. Weimer stated, &ldquo;Faced with ongoing developments of the pandemic, it is important that we keep safety at the forefront while remaining vigilant in fairly administering the bar exam. Louisiana is not alone in its approach. According to the National Conference of Bar Examiners, to date, 22 states have announced the need to administer the bar exam remotely. I&rsquo;d like to thank COBA volunteers and staff who work so diligently in preparation and administration of the bar examination. I also wish the applicants success.&rdquo;<br /></p><p>Applicants must complete all other requirements for admission as set forth in Louisiana Supreme Court Rule XVII, including satisfying character and fitness requirements and passing the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong style="text-align:center;">For more information visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lasc.org/">lasc.org</a>&nbsp;or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a>&nbsp;or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></span></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:1112px;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>MARCH 30, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration-line:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong></strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT JUSTICE PIPER GRIFFIN INSTALLS</strong><br /><strong>NEW ORLEANS PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION 2021 BOARD MEMBERS</strong></p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong><br /></strong></p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong>New Orleans, LA&minus;</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lasc.org/About/Biography?p=Piper_D._Griffin" target="_blank">Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Piper D. Griffin</a> swore in <a href="http://noparalegals.org" target="_blank">New Orleans Paralegal Association</a> (NOPA) 2021 Board Members today. The organization is a local National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) affiliate. NOPA Board Members include, Tawanda Coleman, president; April Farmer, vice president; Samantha Corcoran, secretary(temp) and Tulane University Paralegal Association Chapter director; Kellom Williams, treasurer; Lynne Hamilton, NFPA Primary Representative; Emily Price, NFPA Secondary Representative; Deidra Davis, Metairie Chapter director; and Zelda Gillan, Westbank Chapter director. Due to COVID-19 restrictions which rendered the high court&rsquo;s courtroom unavailable, the location for the swearing in was the scenic and appropriate backdrop of the front steps of the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse, where the Louisiana Supreme Court is located.</p><p>&ldquo;I enjoy supporting organizations that enrich the legal system. The New Orleans Paralegal Association gives paralegals a professional network that promotes heightened standards of legal education and enhances what they do in the judiciary and other legal entities daily,&rdquo; stated Justice Griffin. &ldquo;I am especially honored to install President Tawanda Coleman who served as my Court Crier/Minute Clerk at Orleans Civil District Court.&rdquo;</p><p>Organized in 1979, the New Orleans Paralegal Association (NOPA) membership is composed of paralegals, students, and vendors whose mission is to support professional<br />development and promote the professional advancement of paralegals in the Greater New&nbsp;Orleans area. NOPA, a voluntary non-profit organization, has called upon Justice Griffin&nbsp;on several occasions in the past to teach a Continuous Legal Education session or speak&nbsp;at its events.</p><p style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong style="text-align:center;">For more information visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lasc.org/">lasc.org</a>&nbsp;or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a>&nbsp;or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2021%2Fimages%2F2021-11_Justice_Griffin_NOPA_Board.jpg" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Piper Griffin Installs New Orleans Paralegal Association 2021 Board Members" /></strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></span></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:1112px;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>MARCH 25, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration-line:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;"></span></strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT WELCOMES</strong><br /><strong>TULANE LAW STUDENTS TO VIEW ORAL ARGUMENTS</strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA&minus;</strong> As part of its ongoing &ldquo;Judges in the Classroom&rdquo; initiative, the Louisiana Supreme Court Justices today welcomed students from Tulane University School of Law to the Supreme Court to witness oral arguments presented to the Court. The students, who were joined by Tulane Law School Dean David Meyer, are from Justice Scott J. Crichton&rsquo;s Contemporary Issues in Legal Ethics class.</p><p>Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, law students as well as students throughout the state frequently visited the Royal Street courthouse in the French Quarter to watch oral arguments in person. Due to COVID-19 safety protocols exercised by the court, this viewing took place via the Louisiana Supreme Court livestream. The students were privy to view four lawyer disciplinary cases &ndash; three on docket for the morning session and one scheduled on the afternoon session.</p><p>Chief Justice Weimer stated, &ldquo;The Supreme Court&rsquo;s priority is always adherence to justice; having students view oral arguments and seeing the law interpreted is an example of how our statewide judges in the classroom/students in the courtroom efforts can influence future generations of lawyers, judges and public servants. I applaud Justice Crichton and encourage judges statewide to teach students of all ages be they law students, college, or high school, so they have a sound understanding of the judiciary.&rdquo;</p><p>A four year instructor of the ethics class, which he teaches one evening a week, Justice Crichton stated, &ldquo;I share Chief Justice Weimer&rsquo;s passion for teaching and education, and enjoy providing learning opportunities to all grade levels of students,&rdquo; Justice Crichton continued. &ldquo;As part of the law school ethics class, I believe watching these arguments provides invaluable real-life&nbsp;examples of the lawyer disciplinary process in action. The Contemporary Issues in Legal Ethics class, is an advanced course primarily designed for 3L law students who have taken the basic lawyer ethics course.&rdquo;</p><p>The Judges in the Classroom/Students in the Courtroom initiative is a passion for Chief Justice Weimer, a former teacher himself. The Supreme Court has also partnered with Board of Elementary Secondary Education (BESE) in expanding the program and engaging Louisiana students with facts and information about our state&rsquo;s judicial system and to improve civic education throughout the state of Louisiana. Justice Crichton and Chief Justice Weimer are deeply involved in the Judges Imparting Knowledge, Education, and Skills Task Force. The Judges Imparting Knowledge, Education, and Skills Task Force was launched in 2021 with the objective of creating partnerships by encouraging judges to connect with their local elementary, middle, and high schools to promote a better understanding of the law and the judiciary through the "Judges in the Classroom" program. The statewide program involves regular participation by district judges in classroom discussions and opens courthouse doors for class visits, mock trials, and courtroom presentations. The program enhances the efforts of the 2001 &ldquo;Judges in the Classroom&rdquo; program spearheaded by then-4th JDC Judge Benjamin Jones.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong style="text-align:center;">For more information visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lasc.org/">lasc.org</a>&nbsp;or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a>&nbsp;or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></span></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:1112px;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>March 12, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration-line:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">JURY MORATORIUM TO EXPIRE MARCH 31, 2021</span></strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong>New Orleans</strong> - By Supreme Court Order of February 11, 2021, the moratorium on jury trials will expire on March 31, 2021, and trial courts are free to resume jury trials on April 1, 2021. According to the Order, jury trials may resume when local courts have determined that jury trials can be held in a safe environment, with observance of safety protocols, including strict social distancing and mask mandates.</p><p style="text-align:left;">&ldquo;It is imperative that members of the public feel safe in returning to our courthouses for jury duty. Serving as a juror is one of the most important civic responsibilities to be undertaken by our citizens, and it is the courts&rsquo; responsibility to ensure their safety,&rdquo; stated Chief Justice John Weimer. &ldquo;In a jury trial, jurors are the most important people in the courthouse because without them, our system of justice simply cannot work. Thank you to everyone who steps up to serve as a juror as we schedule trials to work through the backlog of cases resulting from the pandemic.&rdquo;</p><p style="text-align:left;">Chief Justice Weimer continued, &ldquo;Mindful of our responsibility to provide a safe environment for our jurors, we assembled a diverse team of experts from the legal field to develop best practices in resuming jury trials. We consulted with medical experts, including Dr. Joseph Kanter of the Louisiana Department of Health (who, coincidently, responded to a summons for jury service), and Theresa Sokol, Louisiana State Epidemiologist, for advice on safety protocols. We have shared this advice with our judges, which I am confident will enhance the safety of our courthouses.&rdquo;</p><p style="text-align:left;">As state courts prepare for the resumption of jury trials, they will need to contemplate public traffic to courts and court facilities and staffing, while ensuring priority is given to public safety and the integrity of the judicial process. The goal is to build on current safety methods already used in state courts&mdash;such as wearing a mask, social distancing, hand sanitizing, and observance of building capacity rules.</p><p style="text-align:left;">Courts will need to be adaptive and reflective of ongoing changes as they adopt a &lsquo;new normal&rsquo; regarding in-person proceedings and jury trials. The public can be assured that while in-person attendance is required, the latest safety information has been utilized and is paramount in creating and maintaining an environment in which they can feel secure and free to conduct business while in courthouse facilities across the state of Louisiana.</p><p style="text-align:left;">Throughout the pandemic, judges have remained at work and adopted innovative technology to continue to serve those seeking justice. Mindful of a backlog of cases that may have resulted by the temporary halting of jury trials to ensure public safety, the Court also gathered a team of judges and stakeholders in the legal system to consider how to resolve any resulting backlog.</p><p style="text-align:left;">&ldquo;In the past year, courts have used video technology to conduct certain legal proceedings virtually; in the current phase, with the introduction of vaccine options, it is prudent to the judicial process that we adopt practices that allow us to serve the public in person,&rdquo; said Chief Justice John L. Weimer.</p><p style="text-align:left;">Chief Justice Weimer and the Justices of the Supreme Court wish to thank the following for their input and participation: Chief Judge Susan Chehardy, 5th Circuit Court of Appeal and President of the Louisiana Judicial College; Judge Brady O&rsquo;Callaghan, 1st JDC and President of the Louisiana District Judges&rsquo; Association; Judge Scott Schlegel, 24th JDC and Board Member of the Louisiana District Judges&rsquo; Association; Judge Danny Ellender, 4th JDC and Board Member of the Louisiana District Judges&rsquo; Association; Judge Patricia Koch, 9th JDC and Board Member of the Louisiana District Judges&rsquo; Association; Judge Timothy Marcel, 29th JDC and Board Member of the Louisiana District Judges&rsquo; Association; Chief Judge Wilson Fields, 19th JDC; Chief Judge Karen Herman, Orleans Criminal District Court; Judge Nakisha Ervin-Knott, Orleans Civil District Court; Judge Katherine Dorroh, 1st JDC; Judge Lala Sylvester, 10th JDC; Judge William Morvant, 19th JDC; Judge Scott Gardner, 22nd JDC; and judicial partners: Loren Lampert and Bobby Freeman, Louisiana District Attorneys Association; Remy Starns, State Public Defender; Debbie Hudnall, Executive Director, Clerks&rsquo; of Court Association; Alainna R. Mire, President of the Louisiana State Bar Association; Professor William Corbett, Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel; Connie Koury, Louisiana Association of Justice; and Shannon Dirmann, Louisiana Sheriffs&rsquo; Association.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong style="text-align:center;">For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></span></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:1112px;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>March 4, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration-line:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>NEW LOUISIANA CHILD IN NEED OF CARE BENCHBOOK</strong></span><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>PUBLISHED AS A RESOURCE FOR JUVENILE COURT JUDGES</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong>New Orleans</strong> - The Court Improvement Program of the Louisiana Supreme Court, the Louisiana Judicial College, and the Pelican Center for Children and Families today announced the publication of <a href="/children_families/LouisianaBenchBook2021.pdf" target="_blank">the Louisiana Child in Need of Care (CINC) Benchbook for Juvenile Judges.</a> The Benchbook project is a part of the Child and Family Services Review Program Improvement Plan. The Benchbook incorporates State and Federal laws, best practices, and the Department of Children &amp; Family Services (DCFS) Child Welfare Assessment and Decision Making Model, which is designed to expedite permanency and decrease the trauma experienced by families and children in CINC proceedings. This work is the culmination of a year-long collaborative effort involving many legal stakeholders in Louisiana.</p><p>In addition to the judicial Benchbook, the collaborative also created <a href="/children_families/BenchCards.pdf" target="_blank">bench cards</a> and order templates that will be available to Louisiana&rsquo;s state judges and legal practitioners. This project, a deliverable goal of the Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s Court Improvement Program, was undertaken in partnership with the Pelican Center for Children and Families to develop strategies to improve outcomes for Louisiana children and families in the state&rsquo;s child welfare system based upon review findings of the federal Children&rsquo;s Bureau.</p><p>&ldquo;I would like to thank those involved in this project for their hard work, dedication, and devotion on this initiative,&rdquo; said Chief Justice John L. Weimer. &ldquo;There were many who collaborated in making this important resource available and they are to be commended.&rdquo;<br /></p><p>A number of Louisiana state court judges were instrumental in providing input, guidance, and feedback on the content of the judicial Benchbook. Those judges include Jefferson Parish<br />Juvenile Court Judge Barron Burmaster, Orleans Parish Juvenile Court Judge Desiree Cook-Calvin, 9th JDC Judge John Davidson, 15th JDC Judge Thomas Duplantier, 21st JDC Judge Blair Edwards, 22nd JDC Judge Scott Gardner, East Baton Rouge Juvenile Court Judges Gail Grover and Adam Haney, 29th JDC Judge Timothy Marcel, Caddo Parish Juvenile Court Judge David Matlock, retired Orleans Parish Juvenile Court Judge Ernestine Gray and retired East Baton Rouge Parish Juvenile Court Judge Kathleen Stewart Richey.</p><p>The Introduction to the Benchbook provides an orientation to this resource and its overarching practice principles. In addition, the Table of Contents outlines all information contained in the Benchbook. Additionally, editable versions of the Order templates are on the Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s website, located on the Division of Children and Families, Court Improvement Program page at: <a href="/Children_Families?p=CIP">https://www.lasc.org/Children_Families?p=CIP</a>.<br /></p><p>The Benchbook may be directly accessed at:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.lasc.org/Children_Families?p=CIP">https://www.lasc.org/Children_Families?p=CIP</a></li><li><a href="https://clarola.org/">https://clarola.org/</a></li></ul><p>For questions about the Benchbook or the work of the collaborative, please contact <a href="mailto:Cnelson@lasc.org">Otha Curtis Nelson, Jr.</a>, Deputy Judicial Administrator, Division of Children and Families, Louisiana Supreme Court.</p><p><strong style="text-align:center;">For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong></strong></span></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:1112px;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>February 16, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration-line:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ANNOUNCES</strong></span><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>CLOSURE FEBRUARY 17, 2021</strong></span></p><p><strong>New Orleans</strong> - Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer announced that the Louisiana Supreme Court has <a href="/court_closure_orders/2021/2021-02-17_LASC_Winter_Storm.pdf" target="_blank">issued an Order</a> closing the offices of the Louisiana Supreme Court and Supreme Court Clerk of Court&rsquo;s office on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 due to the emergency created by the hazardous conditions caused by severe winter weather resulting in road closures, loss of power, and other safety risks statewide, and the Commissioner of Administration announcing that state offices will be closed statewide Wednesday, February 17th. The Order reads as follows:</p><p style="text-align:justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>IT IS ORDERED THAT:</strong></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">The Louisiana Supreme Court offices and the Supreme Court Clerk of Court&rsquo;s office will be closed Wednesday, February 17, 2021. All filings due on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 shall be deemed timely filed if filed on or before Thursday, February 18, 2021.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">&nbsp;</p><p>Court Closure Orders and information from courts across Louisiana will be posted on the website of the Louisiana Supreme Court, <a href="/">www.lasc.org</a>, as they are received.<br /></p><p>The Order issued by the Louisiana Supreme Court can be found <a href="/court_closure_orders/2021/2021-02-17_LASC_Winter_Storm.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>. </p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:1112px;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>February 11, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration-line:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT EXTENDS JURY TRIAL MORATORIUM</strong></span><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>THROUGH MARCH 31, 2021</strong></span></p><p><strong>New Orleans</strong> - The Louisiana Supreme Court <a href="/COVID19/Orders/2021-02-11_LASC_Order.pdf" target="_blank">issued an Order</a> dated February 11, 2021 to extend the existing moratorium on jury trials through March 31, 2021. (Jury trials that are in progress may continue, in the discretion of the local court, and grand jury proceedings are explicitly not suspended by the Order.) The Court reached this decision after considering the ongoing public health emergency created by increasing numbers and the spread of the coronavirus, but also considering the ongoing distribution of the vaccine across the state. Accordingly, the Court decided that commencing April 1, 2021, local courts will be responsible for determining whether jury trials will commence, and safety protocols, including strict social distancing and mask mandates, must be enforced to ensure the safety of all participants. Acting under the authority of Article V, Section 1 of Constitution of 1974, and the inherent power of this Court, while balancing the need to protect the constitutional rights and public safety of the citizens of the state by maintaining access to Louisiana courts, the Court Order provides the following:</p><p style="text-align:justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:</strong></p><ol><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Jury Trials:</strong></span>&nbsp;No civil or criminal jury trial shall commence in any Louisiana state court before April 1, 2021. Civil and criminal jury trials that are in progress as of the date of this Order may continue to conclusion, in the discretion of the local court.<br /><br />Grand jury proceedings may continue and are not suspended by this Order. New grand juries may be empaneled as necessary.<br /><br /></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Speedy Trial Computations</strong></span><strong>:</strong>&nbsp;Given the public health concerns and the necessity of taking action to slow the spread of the disease, the continuances occasioned by Section 1 of this Order serve the ends of justice and outweigh the best interest of the public and the defendant in a speedy trial. Therefore, the time periods of such continuance shall be excluded from speedy trial computations pursuant to law, including but not limited to those set forth in the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure and the Louisiana Children&rsquo;s Code, and presumptively constitute just cause.<br /><br /></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>In-Person </strong></span><strong> <span style="text-decoration:underline;">and Remote Proceedings</span>:</strong> The provisions set forth in this Court&rsquo;s January 11, 2021 Order regarding in-person and remote proceedings remain in full force and effect.<br /><br /></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Expiration of Order</strong></span><strong>:</strong> Commencing on April 1, 2021, local courts will be responsible for evaluating and determining whether jury trials may be conducted safely within their jurisdictions, subject to any restrictions that might be in place at that time. Safety protocols, including strict social distancing and mask mandates, must be enforced to ensure the safety of all participants. In-custody criminal trials should take priority over all other matters when the moratorium is lifted, and potential jurors citing pandemic-related health concerns should be excused.<span style="text-decoration:underline;"></span></li></ol><p style="text-align:justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>REMINDER FOR ALL MEDIA:</strong><br />In response to the public health emergency created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Louisiana Supreme&nbsp;Court may issue Orders and information as necessary to address the circumstances arising from this&nbsp;pandemic and will post such Orders on its website, <a href="/">www.lasc.org</a> and <a href="/COVID19">www.lasc.org/COVID19</a>. We ask and&nbsp;encourage all who are seeking information on Louisiana courts and the COVID-19 pandemic to visit the&nbsp;Supreme Court&rsquo;s website for information.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">&nbsp;</p><p>- <a href="/press_room/press_releases/2021/2021-06_Esp.pdf" target="_blank">En Espa&ntilde;ol</a><br />- <a href="/press_room/press_releases/2021/2021-06_Veit.pdf" target="_blank">bằng tiếng việt</a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:1112px;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>February 5, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration-line:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong></strong><strong></strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong><strong></strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT</strong><br /><strong>ANNOUNCES BLACK HISTORY MONTH EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES</strong></p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong>New Orleans &ndash;</strong> The Louisiana Supreme Court today announced the launch of several Black History Month educational initiatives to spotlight contributions of prominent African Americans to the field of law. The Supreme Court will partner with the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to bring these initiatives to schools statewide.</p><p style="text-align:left;">On Friday, February 5, 2021, Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Justice Jay B. McCallum, Justice Piper D. Griffin, and Louisiana State Bar Association President Alainna R. Mire will host 20 second-grade students from Homer A. Plessy Community School in New Orleans for a book-reading on Thurgood Marshall, who was the first African American to serve on the United States Supreme Court. The reading of the selected book, &ldquo;The Highest Tribute: Thurgood Marshall&rsquo;s Life, Leadership, and Legacy,&rdquo; will be digitally recorded and shared with elementary schools statewide by BESE and the Louisiana Department of Education. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed.<br /></p><p style="text-align:left;">Additional educational outreach initiatives scheduled for February will include four issues of the Supreme Court Library newsletter <em>De Novo</em>, featuring several African American legal pioneers, with one article being issued each week. Those highlighted will include noted civil rights attorney A.P. Tureaud, whose litigation helped end Jim Crow laws in New Orleans; Homer Plessy, whose challenge to the Separate Car Act in Louisiana moved to strike down barriers to equality, and later inspired many in the Civil Rights movement to challenge society and improve its laws; Ernest N. &ldquo;Dutch&rdquo; Morial, the first African American Mayor of New Orleans, the first African American to graduate from LSU Law School, and the first African American to serve on Louisiana&rsquo;s Fourth&nbsp;Circuit Court of Appeal; and Bernette Joshua Johnson, the first African American Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Louisiana and one of the first two African American females to graduate from LSU Law School.</p><p style="text-align:left;">Additional Black History Month educational materials will include a presentation by the Law Library of Louisiana entitled <em>Pioneers in Diversity</em>, highlighting those trailblazing men and women of color who have served on state courts in Louisiana.</p><p style="text-align:left;">&ldquo;I believe that judges can make a significant contribution to educating young people about the role of the courts in our system of government,&rdquo; said Chief Justice Weimer. &ldquo;During Black History Month, it is beneficial to share the experience of those who sought to make the promise of the Declaration of Independence, that all are created equally, a reality.&rdquo;</p><p style="text-align:left;">Chief Justice Weimer, in his commitment to promoting civic education, formed a partnership with BESE to increase judicial engagement with Louisiana schools and has encouraged the Louisiana judiciary to have frequent visits to schools statewide. As a result, the Louisiana Center for Law and Civics Education&rsquo;s &ldquo;Judges in the Classroom&rdquo; and Adult Civics Education (ACE) programs, as well as &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t Let This Be You,&rdquo; a program spearheaded by Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Scott Crichton, will continue to be proactive in finding new ways to engage judges in sharing civics education throughout Louisiana schools and in Louisiana communities.</p><p style="text-align:left;">The Supreme Court of Louisiana has long hosted student and general public tours of the Court which often include meeting one of the Justices. In March 2020, due to COVID-19 restrictions barring public traffic to the court, the visits were suspended. This will mark the first visit by a group of students since March 2020. It also marks the first visit since the Court's collaboration with BESE to increase judicial educational opportunities with Louisiana students.</p><p style="text-align:left;">Materials for these three educational initiatives can be found on the Supreme Court&rsquo;s website throughout the month of February, <a href="http://www.lasc.org">www.lasc.org</a>.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="text-align:left;" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>January 28, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"></span></strong> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong></strong><strong></strong><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>24TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT JUDGE SCOTT SCHLEGEL RECOGNIZED</strong><br /><strong>BY THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION AS A 2021 LEGAL REBEL</strong></p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><div><div style="text-align:center;float:right;"><h4 style="text-align:center;"><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-04_Schlegel.jpg" alt="24th JDC Judge Scott Schlegel" style="max-width:300px;margin-left:1em;" /><br />Judge Scott Schlegel<br /><span style="font-size:.8em;"></span></h4></div><p>24th Judicial District Court Judge Scott Schlegel, who serves as <a href="/Press_Release?p=2020-31"><strong>Chair of the Louisiana Supreme Court Technology Commission</strong></a>, was recognized by the American Bar Association (ABA) as a 2021 Legal Rebel. The designation was given to 10 individuals in the legal profession who help to bring about change in the judicial system by establishing a blueprint for courts to better serve the general public. Judge Schlegel is featured in the article, <em>2021 Legal Rebels: Meet 10 legal professionals who are courting change</em>, in the February issue of the <strong><a href="https://www.abajournal.com/legalrebels/article/judge-scott-schlegel-deployed-tools-to-help-keep-his-docket-moving-at-the-height-of-the-pandemic" target="_blank">American Bar Journal</a></strong>, a publication of the American Bar Association.</p><p>Chief Justice John L. Weimer said, &ldquo;I commend Judge Schlegel for his enthusiasm, dedication, hard work, and innovation in helping provide access to justice during these difficult times brought on by the pandemic. He has been at the forefront of bringing technology into the court system and has appropriately been nationally recognized.&rdquo;<br /></p><p>The ABA Journal and the ABA Center of Innovation began in 2009 identifying judges, lawyers, and legal professionals who find innovative, &ldquo;outside the box ways of improving the practice of law, often through technology.&rdquo; This year with the challenge the COVID-19 pandemic has presented for the courts&rsquo; ability to have in-person proceedings, these innovations could not have been more timely. Courts have long been implemented ways to use technology to serve their citizens but the pandemic has accelerated the development and processing of these technological advances.</p><p>&ldquo;It is an honor that the work we are doing here in Louisiana to modernize our court system has been recognized nationally,&rdquo; said Judge Schlegel.&rdquo; This truly has been a team effort and I want to personally thank my colleagues on the 24th Judicial District Court and our justice partners for supporting our efforts to make the courts more efficient, effective and accessible. I&rsquo;d also like to thank the Louisiana Supreme Court for its unwavering support of the lower courts during these challenging times. Together, we can continue to move the courts forward and utilize technology to<br />better serve the citizens of Louisiana.&rdquo;<br /></p><p>Judge Schlegel is being honored for being a catalyst of technological developments on the bench. Among his efforts is the development of an integrated video conferencing calendaring system that allows attorneys to conduct pretrial hearings via video, collaboration with legal technology companies to utilize platforms like Slack and Zoom, and developing online forms to assist with specialty court matters, allow virtual breakout rooms for attorney, client consultation, and hold virtual proceedings. Judge Schlegel launched a <strong><a href="https://www.courtonline.us/" target="_blank">courtonline.us</a></strong> website shortly after the COVID-19 crisis prohibited courts from public traffic. The website provides virtual access to 24th Judicial District Court proceedings via video conferences and <a href="https://www.onlinejudge.us/" target="_blank"><strong>onlinejudge.us</strong></a> provides resources to those with civil matters in Judge Schlegel&rsquo;s courtroom. These technological advances allow courts to prioritize the commitment to serve citizens while balancing the need to observe public health safety protocols for citizens and court staff.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong></strong><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><style>.picgrid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 3fr 2fr; grid-gap: .8rem; align-content: center; } </style></p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:1112px;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent, LASC<br />504-310-2590<br /><br />Kevin Calbert, BESE<br />(225) 342-5847<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>JANUARY 18, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>&nbsp;<strong></strong></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><h4 style="text-align:center;"><strong>BESE Leadership to be Sworn-in by Louisiana Chief Justice</strong></h4><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><em>State&rsquo;s Highest Court and Top School Board to Partner on Education Initiatives</em></strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>New Orleans</strong> - On <strong>Tuesday, January 19</strong>, Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer will swear in the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) President Sandy Holloway, Vice President Kira Orange Jones, and Secretary-Treasurer Ashley Ellis as Board officers for 2021. The Chief Justice&rsquo;s participation in the virtual installation ceremony underscores the growing partnership between BESE and Louisiana&rsquo;s highest court to promote awareness and understanding of the legal justice system in K-12 classrooms.</p><p>The installation is scheduled for <strong>8:30 a.m.</strong>, prior to the start of BESE&rsquo;s regular January meetings in Baton Rouge and will be streamed live through the websites of BESE (<a href="https://bese.louisiana.gov" target="_blank">https://bese.louisiana.gov</a>) and the Louisiana Supreme Court (<a href="https://livestream.lasc.org">https://livestream.lasc.org</a>).</p><p>&ldquo;It is a true honor for our leadership team to be sworn-in by our new Chief Justice,&rdquo; said Holloway. &ldquo;I am excited about the work BESE will undertake in 2021 to expand literacy, improve accountability, and conduct a comprehensive review of academic standards in social studies. As we work to build standards that equip students to be informed, responsible citizens, we also embrace the opportunity to collaborate with the court system to enrich civics learning experiences and help ensure positive outcomes for our children.&rdquo;</p><p>Chief Justice Weimer, himself a former teacher of law and ethics at Nicholls State University, commented, &ldquo;It has always been important to me as a judge to get out into the community, to encourage personal responsibility and respect for the law, describe how our judicial system functions, and extol the benefits of treating all people with dignity and respect. Through this partnership between the Louisiana Supreme Court and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, we look forward to having our state&rsquo;s judges continue their involvement in the Louisiana Center for Law and Civics Education&rsquo;s &ldquo;Judges in the Classroom&rdquo; program to share lessons on the law and civic education in our schools, and the Adult Civics Education (ACE) program to reach out to adults in local communities. These initiatives, combined with others such as the &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t Let This Be You&rdquo; program spearheaded by my colleague, Justice Scott Crichton, can be achieved either in-person or through a web meeting, given any limitations which might be in place due to the pandemic. Judges and teachers share the commonality of being public servants, touching lives in a positive manner and, in most cases, using two-way communications for achieving successful outcomes; combining resources is monumental in affecting those we serve. It is my hope that through this collaboration we will be effective in influencing young minds by equipping them with additional tools for a brighter future.&rdquo;</p><p>Chief Justice Weimer is dedicated to creating partnerships by encouraging judges to connect with their local elementary, middle, and high schools to promote a better understanding of the law and the judiciary through the "Judges in the Classroom" program. The statewide program involves regular participation by district judges in classroom discussions and opens courthouse doors for class visits, mock trials, and courtroom presentations. Collaborating with BESE is an important step in expanding the program and engaging Louisiana students with facts and information about our state&rsquo;s judicial system.</p><p>In 2001, then-Fourth Judicial District Court Judge Benjamin Jones, in his role as president of the Louisiana District Judges Association (LDJA), gained overwhelming support for the &ldquo;Judges in the Classroom&rdquo; program. Judges developed materials to assist judge/teacher partners in designing their lesson plans to fit class levels, topics of interest, and learning objectives. Chief Justice Weimer plans to further implement and enhance the program by encouraging judges to visit public schools in their districts while welcoming student visits to their courtrooms. In his first act as Chief Justice on January 1, 2021, he communicated by letter to all judges, encouraging them to become active teachers.</p><p>In addition to establishing statewide, academic standards for social studies in K-12 education, BESE is active on the Louisiana Commission on Civic Education, established by the state legislature to educate students of the importance of citizen involvement in a representative democracy, and to promote collaboration among organizations in the state that conduct civic education programs.</p><p><em>BESE is the administrative policymaking body for elementary and secondary schools in Louisiana. The Board sets key education initiatives and works to outline an education agenda to achieve continuous improvement of public education as measured by student and school achievement. </em></p><p style="text-align:justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590 or Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Communications Manager Kevin Calbert at <a href="mailto:Kevin.Calbert@la.gov">Kevin.Calbert@la.gov</a> or (225) 342-5847</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:1112px;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;width:71px;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;width:1039px;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="width:1112px;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%" style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>JANUARY 11, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration-line:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong></strong><strong></strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ISSUES A NEW ORDER IMPOSING MORATORIUM ON JURY TRIALS UNTIL MARCH 1, 2021</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>New Orleans</strong> - The Louisiana Supreme Court <a href="/COVID19/Orders/2021-01-11_LASC_ORDER.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>issued an Order</strong></a> dated January 11 acting under the authority of Article V, Section 1 of Constitution of 1974, and the inherent power of this Court, and considering the continuing spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards&rsquo; declaration of public health emergencies in Proclamation Number 25 JBE 2020, and most recently renewed by Proclamation Number 209 JBE 2020, and in consideration of ongoing public health recommendations to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus and slowing the spread of the disease while balancing the need to protect the constitutional rights and public safety of the citizens of the state by maintaining access to Louisiana courts, the Louisiana Supreme Court issued the following order.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:</strong></p><ol><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Jury Trials:</span> No civil or criminal jury trial shall commence in any Louisiana state court before March 1, 2021. Civil and criminal jury trials that are in progress as of the date of this Order may continue to conclusion, in the discretion of the local court.<br /><br /></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Speedy Trial Computations</span>: Given the public health concerns and the necessity of taking action to slow the spread of the disease, the continuances occasioned by Section 1 of this Order serve the ends of justice and outweigh the best interest of the public and the defendant in a speedy trial. Therefore, the time periods of such continuance shall be excluded from speedy trial computations pursuant to law, including but not limited to those set forth in the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure and the Louisiana Children&rsquo;s Code, and presumptively constitute just cause.<br /><br /></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">In-Person Proceedings</span>: Courts are expressly authorized to continue to conduct in-person&nbsp;proceedings on all matters other than trial by jury. Therefore, for cases involving&nbsp;trial by jury, courts may conduct in-person proceedings in a pre-trial and post-trial&nbsp;posture.<br /><br />Grand jury proceedings may continue and are not suspended by this Order. New&nbsp;grand juries may be empaneled as necessary.<br /><br />In all matters, Courts should take measures to limit access to courtrooms and&nbsp;other spaces, with minimum physical contact, to practice social distancing and limit in-person&nbsp;court capacity to 50% of the total capacity, as determined by the State Fire&nbsp;Marshall, counting both the number of employees and members of the public present&nbsp;in the building at one time. <br /><br />As this situation is constantly changing, courts are further instructed to follow all&nbsp;guidelines issued by the Center for Disease Control, the President and the Governor,&nbsp;and to further limit access to courtroom and other spaces to the maximum number of&nbsp;people set forth in any future guideline or official proclamation that may be issued.<br /><br /></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Remote Proceedings</span>: Courts are encouraged to conduct remote proceedings by&nbsp;telephone, video, teleconferencing, or any other means that do not involve in-person&nbsp;contact with consent of all parties and the judge. Any consent required for remote&nbsp;proceedings in civil matters shall not be unreasonably withheld by any party, which shall&nbsp;be enforced by the trial judge pursuant to the authority granted by Louisiana Code of&nbsp;Civil Procedure Article 191, or as expressly provided by law.</li></ol><p style="text-align:justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>REMINDER FOR ALL MEDIA:</strong><br />In response to the public health emergency created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Louisiana Supreme&nbsp;Court may issue Orders and information as necessary to address the circumstances arising from this&nbsp;pandemic and will post such Orders on its website, www.lasc.org and www.lasc.org/COVID19. We ask and&nbsp;encourage all who are seeking information on Louisiana courts and the COVID-19 pandemic to visit the&nbsp;Supreme Court&rsquo;s website for information.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">&nbsp;</p>- <a href="/press_room/press_releases/2021/2021-01_Esp.pdf" target="_blank">En Espa&ntilde;ol</a><br />- <a href="/press_room/press_releases/2021/2021-01_Veit.pdf" target="_blank">bằng tiếng việt</a><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2021 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="text-align:left;" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>January 7, 2021</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"></span></strong> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong></strong><strong></strong><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>THE 26TH LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT</strong><br /><strong>CHIEF JUSTICE JOHN L. WEIMER TAKES THE OATH OF OFFICE</strong></p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p>New Orleans, LA &ndash; Louisiana Supreme Court Justice <strong><a href="/About/Biography?p=John_L._Weimer">John L. Weimer</a></strong> took his oath today as the <strong>26th Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court</strong>.</p><p>Chief Justice Weimer began his service on the Louisiana Supreme Court in 2001 when he was elected to serve as an Associate Justice, District 6, comprised of the parishes of: Assumption, Iberia, Lafourche, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, Terrebonne, and a portion of the west bank of Jefferson, which includes Grand Isle. In 2002 and again in 2012, Chief Justice Weimer was re-elected to 10-year terms without opposition.</p><p>Chief Justice Weimer began his judicial career with a 7&frac12; month appointment by the Louisiana Supreme Court to serve as Judge <em>pro tempore</em>, Division D, of the 17th Judicial District Court in 1993. Two years later, in 1995, he was elected to serve as Judge of the 17th Judicial District Court, Division A, and was re-elected in 1996 without opposition. In 1998, he was elected to serve on the Louisiana Court of Appeal, 1st Circuit.</p><p>Chief Justice Weimer is a proud native of Lafourche Parish. He graduated from Thibodaux High School in 1972 and, in 1976, he graduated from Nicholls State University with academic honors. He was honored as a Hall of Fame graduate, and he twice served as student body President. He earned his Juris Doctorate from LSU in 1980.</p><p>John Weimer was born in Thibodaux, the eldest of five children. His father was called on to raise his children as a single parent following the death of his wife. John grew up in a modest home, while working in his father&rsquo;s service station where he learned the value of hard work, the virtue of honesty, and how important it is to treat everyone equally. He worked his way through college and law school as a manual laborer on oil rigs located offshore and on boats plying the rivers, bayous, and Gulf.</p><p>John Weimer practiced law in his hometown, served as a mediator, and taught law and ethics classes at Nicholls State University. He also served as director of the Free Enterprise Week Program, where he positively influenced many students who continue today to hold him in high regard. He received the <em>Presidential Award for Teaching Excellence</em> and was featured three times in <em>Who&rsquo;s Who Among America&rsquo;s Teachers</em>. He has been a long-time member of the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department.</p><p>Chief Justice Weimer formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education. With a passion for civic education, he frequently taught at schools throughout his supreme court district and established and coordinated the Lafourche Parish Student Government Day Program.</p><p>During his judicial career, Chief Justice Weimer was honored with the <em>Outstanding Judicial Award</em> from Victims and Citizens Against Crime, the <em>Outstanding Jurist Award</em> from Crimefighters, Inc., and the Common Sense Against Crime <em>Award of Merit</em>. In 2006, <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Law Dragon</span>, a national&nbsp;publication, named him one of the leading judges in America. He was also recognized for his&nbsp;significant assistance in establishing the Lafourche Parish Drug Treatment Court.&nbsp;</p><p>Chief Justice Weimer is an award-winning self-taught amateur painter. He was commissioned to&nbsp;design the posters for the 2005 and 2007 International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo. His paintings&nbsp;have also appeared on covers of the <em>Louisiana Bar Journal</em>. He has donated works of art that&nbsp;have raised funds for numerous charities, churches, schools, and volunteer fire departments.</p><p>Chief Justice Weimer is married to Penny Hymel, a former elementary school teacher, who was&nbsp;born and raised in the River Parishes. They are the parents of three daughters: Jacqueline,&nbsp;Katherine, and Emily.</p><p>As a result of COVID-19 protocols and restrictions, the investiture ceremony was livestreamed&nbsp;via the Supreme Court&rsquo;s website, where it will be available for viewing for several months. Family&nbsp;members and a limited number of invited guests attended the ceremony in person, following strict&nbsp;protocols, such as temperature screening, mask-wearing, and social distancing.</p><p>&ldquo;I am honored to serve as Chief Justice&rdquo;, commented the new Chief. &ldquo;I firmly believe that a judge&nbsp;is a public servant who serves by being dedicated to the principles of justice, fairness,&nbsp;independence, and impartiality while applying the law as written by the legislature.&rdquo;</p><p>Chief Justice Weimer&rsquo;s first act as Chief was to send all Louisiana judges a letter on January 1,&nbsp;2021, encouraging them to become active teachers: &ldquo;Judges have a unique opportunity to&nbsp;educate the community about the law and our legal system, and I urge my colleagues on the&nbsp;bench to take advantage of opportunities to teach&ndash;especially to teach our young people about&nbsp;respect for the law, personal responsibility, and consequences of inappropriate behavior.&rdquo;</p><p>The Louisiana Constitution provides that the justice with the longest tenure on the supreme court&nbsp;shall be chief justice. Upon the retirement of Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson on&nbsp;December 31, 2020, Justice Weimer became the senior justice on the court and, thus, the Chief&nbsp;Justice. As provided in the Constitution, the Chief Justice serves as the chief administrative officer&nbsp;of the judicial system of the state, subject to rules adopted by the court.<br /></p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong></strong><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><style>.picgrid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 3fr 2fr; grid-gap: .8rem; align-content: center; } </style></p><div class="picgrid" style="text-align:center;"><h4 style="text-align:center;"><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-01_Weimer_Investiture_Ceremony.jpg" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John L. Weimer Takes the Oath of Office" /><br />Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer Takes the Oath of Office</h4><h4 style="text-align:center;"><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2021/images/2021-01_Weimer_John_L.jpg" alt="Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Louisiana Supreme Court" /><br />Chief Justice John L. Weimer<br /><span style="font-size:.8em;"></span></h4></div><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table style="width:1112.73px;background-color:#428bca;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%" style="width:1112.73px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="width:1112.73px;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="width:1112.73px;border-spacing:3px;background-color:#f7ebc6;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>DECEMBER 30, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong></strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE BERNETTE JOSHUA JOHNSON RETIRES</span></strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>New Orleans, LA &minus; The Louisiana Supreme Court congratulates Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson as she retires on December 31, 2020, marking the culmination of over three decades as a distinguished jurist and a 26-year career on the state&rsquo;s highest court. Chief Justice Johnson served as the 25th Chief Justice in the Court&rsquo;s history, the first African American Chief Justice, and the second female Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court.</p><p>A graduate of Walter L. Cohen High School in New Orleans, where she was valedictorian, and Spelman College in Atlanta, Chief Justice Johnson developed a passion for assisting others through law while working summers with attorneys of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, working for the integration of public schools in the south. Chief Justice Johnson joined the annals of history at various stages of her 50 plus years in the legal profession. Even prior to her ascent to the Louisiana Supreme Court bench, she made history as one of the first two African American females to attend and graduate from Louisiana State University Law School in 1969. After working as managing attorney at New Orleans Legal Assistance Corporation (NOLAC) (now Southeast Louisiana Legal Services, SLLS) in 1984, she was elected the first female Orleans Civil District Court Judge, serving for ten years before becoming Chief Judge in 1994. With a longing to make a greater difference, in 1994 following the retiring of Justice Revius Ortique, Jr., she ran for and was elected to serve on the Louisiana Supreme Court, making history as the first African American female to sit on that bench. On February 1, 2013, Chief Justice Johnson was sworn in as Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court.</p><p>Chief Justice Johnson is the recipient of numerous highly coveted awards such as the 1998 Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award by the American Bar Association; the 2000 Medal of Honor presented by the Mayor of the City of New Orleans; the 2000 Women&nbsp;of Wonder Award by the National Council of Negro Women; and the first-ever Ernest N. Morial&nbsp;Award presented by the New Orleans Legal Assistance Corporation; the 2009 Distinguished Jurist&nbsp;Award presented by the Louisiana Bar Foundation; the 2010 Spirit of Excellence Award from the&nbsp;American Bar Association&rsquo;s Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession; the&nbsp;National Bar Association inducted her into the NBA Hall of Fame and she was awarded the&nbsp;Distinguished Civil Rights Advocate Award by Attorney Barbara Arnwine on behalf of the Lawyers&rsquo;&nbsp;Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law also in 2010; in 2012, the National Urban League&nbsp;President&rsquo;s Award; the 2012 National Association for the Advancement of Colored People&nbsp;Award; the 2012 Exceptional Leadership Award presented by the Louisiana State Bar&nbsp;Association Diversity Committee; in 2013, the Martin Luther King Unsung Hero Award presented&nbsp;by LSU and the Joan Dempsey Klein Award by the National Association of Women Judges&nbsp;(NAWJ). In 2016 the Louisiana State Bar Association Board of Governors unanimously voted to&nbsp;combine the Trailblazer and Human Rights Awards into the aptly named, &ldquo;Louisiana State Bar&nbsp;Association Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson Trailblazer Award.&rdquo; She was celebrated as&nbsp;the 2018 Good Apple Honoree by Louisiana Appleseed for increasing access to justice throughout&nbsp;her esteemed career, and received the Whitney M. Young Award by the Southeast Louisiana&nbsp;Council of the Boy Scouts of America at its Diversity in Scouting Gala. In 2019, she received the&nbsp;Gertrude E. Rush Award from the National Bar Association for her leadership in the community&nbsp;and in the legal profession and her concern for human and civil rights and later that year, the&nbsp;William H. Hastie Award by the National Bar Association (NBA) Judicial Council for excellence in&nbsp;legal and judicial scholarship and demonstrated commitment to justice under law.</p><p>She was honored in early 2020 when she received the National Association of Women&nbsp;Judges (NAWJ) Lady Justice Award, which honors those who use their person and position with&nbsp;equanimity, respect, transparency, and impartiality to advance the values of the NAWJ mission&nbsp;to promote the judicial role of protecting the rights of individuals under the rule of law. She was&nbsp;recently celebrated by the Judicial Council of the National Bar Association as a past chair.<br /></p><p>Earlier this month, Chief Justice Johnson was honored by her fellow justices and the&nbsp;Supreme Court of Louisiana Historical Society with the naming of the Chief Justice Bernette&nbsp;Joshua Johnson Supreme Court Museum, which is located on the first floor of the Supreme Court&nbsp;courthouse, to carry her legacy forward.</p><p>When asked to describe her legacy, Chief Justice Johnson commented that she hoped to&nbsp;be remembered for applying the law with fairness, turning a nonbiased eye to each case that&nbsp;came before her, treating all with dignity and respect, and shining a light on the problems of mass&nbsp;incarceration in Louisiana. When asked how she will spend her retirement, Chief Justice Johnson&nbsp;responded, &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve been a lawyer for over 50 years, a judge for 36 years including 26 at the Supreme&nbsp;Court, and a Chief Justice for almost 8 years; it has been a privilege to serve the citizens of the&nbsp;great state of Louisiana; I intend to see what retirement is like before going on to new challenges.&rdquo;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img src="/biography%2FJohnson_Bernette.jpg" alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson" width="300" /></p><p><span style="font-size:9.6px;text-align:justify;">Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson</span></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="text-align:left;" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>December 8, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"></span></strong> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong></strong><strong></strong><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT MUSEUM IS NAMED</strong><br /><strong>FOR RETIRING CHIEF JUSTICE BERNETTE JOSHUA JOHNSON</strong><br /></p><p style="text-align:left;">New Orleans, LA &minus; The Louisiana Supreme Court announced today that the Louisiana Supreme Court Museum will be officially named the <strong>Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson Supreme Court Museum</strong>, in tribute to Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, who will retire on December 31, 2020, after over three decades as a Louisiana judge and then justice. Chief Justice Johnson served as the Supreme Court&rsquo;s 25th Chief Justice and the first African-American and second female Chief Justice. The Museum is currently housed in the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse at 400 Royal Street in New Orleans. The official naming was proposed to the Court by the Supreme Court of Louisiana Historical Society.</p><p style="text-align:left;">"I have a commitment to the fair application of justice, first in my role as Chief Justice but also to leave a legacy to those who follow in my path as I was inspired by many of the jurists whose accomplishments are memorialized in the Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson Supreme Court Museum,&rdquo; said Chief Justice Johnson. &ldquo;I am pleased that the Museum further commemorates that commitment and am honored and thankful to the Supreme Court of Louisiana Historical Society and my colleagues, the present Justices on the bench, for this honor.&rdquo;</p><p style="text-align:left;">The Museum includes portraits of all 25 Chief Justices who have presided over the Louisiana Supreme Court throughout history. Additional display cases include just a few of the many awards and recognitions received by Chief Justice Johnson. Additionally, the Museum contains a replica of the building, historical papers from the <em>Plessy v. Ferguson</em> case, which originated in New Orleans, and information on New Orleans Colonial Law and Louisiana Civil Code. The Museum is also home to the &ldquo;Women in the Law&rdquo; exhibit, a historical timeline chronicling women&rsquo;s &ldquo;firsts&rdquo;</p><p style="text-align:left;">achievements in law, highlighting their determination, commitment, and often under-recognized contributions to jurisprudence. The Supreme Court of Louisiana Historical Society debuted the exhibit along with Chief Justice Johnson during her service as co-chair of the Annual National Association of Women Judges Conference in October 2013 when over 300 national and international women judges convened in New Orleans. Additional displays curated by the Law Library of Louisiana rotate throughout the year.</p><p style="text-align:left;">The Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson Supreme Court Museum is located on the first floor of the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse in New Orleans, which is currently closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong></strong><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;</p><style>.picgrid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 3fr 2fr; grid-gap: .8rem; align-content: center; } </style> <div class="picgrid"><h4 style="text-align:center;"><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2020/images/Johnson_Museum.jpg" alt="The Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson Supreme Court Museum" /><br />The Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson Supreme Court Museum</h4><h4 style="text-align:center;"><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2020/images/Johnson_Museum_Portrait-c.jpg" alt="Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, Louisiana Supreme Cout" /><br />Chief Justice&nbsp;Bernette Joshua Johnson<br /><span style="font-size:.8em;">Portait by Haitian artist Ulrick Jean-Pierre, unveiled at the Court on February 17, 2014. Courtesy of The Supreme Court of Louisiana Historical Society</span></h4></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="text-align:left;" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>November 20, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"></span></strong> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong></strong><strong></strong><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY HIGHLIGHTS CONTINUED NEED FOR LOVING FAMILIES FOR CHILDREN IN LOUISIANA</strong><strong></strong></p><p style="text-align:left;">New Orleans, LA &minus; In honor of <strong>National Adoption Day, Saturday, November 21, 2020 at 1:00pm</strong> Orleans Parish Juvenile Court will finalize two adoptions and celebrate all adoptions finalized since last year&rsquo;s Adoption Day. Judges, lawyers, adoption professionals, child advocates, and community volunteers will participate in this virtual event, marking the 21st National Adoption Day event by Orleans Parish Juvenile Court, held each year in November which is National Adoption Month. The theme of this event is <strong>Adoption Wins over COVID-19</strong>.</p><p>&ldquo;It is imperative that we bring exposure to the need to adopt children who are in foster care and who do not have permanent homes by informing the public that the need remains even during the COVID-19 pandemic,&rdquo; said Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson. &ldquo;For those children waiting on a forever home and loving family, even in these times and perhaps especially in these times, there is still a need.&rdquo;</p><p>The purpose of video conferencing the event is to call attention to the continued need for children to be fostered and adopted by nurturing parents in positive environments. &ldquo;The adoption process has changed only in the fact that we are now holding adoption hearings remotely because of COVID-19; courts have generally restricted in-person hearings. However, there was a desire to make sure that adoptions were held and that the children could become a permanent member of a loving family as soon as possible,&rdquo; said Orleans Parish Juvenile Judge Ernestine Gray who spearheads the event in Orleans Parish. There are 3,527 children and youth in foster care in the State of Louisiana, with 254 of them in the Greater New Orleans area. Of the 3,527, 315 are freed for adoption with 110 of them needing an identified adoptive resource.</p><p>In Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court, adoptions have continued since COVID-19 guidelines were first implemented, with the setting changing to &ldquo;virtual&rdquo; adoptions initially, back to in-person adoptions, albeit with limited family members present.</p><p>&ldquo;Foster care is already a stressful time in the lives of children, the uncertainty of where they will live permanently, if they will ever be reunified or have an adoptive family is already stressful, now that there is COVID, there is even more stress for all kids in general,&rdquo; said Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court Judicial Administrator Dawn Palermo. &ldquo;Children&rsquo;s routines have changed, their socialization, all of their daily lives are now different. For children in foster care, this stress is heightened. People should consider adoption for the simple fact that there are many children still waiting for a forever family home. Their need for a safe and permanent home does not stop because of COVID-19. Now more than ever our children in foster care need stability, need comfort, need love.&rdquo;</p><p>Historically, on the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year (National Adoption Day), courts throughout the United States open their doors to finalize adoptions of hundreds of children in foster care and celebrate all families that adopt.</p><p><strong>Click on the Zoom link below to join the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court Event</strong><br /><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83603909372?pwd=cERUTnpYNXk0aG0yMDZSQ2QycmdwQT09">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83603909372?pwd=cERUTnpYNXk0aG0yMDZSQ2QycmdwQT09</a><br />Meeting ID: 836 0390 9372<br />Passcode: 160555<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="text-align:left;" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 29, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"></span></strong> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong></strong><strong></strong><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT WILL REMAIN CLOSED DUE TO HURRICANE ZETA</strong><strong></strong></p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong></strong><strong></strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA-</strong> Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson announced today that the Louisiana Supreme Court offices and the Supreme Court Clerk of Court&rsquo;s Office will be closed Thursday, October 29, 2020.</p><p>Court Closure Orders and information from courts across Louisiana will be posted on the website of the Louisiana Supreme Court, <a href="/">www.lasc.org</a>, as they are received.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong></strong><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82" style="text-align:left;">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253" style="text-align:left;">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="text-align:left;" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 27, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"></span></strong> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong></strong><strong></strong><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ANNOUNCES</strong><br /><strong>CLOSURE DUE TO HURRICANE ZETA</strong></p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong></strong><strong></strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA-</strong> Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson announced today that, considering the emergency created by the expected hazardous weather conditions resulting from Hurricane Zeta, potentially causing road closures, the threat of high winds and flooding, and other safety risks for the public and court staff, the Louisiana Supreme Court Offices and the Supreme Court Clerk of Court&rsquo;s Office will close at 12:00pm, Wednesday, October 28, 2020.</p><p>Court Closure Orders and information from courts across Louisiana will be posted on the website of the Louisiana Supreme Court, <a href="/">www.lasc.org</a>, as they are received.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong></strong><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p>
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<p><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="text-align:left;" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 23, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"></span></strong> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong></strong><strong></strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>CHIEF JUSTICE BERNETTE JOSHUA JOHNSON ANNOUNCES</strong><br /><strong>THE FIRST LANGUAGE ACCESS PLAN FOR LOUISIANA COURTS</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA-&nbsp;</strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson announced today the creation of <a href="/Court_Interpreters/LAPwithAppend.pdf" target="_blank">the first-ever statewide Language Access Plan</a> (LAP) for Louisiana&rsquo;s courts. By a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in partnership with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), the Louisiana Supreme Court has committed to work with lower courts in the Louisiana judiciary to phase-in a language access program that will provide free language assistance services including but not limited to providing court interpreters to some 120,000 limited English proficient (LEP) individuals in all state court proceedings and operations.</p><p>&ldquo;The LAP is the result of several years of discussions with the U.S. Department of Justice. It was drafted in consultation with members of the LAP Stakeholder Committee, which included judges, court administrators, interpreters, and other judicial stakeholders,&rdquo; Chief Justice Johnson said. &ldquo;We appreciate the hard work of the Stakeholder Committee who I believe produced an excellent plan to move Louisiana forward in this critical area.&rdquo;</p><p>The purpose of the LAP is to provide effective language assistance services to limited English proficient individuals in order that they may effectively gain knowledge of and participate in judicial proceedings, programs, and services that they otherwise would not be able to utilize or understand. Additionally the plan includes a template to be used by each state court to develop its customized court language access plan.</p><p>The LAP, the realization of the Court&rsquo;s commitment to addressing language barriers, employs a &ldquo;phased-in approach&rdquo; with extensive input from the Supreme Court&rsquo;s Language Access Stakeholder Committee (&ldquo;Stakeholder Committee&rdquo;), the Supreme Court&rsquo;s Language Access Coordinator, and Judicial Administrator, as well as the DOJ. It includes stipulations on providing LEP individuals with translated paper and electronic notice about how to access interpreter services, how to provide translated paper and electronic court forms and&nbsp; information, explains the process for each court to collect and report interpreter use information to the Supreme Court, and how to create a process for language access complaints. Further, the Language Access Plan shall be a dynamic document which is periodically reviewed and updated to reflect new best&nbsp;practices in the judicial system and society.</p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p>
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<p><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="text-align:left;" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 7, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"></span></strong> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong></strong></span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ANNOUNCES</strong><br /><strong>CLOSURE DUE TO HURRICANE DELTA</strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA-</strong> Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson announced today that, considering the emergency created by the expected hazardous weather conditions resulting from Hurricane Delta, potentially causing road closures, the threat of high winds and flooding, and other safety risks for the public and court staff, the Louisiana Supreme Court Offices and the Supreme Court Clerk of Court&rsquo;s Office will be closed Friday, October 9, 2020. All filings due on Friday, October 9, 2020, shall be deemed timely filed if filed on or before Monday, October 12, 2020.</p><p>Court Closure Orders and information from courts across Louisiana will be posted on the website of the Louisiana Supreme Court, <strong><a href="/">www.lasc.org</a></strong>, as they are received.</p><p>The Order issued by the Louisiana Supreme Court can be found <a href="/court_closure_orders/2020/2020-10-09_LASC_HurricaneDelta.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a>. </p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>For more information visit<a href="/"> lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;margin-left:30px;"><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;margin-left:30px;"><strong>-30-</strong></p>
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<p><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="text-align:left;" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 7, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"></span></strong> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT RESCHEDULES THE</strong><br /><strong>2020 BAR EXAM DUE TO HURRICANE DELTA</strong></p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court announced today that considering the emergency declared statewide by Governor John Bel Edwards in Proclamation Number 133 JBE 2020 as a result of Hurricane Delta, which is forecast to result in widespread power outages that will adversely impact the administration of the remote bar examination on October 10, 2020 and present other safety risks for Louisiana citizens, the 2020 Louisiana Bar Exam scheduled for Saturday, October 10, 2020 has been rescheduled to Tuesday, October 20, 2020 on recommendation of the Louisiana Supreme Court Committee on Bar Admissions. The rescheduled date of Tuesday, October 20, 2020 was selected out of concern for the applicants to insure that they had access to adequate power after possible outages relating to Hurricane Delta and to minimize the delay and the disruption with the applicants&rsquo; ongoing preparation for the exam.</p><p>Any applicant that is unable to take the exam on the rescheduled date due to adverse effects of Hurricane Delta will be allowed to postpone without penalty.</p><p>The Order issued by the Louisiana Supreme Court can be found <strong><a href="/COVID19/Orders/2020-10-07_LASC_BarExam.pdf" target="_blank">here</a></strong>.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>For more information visit<a href="/"> lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;margin-left:30px;"><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;margin-left:30px;"><strong>-30-</strong></p>
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<p><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="text-align:left;" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 24, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"></span></strong> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>CHIEF JUDGE FELICIA TONEY WILLIAMS ANNOUNCES HER RETIREMENT;</strong><br /><strong>RETIRED JUSTICE EDWARD JOSEPH BLEICH TO SERVE AS JUDGE PRO TEMPORE</strong></p><p><strong></strong><strong>New Orleans, LA -&nbsp;</strong>Today, the Louisiana Supreme Court announced that <strong><a href="/Press_Room/Press_Releases/2020/2020-33_BleichOrder.pdf" target="_blank">it has appointed</a></strong> retired Justice Edward Joseph Bleich as judge <em>pro tempore</em> of the Court of Appeal, Second Circuit, to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Second Circuit Court of Appeal Chief Judge Felicia Toney Williams, effective October 1, 2020. Retired Justice Bleich, who was unanimously approved by the Supreme Court, will serve October 1, 2020 through May 31, 2021 or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner.</p><p>Chief Judge Felicia Toney Williams was the first African American to serve as Chief Judge of the Court of Appeal, Second Circuit. She earned her bachelor&rsquo;s degree from Southern University of Baton Rouge in 1977 and her juris doctor from Southern University School of Law in Baton Rouge, LA in 1980. Following graduation, she served as an attorney with the United States Department of Justice, after which she worked as an attorney at Central Louisiana Legal Services and a central staff law clerk at the Louisiana Supreme Court. She later worked as Madison Parish Assistant District Attorney, and as a Partner at Williams and Williams, APLC. She was elected as 6th Judicial District Court Judge, Division B in 1991 where she served until her election to the Court of Appeal, Second Circuit bench in 1993. In 1994 she served as Louisiana Supreme Court Associate Justice <em>pro tempore.</em></p><p>&ldquo;Chief Judge Williams exemplifies commitment to justice evidenced by her impeccable 30 year career in the judiciary,&rdquo; said Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, &ldquo;her service on the bench has provided a beacon for her successors and she will certainly be missed.&rdquo; Associate Justice Scott J. Crichton commented, &ldquo;It has been my experience to witness her dedication to the rule of law. She is to be commended for her years of service. We additionally express our thanks to retired Justice Bleich for his willingness to serve.&rdquo;</p><p>Retired Justice Edward Joseph Bleich was elected to the 3rd Judicial District Court, Division B in 1985 and reelected without opposition in 1991. Pursuant to order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, retired Justice Bleich has previously served on the Second Circuit Court of Appeal in a <em>pro tempore </em>capacity on three previous occasions.&nbsp;<strong></strong></p><p><strong>For more information visit<a href="/"> lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;margin-left:30px;"><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;margin-left:30px;"><strong>-30-</strong></p>
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<p><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="text-align:left;" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 22, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"></span></strong> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ISSUES AN EMERGENCY</strong><br /><strong>ORDER EXTENDING SUSPENSION OF DEADLINES IN 8 PARISHES</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong></strong><strong>New Orleans, LA -&nbsp;</strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson announced today that considering the state of emergency declared statewide by Governor John Bel Edwards as a result of then-Tropical Storm Laura on August 21, 2020 in Executive Proclamation Number 108 JBE 2020 and the catastrophic damage that Hurricane Laura has caused in the state, The Louisiana Supreme Court has issued an emergency <strong><a href="/court_closure_orders/2020/2020-09-22_LASC_LauraCiminalSuspension.pdf" target="_blank">Order</a></strong> suspending deadlines in criminal matters within eight parishes: <strong>Acadia, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Vermilion </strong>and <strong>Vernon.</strong> A September 9, 2020 Order suspended deadlines in 21 parishes, however today&rsquo;s Order extending the suspension of deadlines is relative to only the eight parishes listed above.</p><p>The <strong><a href="/court_closure_orders/2020/2020-09-22_LASC_LauraCiminalSuspension.pdf" target="_blank">Order</a></strong> reads as follows:</p><ol><li><strong>Emergency suspension of time limitations.</strong> All time periods, limitations, and delays pertaining to the initiation, continuation, prosecution, defense, appeal, and post-conviction relief of any prosecution of any state or municipal criminal, juvenile, wildlife, or traffic matter within the parishes of Acadia, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Vermilion and Vernon are hereby suspended for a period of 30 days commencing from September 21, 2020.</li></ol><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>For more information visit<a href="/"> lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><ul><li><a href="/Press_Room/Press_Releases/2020/2020-32_Esp.pdf" target="_blank">En Espa&ntilde;ol</a></li><li><a href="/Press_Room/Press_Releases/2020/2020-32_Viet.pdf" target="_blank">bằng tiếng việt</a></li></ul><br /><br /><p style="text-align:center;margin-left:30px;"><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;margin-left:30px;"><strong>-30-</strong></p>
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<p><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="text-align:left;" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 16, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"></span></strong> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>LOUISIANA&rsquo;S HIGH COURT CREATES</strong><br /><strong>THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION</strong></p><p><strong></strong><strong>New Orleans, LA -&nbsp;</strong>The Louisiana Supreme Court today <a href="/press_room/press_releases/2020/2020-31_TechnologyCommissionOrder.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>announced the creation</strong></a> of the Louisiana Supreme Court Technology Commission. The Commission, which will be a standing commission of the Court, will consist of judges from throughout the state from various levels of the judiciary who will be charged with identifying technology needs, establishing goals for implementation, devising best practices, and suggesting necessary rule changes and steps towards implementation of articulated technology goals for the judiciary.</p><p>&ldquo;In today&rsquo;s environment of rapidly advancing technology, creating this Commission of legal minds committed to addressing how to best ensure the judiciary&rsquo;s application and utilization of technological innovations will position us to better serve our citizens and to further advance Louisiana&rsquo;s judiciary,&rdquo; said Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson.</p><p><a href="/press_room/press_releases/2020/2020-31_SchlegelBio.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>24th Judicial District Court Judge Scott Schlegel</strong></a> will Chair the Commission, which will make recommendations to the Louisiana Supreme Court related to technology. Judge Schlegel was recently named the recipient of the <a href="https://americanlegaltechnology.com/award-winners/#court" target="_blank"><strong><em>American Legal Technology Award</em></strong></a>, earned by a court or judicial officer for displaying outstanding use of technology that achieves a significant benefit to the public. Judge Schlegel was elected to the 24th Judicial District Court for the Parish of Jefferson, Division D, in May 2013, and was later appointed to the Court&rsquo;s Management Committee. He currently serves as the Chairperson of the Specialty Treatment Court Committee for the 24th JDC; has been appointed to serve on the Council of Specialty Court Judges of the Louisiana Supreme Court; the Executive Board of the Louisiana District Judges Association (LDJA); as Chair of the LDJA/Department of Corrections Liaison Committee; as Chair of the LDJA Technology Committee; and as a member of the Louisiana State Law Institute&rsquo;s Criminal Code &amp; Code of Criminal Procedure Committee.</p><p>Initial members who will serve a term of two (2) years from the date of this order are:</p><ul><li><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court:</strong> Justice John Weimer; Justice Will Crain</li><li><strong>Louisiana Appeal Courts:</strong> Judge Susan Chehardy; Judge Jonathan Perry</li><li><strong>Louisiana District Courts:</strong> Judge Brady O&rsquo;Callaghan; Judge Scott Schlegel (Chairman); Judge Laurie Brister; Judge Marcus Hunter; Judge Nakisha Ervin-Knott; Judge John LeBlanc; Judge Clayton Davis</li><li><strong>Louisiana Juvenile Courts:</strong> Judge Blair Edwards</li><li><strong>Louisiana Family Courts:</strong> Judge Hunter Greene</li><li><strong>Louisiana City Courts:</strong> Judge Bryan Haggerty; Judge Kelli Temple</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>For more information visit<a href="/"> lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;margin-left:30px;"><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;margin-left:30px;"><strong>-30-</strong></p>
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<p><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="text-align:left;" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 13, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"></span></strong> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ANNOUNCES CLOSURE DUE TO TROPICAL STORM SALLY</strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA - </strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson announced today that, considering the emergency created by the expected hazardous weather conditions resulting from Tropical Storm Sally, the Louisiana Supreme Court Offices and the Supreme Court Clerk of Court&rsquo;s office will be closed Monday, September 14 and Tuesday, September 15, 2020.</p><p>This closure is considered a legal holiday in accordance with LA R.S. 1:55. Court Closure Orders and information from courts across Louisiana will be posted on the website of the Louisiana Supreme Court, <a href="/">www.lasc.org</a>, as they are received. See <strong><a href="/court_closure_orders/2020/2020-09-14_LASC.pdf" target="_blank">Order</a></strong>.</p><p><strong>For more information visit<a href="/"> lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;margin-left:30px;"><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;margin-left:30px;"><strong>-30-</strong></p>
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<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /><p>&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="text-align:left;" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 11, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"></span></strong> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;margin-left:30px;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;margin-left:30px;"><strong>LOUISIANA THIRD CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEAL EMERGENCY MATTERS TEMPORARILY TRANSFERRED TO LOUISIANA FIFTH COURT OF APPEAL</strong></p><p><strong></strong><strong>New Orleans, LA &minus;</strong> Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson announced an <strong><a href="/court_closure_orders/2020/2020-09-11_LASC_3rdCOATransferOrder.pdf" target="_blank">Order</a></strong> today temporarily transferring emergency matters from the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal to the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal. This action is in consideration of the state of emergency declared statewide by Governor John Bel Edwards as a result of then-Tropical Storm Laura on August 21, 2020 in Executive Proclamation Number 108 JBE 2020 and the catastrophic damage that Hurricane Laura has caused in the state, including to the Court of Appeal, Third Circuit, incapacitating its operations. All such writ filings must utilize the Court of Appeal, Fifth Circuit <a href="/court_closure_orders/2020/5th_Writ_Intake_Form.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>Writ Application Intake Form</strong></a> for expedited consideration.</p><p>The <strong><a href="/court_closure_orders/2020/2020-09-11_LASC_3rdCOATransferOrder.pdf" target="_blank">Order</a></strong> reads as follows:</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Matters seeking expedited consideration for criminal and civil matters that would have been filed in the Court of Appeal, Third Circuit are to be hereby temporarily transferred to the Court of Appeal, Fifth Circuit. This period of temporary transfer shall be effective immediately and shall last for thirty (30) days, unless terminated sooner by order of this court. Filings will be accepted at Court of Appeal, Fifth Circuit, P.O. Box 489, Gretna, LA 70054, or via fax filing (504) 576-0800, or via Efiling at <a href="https://ecourt.fifthcircuit.org" target="_blank">https://ecourt.fifthcircuit.org</a>. All such writ filings must utilize the Court of Appeal, Fifth Circuit Writ Application Intake Form for expedited consideration.<br /></p><ol style="margin-left:30px;"></ol><p style="text-align:left;"><strong>For more information visit<a href="/"> lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;margin-left:30px;"><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;margin-left:30px;"><strong>-30-</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /></p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="text-align:center;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="text-align:left;" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 9, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"></span></strong> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ISSUES EMERGENCY ORDER SUSPENDING CRIMINAL MATTERS IN 21 PARISHES</strong></p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong>New Orleans &minus; </strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson announced today that considering the state of emergency declared statewide by Governor John Bel Edwards as a result of then-Tropical Storm Laura on August 21, 2020 in Executive Proclamation Number 108 JBE 2020 and the catastrophic damage that Hurricane Laura has caused in the state, the Louisiana Supreme Court has issued an emergency <a href="/court_closure_orders/2020/2020-09-09_LASC_CriminalSuspensionOrder.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>Order</strong></a> suspending deadlines in criminal matters in 21 parishes: <strong>Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Bienville, Calcasieu, Cameron, Claiborne, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lincoln, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Sabine, Union, Vermilion, Vernon, </strong>and <strong>Winn</strong>.</p><p>The <a href="/court_closure_orders/2020/2020-09-09_LASC_CriminalSuspensionOrder.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>Order</strong></a> reads as follows:</p><ol><li><strong>Emergency suspension of time limitations. </strong>All time periods, limitations, and delays&nbsp;pertaining to the initiation, continuation, prosecution, defense, appeal, and post-conviction relief of any prosecution of any state or municipal criminal, juvenile, wildlife, or traffic matter within the parishes of Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Bienville, Calcasieu, Cameron, Claiborne, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lincoln, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Sabine, Union, Vermilion, Vernon and Winn are hereby suspended for a period of 30 days commencing from August 21, 2020.<br /></li><li><strong>Prior Order. </strong>Part 2 of the Order of this Court dated September 2, 2020 suspending time&nbsp;limitations in Calcasieu Parish for ninety (90) days commencing on September 2, 2020 is hereby rescinded in accordance with Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 955D and replaced with the time limitation specified above. All other provisions of the September 2, 2020 Order remain in effect.<br /></li></ol><p style="text-align:left;"><strong>For more information visit<a href="/"> lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><ul><li><a href="/Press_Room/Press_Releases/2020/2020-28_Esp.pdf" target="_blank" style="color:#003e69;box-sizing:border-box;overflow-wrap:break-word;">En Espa&ntilde;ol</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/Press_Room/Press_Releases/2020/2020-28_Viet.pdf" target="_blank" style="color:#003e69;box-sizing:border-box;overflow-wrap:break-word;">bằng tiếng việt</a></li></ul><p style="text-align:left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p>
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<p><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 2, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"></span></strong> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ISSUES UPDATED EMERGENCY ORDER DUE TO IMPACT OF HURRICANE LAURA&nbsp;</strong></span></p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson announced that considering the state of emergency declared statewide by Governor John Bel Edwards as a result of then-Tropical Storm Laura on August 21, 2020 and the catastrophic damage that Hurricane Laura has caused in the state, <a href="/court_closure_orders/2020/2020-09-01_LASC_Hurricane_Laura_Deadlines.pdf">the Louisiana Supreme Court issued an updated emergency order affecting filings with the Louisiana Supreme Court.</a></p><p>This updated order, which replaces the order issued Friday, August 28, 2020, states &ldquo;All filings which were or are due to this Court between Monday, August 24, 2020 through Friday, September 25, 2020 shall be considered timely if filed no later than Monday, September 28, 2020. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Order shall not apply to any matter arising out of the Election Code (La. R.S. 18:1 et seq.). Parties who are unable to meet this deadline due to Hurricane Laura may submit motions for extensions of time, supported by appropriate documentation and argument.&rdquo;</p><p>Court closure orders resulting from Hurricane Laura and information for courts statewide are posted on the website of the Louisiana Supreme Court at www.lasc.org, and updated as new information or orders are received.</p><p><strong>For more information visit<a href="/"> lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p>
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<p><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 2, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"></span></strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT APPOINTS ATTORNEY DON WEIR, JR. AS JUDGE PRO TEMPORE OF SHREVEPORT CITY COURT</span></strong></p><p></p><p>New Orleans - The Louisiana Supreme Court has appointed Shreveport attorney/mediator, Don Weir, Jr., as Judge <em>Pro Tempore</em> of Shreveport City Court, for the period from September 16, 2020 through December 31, 2020, or until the vacancy which currently exists in that court is filled.</p><p>Weir attended public schools in Shreveport. He then graduated from Washington &amp; Lee University (1972) and LSU Law School (1975), both with honors. He has practiced law in Shreveport since 1975 and has also served as a mediator since 1998. Weir has previously served as an <em>ad hoc</em> Judge in Shreveport City Court.</p><p>In 2017, Weir received the Shreveport Bar Association&rsquo;s Professionalism Award for his voluntary representation of abused minor children in protective order cases at the Caddo Parish Juvenile Court.</p><p>Upon completion of his appointment, Weir will return to his private legal and mediation practice.</p><p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2020%2Fimages%2FWeir_Don.jpg" alt="Don Weir" width="200" /><br /></p><div class="caption">Don Weir</div>
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<p><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>August 28, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"></span></strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ISSUES EMERGENCY ORDERS DUE TO IMPACT OF HURRICANE LAURA&nbsp;</span></strong><br /></p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson announced today that considering the state of emergency declared statewide by Governor John Bel Edwards as a result of then-Tropical Storm Laura on August 21, 2020 and the catastrophic damage that Hurricane Laura has caused in the state, <a href="/court_closure_orders/2020/2020-08-28_LASC_Hurricane_Laura.pdf" target="_blank">t<strong>he Louisiana Supreme Court has issued an emergency order suspending all prescriptive, peremptive, and abandonment periods statewide</strong></a> for a period of thirty (30) days commencing from the Governor&rsquo;s August 21, 2020 declaration of state of emergency.&nbsp; The periods suspended above shall not include any matter arising out of the Election Code (La. R.S. 18:1 et seq.), which are specifically excluded from this Order.</p><p>&ldquo;The devastation caused by Hurricane Laura is widespread.&nbsp; We are aware of the many hardships those affected by Hurricane Laura will be facing, including members of the legal community, whose top priorities should be personal safety and recovery efforts,&rdquo; said Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><a href="/court_closure_orders/2020/2020-08-28_LASC_Hurricane_Laura_Deadlines.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>The Louisiana Supreme Court additionally issued a second emergency order affecting filings with the Louisiana Supreme Court.</strong></a>&nbsp; All filings which were or are due to this Court between Monday, August 24, 2020 through Friday, August 28, 2020 shall be considered timely if filed no later than Monday, September 28, 2020. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Order shall not apply to any matter arising out of the Election Code (La. R.S. 18:1 et seq.). Parties who are unable to meet this deadline due to Hurricane Laura may submit motions for extensions of time, supported by appropriate documentation and argument.</p><p>Court closure orders and information for courts statewide are posted on the website of the Louisiana Supreme Court at <a href="/">www.lasc.org</a>, and are updated as new information or orders are received.<br /><br /><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><ul><li><a href="/Press_Room/Press_Releases/2020/2020-25_Esp.pdf" target="_blank" style="color:#003e69;box-sizing:border-box;overflow-wrap:break-word;">En Espa&ntilde;ol</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/Press_Room/Press_Releases/2020/2020-25_Viet.pdf" target="_blank" style="color:#003e69;box-sizing:border-box;overflow-wrap:break-word;">bằng tiếng việt</a></li></ul><p><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p>
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<p><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>August 23, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"></span></strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ANNOUNCES CLOSURE DUE TO HURRICANE MARCO AND TROPICAL STORM/HURRICANE LAURA</span></strong></p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson announced today that considering the emergency created by the expected hazardous weather conditions resulting from Hurricane Marco and Tropical Storm/Hurricane Laura, potentially causing road closures, the threat of high winds and flooding, and other safety risks for the public and court staff, the Louisiana Supreme Court Offices and the Supreme Court Clerk of Court&rsquo;s office will be closed Monday, August 24 through Wednesday, August 26, 2020.</p><p>This closure is considered a legal holiday in accordance with LA R.S. 1:55. All filings due during the period of closure shall be deemed timely filed if filed on Thursday, August 27, 2020.</p><p>Court Closure Orders and information from courts across Louisiana will be posted on the website of the Louisiana Supreme Court, <a href="/">www.lasc.org</a>, as they are received.<strong></strong></p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p>
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<p><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>August 12, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO METHOD OF <br />ADMINISTRATION OF AUGUST 24 AND OCTOBER 10, 2020 LOUISIANA BAR EXAM</span></strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong></strong></span></p><p><br /></p><p>Upon the recommendation of the Committee on Bar Admissions, the Louisiana Supreme Court <a href="/COVID19/Orders/2020-08-12_LASC_BarExam.pdf" target="_blank">issued an Order today</a> announcing modifications to the method of administering the August 24, 2020 and October 10, 2020 Louisiana Bar Exam due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p>The August 24, 2020 and October 10, 2020 remote bar examinations will be in open-book format, with no live monitoring or proctoring. Applicants will receive the exam questions by email and submit responses by email, to an address established by the Louisiana Supreme Court Committee on Bar Admissions. Applicants may use outside materials to complete the exam but are prohibited from seeking or accepting assistance from any other individual during the exam.</p><p>&ldquo;The Louisiana Supreme Court Committee on Bar Admissions has worked diligently throughout this pandemic to find workable solutions which will allow applicants the ability to safely sit for the Bar Exam while being mindful of issues which may present themselves that could affect the applicants&rsquo; ability to test,&rdquo; said Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson. &ldquo;The Committee on Bar Admissions advised that it is not feasible to administer the remote bar examinations utilizing the current software vendor, therefore today&rsquo;s Order provides Bar Exam applicants with the opportunity to sit for the Bar Exam without further delay due to conditions presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and possible&nbsp; unexpected technical issues which may have interrupted their remote testing.&rdquo;</p><p>Applicants must still complete all other requirements for admission as set forth in Louisiana Supreme Court Rule XVII, including satisfying character and fitness requirements and passing the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination.</p><p>The Court previously issued Orders dated May 13, 2020 amending Part I of the written examination required by Section 7 of Supreme Court Rule XVII and July 22, 2020 providing for two remote administrations of the previously announced 1-day Bar Examination: August 24, 2020 and October 10, 2020.</p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>July 27, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE BERNETTE JOSHUA JOHNSON FEATURED PANELIST ON </strong></span><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>NATIONAL WEBINAR ON ACCESS TO JUSTICE DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC</strong></span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson served as a featured panelist on a National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ) webinar, &ldquo;Bridging the Justice Gap in a Pandemic,&rdquo; on July 22, 2020. The webinar served as a resource for judges on building strategies that prioritize access to justice with a commitment to safety in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Panel participants who also shared judicial strategies during the pandemic included Chief Justice Debra L. Stephens, Washington State Supreme Court and Justice Lucy A. Billings, New York State Supreme Court. Administrative Judge Lisa Walsh of the Appellate Division, 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida, served as moderator. NAWJ President and Orleans Parish Civil District Court Judge Bernadette D&rsquo;Souza offered opening remarks.</p><p>Chief Justice Johnson, whose final year on the state&rsquo;s High Court has been mostly consumed with addressing COVID-19 challenges, presented the Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s strategy implemented to deal with the pandemic as its reach and impact carried across the state&rsquo;s judiciary. The presentation was entitled, &ldquo;Louisiana Judiciary&rsquo;s Response to Ensure Access to Justice during the COVID-19 Global Pandemic.&rdquo; In the wake of COVID-19 government-imposed mandates in March 2020 through today, the Court continued to serve the public while adhering to public health concerns according to Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for capacity and social distancing. Chief Justice Johnson&rsquo;s presentation included a chronological record of the many <a href="/COVID19">Orders</a> issued by the Supreme Court regarding operations of the state court judicial system, <a href="/COVID19">correspondence</a> to state judges and others offering guidance on issues such as adult jail population, juvenile detention, domestic violence cases, evictions, etc., and <a href="/PressRoom/2020">press releases</a> to keep the public aware of ongoing developments. Additionally, the Court created and maintained a dedicated <a href="/COVID19">COVID-19 page</a> on its website to ensure a centralized location for all information posted and orders received from courts statewide related to the pandemic.</p><p>Chief Justice Johnson explained the goal of the Court&rsquo;s Orders to respond to the challenges presented by the pandemic while protecting and informing citizens of the state and abiding by the court&rsquo;s commitment to provide access to justice. This included limiting in-person proceedings to emergency matters and directing that other court proceedings be held via video conferencing. Judges were quickly trained on how to conduct remote proceedings and the court&rsquo;s Technology staff ensured that judges had the necessary computer equipment. As each Order was released, a corresponding press release was issued for public awareness of Court procedures during this unprecedented season and to inform the public of the continued access to the court system. The presentation also illustrated how the Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s departments aligned with Information Technology to not only assist state judges with implementing remote conferencing, but also how IT staff assisted the Justices and staff with training and equipment to support their efforts to work remotely. Judges and attorneys trained on technology and become trainers of other judges and staff. Assistance was also available to judges from the <a href="https://lajudicialcollege.org/about-ljc/">Louisiana Judicial College</a> (LJC) and the <a href="https://ldja.net/">Louisiana District Judges Association</a> (LDJA). Technical support was available to state and city courts to assist any needs in convening via video conferencing whenever possible.</p><p>Additionally, for the first time in the 207-year history of the Louisiana Supreme Court, the Court held oral arguments in June 2020 utilizing video conference technology, which was livestreamed on the Court&rsquo;s website. Although the court has live-streamed oral arguments since January 2007, this was the first time attorneys argued cases before the Justices via video conferencing. </p><p>The NAWJ&rsquo;s mission is to promote the judicial role of protecting the rights of individuals under the rule of law through strong, committed, diverse judicial leadership; fairness and equality in the courts; and equal access to justice.</p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>July 24, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p><br /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><div style="float:right;"><img style="margin-left:3em;margin-bottom:3em;" src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2020%2Fimages%2FDr.-Angela-White-Bazile-web.jpg" alt="Dr. Angela White-Bazile" width="300" /></div><p><strong>New Orleans, LA </strong>&ndash; Dr. Angela White-Bazile, Executive Counsel for Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, received the Hidden Figure Award from the National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division during the Virtual Achievement Awards Champagne Reception on July 23, 2020.</p><p>Attorney Sunny Hostin, cohost of television&rsquo;s &ldquo;The View&rdquo; since 2016, was the Keynote Speaker.</p><p>The Hidden Figure Award recognizes a woman lawyer who may be described as a hidden figure because of her significant contributions to the legal profession that are not widely known.</p><p>A nominee had to meet one of the following criteria:</p><ul><li>Dared to be first and broke barriers or new ground;</li><li>Showed resilience to change the projections of her success, or the success of others;</li><li>Removed obstacles to aid in pursuing her career goals or the goals of others; or</li><li>Used her privilege or power to empower another lawyer.</li></ul><p>&ldquo;I am honored and humbled to receive this award,&rdquo; said Dr. White-Bazile. &ldquo;I have worked to champion diversity and inclusion and foster the advancement of women in the legal profession over the last 24 years while continuing to highlight the importance of community service and mentoring.&rdquo; Dr. White-Bazile is the first African American woman to hold the position of Executive Counsel at the Louisiana Supreme Court and has been in this role since March 2014.</p><p>The 95th Annual National Bar Association Convention and Exhibit was originally scheduled to be held in Washington D.C. from July 25 &ndash; 30, 2020 but will take place virtually instead due to COVID-19.</p><p>The National Bar Association, founded in 1925, is the nation&rsquo;s oldest and largest association of predominantly African American lawyers and judges. It represents the interests of approximately 65,000 lawyers, judges, law professors, and law students.</p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>July 22, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong></strong></span><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING 2020 BAR EXAMINATION</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Today the Louisiana Supreme Court <a href="/COVID19/Orders/2020-07-22_LASC_BarExam.all.pdf" target="_blank">issued an Order</a> permitting certain &ldquo;Qualified Candidates&rdquo; for admission to the Louisiana State Bar to be admitted to practice without the requirement of sitting for and passing the bar examination in 2020, provided all other usual requirements for admission are met.&nbsp; In addition, Qualified Candidates must complete 25 hours of continuing legal education and the Louisiana State Bar Association&rsquo;s <a href="http://files.lsba.org/documents/Mentoring/TIPHandbook.pdf" target="_blank">&ldquo;Transition Into Practice&rdquo;</a> mentoring program by December 31, 2021.</p><p>Dissenting from <a href="/COVID19/Orders/2020-07-22_LASC_BarExam.pdf" target="_blank">the Court&rsquo;s Order</a> were <a href="/COVID19/Orders/2020-07-22_LASC_BarExam.jdh.dis.pdf" target="_blank">Justice Jefferson D. Hughes III</a>, <a href="/COVID19/Orders/2020-07-22_LASC_BarExam.jtg.dis.pdf" target="_blank">Justice James T. Genovese</a>, and <a href="/COVID19/Orders/2020-07-22_LASC_BarExam.wjc.dis.pdf" target="_blank">Justice William J. Crain</a>.</p><p>The additional educational and mentoring requirements enacted in today&rsquo;s Order for those Qualified Candidates who elect the emergency admissions option will serve as guardrails to ensure the competency and integrity of the newly-admitted attorneys during their first year of practice.&nbsp; </p><p>Registered applicants who do not meet the definition of &ldquo;Qualified Candidate&rdquo; will still have two opportunities to take the bar examination in a one-day, remote format in 2020:&nbsp; August 24, 2020 and October 10, 2020.&nbsp; </p><p>Concern and discussions about administration of this summer&rsquo;s bar exam began when the pandemic first hit in March. The Court solicited input from the Louisiana Supreme Court Committee on Bar Admissions and the deans of the four Louisiana law schools, and explored numerous options of how to administer the bar safely, keeping the health and safety of the bar applicants at the forefront.&nbsp; Following extensive study and collaboration with the Committee and the deans, and considering the infection rate at the time, on May 8, 2020, the Court announced a plan to administer a modified one-day in-person examination in four cities to achieve the proper social distancing protocols required during this public health crisis.&nbsp; The Court continued to study this ever-evolving issue and on June 3, 2020, announced an additional option for applicants to take the bar examination remotely.</p><p>Faced with a rapidly rising coronavirus infection rate, especially among young adults, and an ongoing concern for public health and the safety of the registered bar exam applicants, on July 15, 2020, the Court announced the cancellation of the July 27, 2020 examination.&nbsp; With an in-person administration deemed too uncertain for the near future, the Court considered but rejected issuing a mandate that the bar examination be taken remotely for first-time test takers.&nbsp; While the Court did agree to allow the voluntary selection of a remote examination option by an applicant, the majority of the Justices were not willing to mandate that the examination be taken in settings which might encounter insurmountable challenges wholly-unrelated to the competence to practice law.&nbsp; </p><p>This is not the first time that the Louisiana Supreme Court has waived the requirement of a written bar examination due to emergency circumstances.&nbsp; In June, 1953, the Louisiana Supreme Court waived the requirement for the written examination for certain candidates during the existence of the Korean Conflict.&nbsp; </p><p>Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson commented, &ldquo;This COVID-19 crisis is unprecedented, and it calls for unprecedented and bold action, including implementation of today&rsquo;s Order granting one-time emergency admission to the Bar with additional requirements.&nbsp; This pandemic, not experienced globally since the 1918 Spanish Flu, has caused absolute disruption not only to the legal profession but to every aspect of society, with serious illness prevalent, schools shuttered nationally since March, unemployment at record high rates, and rising infection rates.&nbsp; We are bombarded with new information daily as we attempt to navigate these uncharted waters.</p><p>&ldquo;Despite these uncertain times, as Justices, we continue to have a responsibility to ensure the competency and integrity of the legal profession.&nbsp; In my opinion, today&rsquo;s limited one-time Order, including the additional requirements for bar admission, fulfills this responsibility.&nbsp; While we know that cancellation of the in-person July 2020 bar examination was concerning to the many law school graduates who have spent countless hours in preparation, we believe that our action today is not only warranted, but necessary during this public health crisis.&nbsp; On behalf of the Court, I extend our thanks to the Louisiana Supreme Court Committee on Bar Admissions, the deans of the four Louisiana law schools and the Louisiana State Bar Association for their respective roles and contributions in bringing this solution to fruition.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>July 15, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING THE JULY 27, 2020 BAR EXAMINATION</span></strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>After consultation, evaluation and advice from the Louisiana Supreme Court Committee on Bar Admissions and the Deans of the Louisiana Law Schools, it has been determined that administering the Louisiana State Bar Examination on July 27 would be imprudent for health and safety reasons related to the COVID-19 virus.</p><p>When the decision was made to administer this year&rsquo;s version of the bar examination, the infection rate had fallen and restrictions were being lifted. Substantial time, effort and energy were expended to change the examination format and to ensure the safety of both those taking the examination and those administering the examination. Unfortunately the rate of infection has increased substantially, with each of the test sites chosen being in areas which have seen some of the highest rates of infection.</p><p>The Supreme Court will meet soon to determine the next steps regarding the bar examination and will advise everyone as soon as possible. To protect the integrity of the examination, both the remote and in-person administrations of the July 27 examination will not be administered.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>June 8, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>LOUISIANA</strong><strong> SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE BERNETTE JOSHUA JOHNSON ISSUES CALL FOR JUSTICE FOR ALL IN LOUISIANA</strong></span></p><p>Today Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson issued a <a href="/press_room/press_releases/2020/2020-18_Justice_for_All_in_Louisiana.pdf" target="_blank">letter</a> to her colleagues in the Judicial, Executive and Legislative Branches, calling for Justice for All in Louisiana and asking them to consider ways in which they can improve the justice system in the midst of recent events including the pandemic and the recent killing of Mr. George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer and ensuing protests. Chief Justice Johnson&rsquo;s letter reads as follows:</p><p style="text-indent:3em;">Recent tragedies have compelled me to write this letter today.</p><p style="text-indent:3em;">The Coronavirus pandemic has quickly caused disruption in our world, taking over one hundred thousand American lives, causing millions of hardworking people to lose their jobs, and destroying countless small businesses in our communities. In Louisiana, the Coronavirus pandemic has disproportionately killed African Americans. In addition, we have once again witnessed the brazen killing of another African American, George Floyd, by police officers before our very eyes. His life is but one of countless others, including Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, that has been senselessly taken by a system that espouses equal rights under the law.</p><p style="text-indent:3em;">As a result, millions have taken to the streets to protest around our state, our nation, and the world. The protests&mdash;though triggered by recent events&mdash;are not about one or two isolated incidences of police violence. Rather, the protests are the consequence of centuries of institutionalized racism that has plagued our legal system. Statistics show that the Louisiana criminal legal system disproportionately affects African Americans, who comprise 32% of our population in Louisiana, but 70% of our prison population. African American children in Louisiana are imprisoned at almost seven times the rate of White children. Our prison population did not increase fivefold from 7,200 in 1978, to 40,000 in 2012 without decisive action over many years by the legislature and by prosecutors, juries and judges around the state. We are part of the problem they protest.</p><p style="text-indent:3em;">I am writing to urge all of us who administer the law to hear the voices of the protesters. So many feel our criminal legal system is part of the problem. I entreat all of us to resolve to be part of the solution. We all pledge allegiance to the American flag and pledge support of our national creed that we are one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Like all of you, I firmly believe in the rule of law. But its legitimacy is in peril when African American citizens see evidence every day of a criminal legal system that appears to value Black lives less than it values White lives.</p><p style="text-indent:3em;">As Chief Justice and chief administrator of our state&rsquo;s courts, I readily admit our justice system falls far short of the equality it espouses. And I see many of its worst injustices meted out in the criminal legal system. Inequities there range from courts being funded with fines levied on poor, disproportionately African American defendants, to our longtime use of Jim Crow laws to silence African American jurors and make it easier to convict African American defendants. We need only look at the glaring disparities between the rate of arrests, severity of prosecutions and lengths of sentences for drug offenses in poor and African American communities in comparison to those in wealthier White communities, to see how we are part of the problem. Is it any wonder why many people have little faith that our legal system is designed to serve them or protect them from harm? Is it any wonder why they have taken to the streets to demand that it does?</p><p style="text-indent:3em;">I have had the great honor of serving this state as a judge for 35 years alongside a diverse array of dedicated men and women who serve as judges. I want to thank each of you for striving every day to dispense justice fairly and to faithfully implement our laws. I am honored to call you my colleagues. But, I also ask all of you to acknowledge with me the part we each play in maintaining a system that leaves many of our fellow citizens, especially our African American citizens, feeling that they cannot breathe. Of course this is not our intention, but our benign and noble motivations do not matter to those who feel our criminal legal system is suffocating them.</p><p style="text-indent:3em;">As judges, lawyers, legislators, and law enforcement officials, we have real power to change the African American community&rsquo;s lived experience of the legal system. But we can only accomplish it by honestly and objectively examining our past in order to understand our present, and then critically examining our present in order to create a better future. Those examinations will reveal an ugly truth: Louisiana was built on principles of racism which have been written into our laws for centuries &ndash; often through &ldquo;race neutral&rdquo; language. Throughout history, we have only seen changes in the form of short-term policy decisions made in response to tense moments of conflict, rather than thoughtfully crafted long-term plans to dismantle systemic discrimination. And so&mdash;as all the data shows&mdash;our laws and courts continue to perpetrate the originally-intended racial inequities and injustices.</p><p style="text-indent:3em;">It is deeply uncomfortable to step back and acknowledge the role we play. As your Chief Justice, and as a Black woman, it is especially difficult for me to acknowledge that the courts I am so proud of are often part of the problem. But I implore my colleagues of all races to examine the role we play. If we continue to deny the problem, we can never expect to reach a solution.</p><p style="text-indent:3em;">The very real grievances of the protestors, including some I have mentioned, may seem like insurmountable problems&mdash;at once too granular, too complex, or too abstract&mdash;for us to solve. But let us not forget how far we have come; how insurmountable it once felt for African Americans to have equal civil rights and the right to vote without being terrorized or jailed. I personally remember when that felt insurmountable, as I spent much of my early career working to ensure that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were enforced in the places they were most needed. We have been propelled forward as a nation because of the sacrifices of so many Civil Rights heroes &ndash; sung and unsung &ndash; who fought when it was unpopular. We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to all of them. I have had the privilege of counting many of those heroes as my friends. And I believe we also owe a debt of gratitude to the peaceful protestors today, who are asking us to keep pushing, to boldly imagine how we can do better.</p><p style="text-indent:3em;">In my final year as Chief Justice of this state, I want to remind each of us that laws are not the same as justice. Slavery and segregation were both legal, after all. And I want to invoke the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who wrote: &ldquo;It is hardly a moral act to encourage others patiently to accept injustice which he himself does not endure.&rdquo;</p><p style="text-indent:3em;">I urge all of you to spend some time reflecting on the ways in which we ask others to accept injustices that we would not. I also ask that you engage in discussions about ways we can improve our criminal justice system here in Louisiana and insist on true equality in our courts, our offices, and in our lives every single day. Please join me in recognizing that we have been part of the problem, so that we may all today become part of the solution in achieving equal justice for all.</p><p><strong>For more information visit <a href="/">lasc.org</a> or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent, at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2590</strong><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>-30-</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>June 5, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ISSUES TWO NEW COVID-19 ORDERS</span></strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans -</strong> The Louisiana Supreme Court issued two new orders dated June 5. Acting under the authority of Article V, Sections 1 and 5 of Constitution of 1974, and the inherent power of this Court, and considering the continuing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency in Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards&rsquo; declaration of a public health emergency in Proclamation Number 25 JBE 2020, renewal of state of emergency for COVID-19 and extension and modification of emergency provisions in Proclamation Numbers 74 JBE 2020 and 75 JBE 2020, President Donald Trump&rsquo;s declaration of a national emergency on March 13, 2020, the Order of this Court dated May 15, 2020, and in consideration of ongoing public health recommendations to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus and slowing the spread of the disease while balancing the need to protect the constitutional rights and public safety of the citizens of the state by maintaining access to Louisiana courts, the Louisiana Supreme Court issued the following two orders.</p><p>The <a href="/COVID19/Orders/2020-06-05_LASC_Order.pdf">first Order</a> addresses statewide court operations and reads as follows:</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:</p><ol style="margin-left:30px;"><li style="margin-bottom:1em;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Prior Orders:</span> All provisions of the May 15, 2020 Order of this Court shall remain in effect except as expressly modified herein.</li><li style="margin-bottom:1em;"><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">In-person proceedings:</span> Courts continue to be authorized to conduct in-person proceedings on all matters. This authority does not extend to any matters suspended by executive action by the Governor, including but not limited to evictions. Courts must continue to take measures to limit access to courtrooms and other spaces, with minimum physical contact, to practice social distancing and limit in-person court capacity to 50% of the total capacity, as determined by the State Fire Marshall, counting both the number of employees and members of the public present in the building at one time. As this situation is constantly changing, courts are further instructed to follow all guidelines issued by the Center for Disease Control, the President and the Governor, and to further limit access to courtroom and other spaces to the maximum number of people set forth in any future guideline or official proclamation that maybe issued. All matters should continue to be conducted with the use of video and telephone conferencing whenever possible.</li><li style="margin-bottom:1em;"><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Speedy Trial Computations:</span> Given the public health concerns and the necessity of taking action to slow the spread of the disease, the continuances occasioned by this Order serve the ends of justice and outweigh the best interest of the public and the defendant in a speedy trial. Therefore, the time periods of such continuance shall be excluded from speedy trial computations pursuant to law, including but not limited to those set forth in the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure and the Louisiana Children&rsquo;s Code, and presumptively constitute just cause.</li></ol><p>The <a href="/COVID19/Orders/2020-06-05_LASC_DEADLINES.pdf">second Order</a> extends filing deadlines for the Louisiana Supreme Court and reads as follows:</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">All filings which were or are due to this Court between Thursday, March 12, 2020 through Monday, June 15, 2020, shall be considered timely if filed no later than Tuesday, June 16, 2020. Parties who are unable to meet this deadline due to the COVID-19 emergency may submit motions for extensions of time, supported by appropriate documentation and argument.</p><p>&ldquo;As we continue to function during the challenging times of the pandemic, we are motivated by the best interest of the citizens of Louisiana.&rdquo; said Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson. &ldquo;We are ever mindful of their rights to continued safety as well as an accessible and fair judiciary.&rdquo;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>REMINDER FOR ALL MEDIA:</strong></span></p><p>In response to the public health emergency created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Louisiana Supreme Court is posting Orders and information from Louisiana&rsquo;s courts on its website, <a href="/">www.lasc.org</a> and <a href="/COVID19">www.lasc.org/COVID19</a>. We ask and encourage all who are seeking information on Louisiana courts and the COVID-19 pandemic to visit the Supreme Court&rsquo;s website for information.</p><p><br /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>June 3, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;">THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT AND THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE ON BAR ADMISSIONS ANNOUNCE ONLINE BAR EXAMINATION OPTION</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court (the &ldquo;Court&rdquo;) and the Louisiana Supreme Court Committee on Bar Admissions (the &ldquo;LASCBA&rdquo;) jointly announce the addition of an option to take the July, 2020 and October, 2020 bar examination online. All other details regarding the administration of the July, 2020 and October, 2020 examinations remain unchanged.</p><p>In addition to the in-person cities announced on May 8, 2020, the bar examination can now also be taken online from any location within the United States, in an effort to provide an additional option for applicants who, due to health or other concerns, prefer to sit for the examination in a remote location.</p><p>The application deadline for both the July, 2020 and October, 2020 examinations closed on May 30 and will not be reopened to new applicants at this time. Within the next few days, staff of the LASCBA will be contacting existing applicants to inquire as to whether they wish to change their selection from an in-person location to the remote option.</p><p>Because the administration of the remote examination requires the hiring and training of more proctors than the in-person administration, there may be a need to limit the number of remote takers. The previously-announced priority schedule will apply to the selection of the remote option: (1) first-time test-takers, prioritized by the date application and fees were received by LASCBA, and (2) repeat takers, prioritized by the date application and fees were received by LASCBA.</p><p>Applicants are expected to check the <a href="https://www.lascba.org/" target="_blank">LASCBA&rsquo;s website</a> regularly for additional announcements regarding this matter.</p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>REMINDER FOR ALL MEDIA:</strong></span></p><p>In response to the public health emergency created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Louisiana Supreme Court is posting Orders and information from Louisiana&rsquo;s courts on its website, <a href="/">www.lasc.org</a> and <a href="/COVID19">www.lasc.org/COVID19</a>. We ask and encourage all who are seeking information on Louisiana courts and the COVID-19 pandemic to visit the Supreme Court&rsquo;s website for information.</p><p><br /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 15, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"></span></strong><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ISSUES TWO NEW ORDERS&nbsp;</span></strong></p><p><strong></strong><strong>New Orleans -</strong> The Louisiana Supreme Court issued two new orders dated May 15.&nbsp; Acting under the authority of Article V, Section 1 and 5 of Constitution of 1974, and the inherent power of this Court, and considering the continuing spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards&rsquo; renewal of state of emergency for COVID-19 and extension and modification of emergency provisions in Proclamation Numbers&nbsp; &nbsp;58 JBE 2020 and 59 JBE 2020, President Donald Trump&rsquo;s declaration of a national emergency on March 13, 2020, the Orders of this Court dated April 6, April 22 and April 29, 2020, and in consideration of ongoing public health recommendations to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus and slowing the spread of the disease while balancing the need to protect the constitutional rights and public safety of the citizens of the state by maintaining access to Louisiana courts, the Louisiana Supreme Court issued the following two orders.<br /></p><p>The <a href="/COVID19/Orders/2020-05-15_LASC_Order.pdf" target="_blank">first Order</a> addresses statewide court operations and reads as follows:</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:</p><ol style="margin-left:30px;"><li style="margin-bottom:1em;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Prior Orders:</span> This Order shall repeal and replace the Orders of this Court dated April&nbsp;6, April 22 and April 29, 2020.</li><li style="margin-bottom:1em;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Jury Trials:</span> No civil or criminal jury trial shall commence in any Louisiana state court before June 30, 2020.</li><li style="margin-bottom:1em;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">In-person proceedings:</span> The prohibition on conducting in person proceedings is hereby lifted, and courts are authorized to conduct in-person proceedings on all matters. This authority does not extend to any matters suspended by executive action by the Governor, including but not limited to evictions. Courts must continue to take measures to limit access to courtrooms and other spaces, with minimum physical contact, to practice social distancing and limit in-person court capacity to 25% of the total capacity, as determined by the State Fire Marshall, counting both the number of employees and members of the public present in the building at one time. As this situation is constantly changing, courts are further instructed to follow all guidelines issued by the Center for Disease Control, the President and the Governor, and to further limit access to courtroom and other spaces to the maximum number of people set forth in any future guideline or official proclamation that may be issued. All matters should continue to be conducted with the use of video and telephone conferencing whenever possible.</li><li style="margin-bottom:1em;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Speedy Trial Computations:</span> Given the public health concerns and the necessity of&nbsp;taking action to slow the spread of the disease, the continuances occasioned by this Order serve the ends of justice and outweigh the best interest of the public and the defendant in a speedy trial. Therefore, the time periods of such continuance shall be excluded from speedy trial computations pursuant to law, including but not limited to those set forth in the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure and the Louisiana Children&rsquo;s Code, and presumptively constitute just cause.<br /></li></ol><p>The <a href="/COVID19/Orders/2020-05-15_LASC_DEADLINES.pdf" target="_blank">second Order</a> extends filing deadlines for the Louisiana Supreme Court and reads as follows:</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:<br /><br /><span style="white-space:pre;"></span>All filings which were or are due to this Court between Thursday, March 12, 2020 through Friday, June 5, 2020 shall be considered timely if filed no later than Monday, June 8, 2020. Parties who are unable to meet this deadline due to the COVID-19 emergency may submit motions for extensions of time, supported by appropriate documentation and argument.</p><p>&ldquo;The Louisiana Supreme Court perseveres in committed jurisprudence as it works to keep the safety and wellbeing of Louisiana&rsquo;s citizens a priority.&rdquo; said Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson.&nbsp;<br /><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">REMINDER FOR ALL MEDIA:</span></strong><br /></p><p>In response to the public health emergency created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Louisiana Supreme Court is posting Orders and information from Louisiana&rsquo;s courts on its website, <a href="/">www.lasc.org</a> and <a href="/COVID19">www.lasc.org/COVID19</a>.&nbsp; We ask and encourage all who are seeking information on Louisiana courts and the COVID-19 pandemic to visit the Supreme Court&rsquo;s website for information.<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 15, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT WEBSITE&nbsp;GETS A NEW LOOK AND ADDS A NEW RESOURCE</span></strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans - </strong>Today the Louisiana Supreme Court announced the launch of a new and improved website with expanded digital technology for a more user-friendly experience across a range of devices such as laptops, desktops as well as mobile devices.&nbsp; The website, <a href="/">www.lasc.org</a>, is used by the Court to share information of interest to Louisiana citizens.</p><p>&ldquo;I am pleased to unveil this new and improved website which better leverages today&rsquo;s technology to present to the public a cleaner, more efficient display of information on the work of the Court,&rdquo; said Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson.</p><p>The Court&rsquo;s website provides information on the Supreme Court&rsquo;s work in the form of News Releases containing Opinions and other actions of the Court, links to the Clerk of Court&rsquo;s Office, the Court&rsquo;s docket, access to live-streaming of oral arguments, press releases, court publications, as well as links to the Justices&rsquo; biographies, legal resources via the Law Library of Louisiana, Court Rules, and information on Court programs such as Drug and Specialty Courts, Children and Families Division, Office of Language Access, and the Louisiana Protective Order Registry.&nbsp;</p><p>The new website also now includes a searchable page containing judicial financial disclosure statements.&nbsp; Pursuant to <a href="/rules/orders/2008/Rule_XXXIX_Financial_Disclosure.pdf" target="_blank">Part N, Rule XXXIX</a> of the Rules of the Louisiana Supreme Court, all elected judges, except for Justices of the Peace, are required to annually file a financial disclosure statement (&ldquo;Statement&rdquo;) with the Office of the Judicial Administrator of the Supreme Court of Louisiana. This rule has been in effect since January 1, 2009.&nbsp; Financial disclosure statements are public records and have always been available to the public through the Office of the Judicial Administrator.&nbsp; However, starting with statements for active judges filed in 2019 for the tax year 2018, these forms will now be available as well on the Supreme Court&rsquo;s website and are searchable by name and court.&nbsp; Statements for future years will be added as they are received.&nbsp; The Statements can be found on the Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s website at <a href="/">www.lasc.org</a> or directly at <a href="/JudicialFinancialDisclosure">www.lasc.org/JudicialFinancialDisclosure</a>.&nbsp; Copies of prior years&rsquo; Judicial Financial Disclosure Statements can be obtained by contacting Staff Attorney Caitlin Morgenstern at <a href="mailto:cmorgenstern@lasc.org">cmorgenstern@lasc.org</a> or (504) 310-2550.</p><p>The Court&rsquo;s new website was designed by staff of the Supreme Court&rsquo;s Information Technology Department in coordination with the Court&rsquo;s Community Relations Department.</p><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">REMINDER FOR ALL MEDIA:</span></strong></p><p>In response to the public health emergency created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Louisiana Supreme Court is posting Orders and information from Louisiana&rsquo;s courts on its website, www.lasc.org and www.lasc.org/COVID19.&nbsp; We ask and encourage all who are seeking information on Louisiana courts and the COVID-19 pandemic to visit the Supreme Court&rsquo;s website for information.<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 8, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;">THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT AND LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE ON BAR ADMISSIONS ANNOUNCE CHANGES TO JULY 2020 BAR EXAMINATION</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court (the &ldquo;Court&rdquo;) and the Louisiana Supreme Court Committee on Bar Admissions (the &ldquo;LASCBA&rdquo;) jointly announce that the 3-day bar examination previously scheduled for July 20, 22 and 24, 2020 has been cancelled. </p><p>The LASCBA will now administer a one-day bar examination on two dates: July 27, 2020 and October 10, 2020. </p><p>The one-day examination will be administered in the following four (4) cities in Louisiana on each date:</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">New Orleans <br />Baton Rouge <br />Lake Charles <br />Shreveport</p><p>Seating capacity may be limited to ensure compliance with all available public health guidelines in place at the time of the administration of each exam. Applicants will be given a choice as to their preferred date and location on the following priority schedule: (1) first-time test-takers, prioritized by the date application and fees were received by LASCBA, and (2) repeat takers, prioritized by the date application and fees were received by LASCBA.</p><p>The scope of the examination will also be reduced in light of the shortened testing time, and will be announced on the LASCBA&rsquo;s website by Friday, May 15, 2020. This one-day, limited scope examination format will be used only for the July 27, 2020 and October 10, 2020 administrations.</p><p>The application deadline for the one-day examinations to be held on July 27, 2020 and October 10, 2020 is May 30, 2020. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible. If seating remains available for the October 10, 2020 administration after the May 30, 2020 deadline, the Court and the LASCBA may announce an additional registration period for the October exam.</p><p>The LASCBA recognizes the enormous challenges in which we are all currently operating. The LASCBA is continually monitoring all public health information, government requirements and recommendations, and will implement all required protocols for the safe administration of the exam for all involved, including applicants, administrators and proctors. Applicants will be provided with information regarding required protocols in advance of each examination.</p><p>The LASCBA&rsquo;s plan to proceed with a one-day examination in July and October is based on currently available public health information. As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, that information may change and the Court and the LASCBA may consider other options, including cancelling either exam. Applicants are expected to check <a href="https://www.lascba.org/" target="_blank">the LASCBA&rsquo;s website</a> regularly for additional announcements regarding this matter.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>April 30, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;"><span style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;">LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ISSUES TWO NEW ORDERS ADDRESSING<br />IN-PERSON PROCEEDINGS AND FILING DEADLINES</span></p><p><strong>New Orleans -</strong> The Louisiana Supreme Court issued two new orders dated April 29 in its continuing response to the evolving government mandates regarding COVID-19.&nbsp; Throughout this pandemic, the Louisiana Supreme Court has intentionally operated to contribute to slowing the Coronavirus by practicing social distancing, and following stay home mandates whenever possible throughout the state&rsquo;s courts.&nbsp; Recently Governor John Bel Edwards indicated that these actions and those of other levels of government are proving effective in slowing the spread in Louisiana. &nbsp;&ldquo;While we cannot return to complete normalcy at this time, this news is encouraging,&rdquo; Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson said.&nbsp; &ldquo;We will continue to proceed in alignment with the state, with measured, cautionary progression, prioritizing our citizens&rsquo; safety while keeping the fairness of justice at the forefront.&rdquo;</p><p>Acting under the authority of Article V, Section 1 and 5 of the Constitution of 1974, and the inherent power of this Court, and considering the continuing spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards&rsquo; declaration of public health emergencies in Proclamation Numbers 25 JBE 2020, 27 JBE 2020, 30 JBE 2020, 33 JBE 2020, 41 JBE 2020 and Governor Edwards&rsquo; extension of emergency provisions announced on April 27, 2020, President Donald Trump&rsquo;s declaration of a national emergency on March 13, 2020, the Order of this Court dated April 6, 2020, as amended on April 22, 2020, and in consideration of ongoing public health recommendations to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus and slowing the spread of the disease while balancing the need to protect the constitutional rights and public safety of the citizens of the state by maintaining access to Louisiana courts, the Louisiana Supreme Court issued the following two orders.</p><p>The <a href="/COVID19/orders/2020-04-29_LASC_ORDER.pdf" target="_blank"><strong></strong><strong><em><span style="text-decoration:underline;">first Order</span></em></strong></a><strong> </strong>addresses statewide court operations to extend the prohibition on in-person proceedings until May 18, 2020 and reads as follows:</p><div style="margin-left:30px;"><p>IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:</p><ol><li style="margin-bottom:1em;">Prior Order: All provisions of the April 6, 2020 Order of this Court, as modified on April 22, 2020, shall remain in place, except as expressly modified herein. To the extent that proceedings can be conducted by remote conferencing, judges are encouraged to conduct all court matters.</li><li>In-Person Proceedings: The prohibition on in-person proceedings (except as expressly permitted in the April 6, 2020 Order) is hereby extended until May 18, 2020.</li></ol></div><p>The <a href="/COVID19/orders/2020-04-29_LASC_DEADLINES.pdf" target="_blank"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration:underline;">second Order</span></em></strong></a> extends filing deadlines for the Louisiana Supreme Court and reads as follows:</p><div style="margin-left:30px;"><p>IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:</p><p>All filings which were or are due to this Court between Thursday, March 12, 2020 through Friday, May 15, 2020 shall be considered timely if filed no later than Monday, May 18, 2020.&nbsp; Parties who are unable to meet this deadline due to the COVID-19 emergency may submit motions for extensions of time, supported by appropriate documentation and argument.</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div><p style="text-decoration:underline;font-weight:bold;">REMINDER FOR ALL MEDIA:</p><p>In response to the public health emergency created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Louisiana Supreme Court is posting Orders and information from Louisiana&rsquo;s courts on its website, <a href="/"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.lasc.org</span></a> and <a href="/COVID19"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.lasc.org/COVID19</span></a>.&nbsp; We ask and encourage all who are seeking information on Louisiana courts and the COVID-19 pandemic to visit the Supreme Court&rsquo;s website for information.</p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>April 29, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;"><span style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;">THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT TO HEAR<br />ORAL ARGUMENT VIA VIDEO CONFERENCE JUNE 8-9, 2020</span></p><p><strong>New Orleans</strong> &ndash; For the first time in its over 200-year history the Louisiana Supreme Court will hold oral argument utilizing video conferencing technology, when it hears pending matters June 8-9, 2020. The Court&rsquo;s seven justices will conduct oral arguments via video with the attorneys arguing the matters before the state&rsquo;s high court. Since the start of the social and physical distancing mandate in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Louisiana Supreme Court and courts throughout the state have worked to balance the safety of Louisiana&rsquo;s citizens while maintaining access to the justice system.</p><p>Though the court has live-streamed oral arguments since January 2007, this is the first time attorneys will argue cases before the Justices via video conferencing. This historically unprecedented move is reflected on <a href="/dockets/June2020.pdf" target="_blank">the Supreme Court's June docket</a>, which directs attorneys to join the online conferencing 30 minutes prior to the start of oral argument.</p><p>&ldquo;Holding oral arguments in this virtual setting will allow each of the Justices and the attorneys arguing before the court to abide by social and physical distancing guidelines while continuing the crucial and valuable work of keeping the system of justice in Louisiana moving forward,&rdquo; said Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson.</p><p>For several years, due to the fact that the Justices live in their home districts throughout the state, the Justices have alternated their weekly conferences by meeting live one week and by videoconference the next week. These conferences are usually held over two days. However, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, since March the Justices have exclusively utilized videoconferencing to meet two to three times per week to consider administrative matters as well as pending writ applications, opinions, and other court business.</p><p>The Court will hear seven arguments over those two days, including matters which were originally set for the March docket that were postponed due to social and physical distancing recommendations. Arguments set for Monday, June 8 will begin at 2:00 pm, while arguments on Tuesday, June 9 are set for 9:30 am and 2:00 pm.</p><p>During sitting weeks, the Supreme Court live-streams oral arguments via the Court&rsquo;s website, <a href="/">www.lasc.org</a>. The oral arguments set for June 8-9 will also be broadcast via the Court&rsquo;s live-stream, <a href="https://livestream.lasc.org/">https://livestream.lasc.org/</a>.</p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>April 22, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;">LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT EXTENDS ASPECTS OF APRIL 6 ORDER</p><p><a href="/COVID19/orders/2020-04-22_LASC_ORDER.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>The Louisiana Supreme Court issued a new Order today</strong></a>, acting under the authority of Article V, Section 1 of Constitution of 1974, and the inherent power of this Court, and considering the continuing spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards&rsquo; declaration of public health emergencies in Proclamation Numbers 25 JBE 2020, 27 JBE 2020, 30 JBE 2020, 33 JBE 2020, and 41 JBE 2020, President Donald Trump&rsquo;s declaration of a national emergency on March 13, 2020, the Order of this Court dated April 6, 2020, and in consideration of ongoing public health recommendations to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus and slowing the spread of the disease while balancing the need to protect the constitutional rights and public safety of the citizens of the state by maintaining access to Louisiana courts.</p><p>The Court&rsquo;s new order sets forth the following:</p><ol><li style="margin-bottom:1em;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-weight:bold;">Prior Order</span>: All provisions of the April 6, 2020 Order of this Court shall remain in place, except as expressly modified herein. To the extent that proceedings can be conducted by remote conferencing, judges are encouraged to conduct all court matters.</li><li style="margin-bottom:1em;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-weight:bold;">Jury Trials</span>: No civil or criminal jury trial shall commence in any Louisiana state court before June 30, 2020.</li><li style="margin-bottom:1em;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-weight:bold;">Remote Proceedings</span>: The consent for remote proceedings in civil matters required in Section 6 of this Court&rsquo;s April 6, 2020 Order shall not be unreasonably withheld by any party, which shall be enforced by the trial judge pursuant to the authority granted by Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 191, or as expressly provided by law.</li></ol><p>&ldquo;The Louisiana Supreme Court and state courts across Louisiana continue efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus,&rdquo; said Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson. &ldquo;In doing so, we have extended certain provisions towards those efforts to June 30, 2020. As we continue to prioritize the safety of our citizens, including judges and court staff, we remain diligent in our commitment to serving all citizens of Louisiana.&rdquo;</p><p>Copies of the previous Orders and press releases from the Louisiana Supreme Court as well as information and Orders from courts across Louisiana can be found at&nbsp;<a href="/"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.lasc.org</span></a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="/COVID19"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.lasc.org/COVID19</span></a>.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>April 13, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;">THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ANNOUNCES <br />CHANGES TO JUDICIAL DISCIPLINE RULE </p><p><strong>New Orleans</strong> - Today, the Louisiana Supreme Court announced several substantive changes to its rules that will increase transparency and public access to judicial discipline proceedings while maintaining fairness, due process, and the orderly administration of justice.&nbsp; These rules are a continuation of the Court&rsquo;s ongoing study and revision of judicial discipline rules, such as the adoption last year of rules that relaxed confidentiality of complaints after a notice of hearing is filed or the complaint is closed.&nbsp; These latest rule changes will be effective May 1, 2020. <a href="/rules/orders/2020/RuleXXIII.pdf"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">See Order here</span></a>.</p><p>After extensive study, review, solicitation of comments, and further deliberations, the Louisiana Supreme Court voted unanimously to make three major changes increasing transparency and public access to judicial discipline proceedings</p><ul><li style="margin-bottom:1em;">First, hearings on allegations of judicial misconduct that have been investigated, which had previously been closed to the public, will now be open.&nbsp; The record and result of the formal proceedings (including counseling letters and deferred disciplinary agreements) will also now be available to the public.</li><li style="margin-bottom:1em;">Second, after a judge receives a non-public admonishment (which is a non-disciplinary disposition intended to counsel or warn the judge about his or her conduct), any subsequent admonishments within a judge&rsquo;s term of office (ten years for appellate court judges and six years for district and other judges) shall now be public.</li><li style="margin-bottom:1em;">Third, information will be made available about confidential non-disciplinary dispositions on the Supreme Court&rsquo;s website and in Supreme Court publications.</li></ul><p>Although the previous rules governing confidentiality were consistent with those of many other states, these changes bring Louisiana&rsquo;s rules in line with a majority of states, including states that elect their judges.&nbsp; To be clear, confidentiality still remains during the Commission&rsquo;s initial consideration of a complaint and during any investigation of a complaint, but for good reason. This limited confidentiality protects complainants and witnesses, who may otherwise be reluctant to come forward for fear of public scrutiny, retaliation, or recrimination.&nbsp; Experience also teaches that many complaints are filed by disgruntled litigants, including those who may lose a civil matter or who are convicted of crimes, and who, rather than appeal, file baseless and meritless complaints.&nbsp; Despite a judge appropriately applying the law to achieve a just ruling, many complaints &nbsp;&nbsp;may be filed in an attempt to manipulate the system of justice, or gain an unfair tactical advantage, or to unjustly criticize.&nbsp; Thus, confidentiality during the early investigation protects our system of justice from frivolous complaints and protects the public at large by ensuring the integrity of the investigatory process.&nbsp; These same principles underlie the confidentiality rules in the judicial discipline proceedings of all fifty states, all of which require confidentiality at some stage of the proceedings.&nbsp; Similarly, the Louisiana Board of Ethics, which oversees non-judicial state public officials, conducts confidential investigations and issues confidential counseling letters.&nbsp; Finally, members of the public always have been, and remain, free to discuss the underlying facts or events that are the subject of a complaint; also, members of the public at any time can speak about alleged misconduct by a judge.</p><p>The Supreme Court thanks the Judiciary Commission for its work over the last several years to study and make recommendations to the Supreme Court about the rules governing confidentiality.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p><p>Our form of democracy requires a constitutional balance of power among the three equal branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial.&nbsp; An independent judiciary is critical to preserving this balance.&nbsp; The Constitution of Louisiana appropriately provides the Louisiana Supreme Court with exclusive jurisdiction over the discipline of Louisiana&rsquo;s judiciary; this jurisdiction extends to the development of substantive and procedural rules.&nbsp; The changes announced today fairly balance the public&rsquo;s interest in transparency with the interests of complainants, judges, and witnesses, as well as the interest in preserving the integrity of the judicial discipline process.&nbsp; The Supreme Court&rsquo;s overarching goal has been, and remains, promoting the highest standards of ethical conduct.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2019 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>December 11, 2019</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>NAMING CEREMONY HONORS CHIEF JUSTICE PASCAL F. CALOGERO, JR.</strong></p><p><strong>(New Orleans, LA)</strong> The Louisiana Supreme Court convened on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 for the <strong>Naming Ceremony of the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse</strong>. Participating in the occasion were Honorable John Bel Edwards, Governor of Louisiana; Honorable Bernette Joshua Johnson, Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice, and the Associate Justices. Kim Sport, Former Executive Counsel to Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr., opened the program, addressing the assembly of state dignitaries, judges, members of the legal profession, Calogero family members and friends. Program speakers were Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson; Brother Ivy LeBlanc, S. C.; Madeleine Landrieu, Loyola Law Dean and Judge Adrian G. Duplantier Distinguished Professor of Law; John T. Olivier, Clerk of Court, Louisiana Supreme Court; Timothy Averill, Former Judicial Administrator, Louisiana Supreme Court, and Mrs. Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. After the live-streamed convening, E. Phelps Gay, Supreme Court of Louisiana Historical Society, summarized Chief Justice Calogero&rsquo;s career and unveiled an image of the courthouse facade with lettering displaying the &ldquo;Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse.&rdquo;</p><p>Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson welcomed all and acknowledged dignitaries who were present. While reminiscing on years of serving with Chief Justice Calogero she remarked, &ldquo;This is a historic milestone, not only for the judiciary and the legal community but also for the entire state of Louisiana. I had the pleasure of working with Chief Justice Calogero from 1994-2008 when he retired as the longest-serving justice in the history of the court. I developed a deep respect for my colleague&rsquo;s intellect, integrity, and dedication to fairness and justice. His contributions to Louisiana law and judicial administration are immeasurable.&rdquo;</p><p>In 2004, after 20 years of planning, budgetary pitfalls, intermittent support, and countless trips to the Capital to appeal for legislative appropriations, Chief Justice Calogero&rsquo;s vision became reality when the Louisiana Supreme Court moved from its courthouse on Loyola Avenue back to the newly renovated building, where it originally sat from 1910-1958. In 2018, legislation was passed to acknowledge the contributions of this esteemed jurist by naming the Louisiana Supreme Court building in his honor. Earlier this year it was signed into law. In his address, Governor John Bel Edwards observed the portrait of Chief Justice Calogero with the Courthouse building plans in hand and commented, &ldquo;I remember his dedication to serving the least privileged of our citizens with compassion, integrity, and a sense of fairness. His accomplishments included the completion of the restoration of this courthouse and is why I believe this naming ceremony is a fitting tribute to his legacy. I signed the bill into law this year as a result of the 2019 regular session and Act 429. This is a beautiful historic building, the architecture is stunning; it is just a magnificent building.&rdquo;</p><p>While on the bench, Chief Justice Calogero authored over 1,000 learned majority opinions, concurrences, and dissents. He participated in over 6,000 oral arguments and published opinions. His opinions and writings are a reflection of his intellect, integrity, incredible work ethic, respect for the rule of law, and passionate dedication to civil liberties, fairness, and justice. Though he is respected for these accomplishments, he will forever be remembered for his passion and drive to restore and return the Court to its previous location, the historic Beaux-Arts style building located at 400 Royal Street. Chief Justice Calogero, who retired in 2008 and passed away in 2018, served as a Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court for 36 years (1972-2008), the last 18 years as Chief Justice. He is the longest-serving justice in the Court&rsquo;s 206-year history. Upon the court&rsquo;s return to the building Chief Justice Calogero remarked, &ldquo;Returning the state&rsquo;s highest court to this awe-inspiring building demonstrates to citizens and visitors alike that we, the people of Louisiana, value our system of justice, our rich cultural heritage, and our distinctive architecture. However, let me assure you that the justices and judges who toil within these walls are fully aware that justice is not wrought by shaping marble and stone, but rather, by dedication to the rule of law and the painstaking application of mind, time and work.&rdquo;</p><p><strong>For more information contact: Trina S. Vincent, Public Information Specialist, Louisiana Supreme Court at <a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org">tvincent@lasc.org</a>, (504) 310-2590 or visit <a href="www.lasc.org">lasc.org</a></strong></p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><div class="picgrid"><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2019/images/PFCnaming-1.jpg" alt="From left: Justice James T. Genovese, Justice Jefferson D. Hughes III, Justice John L. Weimer, Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, Justice Marcus R. Clark, Justice Scott J. Crichton, Justice Will Crain" /><br />From left: Justice James T. Genovese, Justice Jefferson D. Hughes III, Justice John L. Weimer, Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, Justice Marcus R. Clark, Justice Scott J. Crichton, Justice Will Crain</div><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2019/images/PFCnaming-2.jpg" alt="Brother Ivy LeBlanc, S.C.; Madeleine Landrieu, Loyola Law Dean; Timothy Averill former Judicial Administrator, Louisiana Supreme Court; Governor John Bel Edwards" /><br />Brother Ivy LeBlanc, S.C.; Madeleine Landrieu, Loyola Law Dean; Timothy Averill former Judicial Administrator, Louisiana Supreme Court; Governor John Bel Edwards</div><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2019/images/PFCnaming-3.jpg" alt="Governor John Bel Edwards addresses guests at the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Naming Ceremony." /><br />Governor John Bel Edwards addresses guests at the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Naming Ceremony.</div><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2019/images/PFCnaming-4.jpg" alt="John T. Olivier, Clerk of Court, Louisiana Supreme Court at the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Naming Ceremony." /><br />John T. Olivier, Clerk of Court, Louisiana Supreme Court at the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Naming Ceremony.</div><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2019/images/PFCnaming-5.jpg" alt="Mrs. Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. speaks at the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Naming Ceremony." /><br />Mrs. Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. speaks at the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Naming Ceremony.</div><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2019/images/PFCnaming-6.jpg" alt="Former Mayor Maurice Edwin 'Moon' Landrieu, Mrs. Verna Landrieu, and members of the Calogero family are among those in attendance at the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Naming Ceremony." /><br />Former Mayor Maurice Edwin &ldquo;Moon&rdquo; Landrieu, Mrs. Verna Landrieu, and members of the Calogero family are among those in attendance at the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Naming Ceremony.</div><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2019/images/PFCnaming-7.jpg" alt="Justice Will Crain, Justice John L. Weimer, Justice Scott J. Crichton, Justice Marcus R. Clark, Justice James T. Genovese and Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson with E. Phelps Gay, The Louisiana Historical Society at the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Naming Ceremony." /><br />Justice Will Crain, Justice John L. Weimer, Justice Scott J. Crichton, Justice Marcus R. Clark, Justice James T. Genovese and Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson with E. Phelps Gay, The Louisiana Historical Society at the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Naming Ceremony.</div></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<style>.picgrid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr; grid-gap: .8rem; align-content: center; } .picgrid div { text-align:justify; height: 30rem; width: 500px; font-size: 70%; } .picgrid img { object-fit:contain; max-height: 100%; max-width:100%; } </style> <div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2019 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 22, 2019</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>THE LOUISIANA DISTRICT JUDGES ASSOCIATION ELECTS NEW OFFICERS</strong></p><p>At a meeting of its general membership on Monday, October 7, 2019, the Louisiana District Judges Association (LDJA) elected new officers for the 2019-2020 term.&nbsp; The officers are as follows:</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">President &ndash;Judge Guy Bradberry, 14th Judicial District Court<br />First Vice President&ndash; Judge Brady O&rsquo;Callaghan, 1st Judicial District Court<br />Second Vice President&ndash; Judge Piper Griffin, Orleans Civil District Court<br />Secretary&ndash; Judge Scott U. Schlegel, 24th Judicial District Court<br />Treasurer &ndash; Judge Danny Ellender, 4th Judicial District Court<br />Immediate Past President &ndash; Judge Lisa Woodruff-White, East Baton Rouge Family Court</p><p>The Louisiana District Judges Association is a professional nonprofit corporation established in 1981. All Louisiana district judges with general jurisdiction and judges of Juvenile and Family Courts are eligible for membership.&nbsp; The mission of the LDJA includes the administration of justice, representation of the interests of judges, and the professional development of its membership to provide the greatest access to fair, just, and responsive trial courts.&nbsp; The newly elected officers will serve from October 7, 2019 through October 5, 2020.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><div class="picgrid"><div><img alt="Pictured above are Judge Piper Griffin, Judge Brady O’Callaghan, Judge Guy Bradberry, and Justice James Genovese, who performed the swearing-in service on October 7, 2019. (Not present in the photo are Judge Scott Schlegel and Judge Danny Ellender.)" src="/press_room/press_releases/2019/images/LDJA2019_2020.jpg" /><br />Pictured above are Judge Piper Griffin, Judge Brady O&rsquo;Callaghan, Judge Guy Bradberry, and Justice James Genovese, who performed the swearing-in service on October 7, 2019. (Not present in the photo are Judge Scott Schlegel and Judge Danny Ellender.)</div></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<style>.picgrid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr; grid-gap: .8rem; align-content: center; } .picgrid div { text-align:justify; height: 30rem; width: auto; font-size: 70%; } .picgrid img { object-fit:contain; max-height: 100%; max-width:100%; } </style> <div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2019 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 21, 2019</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT HEARD ORAL ARGUMENT AT</strong><br /><strong>LOYOLA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW</strong></p><p><strong>(New Orleans, LA &ndash; Oct. 21 2019)</strong> The Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court held oral argument at the Loyola University College of Law today as part of an ongoing effort to provide law students, university students, faculty, and the general public a first-hand experience of how the court operates.&nbsp; The Court heard oral argument on three cases, including one case involving use of a non-unanimous jury in a criminal case in which the crime occurred before Louisiana law was changed to require unanimous juries and the constitutionality of the court&rsquo;s actions. After oral argument the Justices adjourned to converse with the law students.</p><p>&ldquo;For over 20 years, holding court in venues other than at the Louisiana Supreme Court has been a tradition of the Court known as &lsquo;riding the circuit,&rsquo;&rdquo; said Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson.&nbsp; &ldquo;Today&rsquo;s goal of riding the circuit was to provide those in attendance an opportunity to witness the variety and complexity of litigation at the state&rsquo;s highest appellate level.&rdquo;</p><p>In the court&rsquo;s early history, before transportation made it possible to travel easily to New Orleans, the Louisiana Supreme Court was constitutionally required to &ldquo;ride the circuit&rdquo; to ensure&nbsp; citizens statewide would have access to justice.&nbsp; Supreme Court Justices traveled to parishes throughout the state to hear oral argument.</p><p>&ldquo;We are honored that the Court chose to host oral arguments at Loyola.&rdquo; said Loyola Law Dean and Judge Adrian G. Duplantier Distinguished Professor of Law Madeleine M. Landrieu. &ldquo;The Court&rsquo;s commitment to allow oral arguments to be shared with the general public allows greater participation in the process.&rdquo;</p><p>&ldquo;Loyola has long stood for justice,&rdquo; said Distinguished Professor of Law Monica Hof Wallace, Executive Director of the Law Advocacy Center at Loyola. &ldquo;Seeing it in action in our own halls inspires our students to reach higher, to be better, and to understand that advocating for others is both a responsibility and a privilege.&rdquo;</p><p>In preparation for oral arguments, Dean Landrieu provided case briefs and hosted a pre-session with students highlighting the major issues of the cases.</p><p><strong>For more information visit </strong><a href="http://www.lasc.org/"><strong>lasc.org</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="http://law.loyno.edu/"><strong>law.loyno.edu/</strong></a><strong>, contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist, Trina S. Vincent at tvincent@lasc.org, or Loyola University College of Law Associate Director of Public Affairs, Patricia Murret at </strong><a href="mailto:pmurret@loyno.edu"><strong>pmurret@loyno.edu</strong></a><strong>, (504) 861-5448 (desk), (504) 352-8775 (cell).</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><div class="picgrid"><div><img alt="The Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court held oral argument at the Loyola University College of Law on Monday, October 21, 2019." src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2019%2Fimages%2FLoyola.jpg" /><br />The Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court held oral argument at the Loyola University College of Law on Monday, October 21, 2019.</div></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<style>.picgrid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; grid-gap: .8rem; align-content: center; } .picgrid div { text-align:justify; height: 40rem; width: auto; font-size: 70%; } .picgrid img { object-fit:contain; max-height: 100%; max-width:100%; } </style> <div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2019 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 7, 2019</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>Louisiana judges, dressed in their robes, gathered at St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square this morning for the 67th annual Red Mass ceremony, traditionally held the first Monday in October.&nbsp; Judges, lawyers and officials of all faiths were invited to attend the Mass which is offered for guidance in the administration of justice in the year ahead.</p><p>According to Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, &ldquo;Judges from across the state are in New Orleans for the annual Fall Conference October 6 - 8, which is sponsored by the Louisiana Judicial College. &nbsp;In addition to attending the continuing legal education sessions and business meetings of the conference, state judges can also participate in this solemn ceremony that is deeply rooted in tradition.&rdquo;</p><p>The Red Mass is sponsored by the Catholic Bishops of the State of Louisiana and the Saint Thomas More Catholic Lawyers&rsquo; Association. The Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans was the Celebrant of today&rsquo;s ceremony and the Homilist was Abbott Justin Brown, OSB, of St. Joseph Abbey in Covington, Louisiana.&nbsp; The celebration of Red Mass goes back many centuries in Rome, Paris, and London. Stateside, the Red Mass has been celebrated annually in California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Georgia, and the District of Columbia. In Louisiana, the first Red Mass was offered in St. Louis Cathedral on October 5, 1953.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><div class="picgrid"><div><img alt="The Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans pauses to greet Honorable Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, Associate Justice John L. Weimer and Associate Justice Scott J. Crichton." src="/press_room/press_releases/2019/images/RedMass2019-02.jpg" />The Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans pauses to greet Honorable Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, Associate Justice John L. Weimer and Associate Justice Scott J. Crichton.</div><div><img alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Justices and Judges from throughout the state attend the annual Red Mass at St. Louis Cathedral." src="/press_room/press_releases/2019/images/RedMass2019-03.jpg" />Louisiana Supreme Court Justices and Judges from throughout the state attend the annual Red Mass at St. Louis Cathedral. </div></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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.picgrid div { text-align:center; height: 20rem; width: auto; } .picgrid img { object-fit:contain; max-height: 100%; max-width:100%; } </style> <div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2019 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 4, 2019</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>Louisiana Judges attend the First Pan American Judges' Summit</strong></p><p>At the personal invitation of His Holiness Pope Francis and Bishop Chancellor Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Joy Cossich Lobrano and Orleans Parish Civil District Court Judge Bernadette D&rsquo;Souza attended the First Pan American Judges' Summit on Social Justice and the Franciscan Doctrine on June 3rd and 4th at the Academy in the Vatican City.&nbsp; The Academy, which is autonomous, promotes the study and progress of the social sciences, primarily economics, sociology, law, and political science, and maintains a close relationship with the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.&nbsp; Through dialogue, the Academy offers the Church the elements that can be used in the development of the Church's social doctrine and reflect on the application of that doctrine in contemporary society.</p><p>Pope Francis, who is actively involved in the Church's service to the poor and marginalized of the world, impaneled the summit to &ldquo;further his message that justices and judges can help to reorganize our social and economic life to uphold the values that create happiness such as contemplation, prayer, equity, fraternity, friendship, trust, environmental sustainability, and peace.&nbsp; Justices and judges can collaborate to achieve these values.&rdquo; The summit brought together justices and judges from all over the Americas who have an active role in the application and development of social, economic, and cultural justice in order to share their experiences, successes, best practices, and projects.&nbsp; </p><p>Judge Lobrano, who is Chair of the Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare Committee of the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ) and a member of the Curriculum Committee of the National Council for Juvenile and Family Court Judges, made a presentation on &ldquo;A Systemic Change in the Application of the Families In Need of Services Laws (Status Offenses) through Evidence and Trust-based Early Intervention: A Community Model of Effective Collaboration amongst Schools, Courts, and Healthcare.&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;It was quite a humbling and thought-provoking experience,&rdquo; Judge Lobrano noted. &ldquo;Judges from diverse backgrounds shared information and best practices, gaining new insights into initiatives that serve justice, the common good, and, especially, our most vulnerable populations.&rdquo; </p><p>Family Court Judge D&rsquo;Souza, who serves as President-Elect of the NAWJ, made a presentation on &ldquo;Equal Access to Justice: The Importance of Civil Legal Aid and Delivery of Justice to Eradicate Poverty.&rdquo; &ldquo;As a former legal aid lawyer representing the poor of our city, I was truly humbled and privileged to have been bestowed with the honor to participate,&rdquo; Judge D&rsquo;Souza said. &ldquo;I obtained much knowledge on the different issues facing the justice systems in the three Americas and left optimistic that we share the same focus on justice, values, and the importance of the dignity and fair treatment of every human being.&rdquo;</p><p>During the summit, Pope Francis addressed the 75 judges (12 from United States and the remainder from Central and North America) explaining that &ldquo;Esteemed magistrates, you have an essential role. Your noble and onerous mission requires devoting yourselves to the service of justice and the common good with the constant calling to ensure that the rights of the people, especially those of the most vulnerable, be respected and guaranteed. In this way, you help guarantee that states do not relinquish their most sublime and primary function:&nbsp; to assume responsibility for the common good of their people.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p><p>Various judges from Central and South America informed the conference of the public corruption and special interest coercion that have placed some judges in danger and jeopardized the integrity of the judiciary.&nbsp; Pope Francis encouraged them to remain strong noting that you &ldquo;will clash against not only an unjust system, but also a mighty communications system of powers that will often distort the scope of your decisions, cast doubt on your honesty and also on your rectitude. They can even put you on trial. It is an asymmetrical and erosive battle in which, in order to win, you must maintain strength . . .&nbsp; How often judges &mdash; both men and women &mdash; have to face in isolation walls of defamation and dishonor, if not slander!"</p><p>Pope Francis presented a special document on the importance of the summit's theme asking judges of the Americas &ldquo;to assume the role that the present time demands of us, coordinating efforts, designing strategies and ratifying on a daily basis our commitment to human dignity, global peace, and the realization of human rights in all dimensions.&rdquo;&nbsp; Pope Francis also established the &ldquo;Permanent Pan American Board of Judges in Defense of Social Rights.&rdquo;&nbsp; The board may, in the future, coordinate efforts in the region to optimize judicial policies centered on the full respect of social, economic and cultural justice, promoting training, courses, and committees to defend judges who are under pressure. Pope Francis noted, "Such measures will allow us to establish a culture of encounter because we do not love concepts or ideas.... Commitment, true commitment, is born of the love of men and women, of children and the elderly, of peoples and communities &hellip; of names and faces which fill our hearts.&rdquo;</p><p>The academic papers submitted by Judge D'Souza and Judge Lobrano along with the documents of the other judges who also made presentations will be published by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences as a special edition and distributed globally, serving as a theoretical basis for a future world meeting of Judges on Social Justice and the Franciscan Doctrine. </p><p>At the end of the summit, each judge met privately with Pope Francis for further reflection and special papal blessings.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><div class="picgrid"><div><img alt="Judge D'Souza presenting her judical paper and research to justices and judges from North, South, and Central America at the Academy in the Vatican City." src="/press_room/press_releases/2019/images/Judge D&#39;Souza presents in Vatican City_w cutline.jpg" /></div><div><img alt="Judge Lobrano mets Pope Francis at the Academy of Sciences in the Vatican City." src="/press_room/press_releases/2019/images/Judge Lobrano meets Pope Francis_w cutline.jpg" /></div><div><img alt="Judge Lobrano presenting her judical paper and research to justices and judges from North, South, and Central America at the Academy in the Vatican City." src="/press_room/press_releases/2019/images/Judge Lobrano presents in Vatican City_w cutline.jpg" /></div><div><img alt="Judge D'Souza and Judge Lobrano watch as Pope Francis signs the &qout;Rome Statement&qout; reflectnig the declarations of the judges' summit" src="/press_room/press_releases/2019/images/Judges DSouza_Lobrano watch Pope Francis_w cutline.jpg" /></div><div><img alt="Judge Lobrano and Judge D'Souza listen to Pope Francis' address to the judges in Spanish." src="/press_room/press_releases/2019/images/Judges Lobrano_D&#39;Souza listening to The Pope_w cutline.jpg" /></div><div><img alt="Judge D'Souza meets Pope Francis at the Academy of Sciences in the Vatican City." src="/press_room/press_releases/2019/images/D&#39;Souza meets the Pope_w cutline.jpg" /></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2019 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 16, 2019</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="center"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT CELEBRATES CONSTITUTION DAY</strong></p><p><strong>New Orleans, LA </strong>&minus; The Louisiana Supreme Court will celebrate <strong>Constitution Day, Tuesday, September 17, 2019</strong>, by giving free pocket-sized copies of the U.S. Constitution to visitors of the courthouse located at 400 Royal Street. &nbsp;All are encouraged to pick up a copy and visit the exhibits in the Louisiana Supreme Court Museum and the Louisiana Law Library. </p><p>Constitution Day is a federal observance of September 17, 1787, when 39 Founding Fathers signed and adopted the U.S. Constitution which recognizes the rights of all citizens whether by birth or naturalization. Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson commented, &ldquo;On its 232nd Anniversary, we commemorate the United States Constitution which created our judicial, legislative and executive branches of government that work together to govern our nations&rsquo; citizens.&nbsp; This revered document laid the foundation for access to rights and freedoms for citizens of the day, and established a roadmap that is relevant to today&rsquo;s citizens and those who follow.&rdquo;</p><p>The courthouse is located at <strong>400 Royal Street in the French Quarter</strong> and is open to visitors between <strong>9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday - Friday</strong>. No food, drink or cameras are permitted in the building, however cell phones are permitted. </p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2019 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 6, 2019</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-indent:30px;">Today, the Louisiana Supreme Court announced that, after extensive study, review, solicitation of comments, and further deliberations, it voted unanimously to adopt several proposed <a href="/rules/orders/2019/RULE_XXIII_signed.pdf" target="_blank">revisions to Louisiana Supreme Court Rule XXIII</a> concerning confidentiality of proceedings before the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana and other issues.&nbsp; Commented Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, &ldquo;Our rules should protect the integrity of the judicial discipline process while insuring public trust and confidence, and I believe these rule revisions accomplish that goal.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p style="text-indent:30px;">In an effort to balance the competing interests of confidentiality to preserve the integrity of judicial discipline proceedings and a complainant&rsquo;s right to freedom of speech, the rule revisions provide that complainants, respondent judges, and witnesses in Commission proceedings may disclose and discuss the proceedings either once the Commission closes a file or once a Notice of Hearing is filed.&nbsp; Revised Rule XXIII, Section 23 (a)(1) specifically provides in part:</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Nothing in this rule prohibits the respondent judge or anyone other than a Commission member or a member of the Commission staff before the filing of a Recommendation of Discipline in the Supreme Court from making statements regarding the underlying facts or events that are the subject of a complaint filed with the Commission or a proceeding before the Commission.&nbsp; Moreover, once the Commission closes a file or files a notice of hearing, nothing in this rule shall prevent a complainant, respondent, or testifying witness in a Commission proceeding from disclosing or discussing the proceedings, subject to the right of the hearing officer or the Commission to issue an order in accordance with Section 8(d) of this rule.&nbsp; From the time a complaint is filed throughout the investigatory stage of the proceedings, complainants, respondents, and witnesses may not disclose or discuss the fact that a complaint was filed, the fact that testimony was given pursuant to Commission proceedings, or any information learned as a result of participating in such proceedings.&nbsp; All documents and evidence remain confidential if the Commission does not file a matter with the Supreme Court.</p><p>Additional rule revisions set forth in the Order amend the handling of anonymous complaints and media reports to ensure their further review if they are initially screened out; impose a requirement to handle certain matters on an expedited basis, such as cases involving interim disqualifications; clarify the procedural rules when jurisdiction is shared with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, such as when the respondent judge is a part-time judge who also practices law; allow for removal of Commission members under certain circumstances; and included some stylistic changes.</p><p style="text-indent:30px;">The revisions are effective immediately.&nbsp; A copy of the Court&rsquo;s Order can be found at <a href="http://www.lasc.org">www.lasc.org</a>.</p><p style="text-indent:30px;">Judiciary Commission Chair Philip Sherman welcomed the Court&rsquo;s action, especially concerning the revision to the confidentiality rule.&nbsp; He spoke about the benefits of limited confidentiality of judicial discipline proceedings.&nbsp; &ldquo;All fifty states require confidentiality during the judicial discipline process at some stage, and for good reason.&nbsp; The notion that confidentiality protects only judges is simply not true.&nbsp; Confidentiality primarily protects complainants and witnesses, who may otherwise be reluctant to come forward for fear of public scrutiny, retaliation, or recrimination.&nbsp; Without such confidentiality, instances of judicial misconduct would no doubt go unreported, to the serious detriment of the public.</p><p style="text-indent:30px;">&ldquo;Further, confidentiality is not absolute.&nbsp; The confidentiality rules have never prohibited <em>anyone</em> <em>at any time</em> from discussing the underlying facts or events that are the subject of a complaint.&nbsp; <em>Anyone at any time</em> can speak about misconduct that they observe on the part of a judge.&rdquo;</p><p style="text-indent:30px;">Sherman also spoke about the private resolution of some judicial discipline matters, acknowledging that the Commission does not have the authority to mete out discipline, and can only recommend discipline to be ordered by the Supreme Court. While not constituting discipline, the use of private counseling letters can be advantageous for resolving some complaints expeditiously. &ldquo;Louisiana is in step with the vast majority of states which sometimes issue confidential counseling letters to judges.&nbsp; There is an undeniable benefit in the ability of a disciplinary body to privately warn those who appear before it to change problematic, but not yet serious or egregious, behavior.&nbsp; The use of such private counseling letters results in better- informed and better-educated judges, which clearly benefits the public appearing before such judges.&nbsp; Further, it needs to be remembered that counseling letters and deferred disciplinary agreements do in fact become public when and if a judge commits misconduct that warrants a recommendation of public discipline to the Louisiana Supreme Court, and are considered in determining the appropriate sanction.&nbsp; If, however, a judge never commits misconduct that warrants a recommendation of public discipline, then obviously the Commission&rsquo;s efforts to rectify that judge&rsquo;s previous behavior were successful, and the judge is serving the public in a competent and professional manner.&rdquo;</p><p>For more information on the judicial discipline process in Louisiana, please visit <a href="/JudiciaryCommission">http://www.lasc.org/JudiciaryCommission</a>.</p><p>For more information on how other states handle private resolutions of judicial complaints, please visit <a href="https://ncscjudicialethicsblog.org/category/sanctions/" target="_blank">https://ncscjudicialethicsblog.org/category/sanctions/</a>.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>April 13, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;">MAKING BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN CHALLENGING TIMES</p><p><strong>New Orleans - </strong>The Louisiana Supreme Court and courts statewide are utilizing technology during this challenging time to protect the constitutional rights and public safety of the citizens of the state while maintaining access to Louisiana courts.&nbsp; This has been a joint effort of the Supreme Court&rsquo;s Information Technology (IT) department and the Louisiana District Judges Association, requiring strong, committed and compassionate leadership, and a dedicated staff of qualified professionals who are astute in their respective fields.</p><p>To comply with safety concerns and observe social distancing, many Louisiana state courts are serving citizens by conducting daily operations remotely as much as possible. In response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic with resulting mandates from the President and Governor to limit crowd sizes and stay home orders, the Louisiana Supreme Court directed the courts to immediately limit in-person proceedings. The Supreme Court&rsquo;s Order of March 26 stated: &ldquo;All essential court functions should be conducted with the use of video and telephone conferencing whenever possible. Any court lacking the technological capabilities to implement this mandate shall notify the Judicial Administrator of the Louisiana Supreme Court so that accommodations can be made.&rdquo; Since that order was issued, the IT Department of the Supreme Court has been in constant contact with lower courts and has been working non-stop to assist in this area. The Louisiana Judicial College (LJC) and the Louisiana District Judges Association (LDJA) provided guidance to all judges through their websites and hosted several online conferences which included specific attention to remote proceedings and emergency handling of matters in Civil, Criminal, Juvenile, and Family Courts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Training webinars for state judges have been taught <strong>by 24th Judicial District Court (JDC) Judge Scott Schlegel</strong> who is Chair of the LDJA Technology Committee; <a href="mailto:jeagan@lasc.org"><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court staff attorney Jennifer Eagan</strong></a>, and <a href="mailto:JMurray@lasc.org"><strong>Louisiana</strong> <strong>Supreme Court Information Technology Director James Murray</strong></a>. These training webinars had almost 300 attendees, including district, city and appellate court judges. Judge Schlegel has offered continued guidance with technology and online platforms that are both effective and secure approaches to handling court procedures during this time.&nbsp; In many jurisdictions however, with the implementation of new technological platforms and creative approaches, judges are scheduling and proceeding with much more than simply emergency matters. </p><p>Many judges throughout the state immediately implemented video conferencing in their courts. Appellate courts are using these tools as well; the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal utilizes video conferencing for panel discussion on individual cases and for weekly conferences, and is planning to hear Oral Arguments in May through the use of video conferencing for attorneys who wish to utilize it. &nbsp;Courts are continuing to function with limited staff in the office and others are working remotely utilizing video conferencing technology.&nbsp;In a number of jurisdictions, district courts which had held video arraignments with local and state jails to reduce cost and manpower required to transport incarcerated individuals to the courthouse prior to the pandemic continue to utilize that technology during this coronavirus event.</p><p>Courts have extended deadlines in cases pending before them based on guidelines from the Supreme Court.&nbsp; Other courts, including Appellate courts are allowing for filings to be received by fax during the pendency of this event, in addition to filings being submitted by mail or e-filing, where applicable.&nbsp; Courts have waived convenience fees associated with e-filing to allow for greater use of this method of submitting filings, with the goal of reducing potential coronavirus spread caused by person-to-person contact.</p><p>Additionally, the Supreme Court&rsquo;s Office of Language Access has worked to provide translations of court Orders in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Arabic, to better inform and assist limited English proficient parties who utilize the court system.</p><p>At the Louisiana Supreme Court, video conferencing is a tool that has been used for many years. Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson said, &ldquo;The Court&rsquo;s IT department has worked diligently over the past few years to prepare our staff and justices with the ability to work remotely should this very type of situation arise. Their forward-thinking and preparation has allowed the Court, its justices and staff to continue working for the duration of this ongoing pandemic.&rdquo;</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court Clerk of Court&rsquo;s office has accepted the e-filing of documents for several years<strong>.&nbsp; </strong><strong>Public access to the&nbsp;<strong>Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse</strong>&nbsp;will be restricted until further notice.&nbsp; Filings will be received via mail, although&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://cdx.lasc.org/" target="_blank"><strong>e-filing</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;is preferred and the Court is waiving the e-filing convenience fee during this public health crisis.</strong></p><p>The Justices have continued to consider and vote on writ applications and Opinions, albeit remotely through the use of video conferencing.&nbsp; During any given week IT support allows the seven Louisiana Supreme Court Justices the option to remain in the districts they serve while meeting through video conferencing to vote on writ applications and discuss administrative matters.&nbsp;&nbsp; However, since March, the Justices have met via video conferencing on an average of three times per week to consider writ applications, opinions, and administrative matters.&nbsp; These conferences are attended via conference call by key court staff members, who disseminate necessary orders, updates and pertinent information to citizens, court administrators and staff, the legal community and media throughout Louisiana and legal professionals in other states. The Supreme Court is also considering holding its next Oral Arguments via video conferencing.</p><p>In summation, Chief Justice Johnson commented, &ldquo;Our citizens can be assured their safety is a priority as the judicial system remains open during this challenging time, thanks to technology and the efforts of our dedicated judges and court staff.&rdquo;</p><p><strong>For more e-filing information, please contact:</strong><br /><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Clerk of Court, John T. Olivier at </strong><a href="mailto:JOlivier@lasc.org"><strong>JOlivier@lasc.org</strong></a></p><p><strong>For more on Information Technology, please contact: </strong><br /><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Information Technology Director James Murray at </strong><a href="mailto:JMurray@lasc.org"><strong>JMurray@lasc.org</strong></a><strong> or Louisiana Supreme Court staff attorney Jennifer Eagan at </strong><a href="mailto:JEagan@lasc.org"><strong>JEagan@lasc.org</strong></a><strong> </strong></p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>March 23, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;">LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ISSUES TWO NEW ORDERS</p><p>Today the Louisiana Supreme Court, in accordance with declarations by Governor John Bel Edwards and President Donald Trump, released two Orders in its continuing effort to reduce the number of new cases of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) by citizens, including judges and court staff. Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson said, &ldquo;It is the Court&rsquo;s responsibility to remain steadfast staving off newly contracted cases of the Coronavirus. In doing so, we yield to reasonable alternative methods to adhere to the constitutional rights of all citizens; both litigants and court staff to provide due process in an environment of safety to the public health of all.&rdquo;</p><p><a href="/COVID19/Orders/2020-04-06_LASC_order.pdf" target="_blank">The first Order</a> repeals and replaces the Supreme Court&rsquo;s March 16, 2020, March 20, 2020 and March 23, 2020 Orders and advises on court proceedings and reads as follows:</p><p>Acting under the authority of Article V, Section 1 of Constitution of 1974, and the inherent power of this Court, and considering the continuing spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards&rsquo; declaration of public health emergencies in Proclamation Numbers 25 JBE 2020, 27 JBE 2020, 30 JBE 2020, 33 JBE 2020, and 41 JBE 2020, President Donald Trump&rsquo;s declaration of a national emergency on March 13, 2020, the Orders of this Court dated March 16, March 20, and March 23, 2020, and in consideration of ongoing public health recommendations to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus and slowing the spread of the disease while balancing the need to protect the constitutional rights and public safety of the citizens of the state by maintaining access to Louisiana courts,</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration:underline;">Prior Orders:</span> This Order shall repeal and replace the Orders of this Court dated March 16, March 20, and March 23, 2020;</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration:underline;">Jury Trials:</span> All jury trials, both civil and criminal, scheduled to commence in any Louisiana state court between the date of this Order and May 1, 2020, are hereby continued to a date to be reset by local order no earlier than May 4, 2020.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration:underline;">In-person emergency matters only:</span> Until at least May 4, 2020, courts may only conduct in-person proceedings to address emergency matters that cannot be resolved virtually. Courts must continue to take measures to limit access to courtrooms and other spaces, with absolute minimum physical contact, to practice social distancing and limit in-person court activity to only the emergency matters set forth in sections 4 and 5 below. As this situation is constantly changing, courts are further instructed to follow all guidelines issued by the Center for Disease Control, the President and the Governor, and to further limit access to courtroom and other spaces to the maximum number of people set forth in any future guideline or official proclamation that may be issued. All emergency matters should be conducted with the use of video and telephone conferencing whenever possible. Any court lacking the technological capabilities to implement this mandate shall notify the Judicial Administrator of the Louisiana Supreme Court so that accommodations can be made.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration:underline;">Criminal Matters:</span> In criminal matters, the following matters are deemed emergency matters for purposes of section 3 above: criminal initial appearances for adults and juveniles, arraignments for incarcerated individuals, bond hearings, criminal protective orders and other emergency matters necessary to protect the health, safety and liberty of individuals as determined by each court.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration:underline;">Civil Matters:</span> In civil matters, the following matters are deemed emergency matters for purposes of section 3 above: civil protective orders, child in need of care proceedings, emergency child custody matters, proceedings for children removed from their home by emergency court order, proceedings related to emergency interdictions and mental health orders, temporary restraining orders and injunctions, and matters of public health related to this crisis and other emergency matters necessary to protect the health, safety and liberty of individuals as determined by each court.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration:underline;">Remote Proceedings:</span> This Order expressly does not prohibit any court proceedings by telephone, video, teleconferencing, or any other means that do not involve in-person contact with consent of all parties and the judge. This Order does not affect courts&rsquo; consideration of matters that can be resolved without in-person proceedings. This authority does not extend to any matters suspended by executive action by the Governor, including but not limited to evictions.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration:underline;">Speedy Trial Computations:</span> Given the public health concerns and the necessity of taking action to slow the spread of the disease, the continuances occasioned by this Order serve the ends of justice and outweigh the best interest of the public and the defendant in a speedy trial. Therefore, the time periods of such continuance shall be excluded from speedy trial computations pursuant to law, including but not limited to those set forth in the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure and the Louisiana Children&rsquo;s Code, and presumptively constitute just cause.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration:underline;">Clerk&rsquo;s Offices:</span> Courts should work with parish clerks to encourage in-person filings of court pleadings to be replaced with filing by other means, such as U.S. mail, e-filing, email or facsimile. In all criminal, juvenile and civil matters handled on an emergency or expedited basis, a record shall be kept under the direction of the acting judge for each action.</p><p><a href="/COVID19/Orders/2020-04-06_LASC_DEADLINES.pdf" target="_blank">The second Order</a> amends a March 20, 2020 Louisiana Supreme Court Order regarding filing deadlines with the state&rsquo;s high court, and states, &ldquo;All filings which were or are due to this Court between Thursday, March 12, 2020 through Friday, May 1, 2020 shall be considered timely if filed no later than Monday, May 4, 2020. Parties who are unable to meet this deadline due to the COVID-19 emergency may submit motions for extensions of time, supported by appropriate documentation and argument.&rdquo;</p><p style="text-decoration:underline;font-weight:bold;">REMINDER FOR ALL MEDIA:</p><p>In response to the public health emergency created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Louisiana Supreme Court is posting Orders and information from Louisiana&rsquo;s courts on its website, <a href="/">www.lasc.org</a> and <a href="/COVID19">www.lasc.org/COVID19</a>. We ask and encourage all who are seeking information on Louisiana courts and the COVID-19 pandemic to visit the Supreme Court&rsquo;s website for information.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>March 23, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="/COVID19/Orders/2020-03-23_LASC.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>The Louisiana Supreme Court issued a new Order today</strong></a>, considering the continuing spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards&rsquo; declaration of public health emergencies in Proclamation Numbers 25 JBE 2020, 27 JBE 2020, 30 JBE 2020 and 33 JBE 2020, President Donald Trump&rsquo;s declaration of a national emergency on March 13, 2020, the Orders of this Court dated March 16 and March 20, 2020, and in consideration of public health recommendations to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus and slowing the spread of the disease while balancing the need to protect the constitutional rights and public safety of the citizens of the state by maintaining access to Louisiana courts.</p><p>The Court&rsquo;s new order sets forth the following:</p><ol><li style="margin-bottom:1em;">The provisions set forth in the Orders of this Court dated March 16, 2020, as amended by the Order dated March 20, 2020, remain in effect, but are further restricted as set forth below;</li><li style="margin-bottom:1em;">Courts must take immediate measures to limit access to courtrooms and other spaces, with absolute minimum physical contact, to practice social distancing and limit court activity to only the essential functions enumerated in Sections 2 and 3 of this Courts March 16, 2020 Order, as amended by the Order dated March 20, 2020, as modified herein, in accordance with the &ldquo;Stay at Home Order&rdquo; issued by Governor Edwards in Proclamation 33 JBE 2020 on March 22, 2020.</li><li style="margin-bottom:1em;">As this situation is constantly changing, courts are further instructed to follow all guidelines issued by the Center for Disease Control, the President and the Governor, and to further limit access to courtroom and other spaces to the maximum number of people set forth in any future guideline or official proclamation that may be issued.</li><li style="margin-bottom:1em;">All essential court functions should be conducted with the use of video and telephone conferencing whenever possible. Any court lacking the technological capabilities to implement this mandate shall notify the Judicial Administrator of the Louisiana Supreme Court so that accommodations can be made.</li><li style="margin-bottom:1em;">The essential criminal matters set forth in Section 3 of this Court&rsquo;s March 16, 2020 Order should be conducted via video and/or telephone conferencing with increased frequency to alleviate potential overcrowding of jails, which is a public health emergency for citizens and jail personnel.</li><li style="margin-bottom:1em;">The essential civil matters set forth in Section 2 of this Court&rsquo;s March 16, 2020 Order should be conducted via video and/or telephone conferencing, including but not limited to civil protective orders, child in need of care proceedings, emergency child custody matters, proceedings for children removed from their home by emergency court order, proceedings related to emergency interdictions and mental health orders, temporary restraining orders and injunctions, and matters of public health related to this crisis and other emergency matters necessary to protect the health, safety and liberty of individuals as determined by each court.</li><li style="margin-bottom:1em;">All matters that are resolved by agreement of the parties and with the approval of the court that do not involve any appearance at the court may proceed during the pendency of this order. This authority does not extend to any matters suspended by executive action by the Governor, including but not limited to evictions.</li><li style="margin-bottom:1em;">Courts should work with parish clerks to encourage in-person filings of court pleadings to be replaced with filing by other means, such as U.S. mail, e-filing, email or facsimile. In all criminal, juvenile and civil matters handled on an emergency or expedited basis, a record shall be kept under the direction of the acting judge for each action.</li></ol><p>&ldquo;In compliance with the Governor&rsquo;s stay at home mandate released yesterday, it is the Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s responsibility to modify daily operations to reduce traffic to our courts by reducing the number of individuals in one space,&rdquo; Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson said today. &ldquo;The circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 Pandemic are ever-changing and the Court is committed to supporting government efforts to flatten the curve of newly contracted cases by altering the means by which we interact. While remaining dedicated to due process and the rule of law, we continue to balance the legal needs of our citizens with their safety which includes the safety of our court staff.&rdquo;</p><p>Copies of the Court&rsquo;s previous orders can be found here:</p><ul><li><a href="/COVID19/orders/2020-03-20_LASC_EXTENSION.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Order for Louisiana Courts</strong></a> (3/20/2020) - amending the Court&rsquo;s Order of March 16, 2020 </li><li><strong><a href="/COVID19/orders/2020-03-20_LASC_DEADLINES.pdf" target="_blank">Louisiana Supreme Court Order</a></strong> (3/20/2020) - affecting filing deadlines at the Louisiana Supreme Court</li><li><strong><a href="/COVID19/Orders/2020-03-16_LASCorder.pdf" target="_blank">Louisiana Supreme Court Order for Louisiana Courts</a></strong> (3/16/2020)</li></ul><p>Copies of the previous Orders and press releases from the Louisiana Supreme Court as well as information and Orders from courts across Louisiana can be found at <a href="/">www.lasc.org</a> and <a href="/COVID19">www.lasc.org/COVID19</a>.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>March 20, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ISSUES ORDERS AFFECTING LOUISIANA STATE COURTS AND LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT</strong></p><p>Due to the recent outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards&rsquo; declaration of a public health emergency in Proclamation Number 25 JBE 2020, and President Donald Trump&rsquo;s declaration of a national emergency on March 13, 2020, and in consideration of public health recommendations to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus and slowing the spread of the disease, today the Louisiana Supreme Court issued two Orders.</p><p><a href="/COVID19/orders/2020-03-20_LASC_EXTENSION.pdf" target="_blank">The first Order from the Louisiana Supreme Court</a> amends the Court&rsquo;s Order of March 16, 2020, extending it through April 13, 2020, and orders the following:</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">1. All jury trials, both civil and criminal, scheduled to commence in any Louisiana state court between the date of this Order and April 13, 2020, are hereby continued to a date to be reset by local order no earlier than April 14, 2020.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">2. Except as otherwise provided herein, all civil trials, hearings and court appearances set for any date between the date of this Order and April 13, 2020 are hereby continued to a date to be reset by local order, except for hearings related to the following: civil protective orders, child in need of care proceedings, emergency child custody matters, proceedings for children removed from their home by emergency court order, proceedings related to emergency interdictions and mental health orders, matters of public health related to this crisis and other emergency matters necessary to protect the health, safety and liberty of individuals as determined by each court.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">3. All other provisions set forth in the March 16, 2020 Order of this Court remain in full force and effect.</p><p><a href="/COVID19/orders/2020-03-20_LASC_DEADLINES.pdf" target="_blank">The second Order issued by the Louisiana Supreme Court</a> affects filing deadlines at the Louisiana Supreme Court, and states:</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">All filings which were or are due to this Court between Thursday, March 12, 2020 through Monday, April 13, 2020 shall be considered timely if filed no later than Tuesday, April 14, 2020. Parties who are unable to meet this deadline due to the COVID-19 emergency may submit motions for extensions of time, supported by appropriate documentation and argument.</p><p>&ldquo;It is important that we remain vigilant during this time of challenge,&rdquo; said Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson. &ldquo;We must continue to balance the rights of litigants in the courts against the necessary and recommended measures to slow the spread of the COVID-19 Disease. Information and directives from our president, governor, the Louisiana Supreme Court and state courts are of utmost importance and adherence to such is imperative and greatly appreciated.&rdquo;</p><p>Copies of the Orders from the Louisiana Supreme Court as well as information and Orders from courts across Louisiana can be found at <a href="/">www.lasc.org</a> and <a href="/COVID19">www.lasc.org/COVID19</a>.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
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<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>March 16, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ISSUES ORDER FOR LOUISIANA COURTS</strong></p><p><a href="/COVID19/Orders/2020-03-16_LASCorder.pdf" target="_blank">The Louisiana Supreme Court today issued an Order</a>, in response to the recent outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards&rsquo; declaration of a public health emergency in Proclamation Number 25 JBE 2020, and President Donald Trump&rsquo;s declaration of a national emergency on March 13, 2020, and in consideration of public health recommendations to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus and slowing the spread of the disease while balancing the need to maintain access to Louisiana courts, directing Louisiana courts to proceed in the following manner:</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">1. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All jury trials, both civil and criminal, scheduled to commence in any Louisiana state court between the date of this Order and March 27, 2020, are hereby continued to a date to be reset by local order no earlier than March 30, 2020. Civil and criminal jury trials that are in progress as of March 13, 2020 may continue to conclusion, in the discretion of the local court.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">2. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Except as otherwise provided herein, all civil trials, hearings and court appearances set for any date between the date of this Order and March 27, 2020 are hereby continued to a date to be reset by local order, except for hearings related to the following: civil protective orders, child in need of care proceedings, emergency child custody matters, proceedings for children removed from their home by emergency court order, proceedings related to emergency interdictions and mental health orders, matters of public health related to this crisis and other emergency matters necessary to protect the health, safety and liberty of individuals as determined by each court. </p><p style="margin-left:30px;">3. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Criminal initial appearances for adults and juveniles, arraignments for incarcerated individuals and bond hearings shall continue as scheduled and shall be conducted with the use of telephone and video conferencing whenever possible.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">4. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All judges and court clerks are urged to limit in-person courtroom contact as much as possible by utilizing available technologies, including alternative means of filing, teleconferencing, email and videoconferencing.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">5. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This Order expressly does not prohibit any court proceedings by telephone, video, teleconferencing, or any other means that do not involve in-person contact. This Order does not affect courts&rsquo; consideration of matters that can be resolved without in-person proceedings.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">6. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Given the public health concerns and the necessity of taking action to slow the spread of the disease, the continuances occasioned by this Order serve the ends of justice and outweigh the best interest of the public and the defendant in a speedy trial. Therefore, the time periods of such continuance shall be excluded from speedy trial computations pursuant to law, including but not limited to those set forth in the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure and the Louisiana Children&rsquo;s Code, and presumptively constitute just cause.</p><p>&ldquo;Both the Center for Disease Control and the Louisiana Department of Health have advised people to take precautions in light of the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus) outbreak, and Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a public health emergency,&rdquo; said Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson.&nbsp; &ldquo;First and foremost, we must handle this public health crisis in a way that protects the health and safety of everyone at our court facilities, while at the same time, to the extent possible, maintains access to the courts.&nbsp; To that end, we have issued this Order to allow access to the courts while balancing the need to be proactive in protecting those who work in and come in contact with those in the court system to help lessen the potential impact and spread of the coronavirus.&rdquo;</p><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">REMINDER FOR ALL MEDIA:</span></strong><br />In response to the public health emergency created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Louisiana Supreme Court is posting Orders and information from Louisiana&rsquo;s courts on its website, <a href="/"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.lasc.org</span></a> and <a href="/COVID19"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.lasc.org/COVID19</span></a>.&nbsp; We ask and encourage all who are seeking information on Louisiana courts and the COVID-19 pandemic to visit the Supreme Court&rsquo;s website for information.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
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<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>February 19, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>LOUISIANA CITY JUDGES ASSOCIATION ELECTS NEW OFFICERS</strong></p><p>At a meeting of its general membership during the Fall Judges Conference, the Louisiana City Judges Association elected new officers for the 2019-20 term. The officers are as follows:</p><ul><li>President &ndash; Judge Daniel Stretcher, Jennings City Court</li><li>Vice President &ndash; Judge Pammela Lattier, Shreveport City Court</li><li>Secretary &ndash; Judge Raylyn Beevers, 2nd Parish Court of Jefferson</li><li>Treasurer &ndash; Judge Brian Barber, Shreveport City Court</li></ul><p>The officers will serve one-year terms.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><style>.picgrid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; grid-gap: .8rem; align-content: center; } </style> <div class="picgrid"><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2020/images/Stretcher_LCJA_president.jpg" alt="Louisiana City Judges Association President, Judge Daniel Stretcher" /><br />Judge Daniel Stretcher<br />Jennings City Court <br />Louisiana City Judges Association President </div><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2020/images/Lattier_LCJA_VicePresident.jpg" alt="Louisiana City Judges Association Vice President, Judge Pammela Lattier" /><br />Judge Pammela Lattier<br />Shreveport City Court <br />Louisiana City Judges Association Vice President </div><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2020/images/Beevers_LCJA_secretary.jpg" alt="Louisiana City Judges Association Secretary, Judge Raylyn Beevers" /><br />Judge Raylyn Beevers<br />2nd Parish Court of Jefferson <br />Louisiana City Judges Association Secretary </div><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2020/images/Barber_LCJA_treasurer.jpg" alt="Louisiana City Judges Association Treasurer, Judge Brian Barber" /><br />Judge Brian Barber<br />Shreveport City Court <br />Louisiana City Judges Association Treasurer </div></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>February 19, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>NEWLY ELECTED NAWJ PRESIDENT JUDGE BERNADETTE D&rsquo;SOUZA:<br />SERVICE IN THE FACE OF HIGHS AND LOWS</strong></p><p>The year 2019 was one of highs and lows for Honorable Bernadette D&rsquo;Souza, Judge, Orleans Civil District Court. She had a career-high when she took the Oath of Office to become president of the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ) in Los Angeles on October 19, 2019. She was honored when District of Columbia Court of Appeals Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby, who administered the Oath, read a congratulatory letter expressing sentiments from longtime NAWJ member, Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson.</p><p>This has been a season of new experiences for Judge D&rsquo;Souza. In late 2018 she was an invited speaker at the U.S. State Department International Narcotics and Law Bureau (INL) Office&rsquo;s Role of Women in Justice Conference in Yerevan, Armenia. The conference united Armenian judges, lawyers, investigators, and law enforcement personnel on ways to overcome cultural obstacles in the justice system. In March 2019, Judge D&rsquo;Souza presented on &ldquo;Integrated Domestic Violence Courts&rdquo; at the United Nations Convention on the Status of Women in New York. In June, at the invitation of Pope Francis, she attended the First Pan American Judges&rsquo; Summit on Social Justice and the Franciscan Doctrine in the Vatican City where she made a presentation on &ldquo;Equal Access to Justice: The Importance of Civil Legal Aid and Delivery of Justice to Eradicate Poverty.&rdquo; She commented, &ldquo;As a former legal aid lawyer representing the poor of our city, I was truly humbled and privileged to have been bestowed with the honor to participate.&rdquo; October brought her NAWJ appointment as president.</p><p>The NAWJ&rsquo;s mission to &ldquo;protect the rights of individuals under the rule of law through strong, committed, diverse judicial leadership; fairness and equality in the courts; and equal access to justice,&rdquo; aligns with principles Judge D&rsquo;Souza has displayed throughout her career. During her NAWJ swearing-in ceremony, she mentioned her humble beginnings in Goa, India; the opportunities she was afforded, and the consistent support she received from her husband with whom she moved to the United States and started a family. She discussed her family&rsquo;s encouragement during law school. With all the highs of 2019, in July there was a major loss; the challenge to endure the loss of her husband, best friend, and father to her three children. His life of service, her faith and commitment to this important work of the bench has inspired her to move forward. Judge D&rsquo;Souza thanked her children, who were present at the swearing-in, and her colleagues, whose constant support helped her throughout this year.</p><p>Regarding serving as president, Judge D&rsquo;Souza expressed, &ldquo;I am humbled by both the opportunity and responsibility of this office and inspired by the passion, grace, and dedication of our leaders and membership. NAWJ provides a vital and unique source of community, support, diplomacy and integrity to our members and the individuals we serve.&rdquo; Judge D&rsquo;Souza understands the highs and lows and uses them to complete her life&rsquo;s work to serve others. She is once again supported by family, her children and the spirit of her beloved husband, which she says give her the momentum to look beyond her emotions, see the needs of others, and concentrate on the work that must be completed.</p><p>Judge D&rsquo;Souza&rsquo;s theme for her term as NAWJ president is &ldquo;Innovation Efforts to Improve Access to Justice through Global Judicial Leadership.&rdquo; As president, she will utilize her NAWJ experience as a Co-chair of the Domestic Violence Committee, NAWJ Secretary, Chair of the Personnel Committee, Co-chair of the Executive Director Search Committee, and District Director. Judge D&rsquo;Souza looks forward to playing host to the NAWJ in New Orleans at its 2020 Mid-Year Meeting, March 11-13.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><div class="picgrid"><style>.picgrid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; grid-gap: .8rem; align-content: center; </style><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2020/images/DSouza.jpg" alt="Newly Elected NAWJ President Judge Bernadette D’Souza" /><br />Newly Elected NAWJ President Judge Bernadette D&rsquo;Souza</div></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/press_room/press_releases/pressroompicgrid.css" /><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2020 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>January 27, 2020</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT HEARD ORAL ARGUMENT AT</strong><br /><strong>TULANE UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL</strong></p><p><strong>(New Orleans, LA &ndash; January 27, 2020)</strong> The Louisiana Supreme Court Justices held oral argument at Tulane University Law School today, providing law students with the opportunity to observe the state&rsquo;s highest appellate court&rsquo;s proceedings. </p><p>The court heard three cases before an audience that also included university students from all majors, faculty, and the general public. The visit is part of ongoing outreach by the state&rsquo;s highest Court to provide the public with a sample of the complexity of litigation before the court.</p><p>Visiting other venues to hold court has become a tradition of the Louisiana Supreme Court. </p><p>&nbsp;&ldquo;These visits simulate the court&rsquo;s early history when transportation to New Orleans for court was a challenge for citizens from other parishes,&rdquo; commented Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson. &ldquo;The Louisiana Supreme Court was constitutionally required to &lsquo;ride the circuit&rsquo; by traveling to parishes throughout the state to hear oral argument, ensuring access to justice. We enjoy continuing that tradition of our former colleagues with future members of the Bar.&rdquo;</p><p>&ldquo;The Court&rsquo;s visit provides an exceptional opportunity for students, faculty and the public to observe advocates and the Court in action,&rdquo; said Dean David Meyer.&nbsp; &ldquo;It highlights the Court&rsquo;s commitment to access to justice and the strength of Louisiana&rsquo;s civil law tradition.&nbsp; We&rsquo;re grateful for this extraordinary partnership with the bench and bar in educating the next generation of lawyers.&rdquo;</p><p>Before arguments, the Justices took part in a luncheon where they met students and faculty to encourage greater understanding of the judicial system and the legal profession. </p><p>For more information visit <a href="https://www.lasc.org/"><strong>lasc.org</strong></a>, or <a href="https://law.tulane.edu/content/louisiana-supreme-court-sitting"><strong>l</strong><strong>aw.tulane.edu</strong></a>, contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist Trina S. Vincent, at<strong> </strong><a href="mailto:tvincent@lasc.org"><strong>tvincent@lasc.org</strong></a><strong> </strong>or (504) 310-2590 or Tulane University Law School Director of Communications Alina Hernandez, at<strong> </strong><a href="mailto:ahernandez4@tulane.edu"><strong>ahernandez4@tulane.edu</strong></a> (504) 865-5976.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><div class="picgrid"><div><img src="/press_room/press_releases/2020/images/Tulane.jpg" alt="The Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court held oral argument at Tulane University Law School on Monday, January 27, 2020." /><br />The Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court held oral argument at Tulane University Law School on Monday, January 27, 2020.</div></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2019 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>July 26, 2019</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>CHIEF JUDGE SUSAN M. CHEHARDY APPOINTED AS JUSTICE <em>PRO TEMPORE</em> TO THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT</strong></p><div><img alt="Susan Chehardy" src="/press_room/press_releases/2019/images/Chehardy_Susan.jpg" style="float:left;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:10px;pointer-events:none;" width="300" /><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson and the Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court have appointed Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal Chief Judge Susan M. Chehardy as justice <em>pro tempore</em> of the Louisiana Supreme Court, First District, to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Greg G. Guidry.&nbsp; Chehardy&rsquo;s appointment will be effective July 26, 2019 through December 31, 2019 or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner.</p><p>Chief Judge Chehardy received her Juris Doctorate from Loyola University College of Law in 1985. Upon graduation she held the position as law clerk for the late Hon. Veronica Wicker for the 85&rsquo;-86&rsquo; term. In August of 1986 she was employed as an associate with the firm of Gauthier, Murphy, Chehardy, Sherman &amp; Breslin. &nbsp;In 1989 she became a partner in the firm of Chehardy, Sherman, Ellis &amp; Breslin. In 1991, she opened her own general litigation practice, Chehardy &amp; Nielsen.</p><p>In January of 1992 she was appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court as judge <em>pro tempore</em> to Division C of the 24th JDC. In September of 1992 she was elected judge of Division N of the 24th JDC. She served as judge of Division N, winning re-election to her district court seat in 1996. In October of 1998 she was elected to Division D of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal, the first woman to be elected to that Court. She was re-elected in 2002 and 2012. In January of 2013, she was sworn in to her new term as the first female Chief Judge of the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal.</p><p>Judge Chehardy is a member of the American Bar Association, the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Jefferson Bar Association and the New Orleans Bar Association, as well as a retired member of the Federal Bar Associations of the Eastern and Middle Districts. She is also a member of the American Judges Association, the Council of Chief Judges of the State Courts of Appeal, the Conference of Court of Appeal Judges, the Fifth Circuit Judges Association, the Fourth and Fifth Circuit Judges Association, the Association of Women Judges and the American Judicature Society.</p><p>Justice Greg Guidry retired from the Louisiana Supreme Court effective June 22, 2019 after his confirmation as a judge to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.&nbsp; Guidry began serving on the Louisiana Supreme Court as an Associate Justice in January 2009. He was formerly a judge on the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal, having won election in August 2006. He served as a district court judge on the 24th Judicial District Court for the Parish of Jefferson for six years beginning in October 2000. </p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2009 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; december 23, 2009</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Attorney William C. Credo, III, has been appointed by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore</em>&nbsp;of the 24th Judicial District Court, Section &ldquo;A,&rdquo; according to Justice Greg G. Guidry.</p><p align="left">Credo fills the vacancy created by the removal of Judge Joan S. Benge. Credo will serve from December 21, 2009 through June 21, 2010, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner.</p><p align="left">Credo received his B.S. degree from Louisiana State University in 1972 and his J.D. degree from Loyola Law School in 1976. An Assistant District Attorney in Jefferson Parish from 1979 through 2009, Credo supervised the Juvenile Division Research and Appeals Division and the Felony Division. As a Felony Trial Assistant he litigated over 300 jury trials. This year, Credo has also served as an adjunct Professor of Law for Tulane Law School. Before joining the Jefferson Parish District Attorney Office, Credo had a civil law practice with a specialty in forensic law. Additionally, Credo served as a member of the Louisiana National Guard from 1971-1977.</p><p align="left">Credo is a member of the United State Supreme Court Bar, the Louisiana State Bar Association, the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Middle Districts of Louisiana, the Jefferson Bar Association, and the American Inns of Court. He is the recipient of a Volunteer of the Year Award from the Jefferson Bar Auxiliary; the 2002 Outstanding Prosecutor of the Year Award from Victims &amp; Citizens Against Crime; and the 2008 New Orleans&nbsp;<br />CityBusiness Award for Leadership in the Law.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2019 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>July 24, 2019</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>CHIEF JUSTICE JOHNSON RECEIVES ESTEEMED WILLIAM H. HASTIE AWARD</strong></p><div><img alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson received the William H.Hastie Award at the NBA's 94th Annual Convention" src="\press_room\press_releases\2019\images\NBA _ William H_Hastie 6.jpg" style="float:left;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:10px;pointer-events:none;" width="350" /><p>Louisiana Supreme Court <a href="/About/Biography?p=Bernette_J._Johnson">Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson</a> received the William H. Hastie Award today in New York. The award, presented by the National Bar Association (NBA) Judicial Council recognizes excellence in legal and judicial scholarship and demonstrated commitment to justice under law.</p><p>The William H. Hastie Award, the NBA Judicial Council&rsquo;s highest award, was presented to Chief Justice Johnson at the organization&rsquo;s 94th Annual Convention during its Thurgood Marshall Awards Luncheon. Judge William H. Hastie for whom the award is named, served as a United States District Court Judge as well as Governor for the United States Virgin Islands, Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and Dean of Howard University Law School. Upon accepting the award at the annual convention, Chief Justice Johnson said, &ldquo;I&rsquo;d like to express my deepest appreciation to the National Bar Association and my colleagues for this distinguished award.&rdquo;</p><p>The National Bar Association is the oldest and largest national network of predominantly African-American attorneys and judges. It represents the interest of approximately 65,000 lawyers, judges, law professors, and law students. The National Bar Association Judicial Council is an independent autonomous section of the National Bar Association formed in 1971 to eradicate racial and class bias from every aspect of the judicial and law enforcement process.</p><p>Chief Justice Johnson serves as the first African-American Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court. She is one of the first African-American women to attend and earn a Juris Doctorate degree from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University and the first woman elected to serve on the Civil District Court of New Orleans where in 1994, her colleagues elected her Chief Judge. She was elected to serve on the Louisiana Supreme Court in 1994 and was re-elected without opposition in 2000 and 2010. As the senior justice on the Court, she was sworn in as Chief Justice on February 1, 2013.</p><p>For more information on Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson visit <a href="/About/Biography?p=Bernette_J._Johnson">http://www.lasc.org/About/Biography?p=Bernette_J._Johnson</a></p></div><p align="center">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2009 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; november 19, 2009</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">First Circuit Court of Appeal Judge John Michael Guidry has been appointed by the Conference of Court of Appeal Judges to serve as their representative on the Judicial Council of the Louisiana Supreme Court for a three-year term commencing January 1, 2010.</p><p align="left">The Judicial Council is composed of 17 members representing the judiciary, the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Louisiana State Law Institute, the Legislature, the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, the Louisiana Clerks of Court Association, and the citizens of Louisiana. The Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court serves as Chair of the Council and one other Justice serves as a member. Through its various standing committees, the Judicial Council serves as a research arm for the Supreme Court. It often acts as a resource center where ideas for simplifying and expediting judicial procedures and/or correcting shortcomings in the system are studied.</p><p align="left">Judge Guidry received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University in 1983 and his law degree from the Southern University Law Center in 1987. Guidry had a private law practice from 1987-1997. During that time, he also served as an Assistant Parish Attorney from 1988-1991, as a State Representative for District 67 from 1992-1993, and as a State Senator for District 14 from 1993-1997. Guidry has served as an instructor for the Southern University Law Center since 1988 and Southern University since 1993. In 1997, Guidry was elected to the First Circuit Court of Appeal where he currently serves.</p><p align="left">Guidry is a member of numerous professional organizations including: the American Bar Association, the National Bar Association, the American Judges Association, the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Baton Rouge Bar Association, the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society and the Louisiana Judicial College.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2008 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>December 17, 2008</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Attorney Preston Joseph Castille, Jr. has been appointed to serve as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore</em>&nbsp;of Division &ldquo;B,&rdquo; Baton Rouge City Court in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, according to Justice Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball. He will fill the vacancy created at Baton Rouge City Court by the election of Judge Trudy M. White to the 19th Judicial District Court. He will serve at Baton Rouge City Court for the period of January 1, 2009 through June 30, 2009, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner.</p><p align="left">Castille received his undergraduate degree from Southern University in 1990 and his law degree from Tulane Law School in 1994. He is a partner in the law firm Taylor, Porter, Brooks and Phillips and is an Adjunct Professor of Law at the Louisiana State University Law Center and Southern University Law Center where he has instructed courses on Pretrial Civil Litigation Practice and Louisiana Civil Procedure. He is a member of the the Louisiana State Bar Association, a past member of the Board of Governors for the Baton Rouge Bar Association, and was a founder and Chairman of the Board of the Louis A. Martinet Foundation and President of the Louis A. Martinet Society, Baton Rouge Chapter.</p><p align="left">Active in the community, Castille has served on the Baker Planning and Zoning Commission, on the Board of Directors for Volunteers in Public Schools, ADVANCE Baton Rouge, the St. Paul Adult Education Center, and the Baker Little League.</p><p align="left">In 2000, the&nbsp;<em>Baton Rouge Business Report</em>&nbsp;named Castille one of its &ldquo;Top 40 Under 40.&rdquo; He is also a 1997 graduate of the Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2019 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 9, 2019</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><p>Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson announced that the Louisiana Supreme Court recently approved substantive revisions to Supreme Court Rule XIX and its appendices, pertaining to Lawyer Disciplinary Enforcement, to be effective on May 15, 2019.</p><p>The Court adopted the rule revisions following a lengthy study and an audit by the American Bar Association. The Court solicited, received, and reviewed comments from the Louisiana State Bar Association&rsquo;s Rules of Professional Conduct Committee, the Court&rsquo;s Attorney Disciplinary Board and practitioners before making its final determination.</p><p>The amendments to Rule XIX and its appendices seek to streamline the disciplinary process; clarify certain processes regarding existing practices; implement a new permanent retirement status; implement a procedure for inventorying lawyer files; and also include changes for stylistic and consistency purposes. The revised <a href="/rules/orders/2019/RULE_XIX.pdf" target="_blank">Rule XIX</a> and its <a href="/rules/orders/2019/RULE_XIX_APPENDICES.pdf" target="_blank">appendices</a>, effective May 15, 2019, can be found on the Court&rsquo;s website, <a href="http://www.lasc.org">www.lasc.org</a>.</p><p align="center">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2009 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; November 10, 2009</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left"><a href="/press_room/press_releases/2009/2009-22.pdf" target="_blank">Justice Bernette J. Johnson to receive the 2010 ABA Spirit of Excellence Award for Diversity Leadership</a></p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2008 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>December 9, 2008</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Justice Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball, the first woman in the history of the state to be elected to the Louisiana Supreme Court will be sworn-in as Chief Justice of the court, also making her the first woman in the history of the state to be Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court.</p><p align="left">To mark this historic event, a Mass will be celebrated at the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans on Monday, January 12, 2009 at 9:00 A.M. by Archbishop Alfred Hughes and Father Miles Walsh of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. A swearing-in ceremony will take place afterward at 11:00 A.M. on the steps of the Louisiana Supreme Court at 400 Royal Street. A reception will follow. The Mass and Swearing-In Ceremony are open to the public. No individual invitations will be sent for either function. Invitation is by this and other similar announcements.</p><p align="left">The anticipated cost of printing invitations and postage will be donated to the Baton Rouge Battered Women&rsquo;s Shelter.</p><p align="left">For more information on these events and hotel information, contact Jan Tolar at 504.310.2607 or by email at Tolar@lajao.org.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2016 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;OCTOBER 19, 2016 </strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court justices sat <em>en banc</em> in a courtroom ceremony today to honor one of their own, Justice Jeannette Theriot Knoll, on her last day sitting on the Supreme Court bench. Surrounded by friends, family and a host of colleagues from the legal profession, Justice Knoll celebrated 34 years of being a member of the Louisiana state judiciary. Her service began in 1983 when she was elected to the Third Circuit Court of Appeal. She was the first woman to be elected to an appellate court in the history of Louisiana.<br /><br />&ldquo;Twenty years ago Justice Knoll joined the Louisiana Supreme Court bench and she has since devoted herself to serving the Court, the judiciary and the people of Louisiana. She has established an impressive record during her time here, having read and voted on over 58,000 writ applications and authored nearly 200 Louisiana Supreme Court full opinions. When you add this to the 856 opinions she wrote during her 14 year tenure at the Third Circuit Court of Appeal, it is impossible to overstate Justice Knoll&rsquo;s contribution to the development of Louisiana Law. Justice Knoll is also a gifted operatic soprano who once dreamed of an opera career. It is the good fortune of the State of Louisiana that law was her ultimate calling,&rdquo; Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson said.<br /><br />Justice Knoll received her undergraduate degree and her law degree from Loyola University. She cut her teeth as an indigent defender in Avoyelles Parish and for 13 years she practiced law with Knoll and Knoll. From 1972-1982 she served as the first Assistant District Attorney for the 12th Judicial District. In 1996, she earned a Master of Laws degree in the judicial process from the University of Virginia School of Law. Justice Knoll is the recipient of numerous honors and awards including: the 2017 St. Ives Award from Loyola College of Law; the 2002 Outstanding Judicial Award from Victims and Citizens Against Crime, Inc.; and, the 2000 Outstanding Jurist of the Year Award from Louisiana Crimefighters. In 2007, she was inducted, along with her whole family, into the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame.<br /><br />Justice Knoll has been married for nearly 50 years to Jerold Edward &ldquo;Eddie&rdquo; Knoll with whom she raised five sons and has nine grandchildren. Her official last day before retirement is December 31, 2016.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><table><tbody><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:100%;"><img alt="Justice Jeannette Theriot Knoll" src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2016%2Fimages%2FKnoll_Portrait.jpg" width="400" /></td></tr><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:100%;text-align:center;">Justice Jeannette Theriot Knoll</td></tr></tbody></table>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2009 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; october 20, 2009</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Attorney James M. Williams has been appointed, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore</em>&nbsp;of Orleans Parish Civil District Court, Section &ldquo;J,&rdquo; according to Justice Bernette J. Johnson.</p><p align="left">Williams will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Nadine M. Ramsey and will serve from October 12, 2009 through March 30, 2010, or until the vacancy is filled by election, whichever comes sooner.</p><p align="left">Williams received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University in 1995 and his juris doctor degree from Washington &amp; Lee University School of Law in 1998. While a law student, Williams was Editor in Chief of the Journal for Civil Rights and Social Justice and was selected as a Burk&rsquo;s Scholar for academic excellence and aptitude for advocacy. Additionally, he worked with United States Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas to publish a scholarly article entitled &ldquo;<em>Civility</em>.&rdquo; Following law school, Williams served as a law clerk for Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Bernette J. Johnson from 1998-1999.</p><p align="left">Currently he is a partner in the law firm Gauthier, Houghtaling &amp; Williams, practicing in the area of civil litigation with a concentration on catastrophic personal injury and business litigation. While practicing law, Williams has served as an Adjunct Professor at Tulane University teaching the Legal Aspects of Sports and as President of the Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc. He now serves on the Board of Directors of the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and the New Orleans Bar Association.</p><p align="left">Williams has been recognized for &ldquo;<em>Leadership in Law</em>&rdquo; by New Orleans City Business in 2008 and 2009 and has been inducted in the publication&rsquo;s Hall of Fame for being honored consecutively. The Million Dollar Advocates Forum has recognized Williams as one of the &ldquo;<em>Top Trial Lawyers in America</em>.&rdquo;</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2008 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#f7ebc6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>December 8, 2008</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Thibodaux attorney Christopher H. Riviere was recognized for his service as a member of the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board (LADB) in a December 4, 2008 ceremony at the Louisiana Supreme Court. Riviere, who joined the LADB in 2003, was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Associate Justice John L. Weimer before the Court&rsquo;s morning session.</p><p align="left">Riviere has been in the practice of law in south Louisiana for the past twenty seven years. He began his practice in 1981 after completing Tulane University Law School in New Orleans, Louisiana. He has presented statewide as a lecturer in lawyer's continuing education as well as professionalism.</p><p align="left">In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Riviere is an experienced mediator having received his certification from Attorney-Mediators Institute in 1997. He is a past president of the Lafourche Parish Bar Association and a past member of the House of Delegates for the Louisiana State Bar Association. He has served two terms on the Louisiana State Republican Central Committee. Additionally, Mr. Riviere previously served as an adjunct lecturer in law at Nicholls State University and is involved in numerous community service and civic organizations. Mr. Riviere is an active volunteer firefighter and first responder, having served as First Assistant Fire Chief of the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department for five years.</p><p align="left">The Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board, which was established by the Supreme Court of Louisiana in 1990, is tasked with the responsibility of investigating all allegations of lawyer misconduct and with the responsibility of making recommendations to the Court when discipline is warranted. The agency consists of a statewide board, hearing committees, disciplinary counsel and administrative staff.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2016 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; OCTOBER 18, 2016</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>PUBLIC STATEMENT</strong></p><p>On behalf of the Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson issued the following statement today:<br /><br />The Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court join with the Louisiana legal community in sadness due to the recent loss of Richard &ldquo;Dick&rdquo; Knight, an esteemed member of the legal profession and former Judicial Administrator of the Louisiana Supreme Court. Knight came to the Supreme Court right out of LSU Law in 1958, where he had been Editor-in-Chief of the LSU Law Review and a member of Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Delta Phi honor societies.<br /><br />Knight was a pioneer in judicial administration, being one of the earliest court-appointed administrators in the United States. With an undergraduate degree from LSU in business administration, Knight brought a business perspective to court operations which was an innovative approach at the time and which now has become the norm.<br /><br />Although Knight left the Court in 1960 to enter the practice of law at the law firm Tally, Anthony, Hughes &amp; Knight, over the next 42 years he continued to dedicate his life to improving and educating others about the administration of justice through his service for the Louisiana State Law Institute and as a continuing legal education lecturer at LSU Law Center.<br /><br />Richard &ldquo;Dick&rdquo; Knight lived a life of professional achievement and distinguished service. The Louisiana Supreme Court is proud to have been a part of his journey. We will always remember his contributions and he will be sorely missed.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2009 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; october 15, 2009</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Justice Greg G. Guidry was in Beauregard Parish today on behalf of the Louisiana Supreme Court to present a grant check in the amount of $56,164 to Beauregard Parish Clerk of Court Brian Lestage for the acquisition of a new and improved case management system. The new system provides a technological solution for Beauregard Parish where heretofore criminal and traffic case management was paper-driven, done manually, and not able to be shared in an automated fashion.</p><p align="left">&ldquo;With these funds the Clerk of Court for Beauregard Parish takes a giant step into the 21st century and it is a win-win for everyone. The parish citizens and legal community benefit from the convenience of the automated case management services provided by the Clerk&rsquo;s Office on a day-to day basis. The criminal justice system as a whole benefits from the criminal and traffic statistical data which can now be integrated with other criminal justice agencies&rsquo; information systems,&rdquo; said Justice Guidry.</p><p align="left">According to Lestage, the newly acquired system enables state-of-the-art scanning, indexing and preserving of criminal and traffic records on par with most of the Clerk of Court Offices in the state. The collected data can now be reported to the Case Management Information Systems (CMIS) division of the Louisiana Supreme Court and passed on to other criminal justice agencies such as the Louisiana State Police Criminal History Repository and the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.</p><p align="left">The $56,164 grant for Beauregard Parish&rsquo;s modernized case management system is federally funded through the Crime Information Technology Act of 1998 which is administered by the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice. The Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s CMIS division serves as a conduit for these federal funds to state district courts.</p><p align="left">For more information on the Beauregard Clerk of Court Office&rsquo;s newly acquired case management system contact Brian Lestage at 337.463.8595.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2008 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>December 2, 2008</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court honored Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. today in an&nbsp;<em>en banc</em>&nbsp;ceremony held in the Supreme Court courtroom where he has presided since the court&rsquo;s return to the 400 Royal Street courthouse in 2004. Calogero is the longest serving Justice in the history of Louisiana, having served the court and the citizens of Louisiana for nearly 36 years; 18 of which as Chief Justice.</p><p align="left">"I was recently asked how would I like to be remembered. I responded that I hoped history would look back on me kindly. I would like to be remembered as an energetic, hard-working, honest and able judge who contributed during his service on the Louisiana Supreme Court to maintaining stability in the law and jurisprudence, while serving the least privileged of our citizens with compassion, integrity and fairness," said an overwhelmed Calogero.</p><p align="left">Also participating in the retirement ceremony were S. Guy deLaup. Louisiana State Bar Association Immediate-Past President; Father Kevin Wildes, S.J., President of Loyola University; Kim Boyle, Louisiana State Bar Association President-Elect; Judge Eldon Fallon, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana; Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball; and Calogero&rsquo;s former law partners former Mayor and Judge Moon Landrieu and Charles Kronlage.</p><p align="left">Chief Justice Calogero graduated first in his class from Loyola Law School and served as President of the Student Editorial Board of the Loyola Law Review. He received a Master of Laws in Judicial Process from the University of Virginia, was inducted into LSU Law Center&rsquo;s Hall of Fame, presented a Doctor of Laws degree&nbsp;<em>honoris causa</em>&nbsp;from Loyola School of Law, and is an honorary member of the LSU Center&rsquo;s Order of the Coif.</p><p align="left">Calogero served as a military police officer and as Captain in the Judge Advocate General&rsquo;s Corps of the United States Army from 1954 to 1957. He served as a law clerk to the judges of Civil District Court in Orleans Parish prior to practicing law from 1958 to 1972. Calogero was elected to the Supreme Court in 1972, took his first oath as an Associate Justice on January 10, 1973, and was re-elected three times thereafter. He was sworn in as Chief Justice on April 9, 1990 and is credited with major improvements to the law, the legal system and the administration of justice in Louisiana. Calogero has participated in over 6,000 oral argument and publishedSupreme Court decisions and has authored over 1,000 majority opinions, concurrences and dissents. Additionally, he was the driving force in restoring the 400 Royal Street building located in the historic French Quarter to its original use as a courthouse and home to the Louisiana Supreme Court.</p><p>Calogero is the recipient of the Louisiana Bar Foundation&rsquo;s 1991 Distinguished Jurist Award, the Indiana University School of Law&mdash;Indianapolis&rsquo; 1995 Distinguished National Jurist Award, the American Judges Association&rsquo;s 1995 Judge Bob Jones Memorial Award, the 1997Justice Albert Tate, Jr. Award, Victims and Citizens Against Crime Inc.&rsquo;s 1999 Outstanding Judicial Award, the American Board of Trial Advocates&rsquo; 2005 Beacon of Justice Award, and the Pro Bono Project&rsquo;s 2007 Distinguished Jurist Award. Most recently, Calogero received the American Judicature Society&rsquo;s highest national honor&ndash;the Fourth Annual Dwight D. Opperman Award for Judicial Excellence.</p><p>Calogero is married to Leslie Langhetee Calogero and is the father of ten children.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2016 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; OCTOBER 5, 2016</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Louisiana State University (LSU) Paul M. Hebert Law Center Professor William R. Corbett has been named Faculty Advisor of the Louisiana Judicial College. The Judicial College is the judicial education arm of the Louisiana Supreme Court whose mission is to provide quality and relevant continuing legal education for Louisiana judges. Corbett returns to the Judicial College after having served as Executive Director 16 years ago.<br /><br />According to Ninth Judicial District Court Judge and Judicial College Board President Patricia Koch, &ldquo;Professor Corbett was the unanimous choice of the Judicial College Board. As Faculty Advisor, he will provide information and analysis on state, national and international legal trends and on state and federal legislation affecting the College. He will also prepare and revise benchbooks and other best practices and will further ensure that the vision, mission and goals of the College are met.&rdquo;<br /><br />Corbett received his B.A. from Auburn University and his J.D. from the University of Alabama where he was Editor-in-Chief of the Alabama Law Review and a member of Order of the Coif. He holds the Frank L. Maraist Professorship and the Wex S. Malone Professorship at the Paul M. Hebert Law Center. He has been a faculty member of LSU since 1991. In 25 years on the faculty, Corbett has taught Labor Law, Employment Law, Employment Discrimination, Comparative Labor Law, Torts, Relational Torts, Federal Civil Procedure, and Louisiana Civil Procedure. He was Interim Co-Dean of the LSU Law Center during the 2015-2016 academic year.<br /><br />Additionally, Corbett has served as Executive Director of the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel since 2001, with responsibility for arranging and administering the continuing legal education programs of the organization. From 1998-2001, he had similar responsibilities while serving as the Executive Director of the Louisiana Judicial College.<br /><br />&ldquo;It is a great honor to have the opportunity to work with the Judicial College as Faculty Advisor. I am humbled to carry on the tradition of law professors who have worked with the Judicial College, including Professors Frank Maraist, Alston Johnson, and Tom Galligan. It is a poignant honor to follow my dear friend Professor Cheney Joseph, who served as Executive Director for many years and was named by the Louisiana Supreme Court as the Executive Director Emeritus before his untimely passing in December 2015,&rdquo; Professor Corbett said.<br /><br />For more information about the Louisiana Judicial College, contact Marie Anders at 504.310.2640.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p><table><tbody><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:100%;"><img alt="Louisiana State University (LSU) Paul M. Hebert Law Center Professor William R. Corbett" src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2016%2Fimages%2FBillCorbett%20sized.jpg" width="350" /></td></tr><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:100%;text-align:center;">Louisiana State University (LSU) Paul M. Hebert Law Center Professor William R. Corbett</td></tr></tbody></table>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2017 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: ROBERT GUNN </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2592 </p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; MAY 15, 2017 </strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Supreme Court of Louisiana Historical Society held a courtroom ceremony today honoring Fourth Judicial District Court Judge Benjamin Jones for his 22 years of service to the Louisiana State judiciary. Judge Jones was elected to the Fourth Judicial District Court (JDC) four times without opposition. He was Chief Judge from 1999 through 2002. The portrait was donated to the Louisiana Supreme Court by the judges of the Fourth (JDC) judges following the unveiling ceremony which took place there in September at the Monroe, Louisiana courthouse.<br /><br />Judge Jones earned his undergraduate degree from Southern University in 1966 and his law degree from Boston College Law School in 1969. He is a former U.S. Army Intelligence Officer where he attained the rank of Captain.<br /><br />After graduating from law school, Judge Jones practiced law as a legal services attorney and managing attorney. Additionally, he served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Deputy Legal Counsel to Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis, and as a Chief Administrative Law Judge. In 1979, Judge Jones returned to Louisiana and practiced law for 13 years before being elected to the bench. During this period, he served a term as President of the Fourth Judicial District Bar Association.<br /><br />Judge Jones is a graduate of the National Judicial College and has presented at many conferences for the Louisiana Judicial College. He is a Past-President of the Louisiana District Judges Association and he established the Judges in the Classroom Program which he chaired for ten years. Additionally, Judge Jones served as a member and Chairman of the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana. In 2010, he created the Judges&rsquo; Assistance Program to address the problem of impaired judges.<br /><br />In 1994, Judge Jones served as a judge <em>pro tempore</em> on the Second Circuit Court of Appeal, and in 2009 he served as an associate justice <em>pro tempore</em> on the Louisiana Supreme Court.<br /><br />In recognition of his outstanding judicial career, Judge Jones received the Distinguished Jurist Award in 2011 from the Louisiana Bar Foundation. Judge Jones will retire from the Fourth JDC bench at the end of this year.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><table><tbody><tr style="height:100%;"><td style="width:50%;"><img alt="Judge Ben Jones Portrait" src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2014%2Fimages%2FJones_Portrait_LASC.jpg" width="200" /></td><td style="width:50%;"><img alt="Judge Ben Jones Portrait" src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2014%2Fimages%2FJones_Ben_sized.jpg" width="200" /></td></tr></tbody></table>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2013 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;NOVEMBER 12, 2013</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The Louisiana Supreme Court announced today that Lake Charles attorney Kenneth Michael Wright has been appointed to the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana for a four-year term commencing September 1, 2013. The Judiciary Commission is a nine-member constitutional body, empowered to review allegations of judicial misconduct and to recommend to the Supreme Court that a judge be sanctioned when misconduct is proven by clear and convincing evidence.</p><p align="left">Wright received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University in 1971 and received his juris doctor degree in 1974 from Loyola University in New Orleans. He is a member of the Louisiana and Texas Bar Associations. Wright is a proctor member of the Maritime Law Association of the United States, a member of the American Bar Association and a member of the Albert M. Tate Inn of Court in Lake Charles. He is a past member of the American Bankruptcy Institute and the Southwest Louisiana Bankruptcy Bar Association. Additionally, he is admitted to practice before several federal courts including: the United States Supreme Court; the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit; the United States District Courts for the Western, Eastern and Middle Districts of Louisiana; and the Eastern and Northern Districts of Texas. Wright has served as judge pro tempore for the City Court of Sulphur, and as a Special Master in the 14th Judicial District Court.</p><p align="left">Wright was selected by the Conference of Court of Appeal Judges to replace attorney William W. Hall.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2009 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; september 23, 2009</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Christian W. Andrieu, Chief Information Officer (CIO) within the Judicial Administrator&rsquo;s Office of the Louisiana Supreme Court, announced his retirement today after 13 years of service to the state judiciary. As CIO, Andrieu has been the chief information technology adviser to the Judicial Administrator and represents the state judiciary in various statewide and national projects. Specifically, he has worked to implement, maintain and enhance the Case Management Information System (CMIS) project of the Louisiana judiciary, a project created under the direction of Judicial Administrator Hugh M. Collins, Ph.D.</p><p align="left">Under Andrieu&rsquo;s stewardship, CMIS key initiatives included: the Louisiana Court Connection, a Supreme Court Judicial Administrator&rsquo;s Office web-based, centrally hosted, city court case management system that is designed to benefit city courts by providing automated assistance at every stage of court case processing; the Criminal Records Project, which has been successful in sending final disposition records to the Department of Public Safety for inclusion in their Computerized Criminal History database &mdash; CMIS now houses more than 3,425,887 records in the criminal record repository; and the Louisiana Protective Order Registry (LPOR), a statewide repository of court orders issued to prohibit domestic abuse and dating violence and aid law enforcement, prosecutors and the courts in handling such matters &mdash; in 2007 LPOR was awarded the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Assistant Director&rsquo;s Award for Outstanding Contribution to State and Local Public Safety. Additionally, Andrieu worked with state courts and the Louisiana District Attorneys Association to get electronic criminal and traffic data to CMIS. CMIS now currently receives criminal data from 61 of 64 district courts and traffic dispositions from 41 state courts. Finally, in furtherance of CMIS&rsquo; objective to help improve court performance, he spearheaded the standardization of data collection and reporting from the trial and appellate courts to CMIS.</p><p align="left">Andrieu&rsquo;s retirement becomes effective December 1, 2009. Hugh M. Collins, Ph.D., Judicial Administrator, Louisiana Supreme Court will take over as the Interim Chief Information Officer at that time. A national search will be conducted to find a permanent replacement.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2008 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>November 3, 2008</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">By order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, First Circuit Court of Appeal Judge John Michael Guidry has been appointed to the Louisiana Judicial College Board of Governors for a term commencing October 28, 2008 through September 30, 2011, according to Justice Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball.</p><p align="left">The Louisiana Judicial College provides quality continuing legal education for Louisiana&rsquo;s judges. Continuing legal education courses focus on new law, ethics and cutting-edge issues. Judges are required to attend a minimum of 12.5 hours of continued legal education every year&mdash;one hour of which must be on legal ethics and one hour on professional responsibility.</p><p align="left">Guidry received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University in 1983 and his law degree from Southern University Law Center in 1987. From 1987-1997 Guidry had a private law practice while also serving as an Assistant Parish Attorney from 1988-1991, as a State Representative representing District 67 from 1992-1993, as a State Senator representing District 14 from 1993-1997, and as an instructor for Southern University Law Center from 1988 and Southern University from 1993 to present . In 1997 Guidry was elected to the First Circuit Court of Appeal where he currently serves.</p><p align="left">Guidry is a member of numerous professional organizations including: the American Bar Association, the National Bar Association, the American Judges Association, the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Baton Rouge Bar Association and the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2019 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Trina S. Vincent<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>April 30, 2019</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="center"><strong>CHIEF JUSTICE JOHNSON ISSUES LAW DAY RESOLUTION FOR LOUISIANA STATE COURT JUDGES</strong></p><p>Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson announced today that, in recognition of Law Day&mdash;May 1st, the Louisiana Supreme Court has <a href="/press_room/press_releases/2019/images/2019_Law_Day_Resolution.pdf" target="_blank">issued a resolution</a> urging all Louisiana state court judges to dedicate the month of May 2019 as a time of outreach to educate students in area schools on the court system. Law Day was established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to strengthen our heritage of liberty, justice and equality under the law. In 1961, Congress issued a joint resolution designating May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day. Every president since then has issued a Law Day proclamation on May 1 to celebrate the nation&rsquo;s commitment to the rule of law. On this 61st Anniversary of Law Day, the resolution states in part that &ldquo;all judges have a unique ability to educate young people about our legal system and respect for the law.&rdquo; According to the American Bar Association, the 2019 national Law Day theme, Free Speech, Free Press, Free Society, focuses on these cornerstones of representative government and calls on us to understand and protect these rights to ensure, as the U.S. Constitution proposes, &ldquo;the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity.&rdquo;</p><p>During the month of May, the Louisiana Supreme Court will host school students who will participate in Law Day activities, which include mock trials, tours of the Royal Street courthouse, and visits to the Louisiana Supreme Court Museum and the Law Library of Louisiana. &ldquo;Once a year, Law Day invites us all to intentionally consider the rule of law, the Law Day theme, what both represent and how they are related. Most importantly, Law Day provides students with a unique opportunity to observe the application of the principles of law and to learn about the legal system and the legal profession. It is imperative for young people to understand that the law is the instrument by which we are governed,&rdquo; Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson stated. </p><p>Teachers or principals interested in coordinating a Louisiana Supreme Court tour or a Law Day presentation with a local judge are asked to please contact the Louisiana Supreme Court Community Relations Department at 504.310.2588 or email at <a href="mailto:webmaster@lasc.org">webmaster@lasc.org</a>. </p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2016 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590&nbsp;<br /><br /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; OCTOBER 3, 2016</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Louisiana judges, dressed in their robes, gathered in front of the Louisiana Supreme Court this morning to walk in procession to St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square for the 64th annual Red Mass ceremony. Traditionally held the first Monday in October, the Red Mass is attended by judges, lawyers, and officials of all faiths for guidance in the administration of justice in the year ahead.<br /><br />According to Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, &ldquo;Judges from across the state are in New Orleans for the annual Fall Conference October 2 - 4, 2016, which is sponsored by the Louisiana Judicial College. In addition to attending the continuing law education sessions and business meetings of the conference, state judges can also participate in this solemn ceremony that is deeply rooted in tradition.&rdquo;<br /><br />The Red Mass is sponsored by the Catholic Bishops of the State of Louisiana and the Saint Thomas More Catholic Lawyer&rsquo;s Association. Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans was the Celebrant of today&rsquo;s ceremony. The celebration of Red Mass goes back many centuries in Rome, Paris, and London. Stateside the Red Mass has been celebrated annually in California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Georgia, and the District of Columbia. In Louisiana the first Red Mass was offered in St. Louis Cathedral on October 5, 1953.<br /><br />The tradition of the walking procession from the Louisiana Supreme Court to the Cathedral began in 2004; the year the Court returned to its original home in the Royal Street courthouse.<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /></p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2014 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; DECEMBER 9, 2014</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Twenty-sixth Judicial District Court Judge Ford Stinson, who currently serves as Chief Judge, and his wife Suzanne, who is the court administrator for the same Court, will be retiring at the end of this year. The Stinsons will be leaving over 50 combined years of legacy with the 26th Judicial District. There was a formal opinion issued by the Louisiana Supreme Court in 1996, allowing Suzanne to continue employment with the Court upon Judge Stinson&rsquo;s election to the bench.<br /><br />Judge Stinson began his career with the 26th Judicial District, serving as chief indigent defender from 1985 through 1996, the year he was elected district judge. Judge Stinson was admitted to the bar in 1977 after graduating from LSU Law School. During his legal career, he served as president of the Bossier Bar Association, served on the board of directors of Northwest Louisiana Legal Services and on the executive committee for the Louisiana District Judges&rsquo; Association. He is a member of the Louisiana Bar Foundation, Louisiana District Judges&rsquo; Association, and Louisiana and National Councils of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. Judge Stinson, who is an avid Benton and LSU Tigers fan, serves as public address announcer for Benton High School football games, which he has done since 1986.<br /><br />Judge Stinson is the sixth of now eight generations of the Stinson family to live in Bossier Parish. He is a direct descendant of several pioneer Bossier Parish families with many members having been involved in public service. Including his tenure as judge, the service of his family to the public has spanned parts of three centuries. His great-great-grandfather, Major R.E. Wyche, served as sheriff of Bossier Parish from 1878-1889. His great grandfather, Ford Edwards, served as sheriff of Bossier Parish from 1904 until 1920. His grandfather, Robert T. Stinson, was Bossier Parish Treasurer from 1913 until 1919. His father, Ford Edwards Stinson, served on the Benton Board of Aldermen from 1936-1940 and in the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1940-1944 and 1952-1972. His father also was one of the two delegates elected from Bossier Parish to serve in the Louisiana Constitutional Convention of 1973. Judge Stinson&rsquo;s mother, Edna Earle Richardson Stinson, was the first woman in the history of the parish to serve as foreman of a Bossier Parish grand jury.<br /><br />Suzanne began her career with the Court in 1982, serving as official court reporter for Judge Graydon Kitchens. At the time Suzanne began with the judges&rsquo; office, she had received an associate of science degree from Louisiana Tech University. She continued to work full time, continue her college studies and graduated magna cum laude from Louisiana Tech in 1988, and later received her MBA in 1992 and a Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology in 1994, also from Louisiana Tech. She became a Fellow with the Institute for Court Management in 2007, graduating at the United States Supreme Court, where Chief Justice John Roberts served as the commencement speaker. The Court created the court administrator position in 1993. Suzanne served as deputy court administrator until 1996 when she became the court administrator for the 26th Judicial District Court.<br /><br />Locally, Suzanne has served as president of the Benton Rotary Club, president of the Commission for Women of Bossier City, president of the Shreveport-Bossier Bar Auxiliary, and board of directors for Christus Health for Northern Louisiana. On the state level, she has served as president of the Louisiana Court Administrators Association, was appointed by Governor Bobby Jindal to serve on the Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters, appointed by Chief Justice Pascal Calogero to serve on the Louisiana State Court Rules Committee, appointed by Chief Justice Catherine Kimball to serve on the Louisiana Judicial Compensation Commission and was recently reappointed by Chief Justice Bernette Johnson to serve on the Judicial Compensation Commission. Nationally, Suzanne served as president of the National Association for Court Management, served two consecutive terms on the board of directors with the National Center for State Courts, and continues to serve on the Advisory Council of the Institute for Court Management and on the editorial board for Future Trends for State Courts. She is also currently serving on the board of directors with the International Association for Court Administrators.<br /><br />Together Judge Stinson and Suzanne helped create, with the grant writing assistance of the district attorney&rsquo;s office, one of the first drug courts in Louisiana. Judge Stinson served as the first adult drug court judge in 2000 and continued in that capacity until 2004. Suzanne was also the first drug court coordinator.<br /><br />Judge Stinson and Suzanne are also veterans. Judge Stinson served as Captain in the U.S. Army Reserves, and Suzanne served in the Louisiana Army National Guard. They are also active with their church, where Suzanne serves as church council chair for Asbury United Methodist Church, and Judge Stinson serves as chair for the District United Methodist board of trustees. They remain active with the Krewe of Justinian, where Judge Stinson served as king in 2003, and Suzanne served as duchess in 1999 and later as queen in 2006.<br /><br />Together they have four married sons and their wives, Ford III and Susie, Brian and Rebecca, Doug and Lauren, and Eric and Katharine. They have six grandchildren, with the seventh due in January.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2013 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;OCTOBER 23, 2013</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Attorney Richard E. Wilson has been appointed, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore</em>&nbsp;of the 14th Judicial District Court, Division &ldquo;F,&rdquo; according to Justice Jeannette Theriot Knoll.</p><p align="left">Wilson will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Wilford D. Carter on November 1, 2013. He will serve from November 1, 2013 through January 1, 2014, or until further order of the Louisiana Supreme Court.</p><p align="left">Wilson received his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College in 1989, attended Meharry Medical College 1989 -1993, and received his law degree from Tulane University School of Law in 1997. After one year of judicial clerkship at the 14th Judicial District Court, he joined the law firm Cox, Cox &amp; Filo in 1998. He became a partner with the firm, now known as Cox, Cox, Filo, Camel &amp; Wilson, in 2001.</p><p align="left">Wilson is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association and the American Trial Lawyers Association. He served as a member of the Board of Governors for the Louisiana Association for Justice. He also served as Chairman of the Board of Governors Minority Caucus for the Louisiana Association for Justice.</p><p align="left">Wilson has been active in a number of civic organizations in the Lake Charles area, including: Board member, Foundation for Fair Play; Founding member, 100 Black Men of Lake Charles; Board member, Calcasieu Women&rsquo;s Shelter; Chairman of the Board, Southwest Louisiana Center for Health Services; and Board member, Life Share Blood Center.</p><p align="left">He and his wife are the parents of three children.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2011 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; december 14, 2011</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">At the request of the Louisiana Supreme Court, the United States Marshals Service recently conducted three regional training sessions for Louisiana Sheriffs and their court security personnel in conjunction with the Court&rsquo;s efforts to improve court security statewide. The sessions were held in New Orleans, Shreveport, and Lafayette and addressed such issues as improving facility security for all levels of budget, high threat trials, and security for judges both at the courthouse and at home.</p><p align="left">The United States Marshals Service is the nation&rsquo;s oldest and most versatile federal law enforcement agency, excelling in the areas of judicial and courthouse security and prisoner operations. According to Chief Justice Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball, &ldquo;The Marshal Service training was recommended following a study commissioned by the Louisiana Supreme Court Court Security Task Force, chaired by 17th Judicial District Judge Jerome Barbera. The marshals&rsquo; unparalleled expertise in all aspects of federal and state law enforcement is key in this important endeavor of improving security in Louisiana&rsquo;s courthouses around the state. The Supreme Court will be working with the marshals again in the near future to develop further security training sessions. We are most appreciative of their time and assistance.&rdquo;</p><p align="left">Approximately 31 parishes were represented at the three training sessions hosted by U.S. Marshal Genny May for the Eastern District of Louisiana, U.S. Marshal Henry L. Whitehorn, Sr. for the Western District of Louisiana, and U.S. Marshal Kevin Harrison for the Middle District of Louisiana. Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Steve Hartman (Eastern District) designed the regional training program and Chief Inspector John Muffler, Administrator for the National Center for Judicial Security was a featured speaker.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2010 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; december 28, 2010</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Attorney Jack M. Dampf has been appointed by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court as judge pro tempore of East Baton Rouge Family Court, Division C, according to Chief Justice Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball.</p><p align="left">Dampf will fill the vacancy created by the election of Judge Toni M. Higginbotham to the First Circuit Court of Appeal. He will serve from January 1, 2011 through May 30, 2011 or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner.</p><p align="left">Dampf received his undergraduate degree from Tulane University in 1974 and he received his law degree from the Louisiana State University (LSU) Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 1977. He is currently a partner in the Baton Rouge law firm Dampf, Thibaut &amp; Hessburg, L.L.P. and he was formerly a partner in the law firm D&rsquo;Amico, Curet &amp; Dampf from 1977-1991. Dampf&rsquo;s primary practice of law has been family and domestic ligation, having handled over 1,000 cases. He has lectured at LSU Law School on the subject of&ldquo;Expert Witnesses in Family Court Cases&rdquo; and has also authored the 2008 Revision to the Louisiana Civil Code Article 112 &ndash; Determination of Final Periodic Support. Additionally he has testified before federal court on community property law.</p><p align="left">Dampf is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association and is currently a member of its House of Delegates. He is also a member and former President of the Baton Rouge Bar Association, a member of the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys and a member and Master Emeritus of the American Inns of Court &ndash; Dean Henry George McMahon Chapter.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2009 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; september 21, 2009</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Chief Justice Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball announced today that the Louisiana Supreme Court has appointed 6 members who will sit on the newly established Louisiana Supreme Court Task Force on Court Security. According to the Chief Justice, &ldquo;The purpose of the task force is to consider possible measures to be taken to improve security in district courthouses, as well as what minimum standards should be recommended for implementation.&rdquo;</p><p align="left">Seventeenth Judicial District Court Judge Jerome J, Barbera, III, will serve as the Chair of the Task Force on Court Security, representing the Louisiana District Court Judges Association. Other members are: Orleans Parish Civil District Court Judge Tiffany Gautier Chase, representing the Louisiana State Bar Association; St. Charles Parish Sheriff Gregory Champagne, representing the Louisiana Sheriffs&rsquo; Association; Roland Dartez, Executive Director, Louisiana Police Jury Association; Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Edwin Lombard, representing the Conference of Court of Appeal Judges; and Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court Louis Perret, representing the Clerks of Court Association.</p><p align="left">For more information on the Louisiana Supreme Court Task Force on Court Security contact Brian Wiggins or Chip Coulter of the Judicial Administrator&rsquo;s Office, Louisiana Supreme Court at (504) 310-2568 or (225) 382-3181, respectively.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2008 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 31, 2008</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Chief Justice Pascal Calogero, Jr. announced today that the Court's recently-adopted amendments to the Rules of Professional Conduct pertaining to lawyer advertising&nbsp;<a href="/rules/orders/2008/ROPC.pdf">will become effective on April 1, 2009</a>, rather than December 1, 2008, as previously announced.</p><p align="left">The Court adopted the new rules following a lengthy study conducted by the Louisiana State Bar Association, recommendations of the LSBA House of Delegates, and further study by a Court Committee chaired by Justice Catherine D. Kimball. These processes were triggered by a 2006 Senate Concurrent Resolution finding that lawyer advertising in the state has become undignified and poses a threat to the way the public perceives lawyers in this state. The new rules resulting from these processes balance the right of lawyers to truthfully advertise legal services with the need to improve the existing rules in order to preserve the integrity of the legal profession, to protect the public from unethical and potentially misleading forms of lawyer advertising, and to prevent erosion of the public's confidence and trust in the judicial system.</p><p align="left">The Court is aware that constitutional challenges to the new rules have been raised. As the body with jurisdiction over disciplinary proceedings against lawyers of this state, the Court finds that to compel compliance with the new rules before the constitutional issues are resolved would be prejudicial to those lawyers attempting to comply with the rules while others are resisting compliance. Accordingly, the Court has deferred implementation of the new rules until April 1, 2009, in order to preclude the possibility of disciplinary action based upon violation of the new rules pending disposition of the current challenges.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2005 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD&nbsp;<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>November 23, 2005</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="/court_closure_orders/katrina_orders/Court_Locations_Post_Hurricanes.pdf" target="_blank">Location and Contact Information for Courts affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita</a></p><p align="center">&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2019 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="253">Robert Gunn, Louisiana Supreme Court<br />504-310-2592</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>march 27, 2019</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="center"><strong>PUBLIC COMMENT HEARING AND WRITTEN COMMENT PERIOD FOR REPORTS FROM THE PRICE OF JUSTICE GRANT ADVISORY COMMITTEE </strong></p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court is hosting a public comment hearing and written comment period to receive feedback on the work to date of the Price of Justice Advisory Committee.&nbsp; The Advisory Committee was established in conjunction with the <em>Price of Justice: Rethinking the Consequences of Justice Fines and Fees</em> grant that was awarded to the Louisiana Supreme Court by the U.S. Department of Justice and focuses on the subject of criminal court costs and fees.&nbsp; Louisiana was one of five states to receive grant funding. </p><p>The public comment hearing will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2019, from 10 am &ndash; 12 noon at the Louisiana Supreme Court, located at 400 Royal Street in New Orleans.&nbsp; Additional information on the written comment period may be found at <a href="/Grants?p=Price_of_Justice">http://www.lasc.org/Grants?p=Price_of_Justice</a>. </p><p>The mission of the Advisory Committee is to develop recommendations for policy and action to achieve a more transparent, accountable, and fair system of assessing, collecting, and distributing legal financial obligations.&nbsp; In accordance with the grant, the Advisory Committee is developing Louisiana-specific best practices to assess and collect criminal court costs and to also develop resources to support these best practices, specifically considering a defendant&rsquo;s ability to pay and alternatives to incarceration. </p><p>The Advisory Committee has been meeting over the last year and has divided into four working groups or subcommittees.&nbsp; Each of the four subcommittees has prepared a draft report of its findings and recommendations. The Advisory Committee is holding this public comment hearing and written comment period to receive feedback on the substance and recommendations of the draft reports. Draft Reports are available for review on the website of the Louisiana Supreme Court at <a href="/Grants?p=Price_of_Justice">http://www.lasc.org/Grants?p=Price_of_Justice</a>. </p><p>The Committee is chaired by Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson and Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Paul Bonin, and includes judges, court administrators, clerks, sheriffs, district attorneys, citizens, indigent defenders, and representatives of public interest groups.&nbsp; The Advisory Committee will also make policy recommendations for the future, especially in light of recent changes in the laws that affect the assessment of criminal court costs. </p><p>Interested parties are welcome to provide feedback about the reports and recommendations either in person at the public comment hearing on Thursday, April 4, 2019 at 10 a.m. at the Louisiana Supreme Court, or by providing written comment by email or US mail no later than April 28, 2019.&nbsp;&nbsp; Written comments may be sent via email to <a href="mailto:priceofjustice@lasc.org?subject=Price%20of%20Justice%20grant%20comments">priceofjustice@lasc.org</a> or mailed to Price of Justice, c/o Supreme Court Judicial Administrator, 400 Royal St., Suite 1190, New Orleans, LA&nbsp; 70130. The Advisory Committee members will review and consider all comments received as they develop final recommendations to the Court, the Legislature, and other bodies. </p><p>The Supreme Court welcomes individuals with disabilities or those needing interpreters and has committed to making court employment opportunities, programs and services accessible to all persons. Any person wishing to request an accommodation in order to participate in the public comment meeting should utilize the ADA Accommodations Request Form, if possible.&nbsp; The form is available at:&nbsp;<a href="/About/Employment?p=ADA_Statement">http://www.lasc.org/About/Employment?p=ADA_Statement</a>. </p><p>Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires courts to take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to limited English proficient individuals in court operations.&nbsp; If you are interested in attending the public comment hearing but, due to your national origin, have a limited ability to understand English, please contact Julia Spear at (504) 310-2629 or <a href="mailto:jspear@lasc.org">jspear@lasc.org</a> so that we may arrange to have an interpreter present. </p><p><em>This project was supported by Grant No. 2016-ZB-BX-008, awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance.&nbsp; The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Department of Justice&rsquo;s Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice or the Louisiana Supreme Court.</em> </p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2016 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD</p>PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590<p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; SEPTEMBER 15, 2016</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court will celebrate national Constitution Day Friday, September 16, 2016, by giving away free pocket-sized copies of the U.S. Constitution at the Royal Street courthouse. Citizens are encouraged to pick up a copy and to also visit the exhibits in the Louisiana Supreme Court Museum and the Louisiana Law Library. Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by 39 Founding Fathers on September 17, 1787, recognizing all who, by birth or by naturalization in the U.S., have become citizens.<br /><br />&ldquo;On September 17, 1787, the Founding Fathers signed the most influential document in American history: the United States Constitution. This document established the framework of our government and the rights and freedoms that &lsquo;We the People&rsquo; enjoy today. We celebrate this great work on its 229th anniversary and invite local and visiting citizens to join us,&rdquo; Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson said.<br /><br />The courthouse is located at 400 Royal Street in the French Quarter and is open to visitors between 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. No food, drink or cameras are permitted in the building. Cell phone cameras are permitted.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2014 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; NOVEMBER 24, 2014</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana Judicial College in conjunction with the Louisiana Department of Corrections and the Louisiana Sentencing Commission, is presenting a training on Evidenced-Based Sentencing Practices: Purposeful Sentencing. The training is open to judges and probation and parole officers and will be held Friday, December 5, 2014, at the Second Circuit Court of Appeal in Shreveport, 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. Second Circuit Court of Appeal. Judges Brady O&rsquo;Callaghan and John D. Mosley, Jr. coordinated the Shreveport training and serve as the program chairs and moderators.<br /><br />According to Cheney Joseph, Director of the Louisiana Judicial College, &ldquo;This will be the last in a series of regional trainings made possible through a grant from the VERA Institute for Justice. VERA&rsquo;s goal is to make justice systems fairer and more effective through research and innovation.&rdquo;<br /><br />Evidence-based sentencing uses research and science to enhance the decision-making ability of criminal justice stakeholders in the selection and application of fair, proportionate and effective sanctioning.&nbsp; The trainings are led by volunteer members of the judiciary, judicial staff and employees of the Department of Corrections. Previous trainings have been presented in Lake Charles, Alexandria, Baton Rouge and New Orleans.<br /><br />For more information about the training on Evidence-Based Sentencing Practices: Purposeful Sentencing, please contact the Louisiana Judicial College at 225.578.8825.<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2013 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;OCTOBER 22, 2013</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson joined the family and friends of retired Supreme Court Justice James L. Dennis, now judge for the United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit, for a ceremony unveiling a portrait of Judge Dennis. The portrait will be hung in the halls of Louisiana Supreme Court courthouse alongside a historical array of portraits of former justices dating back to the early 1800's.</p><p align="left">According to Chief Justice Johnson, &ldquo;During his years at the Supreme Court, Judge Dennis had the distinction of having served with four Chief Justices and 11 associate justices. I remember fondly my time on the Supreme Court bench with him.&rdquo;</p><p align="left">The portrait was presented to the Court by Judge Dennis&rsquo; family during the Annual Meeting of the Louisiana Supreme Court Historical Society. Remarks were provided by attorney Donna Fraiche, President of the Historical Society, and members, Retired Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero and Judge Eldon E. Fallon, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana.</p><p align="left">Judge Dennis graduated from Louisiana Technical University in 1959, received his law degree from Louisiana State University Law Center in 1962, and his masters in law from the University of Virginia in 1984. Before being elected judge of the Fourth Judicial District Court in 1972, he practiced law in Monroe, Louisiana and served as a state representative there. In 1974 Judge Dennis was elected to the Louisiana Court of Appeal, Second Circuit and in 1975 he joined the Louisiana Supreme Court bench as an associate justice. He served as a Supreme Court justice for 20 years. In October 1995, Judge Dennis was appointed by President Bill Clinton to serve as a Circuit Judge of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans.</p><p align="left">Judge Dennis was a charter member of the Louisiana Supreme Court Historical Society and has served on the Board of Directors from 2008 to the present. The Historical Society was founded in 1992 to preserve the history of the Louisiana Supreme Court and its influence on the development of Civil Law; and to research, publish and create items and materials of historical interest related to the Court.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2011 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; december 13, 2011</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Attorney Chauntis T. Jenkins has been appointed by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore</em>&nbsp;of Division &ldquo;K-5" of Orleans Parish Civil District Court, according to Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Bernette J. Johnson. Jenkins will fill the vacancy created due to the election of Judge Herbert A. Cade to Orleans Parish Traffic Court. She will serve from January 1, 2012 through May 1, 2012, or until further order from the Court.</p><p align="left">Jenkins received her undergraduate degree from Loyola University New Orleans and her law degree from Southern University Law Center (SULC). During law school she served as an editor of the SULC Law Review. She is a former law clerk to Judge Lloyd J. Medley in Orleans Parish Civil District Court, and she is a partner at the Porteous, Hainkel &amp; Johnson law firm, practicing in the firm&rsquo;s New Orleans office.</p><p align="left">Jenkins is a member of the American Bar Association, the Louisiana State Bar Association, and the New Orleans Bar Association. She is a graduate of the Loyola University Institute of Politics, and is a member of the Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel, and a former member of the Loyola University New Orleans Alumni Association Board of Directors.</p><p align="left">Jenkins is a recipient of many awards and honors including: the 2011 Distinguished Alumni Award from Southern University Law Center, the 2010 Louisiana State Bar Association President&rsquo;s Award, and in 2008 she was named by the City Business news journal as a &ldquo;Leadership in Law&rdquo; honoree.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2010 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; december 10, 2010</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Retired Judge Robert L. Lobrano has been assigned, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore</em>&nbsp;of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal, Division A, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Chief Judge Edward A. Dufresne, Jr. on December 7, 2010. He will serve for the period of December 10, 2010, through January 31, 2011, or until further order of the Louisiana Supreme Court.</p><p align="left">Since his retirement as a judge of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal in December 1998, Lobrano has served&nbsp;<em>pro tempore</em>&nbsp;on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal and various district courts.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2009 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; september 10, 2009</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Charles B. Plattsmier, Chief Disciplinary Counsel for the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board, has been selected as a recipient of the American Bar Association Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs (CoLAP) 2009 Meritorious Service Award. The award was established to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the Lawyer Assistance Programs in their state. Lawyer Assistance Programs offer help and educate judges, lawyers and law students about the many impairment issues ---- mental and physical health, economic stress, trauma, substance abuse---- that affect their careers, the legal profession and the administration of justice. This year the award is being presented to Disciplinary Counsel who have distinguished themselves by advocating for or working with Lawyer Assistance Programs.</p><p align="left">Plattsmier has served as Chief Disciplinary Counsel for the Attorney Disciplinary Board since 1996. The Board, which was established by the Supreme Court of Louisiana in 1990, is tasked with the responsibility of investigating all allegations of lawyer misconduct and with the responsibility of making recommendations to the Court when discipline is warranted.</p><p align="left">The presentation of the Meritorious Service Award will be made at the 22nd National Conference for Lawyer Assistance Programs, October 8, 2009, in Phoenix, Arizona.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2008 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 15, 2008</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero Jr., announced today that the Court has received&nbsp;<a href="/press_room/press_releases/2008/AR-TU_APOLOGY_LETTER.pdf">a letter from Tulane Law School Dean, Lawrence Ponoroff</a>, apologizing for the numerous errors contained in the article,&nbsp;<em>The Louisiana Supreme Court in Question: An Empirical and Statistical Study of the Effects of Campaign Money on the Judicial Function</em>, which the Tulane Law Review recently published. Writing on behalf of the Tulane Law School and the Tulane Law Review, the Dean acknowledged that these errors called into question the &ldquo;reliability of some or all of the authors&rsquo; conclusions in the study as published...&rdquo; The Dean expressed &ldquo;sincere regret&rdquo; to the Court and to its individual Justices &ldquo;for the errors...in the study written by Professors Vernon Palmer and John Levendis,&rdquo; and he also expressed disappointment that the article&rsquo;s authors failed to discover their errors until after the Tulane Law Review had published the article. Chief Justice Calogero, by letter to Dean Ponoroff, accepted the Dean&rsquo;s apology.</p><p align="left">In addition to the apology letter, the Tulane Law Review has also posted an Erratum, a written acknowledgment of error and statement of correction, on its website. This same Erratum will be sent in hard copy to all Tulane Law Review subscribers with the next issue of the law review.</p><p align="left">On behalf of the Court, Chief Justice Calogero noted it is appropriate that Tulane Law School and the Tulane Law Review have taken these significant steps to acknowledge the substantial errors and attempt to repair the harm the flawed and untrustworthy article caused to the Court as an institution, the state judiciary, and the state of Louisiana.</p><p align="left">Calogero further stated, &rdquo;The Dean&rsquo;s letter confirms our belief that this purported &lsquo;scientific&rsquo; study was fatally flawed. In addition to containing multiple errors in the underlying data, especially the many mistakes regarding monetary contributions to their campaign committees and votes attributed to the Justices, this much-publicized article used a faulty methodology and analysis which has been severely criticized by several eminent scholars, all which rendered the authors&rsquo; conclusions unreliable and invalid.&rdquo;</p><p align="left">A copy of&nbsp;<a href="/press_room/press_releases/2008/AR-TU_APOLOGY_LETTER.pdf">Dean Ponoroff&rsquo;s apology letter</a>&nbsp;can be found on the Supreme Court&rsquo;s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lasc.org/default.asp">www.lasc.org</a>.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p align="left"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Also see:</strong></span><br /><a href="/press_room/press_releases/2008/Statement_of_Chief_Justice_Calogero_June_12_2008.pdf">Statement of Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr., Louisiana Supreme Court, June 12, 2008</a></p><p><a href="/press_room/press_releases/2008/Rebuttal_revised.pdf">(Updated and Revised) Rebuttal of&nbsp;<em>&ldquo;The Louisiana Supreme Court in Question: An Empirical and Statistical Study of the Effects of Campaign Money on the Judicial Function&rdquo;</em>&nbsp;By E. Phelps Gay and Kevin R. Tully</a></p><p><a href="/press_room/press_releases/2008/Critique_of_Tulane_Law_Review.pdf">A Critique of&nbsp;<em>&ldquo;The Louisiana Supreme Court in Question: An Empirical and Statistical Study of the Effects of Campaign Money on the Judicial Function&rdquo;</em>&nbsp;By Robert Newman, Janet Speyrer and Dek Terrell</a></p><p align="center">&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2007 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 2, 2007</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="/press_room/press_releases/2007/Opperman_PR.pdf">Louisiana Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. to receive the Fourth Annual Dwight D. Opperman Award for Judicial Excellence</a></p><p align="center">&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2005 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD&nbsp;<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#f7ebc6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>December 15, 2005</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Attorney Sam A. LeBlanc, lll has been appointed by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court to serve as judge pro tempore of the First District, Division "B," Court of Appeal, Fifth Circuit, effective for the period from December 13, 2005 through June 13, 2006 or until the vacancy is filled, according to Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr.&nbsp;</p><p>LeBlanc's appointment fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Sol Gothard on August 31, 2005.</p><p>LeBlanc received an undergraduate degree from Georgetown University in 1960, a law degree from Tulane University Law School in 1963 and a masters degree in Energy and Environmental Law from Tulane University Law School in 1994. He was a practicing attorney for 40 years and a partner in the New Orleans law firm of Adams and Reese. He recently returned from serving two years in Romania where he and his wife, Noelle, served as United States Peace Corps volunteers.</p><p>Throughout his legal career, LeBlanc had many outstanding accomplishments. He served for eight years, from 1972-1980, as a Louisiana State Representative for District 86 representing Orleans and Jefferson parishes. During this time he was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Civil Law and Procedure and was a member of the Judiciary "B" Committee. Additionally, LeBlanc was a Commissioner and Chairman of the Regional Transit Authority in 1984-1985 and Chairman of the New Orleans Regional Chamber of Commerce in 1998.&nbsp;</p><p>LeBlanc has also been the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the Alliance for Good Government "Legislator of the Year Award" in 1975. He was named one of the "Top Lawyers in New Orleans" by New Orleans Magazine in 1998; and among the "Best Lawyers in America" by Best of the Best from 1999-2000.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2019 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="150">TRINA S. VINCENT<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>march 13, 2019</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><p>&nbsp;</p><table style="border:1px;float:left;margin:10px;margin-bottom:0px;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td><div align="center" style="pointer-events:none;"><img align="middle" alt="National Bar Association 2019 Gertrude E. Rush Award: Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson(center) Judge Rachael Johnson(left) and Joseph Drayton, President, NBA" hspace="5" src="/press_room/press_releases/2019/images/Gertrude_e_rush_award_CJJ_Joseph Drayton_76th_President_of_NBA_Edited.jpg" vspace="5" width="300" /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>CHIEF JUSTICE JOHNSON RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS GERTRUDE E. RUSH AWARD</strong> </p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><a href="/About/Biography?p=Bernette_J._Johnson"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson</span></a></span></strong> received the prestigious Gertrude E. Rush Award from the National Bar Association on March 9 in Dallas, Texas.&nbsp; The award was presented by her daughter, Orleans Parish Civil District Court Judge Rachael Johnson, at the NBA&rsquo;s 2019 Mid-Year Conference.&nbsp; &nbsp;Chief Justice Johnson was joined by her brother, Frank Joshua, from Iowa and Louisiana Supreme Court Associate Justice James Genovese. </p><p>Upon accepting the award at the well-attended conference, Chief Justice Johnson said, &ldquo;I am honored to receive this award which celebrates leadership in the community and in the legal profession, as well as concern for human and civil rights. I have always taken pride in working to advance diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and continue to strive to exemplify an unwavering commitment to justice and fundamental fairness.&rdquo; </p><p>The Gertrude E. Rush Award, established in 2003, is presented to those who embody the pioneering spirit of Gertrude E. Rush, the first African-American woman admitted to the practice of law in Iowa in 1918 and the sole female co-founder of the National Bar Association. </p><p>Chief Justice Johnson, who serves as the first African-American Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, was one of the first African-American women to attend and earn a Juris Doctorate degree from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University in 1969.&nbsp; In 1984, she was the first woman elected to serve on the Civil District Court of New Orleans and in 1994, her colleagues elected her Chief Judge. She was elected to serve on the Louisiana Supreme Court in 1994 and was re-elected without opposition in 2000 and 2010. As the senior justice on the Court, she was sworn in as Chief Justice on February 1, 2013. </p><p><strong><em>For more information on Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson visit <a href="/About/Biography?p=Bernette_J._Johnson">http://www.lasc.org/About/Biography?p=Bernette_J._Johnson</a></em></strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2017 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: ROBERT GUNN </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2592 </p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; DECEMBER 27, 2017 </strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Attorney Henry P. Julien, Jr. has been appointed, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judge pro tempore of Orleans Parish Civil District Court, Division "A," according to Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson. Julien will fill the vacancy created by the election of Judge Tiffany Gautier Chase to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal. He will serve from January 1, 2018 through May 31, 2018, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner.</p><p>Julien received his undergraduate degree from Xavier University of Louisiana in 1969 and his law degree from Columbia University School of Law in New York in 1972. Julien has been in the private practice of law since 1981 representing plaintiffs and defendants in both civil and criminal matters. He has also previously served as a Judge Ad Hoc in Orleans Municipal Court</p><p>Julien served as an Assistant State Attorney General from 1972-1974, and was the first African-American General Counsel of the Louisiana Department of Insurance in 1975, where he served until 1978. From 1978-1981 he was an Assistant District Attorney in Orleans Parish.</p><p>During his years of private practice, Julien has litigated cases in US District Courts for the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana, as well as US District Courts in Arkansas, Kansas, South Carolina, and Texas. He has also practiced before Civil District Court, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal, and the Louisiana Supreme Court.</p><p>Julien is active in the community, having served on a number of boards and commissions, including the Industrial Development Board of the City of New Orleans and the Human Relations Commission. Formerly, Julien was President and Chairman of the Board of Public Access Television Network, a member of the Board of Trustees of WYES-TV (New Orleans PBS affiliate), and a member of the Board of Directors of the Great Expectations Foundation, an infant mortality prevention program. He is a member of the New Orleans Bar Association, the Louisiana State Bar Association, and the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society. He is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><table border="1" width="220"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td valign="middle" width="210"><div align="center"><img alt="Attorney Henry P. Julien, Jr." height="266" src="/press_room/press_releases/2017/images/Henry%20Julien.jpg" width="200" /></div></td></tr><tr valign="top"><td valign="middle"><div align="center">Attorney Henry P. Julien, Jr.</div><div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2016 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; SEPTEMBER 6, 2016</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court heard oral arguments on two pending cases today at Loyola University College of Law in Room 315B. The seven justices held proceedings at Loyola as part of an ongoing effort by the Court to educate and inform students and the general public about the work of the Supreme Court.<br /><br />&ldquo;For over 20 years, holding court in venues other than the Supreme Court courthouse has been a tradition of the Court and is customarily known as &lsquo;riding the circuit.&rsquo; The goal of riding the circuit is to provide students with a snapshot of the variety and complexity of the Court&rsquo;s caseload by bringing the court to them,&rdquo; Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson said.<br /><br />Before transportation made it possible to travel easily to New Orleans, the Louisiana Supreme Court was constitutionally required to &ldquo;ride the circuit&rdquo; to ensure citizens statewide would have access to justice. Today also marks the last time Associate Justice Jeannette Theriot Knoll will ride the circuit at her Loyola alma mater, as she will retire at the end of the year.<br /><br />According to Loyola University College of Law Dean, Rev. Lawrence W. Moore, S.J.,&ldquo;I am excited about the opportunity for our students to see and hear oral arguments of the Louisiana Supreme Court in our own law school building, however, it is also a bittersweet moment to realize that our distinguished Loyola alumna, Justice Knoll, will be soon ending her service on the Court.&rdquo;</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2014 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;NOVEMBER 24, 2014</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>John J. Molaison, Jr. of the 24th Judicial District Court Judge in Jefferson Parish has been selected to serve on the faculty of the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada. The National Judicial College is the nation&rsquo;s leading organization for the education of judges.<br /><br />According to Judge Molaison, &ldquo;The National Judicial College relies upon recommendations from the existing faculty members, state judicial educators and staff to best identify prospective faculty. It is an honor to represent the state of Louisiana as a faculty member for this preeminent body of judicial education.&rdquo;<br /><br />Judge Molaison was elected to the 24th Judicial Court, Division E, in 2007. He received his undergraduate degree from Loyola University in 1983 and received his law degree from Loyola University School of Law in 1986. Prior to his election, Molaison was a Jefferson Parish Assistant District Attorney and was a partner in the law firm Molaison and LeBlanc.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2013 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;OCTOBER 14, 2013</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ) 35th Annual Conference held in New Orleans October 9 - 13, 2013, was attended by nearly 300 judges, according to Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice and Conference Co-Chair Bernette Joshua Johnson.</p><p align="left">&ldquo;The NAWJ 35th Annual Conference was a huge success with women judges participating from all states, the District of Columbia, and countries including Tanzania, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands to name a few. The Conference Planning Committee coordinated an outstanding program featuring mediation attorney Kenneth Feinberg and attorney Barbara Arnwine, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers&rsquo; Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law,&rdquo; Chief Justice Johnson said.</p><p align="left">During the conference Chief Justice Johnson was presented the prestigious Joan Dempsey Klein Award which honors the judge who brings distinction to her office and NAWJ as exemplified by its founding mother, Justice Joan Dempsey Klein of California&rsquo;s Second District Court of Appeal. As the 2013 recipient, Chief Justice Johnson joins a distinguished list of Joan Dempsey Klein Award honorees that includes U.S. Supreme Court Justices Sandra Day O&rsquo;Connor (1982), Ruth Bader Ginsburg (2003) and Sonia Sotomayor (2009).</p><p align="left">NAWJ is the nation&rsquo;s leading voice of women jurists dedicated to preserving judicial independence, ensuring equal justice and access to the courts for women and minorities, providing education on cutting-edge issues, and increasing the numbers and advancement of women judges at all levels.</p><p align="left">Additional highlights of the five-day conference were the Mardi Gras themed reception held at the Louisiana Supreme Court and the debut of a Louisiana Supreme Court Law Museum exhibit dedicated to the history of women in the law which will be on display through Women&rsquo;s History Month, March 2014.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2011 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; november 21, 2011</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Retired Judge Robert J. Klees has been assigned, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore</em>&nbsp;to the 29th Judicial District Court, Division &ldquo;E,&rdquo; according to Justice John Weimer.</p><p align="left">Judge Klees will serve for the period of November 28, 2011 through May 27, 2012, due to the vacancy created by the election of Judge Robert A. Chaisson to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal. He will serve until the vacancy is filled or until further orders of the Louisiana Supreme Court.</p><p align="left">Judge Klees was elected in 1981 and re-elected in 1990 as judge for the 4th Circuit Court of Appeal where, prior to his retirement in 2000, he served as chief judge.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2010 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; november 22, 2010</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The Louisiana Supreme Court announced today that attorney Timothy F. Averill has been selected to serve as Judicial Administrator of the Louisiana Supreme Court, filling the position after 20 years of experience as a Deputy Judicial Administrator-General Counsel for the Court. The Judicial Administrator&rsquo;s Office is the managerial arm of the Louisiana Supreme Court which is the staffing and fiscal agent for several court departments and programs, the Judicial Council, and court-appointed task forces and committees. He will return to the Court on December 13, 2010 to begin his service.</p><p align="left">Averill received his B.A. degree in English from James Madison University in 1979 and received his M.P.A. degree from the University of Alabama in 1980. He received his law degree from Loyola University Law School in 1985.</p><p align="left">Averill was a law clerk and then later an attorney for the law firm Abbott, Webb, Best &amp; Meeks in New Orleans before serving a one-year clerkship for Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. in 1986. From 1987-1989 Averill practiced admiralty law at the New Orleans law firm Phelps, Dunbar, Marks, Claverie &amp; Sims and in 1989 he began as General Counsel in the Judicial Administrator&rsquo;s Office of the Louisiana Supreme Court. He served in this position until 2008 when he was selected to participate in the Supreme Court of the United States Fellows Program in Washington D.C. where, for two years, he was assigned to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. Since returning to New Orleans earlier this year, Averill has worked in the law office of retired Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. providing legal representation in appellate, lawyer discipline and bar admission matters.</p><p align="left">Throughout his legal career, Averill served as an instructor at Verbatim Academy of Court Reporting on topics of Legal and Maritime Terminology and Court Reporting English. He has also authored law-related articles which have been published in the Louisiana Bar Journal and the Journal of Court Reporting.</p><p align="left">Averill is married to attorney Johanna Guadamud Averill and they have four children.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2009 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; July 31, 2009</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left"><a href="press_room/press_releases/2009/2009_LSBA_Smythe_Gambrell_Award.pdf">The Louisiana State Bar Association&rsquo;s Bar Admissions Education Initiative Receives 2009 ABA Professionalism Award</a></p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2008 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>August 28,  2008</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Pascal Calogero, Jr. announced today that the Louisiana Supreme Court will be open on Friday, August 29, 2008 from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. to receive court filings. The Court will assess the weather situation over the weekend to determine whether it will be closed after the Labor Day holiday.</p><p align="left">All further updates regarding information as to the Court&rsquo;s status or any further information pertaining to court operations will be posted on the Louisiana Supreme Court web site at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lasc.org/default.asp">www.lasc.org</a>.</p><p align="center">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2007 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 19, 2007</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>The 2007 New Orleans Area Inns of Court Annual Meeting was held today at the Louisiana Supreme Court. Hosted by the A. P. Tureaud Inn of Court, the meeting featured speaker Linnes Finney, Jr., Immediate Past President of the National Bar Association, who addressed &ldquo;The Importance of Professionalism in the 21st Century Practice of Law.&rdquo;</p><p>&ldquo;The A. P. Tureaud Inn of Court is a local chapter of the national organization American Inns of Court. The purpose of the Inns is to improve the skills, professionalism and ethics of the bench and bar. Adopted from a traditional English model of legal apprenticeship, an Inn is an amalgam of judges, lawyers, and in some cases, law professors and law students learning together side-by-side and working together to raise the legal profession to a higher level of excellence,&rdquo; said Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Bernette J. Johnson, president of the A. P. Tureaud Inn of Court.</p><p>Finney, is a partner with the Florida law firm of Gary, Williams, Finney, Lewis, Watson &amp; Spearando, having spent the past 25 years building an exemplary career in the legal profession. A native of Georgia, Finney earned his B.S. from Georgia Southern University and his J.D. from the University of Florida in 1982. In 2006 he was inaugurated as the 64th President of the National Bar Association, the nation&rsquo;s oldest and largest bar association of color. The Inn officers are Justice Bernette J. Johnson, President; Judge Max N. Tobias, Jr., Vice-President; Judge Ethel Simms Julien, Vice-President Membership; Val P. Exnicios, Secretary/Treasurer; Professor Bobby M. Harges, Director, Pupillage; Bobby Delise and Gregory P. Dileo, Co-Chairs, Program Committee.</p><p>Also in attendance for the Annual Meeting, representing the American Inns of Court, was Executive Director David P. Carey, USA (Ret.). The American Inns of Court is headquartered in Alexandria, Virgina.</p><p>For more information about the A. P. Tureaud Inn of Court contact Membership Chair Ethel Simms Julien, at (504) 592.9254.</p><p align="center">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2005 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: ROBERT GUNN<br />(504) 310-2588<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>November 23, 2005</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. announced that the Louisiana  Supreme Court will formally return to its French Quarter home at 400 Royal Street, New Orleans, and will be open to the public beginning Monday, December 5, 2005. Chief Justice Calogero stated, &ldquo;Just a little over a year ago, the Louisiana Supreme Court returned to its newly renovated quarters in the French Quarter. We are happy to return after a short absence made necessary by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.&rdquo;</p><p>The move back to the Court&rsquo;s home at 400 Royal Street comes after the Louisiana Office of 
State Buildings completed the necessary cleanup and inspections and gave the clearance for occupancy. Chief Justice Calogero thanked Governor Kathleen Blanco and the Office of State Buildings for their efforts which made it possible for the Court to return to New Orleans sooner than anticipated.</p><p>Although closed from August 29, 2005 through November 25, 2005 for regular filing purposes, the Louisiana Supreme Court has been operating out of its temporary location at the First Circuit Court of Appeal in Baton Rouge, handling emergency filings and administrative matters, and assisting lower courts in resuming normal operations after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The Supreme Court&rsquo;s limited closure order expires Friday, November 25, 2005, and pleadings otherwise due during this time period must be filed no later than Monday, November 28, 2005. The Court will hold earlier scheduled oral arguments in a series of cases in Baton Rouge at the First Circuit Court of Appeal November 28-30, 2005. Then on Thursday, December 1, 2005, the Court will participate in a Red Mass for the Healing and Renewal of New Orleans at noon at St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter. Members of the bench and bar as well as the public are invited to this Red Mass.</p><p>On Monday, December 5, 2005, the Supreme Court Clerk&rsquo;s office will open at 9:00 a.m. at 400 Royal Street and will resume its normal operating hours of Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. As of December 5, 2005, court filings by hand will only be accepted at the Clerk&rsquo;s office in New Orleans and will no longer be accepted in person at the Clerk&rsquo;s temporary office at the First Circuit Court of Appeal. Filings may continue to be filed by mail addressed to the Louisiana Supreme Court, 400 Royal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130.</p><p>In addition, the Law Library of Louisiana will also reopen its doors to the public to make available the many services and resources it offers to the citizens of Louisiana. As of December 5, 2005, the Law Library of Louisiana will be open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with limited weekend hours. For further information, call the Law Library of Louisiana at 504-310-2400.</p><p>&ldquo;These last few months have been challenging ones for the state judiciary, but the judges and  personnel of the affected courts worked tirelessly to ensure the protection of constitutional rights of our citizens, access to the civil and criminal justice systems, and the resumption of normal operations as early as possible. I&rsquo;d like to thank these judges and staff members for their dedication and efforts. I would also like to extend a special thanks to Chief Judge Burrell Carter and the judges and personnel of the First Circuit Court of Appeal in Baton Rouge for the courtesies and hospitality shown to the Louisiana Supreme Court during our stay there,&rdquo; said Chief Justice Calogero.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2004 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD&nbsp;<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2588</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>november 20, 2004</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Orleans Parish Civil District Court Judge Madeleine Landrieu, Orleans Parish Juvenile Court Judges Ernestine Gray and Lawrence Lagarde, Jr., representatives of the Louisiana Court Improvement Program, and area Office of Community Services (OCS) case workers joined to celebrate National Adoption Day today at the Louisiana Children's Museum in a ceremony which formally finalized the adoptions of five local children in foster care.</p><p>According to Judge Gray, "In the United States there are 126,000 children in foster care waiting to be adopted by permanent, loving families. Orleans Parish alone accounts for 100 of these children. This is a day to raise the public's awareness of the ever-growing need for adoptive homes for these waiting children. It brings us great pleasure today to see the Wright, Evans, Mukhtar and Armstrong families reduce these numbers by five."</p><p>Judge Landrieu welcomed a crowd of more than 85 families whose lives have been touched by the adoption of a foster child. Judges Gray and Judge Lagarde presided over the adoption proceedings which included the children, their new families and their individual OCS case worker(s).</p><p>Sally Richardson, Legislative Correspondent, U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu's Office, spoke on behalf of Senator Landrieu who is herself the mother of an adopted son and daughter.</p><p>The celebration reception followed with children and their families participating in a number of activities and art projects designed to underscore the joy of family and the ongoing need for more foster care and adoptive parents.</p><p>For information on the steps to take to become a foster care or adoptive parent contact the Office of Community Services at 1-888-617-3298.&nbsp;</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2017 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: ROBERT GUNN </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2592 </p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>NOVEMBER 16, 2017 </strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">At a meeting of its general membership on Monday, October 2, 2017, the Louisiana District Judges Association elected new officers for the 2017-2018 term. The officers are as follows:</p><p align="left" style="margin-left:30px;">President - Judge C. Wendell Manning, 4th Judicial District Court<br />First Vice President - Judge Lisa Woodruff-White, East Baton Rouge Family Court<br />Second Vice President - Judge Guy Bradberry, 14th Judicial District Court<br />Secretary - Judge Brady O'Callaghan, 1st Judicial District Court<br />Treasurer - Judge Piper Griffin, Orleans Civil District Court<br />Immediate Past President - Judge John J. Molaison, 24th Judicial District Court</p><p>The Louisiana District Judges Association is a professional nonprofit corporation established in 1981. All Louisiana District Judges with general jurisdiction and Judges of Juvenile and Family Courts are eligible for membership. The mission of the LDJA includes the administration of justice, representation of the interests of judges, and the professional development of its membership to provide the greatest access to fair, just, and responsive trial courts.&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Marcus R. Clark administered the oath of office to the newly elected officers, who will serve from October 2, 2017 through September 30, 2018.</p><p align="center">- 30 -<br /></p><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><table 534"="" border="1" style=""><tbody><tr valign="top"><td valign="middle" width="210"><div align="center"><img align="middle" alt="Judge Wendell Manning" height="250" hspace="5" src="/press_room/press_releases/2017/images/Manning_Wendell.jpg" vspace="5" width="200" /></div></td><td valign="middle" width="200"><div align="center"><img alt="Judge Lisa Woodruff-White" height="250" src="/press_room/press_releases/2017/images/Woodruff-White_Lisa.jpg" width="200" /></div></td><td valign="middle" width="200"><div align="center"><img alt="Judge Guy Bradberry" height="265" src="/press_room/press_releases/2017/images/Bradberry_Guy.jpg" width="200" /></div></td><td valign="middle" width="200"><div align="center"><img alt="Judge Brady O'Callaghan" height="250" src="/press_room/press_releases/2017/images/O&#39;Callaghan_Brady.jpg" width="200" /></div></td><td valign="middle" width="200"><div align="center"><img alt="Judge Piper Griffin" height="281" src="/press_room/press_releases/2017/images/Griffin_Piper.jpg" width="200" /></div></td></tr><tr valign="top"><td valign="middle"><div align="center">Judge Wendell Manning</div></td><td valign="middle"><div align="center">Judge Lisa Woodruff-White</div></td><td valign="middle"><div align="center">Judge Guy Bradberry</div></td><td valign="middle"><div align="center">Judge Brady O'Callaghan</div></td><td valign="middle"><div align="center">Judge Piper Griffin</div><div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2016 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; AUGUST 16, 2016</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson announced today Governor John Bel Edwards issued an <strong><a href="/court_closure_orders/2016/Executive_Order_Number_JBE_2016-53.pdf">Executive Order JBE 2016-53</a></strong> suspending all deadlines applicable to legal proceedings, including prescription and preemption, in all Louisiana state courts, administrative agencies and boards.<br /><br />&ldquo;In this time of disastrous disruption of Louisiana citizens&rsquo; lives, services, and the infrastructure of the justice system, this emergency suspension of deadlines in state legal, administrative and regulatory proceedings is certainly a welcome relief for members of the Louisiana Bar, their clients and all those with pending matters&rdquo;, said Chief Justice Johnson.<br /><br />The Executive Order is effective from Friday, August 12, 2016, through, Friday, September 9, unless amended, modified, terminated, or rescinded by the Governor, or terminated by operation of law.<br /><br />Additionally, for more information about the most current court closures and re-openings visit the Louisiana Supreme Court web site homepage at <a href="www.lasc.org">www.lasc.org</a>.<br /><br /><strong><a href="/court_closure_orders/2016/Executive_Order_Number_JBE_2016-53.pdf">Executive Order JBE 2016-53</a></strong> (pdf)<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /></p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2014 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD</p><p>PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; OCTOBER 21, 2014</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Victory Receives ILR&rsquo;s Judicial Leadership Achievement Award</strong></p><p><strong>WASHINGTON, D.C.</strong>&mdash;Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey P. Victory today received the 2014 Judicial Leadership Achievement Award at the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform&rsquo;s (ILR) 15th Annual Legal Reform Summit.<br /><br />&ldquo;We are excited to honor Justice Victory with our Judicial Leadership Achievement Award,&rdquo; said Lisa A. Rickard, president of ILR. &ldquo;Justice Victory has proven himself to be a strong and consistent leader of the Louisiana Supreme Court.&rdquo;<br /><br />In particular, ILR applauded the strict constructionism with which Justice Victory approaches each case before him, and recognized his thoughtful and well-reasoned written opinions. Justice Victory, who will retire at the end of this year, has served as a member of the Louisiana Supreme Court since 1995. Over his 19 years on the court, he has authored opinions curbing lawsuit abuses.<br /><br />The Annual Legal Reform Awards honor individuals and organizations whose outstanding work has contributed to reforming America&rsquo;s civil justice system.<br /><br />ILR seeks to promote civil justice reform through legislative, political, judicial, and educational activities at the national, state, and local levels.<br /><br />For more information contact Justin Hakes with the Institute for Legal Reform at 202-463-3156.<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2013 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;OCTOBER 2, 2013</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="left">At the Annual Fall Judges Conference today, Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Marcus R. Clark swore in the new officers of the Louisiana District Court Judges Association who will serve for the 2013-2014 term.</p><p align="left">Immediate Past President, 9th Judicial District Court Judge Harry Randow took part in the ceremony which honored the new officers who will serve the Louisiana District Judges Association for one year in the following capacity: 22nd Judicial District Court Judge Raymond, S. Childress, Incoming President; 15th Judicial District Court Judge Jules D. Edwards, First Vice President; 15th Judicial District Court Judge Marilyn C. Castle, Second Vice President; 24th Judicial District Court Judge John J. Molaison, Secretary; and 4th Judicial District Court Wendell Manning, Treasurer.</p><p align="left">The Louisiana District Court Judges Association is a professional, non-profit corporation established in 1981. All district court judges with general jurisdiction and judges of juvenile and family courts are eligible for membership (approximately 230 judges. The mission of the Louisiana District Court Judges Association includes the administration of justice, representation of the interest of judges, and the professional development of its membership to provide the greatest access to fair, just and responsive trial courts.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2011 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; october 17, 2011</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">First Judicial District Court Judge Scott Crichton was elected President of the Louisiana District Court Judges Association (LDJA) during the Louisiana Judges Fall Conference held in New Orleans, October 2-4, 2011. The LDJA is a professional, non-profit corporation established in 1981 that has a membership of 230 judges. All Louisiana district judges with general jurisdiction and judges of juvenile and family courts are eligible for membership.</p><p align="left">The mission of the LDJA includes, among other things, the administration of justice, representation for the interest of judges and the professional development of the membership to provide the greatest access to fair, just and responsive trial courts.</p><p align="left">Judge Crichton is serving his 21st year as judge with the First Judicial District Court. Having served on both the civil and criminal divisions, Judge Crichton has presided over hundreds of jury trials and well over a thousand hearings and bench trials. He received his B.S. degree in 1976 from Louisiana State University (LSU) and a J.D. degree in 1980 from Paul M. Hebert LSU Law Center.</p><p align="left">Prior to his election to the bench in 1990, he served as an Assistant District Attorney for Caddo Parish for a decade and maintained a civil practice. He has served as Chairman of the continuing legal education committees for the Shreveport Bar Association and LDJA and served as a member of the Diversity Committee for the Louisiana State Bar Association as well as adjunct instructor of Business Law at LSU-Shreveport. He presently serves on the Advisory Committee to the Supreme Court on the Judicial Canons and the Louisiana Judicial College Board of Governors.</p><p align="left">A frequent speaker for the Louisiana Judicial College, Judge Crichton also teaches a teen consequences program &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t Let This Be You&rdquo;, which he created and has presented to more than 15,000 teenagers, parents, and teachers at various Shreveport schools, churches, and community groups. He has recently designed another program, &ldquo;Sexting, Texting and Beyond&rdquo;, which addresses electronic crimes and related misbehavior.</p><p align="left">Other officers comprising the 2011-2012 Executive Committee of the LDJA are 9th Judicial District Court Judge Harry F. Randow, First Vice President; 22nd Judicial District Court Judge Raymond Childress, Second Vice President; 15th Judicial District Court Judge Jules Edwards, Secretary; and 15th Judicial District Court Judge Marilyn Castle, Treasurer.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2010 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; november 16, 2010</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Ninth Judicial District Court Judge Harry F. Randow was elected Second Vice-President of the Louisiana District Court Judges Association (LDJA) during the Louisiana Judges Fall Conference held in New Orleans, October 3-5, 2010.&nbsp; The LDJA is a professional, non-profit corporation established in 1981 that has a membership of 230 judges.&nbsp; All Louisiana district judges with general jurisdiction and judges of juvenile and family courts are eligible for membership.</p><p>The mission of the LDJA includes, among other things, the administration of justice, representation of the interest of judges, and the professional development of its membership to provide the greatest access to fair, just and responsive trial courts.</p><p>Judge Randow received his B.A. degree from Louisiana State University in 1967 and his J.D. degree from Loyola University Law School in New Orleans in 1971.&nbsp; From 1971 until his election to the Ninth Judicial District Court bench, he was in the private practice of law in Alexandria.</p><p>Judge Randow was appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court in June 2009 to serve as chairman of the Louisiana Supreme Court Task Force on Pro Se (Self-Represented) Litigants.&nbsp; He was also appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court to serve on the Louisiana Judicial College Board of Governors from 2006 to the present.&nbsp; He has been active in the Louisiana State Bar Association and the Alexandria Bar Association. &nbsp;Randow is a member and Master/Barrister in Crossroad, American Inn of Court of Alexandria-Pineville.&nbsp; He is married to Suzie Lewis Randow and they have four children.</p><p>Other officers comprising the 2010-2011 Executive Committee of the LDJA are: 4th Judicial District Court Judge Sharon Marchman, President; 1st Judicial District Court Judge Scott Crichton, First Vice-President; 22nd Judicial District Court Raymond S. Childress, Secretary; and 15th Judicial District Court Judge Jules D. Edwards, III, Treasurer.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2009 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; july 1, 2009</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The Louisiana Supreme Court announced today that Carol R. Leblanc and William W. Hall have been appointed to the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana, for four-year terms commencing March 22, 2009 and September 1, 2009, respectively. The Judiciary Commission is a nine-member constitutional body, empowered to review allegations of judicial misconduct and to recommend to the Supreme Court that a judge be sanctioned when misconduct is proven by clear and convincing evidence.</p><p align="left">Leblanc is a graduate of Meadows-Draughn Business College and is presently an Administrative Assistant for the North Lafourche Conservation, Levee &amp; Drainage District. She has long history of civic service in Lafourche Parish and in state government. In 2005 she was inducted as an honorary member of the Louisiana Center for Women &amp; Government Hall of Fame at Nicholls State University. Leblanc was selected by the Louisiana District Judges Association to succeed Mrs. Len G. Ciaravella as a member of the Judiciary Commission.</p><p align="left">William W. Hall, a private practice attorney in Jefferson Parish, received his undergraduate (1971) and law degree (1973) from Louisiana State University. From 1973-1987, Hall was an Assistant District Attorney in Jefferson Parish and from 1980-2006 he served as Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Louisiana. An active member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, Hall has served in leadership positions on the Committee of Professional Responsibility and is a member of the American Bar Association, the Louisiana Association for Justice, and the Louisiana Defense Counsel. In 1992 Hall served as Chair of the Louisiana Lawyer Disciplinary Board. Hall was selected by the Conference of Court of Appeal Judges to succeed attorney Ronald M. Macaluso.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2008 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: TRACY BUCCINO<br />(504) 310-2621</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>July 21,  2008</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="center"><strong>ISSUED BY THE LOUISIANA JUDICIAL CAMPAIGN OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE<br />HARRY S. HARDIN, III, CHAIR</strong></p><p>The&nbsp;<a href="/Judicial_Administrator&#39;s_Office?p=Judicial_Campaign_Oversight">Louisiana Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee</a>&nbsp;will be conducting educational seminars throughout the state to educate judges and judicial candidates about ethical campaign conduct. All seminars are open to the public, and judges, judicial candidates, and their campaign managers are especially encouraged to attend. Attendees may receive two hours of Continuing Legal Education credit (one hour of ethics and one hour of professionalism). Please note that all seminars are from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., except the seminar in Baton Rouge, which will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.</p><p>The seminars will be conducted by Louisiana Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee members and staff and will focus on Canon 7 of the Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct. The schedule for the seminars is as follows:</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">1. THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2008<br />5:00 P.M. TO 7:00 P.M.<br />LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT<br />4TH FLOOR, FORMAL CONFERENCE ROOM<br />400 ROYAL STREET<br />NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA 70130</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">2. FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2008<br />2:00 P.M. TO 4:00 P.M.<br />LOUISIANA COURT OF APPEAL, FIRST CIRCUIT<br />COURTROOM 1<br />1600 N. 3RD STREET<br />BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA 70802</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">3. TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2008<br />5:00 P.M. TO 7:00 P.M.<br />RAPIDES PARISH COURTHOUSE<br />700 MURRAY STREET<br />ALEXANDRIA, LOUISIANA 71301</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">4. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2008<br />5:00 P.M. TO 7:00 P.M.<br />LOUISIANA COURT OF APPEAL, SECOND CIRCUIT<br />PIKE HALL, JR. COURTHOUSE<br />430 FANNIN STREET<br />SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA 71101</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">5. THURSDAY, AUGUST 7, 2008<br />5:00 P.M. TO 7:00 P.M.<br />OUACHITA PARISH COURTHOUSE<br />COURTROOM 3<br />300 ST. JOHN STREET<br />MONROE, LOUISIANA 71201</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">6. MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2008<br />5:00 P.M. TO 7:00 P.M.&nbsp;<br />LOUISIANA COURT OF APPEAL, THIRD CIRCUIT<br />1000 MAIN STREET<br />LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA 70615</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">7. TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2008<br />5:00 P.M. TO 7:00 P.M.<br />LAFAYETTE PARISH COURTHOUSE<br />800 SOUTH BUCHANAN STREET<br />LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA 70501</p><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="center">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2007 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 10, 2007</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Louisiana Judicial Administrator Hugh M. Collins, Ph.D. was awarded the prestigious Kenneth Palmer Award in recognition of his service to the Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA) at the 2007 Annual Meeting of the Conference of Chief Justices and COSCA held in Mackinac Island, Michigan. The award was presented to Collins by COSCA President J.D. Gingerich.</p><p>According to Gingerich, &ldquo;The Kenneth R. Palmer Distinguished Service Award is presented to someone who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and excellence in judicial administration and has helped to advance the purposes of COSCA. It is not an annual award, but is given on rare occasions to honor one whose work exemplifies the very best of resoluteness and commitment to improving the administration of justice in our country.&rdquo;</p><p>Collins has been the Louisiana Judicial Administrator since 1988 and during this time has served simultaneously as the Chief Executive Officer of the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana. He is a 1980 graduate of the Institute for Court Management and received his undergraduate degree from Boston College in 1966 and a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Tulane University in 1971.</p><p>In addition to the Kenneth Palmer Award presented by COSCA, Collins has also received the National Center for State Courts&rsquo; Distinguished Service Award, the American Judges Association&rsquo;s Glenn R. Winters Award and in 1998, he was inducted into the Warren E. Burger Society.</p><p>A member of numerous professional and civic organizations throughout his career, Collins currently is a COSCA liaison to the American Judges Association and a member of the Louisiana Court Administrators Association, the National Association for Court Management (NACM), the COSCA Court Statistics Project, the Justice Research and Statistics Association, the Louisiana State/Federal Judicial Council, the Forum of the Advancement of Court Technology, the Governor&rsquo;s Advisory and Review Commission on Assistant District Attorneys, the Royal Street Advisory Board, the COSCA/NACM Joint Technology Committee, the FBI CJIS Advisory Policy Board, the Board of Directors of Partners in Art of the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Board of Directors of Alliance Fran&ccedil;aise, and the scientific research society of Sigma Xi.&nbsp;</p><p align="center">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2005 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: ROBERT GUNN<br />(504) 310-2588<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 26, 2005</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>In response to questions which have arisen concerning continuing legal education carryover hours, Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. issued the following statement:</p><p>&ldquo;On September 26, 2005 the Court promulgated an Emergency Rule which waived the requirement, for calendar year 2005 only, that attorneys complete the annual minimum legal education requirement of twelve and one-half (12.5) hours.</p><p>The presently existing rules which allow attorneys to carry forward up to eight (8) hours of CLE credit earned in excess of the minimum have not changed. Accordingly, any attorney may carry forward up to eight (8) hours of continuing legal education earned or credited for calendar year 2005 in excess of the 12.5 hour annual minimum, pursuant to Louisiana Supreme Court Rule XXX, Rule 5(b) and Regulations 3.5 and 5.5.&rdquo;</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2004 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD&nbsp;<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2588</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 14, 2004</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Ponchatoula attorney Thomas B. Waterman has been appointed, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore&nbsp;</em>of the 21 st Judicial District Court - Parishes of Livingston, Tangipahoa, and St. Helena, Division "F," according to Justice Catherine D. "Kitty" Kimball.</p><p>Waterman will fill the vacancy created by the election of Judge Jefferson D. Hughes, III to the Court of Appeal, First Circuit. He will serve from January 1, 2005 through June 30, 2005, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner.</p><p>Waterman received his undergraduate and Juris Doctor degrees from Louisiana State University in 1971 and 1975, respectively. From 1975-1978, he was an associate in the firm of Pittman &amp; Matheny in Hammond, Louisiana. Since 1979, Waterman has been engaged in private practice in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. He is admitted to practice before all Louisiana courts as well as the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.</p><p>Waterman is a member of numerous professional organizations including: the Louisiana State Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Florida Parishes Bar Association, the Florida Parishes Inns of Court, and the Louisiana Municipal Attorney Association. He is a former member of the Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association and has served as past-president of the 21 st Judicial District Bar Association and the Tangipahoa Parish Indigent Defender Board.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2003 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>december 18, 2003</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Surrounded by the justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court, the judges of the Court of Appeal-Fourth Circuit and members of the Louisiana Supreme Court Historical Society, Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. honored Governor Mike Foster today in a ceremony commemorating the Governor's contribution and marking the completion of the major final renovation of the Royal Street Courthouse by Brice Building Company, Inc.</p><p>"We are not here to dedicate this building, but rather for a more limited, special reason. The final construction contract has been completed by the Brice Building Company. We hold this function in part to commemorate that milestone. But even more importantly, we hold this function to express our thanks and appreciation to Governor Mike Foster, without whom our future move to the newly renovated Supreme Court building would not have been possible," said Chief Justice Pascal Calogero, Jr.</p><p>The Beaux Arts-style building was originally built in 1910 for the Louisiana Supreme Court and the Orleans Civil District Court. The building has now been restored for multi-purpose use to house the Louisiana Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal- Fourth Circuit, the State Judicial Administrator's Office, the Law Library of Louisiana, an Attorney General's Office and, in time, a legal museum. Occupancy is expected in the spring of 2004.</p><p>As part of the ceremony, which was emceed by U.S. District Court Judge Eldon Fallon, Calogero presented to the Governor a doorknob salvaged from the original courthouse building as a commemorative award for his longstanding belief that the courthouse restoration was "the right thing to do."</p><p>According to Calogero, "The overarching reason for this new courthouse is the State's respect for a constitutional co-equal branch of government and the significance of the work of the Supreme Court Justices and the Court of Appeal judges who will toil within its walls. No less a justification is the pride in the physical structure and corresponding accommodations for our Louisiana citizens and the lawyers who represent them in court proceedings which rise to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court levels of the state's judiciary."</p><p>After the ceremonial program, the newly restored courthouse was opened to attendees for self-guided tours.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2001 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>december 17, 2001</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Judge John L. Weimer was sworn-in today as Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, Sixth District, at an induction ceremony at Nicholls State University, Talbot Auditorium, in Thibodaux, Louisiana. The oath of office was administered by Daniel A. Clavelle, his brother-in-law and former law partner. Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. and Weimer's predecessor Retired Sixth District Justice Harry T. Lemmon provided remarks welcoming Weimer to the Supreme Court bench.</p><p>Justice Weimer, 47, was born in Thibodaux and graduated from Thibodaux High School. He received a B.S. degree in 1976 from Nicholls State University, graduating with academic honors, and his Juris Doctor degree from Louisiana State University in 1980. Prior to his election to the Supreme Court, Justice Weimer served as Judge of the 17 th Judicial District Court 1995-1998, and Judge of the 1 st Circuit Court of Appeal, District 1, Division B from 1998 to the present.</p><p>For fifteen years, 1980-1995, Justice Weimer was an attorney in the private practice of law. He was also both an Adjunct Professor of Law and a Professor of Law at Nicholls State University during the years from 1982-1997.</p><p>Justice Weimer is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Lafourche Parish Bar Association, the Rotary Club, the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department, the Nicholls State University Alumni Board and former Volunteer Legal Counsel, the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce, the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce, and the Assumption Chamber of Commerce. He has served as a Delegate to the Louisiana State Bar Association, as the 1997 Regional Co-Chairman of the Citizens' Summit of Justice Reform, and he established and was the Coordinator of the Lafourche Parish Student Government Day Program.</p><p>Justice Weimer has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors including: the Crimefighter's Outstanding Jurist Award; the Nicholls State University 50 th Anniversary Golden Graduate Award; Who's Who Among American Teachers, and the Nicholls State University Presidential Award for Teaching Excellence. In 2000 Justice Weimer was recognized for the significant assistance he provided in establishing the Lafourche Parish Drug Treatment Court.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table style="background-color:#428bca;border-color:X357ebd;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2019 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="margin:10px;margin-left:0px;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="150">TRINA S. VINCENT<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>February 21, 2019</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><p>&nbsp;</p><table style="border:1px;float:left;margin:10px;margin-bottom:0px;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td><div align="center" style="pointer-events:none;"><img align="middle" alt="Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson" hspace="5" src="/press_room/press_releases/2019/images/Chief_Justice_Johnson_portrait_4x6_with_caption.jpg" vspace="5" width="300" /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>CHIEF JUSTICE JOHNSON TO RECEIVE GERTRUDE E. RUSH AWARD </strong> </p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson has been selected to receive the prestigious Gertrude E. Rush Award, presented annually by the National Bar Association (NBA).&nbsp; The award will be presented during the NBA&rsquo;s 2019 Mid-Year Conference in Dallas, Texas on Saturday, March 9th. </p><p>The Gertrude E. Rush Award, established in 2003, is presented to those who embody the pioneering spirit of Gertrude E. Rush, the first African-American woman admitted to the practice of law in Iowa in 1918. &nbsp;Rush additionally was the sole female co-founder of the National Bar Association and the award recognizes those who demonstrate leadership in the community and in the legal profession, and demonstrate concern for human and civil rights. </p><p>&ldquo;I am proud and honored to be recognized by the National Bar Association with this coveted award,&rdquo; said Chief Justice Johnson.&nbsp; &ldquo;I have always taken great pride in working to advance diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and continue to strive to exemplify an unwavering commitment to justice and fundamental fairness.&rdquo; </p><p>Chief Justice Johnson, who serves as the first African-American Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, was one of the first African-American women to attend and earn a Juris Doctorate degree from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University in 1969.&nbsp; Chief Justice Johnson&rsquo;s judicial career began in 1984 when she was the first woman elected to serve on the Civil District Court of New Orleans. In 1994, her colleagues elected her Chief Judge. She was then elected to serve on the Louisiana Supreme Court in 1994 and was re-elected without opposition in 2000 and 2010. As the senior justice on the Court, she was sworn in as Chief Justice on February 1, 2013. </p><p>As a young lawyer, she became the Managing Attorney of the New Orleans Legal Assistance Corporation (NOLAC), where she provided legal services to clients in socio-economically deprived neighborhoods.&nbsp; She practiced in federal, state, and juvenile courts, advancing the rights of children, the poor, the elderly, and the disenfranchised.&nbsp; Chief Justice Johnson has served on the National Campaign on Best Practices in the area of Racial and Ethnic Fairness in the Courts as well as championed many successful initiatives, including the training and certification of the Limited English Proficiency Interpreters in the courts and the implementation of an electronic filing system for the Louisiana Supreme Court. </p><p>Having dedicated herself to a life of service, Chief Justice Johnson is widely recognized as a trailblazer in the judiciary and is the recipient of numerous highly coveted awards. The American Bar Association has long recognized the value of Chief Justice Johnson&rsquo;s service, awarding her the 2010 Spirit of Excellence Award from the ABA&rsquo;s Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession, as well as the 1998 Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award. </p><p>In October of 2013, she received the prestigious Joan Dempsey Klein Award, presented by the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ). She joins a distinguished list of Joan Dempsey Klein Award recipients that include U.S. Supreme Court Justices Sandra Day O&rsquo;Connor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Sonia Sotomayor.&nbsp; </p><p>The National Bar Association, founded in 1925, is the nation&rsquo;s oldest and largest association of predominantly African-American lawyers and judges.&nbsp; The NBA has also recognized Chief Justice Johnson&rsquo;s work and service as a long-time member of the organization. In 2010, she was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame at the annual meeting and was awarded the Distinguished Civil Rights Advocate Award by Attorney Barbara Arnwine on behalf of the Lawyers&rsquo; Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law. </p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2017 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT: TRINA VINCENT </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;DECENBER 20, 2018</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court retired Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr., 87, died on December 20, 2018. Chief Justice Calogero was the longest-serving justice in the history of the Louisiana Supreme Court, serving for 36 years, from January 10, 1973 to December 31, 2008. He served as Chief Justice for 18 years, from April 1, 1990 to December 31, 2008.</p><p>A native New Orleanian, Chief Justice Calogero attended St. Aloysius High School (now Brother Martin High School) and Loyola University. He earned his law degree from Loyola law School in 1954, graduating first in his class and serving as President of the Student Editorial Board of the Loyola Law Review. He later received a Master of Laws in Judicial Process from the University of Virginia (&rsquo;92). He served three years in the U.S. Army, first as a military police officer, and then as a &ldquo;JAG&rdquo; in the Judge Advocate General&rsquo;s Corps. He worked as a law clerk at Civil District Court in Orleans Parish prior to practicing law from 1958 to 1972 with the law firm of Landrieu, Calogero &amp; Kronlage with life-long friends Moon Landrieu and Charles A. Kronlage, Jr.</p><p>In 1972, Chief Justice Calogero was elected to the Louisiana Supreme Court from the First Supreme Court District, consisting of the Parishes of Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard and Plaquemines. He was reelected in 1974, 1988 and 1998. His impact on the Supreme Court was felt immediately when he became the majority vote for opinions that followed the directive of the U.S. Supreme Court in the criminal justice field, directives that were being resisted in Louisiana. During his historic tenure on the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Calogero authored over 1,000 learned majority opinions, concurrences, and dissents, including numerous historic and groundbreaking decisions, and participated in over 6,000 oral arguments and published opinions. His opinions and writings reflected his intellect, his integrity, his respect for the rule of law, and his passionate dedication to fairness and justice.</p><p>As Chief Justice, he spearheaded numerous reform initiatives in the area of the law, the legal system and the administration of justice in Louisiana, many of which serve as national models of court improvement. Chief Justice Calogero considered his Court&rsquo;s most important administrative achievements to be completion of the restoration of the Royal Street Courthouse, improvements in Louisiana&rsquo;s indigent defense system, improvements in both the attorney and judicial disciplinary systems, and the maintenance of a consistently current court docket for 36 years.</p><p>Following his retirement from the Louisiana Supreme Court, in 2008, Chief Justice Calogero returned to the private practice of law. He opened his own boutique firm focused on appellate practice.</p><p>During his illustrious career, Chief Justice Calogero was the recipient of numerous accolades and awards, such as the Louisiana Bar Foundation&rsquo;s 1991 Distinguished Jurist Award; an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Loyola University School of Law; induction as an honorary member of LSU Law Center&rsquo;s Order of the Coif and Hall of Fame; the Justice Albert Tate, Jr. Award from the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; the distinguished Medal of Honor Award from the Mayor of New Orleans; and in 2007, the American Judicature Society, a national nonpartisan organization dedicated to the effective administration of justice, awarded Chief Justice Calogero the Dwight D. Opperman Award for Judicial Excellence. He continued to receive honors after his retirement in 2008, including the dedication in his honor of an issue of the Louisiana Bar Journal, and Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Counsel&rsquo;s Lifetime Achievement Award. The Louisiana Bar Foundation instituted the Calogero Justice Award, which is awarded annually to recognize a significant contribution to the Louisiana justice system. He also received the Integritas Vitae Award, Loyola University&rsquo;s highest honor, which is given to individuals who possess a high moral character in a lifetime of service, and the ACLU&rsquo;s Ben Smith Award for his commitment to the advancement of civil liberties in Louisiana.</p><p>Upon his retirement in 2008 from the Louisiana Supreme Court, Chief Justice Calogero expressed that he hoped he would be remembered as &ldquo;an energetic, hard-working, honest and able judge who contributed to maintaining stability in the law and jurisprudence while serving the least privileged of our citizens with compassion, integrity and fairness.&rdquo; Upon learning of his death, Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson commented, &ldquo;Today we lost a giant in our legal profession. I served with Justice Calogero for fourteen years on the Supreme Court and during that time, I developed a deep respect for my colleague&rsquo;s intellect, his integrity, and his dedication to fairness and justice. His contributions to Louisiana law and judicial administration are immeasurable.&rdquo;</p><p>Funeral arrangements are not finalized at this time. Chief Justice Calogero is survived by his wife Leslie M. Langhetee; ten children, and many loving grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="636"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="310"><img alt="Retired Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr." height="375" hspace="5" src="/press_room/press_releases/2018/images/PFC_01.jpg" vspace="5" width="300" /></td><td width="300"><img alt="Retired Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr." height="377" hspace="5" src="/press_room/press_releases/2018/images/PFC_02.jpg" vspace="5" width="300" /></td><td width="18"><img alt="Retired Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr." height="379" hspace="5" src="/press_room/press_releases/2018/images/PFC_03.jpg" vspace="5" width="330" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>&nbsp;</p><button class="btn btn-primary" data-target="#PFC_services" data-toggle="modal">Funeral Arrangements for Retired Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr.</button><p>&nbsp;</p>
<div aria-hidden="true" aria-labelledby="PFC_Services" class="modal fade" id="PFC_services" role="dialog" tabindex="-1"><div class="modal-dialog" role="document"><div class="modal-content"><div class="modal-header"><h5 class="modal-title" id="exampleModalLongTitle">Funeral Arrangements for Retired Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr.</h5><button aria-label="Close" class="close" data-dismiss="modal" type="button">
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 </button></div><div class="modal-body"><p>Visitation will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home,on Thursday, December 27, 5:00-8:00 pm, and at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 6367 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, on Friday, December 28, starting at 9:00 am. Funeral services will be held at Holy Name of Jesus Church, at 10:30 am. A reception will follow the funeral mass on Loyola's Campus, which colleagues, friends, and family are invited to attend. A private burial will be held after the reception. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Innocence Project New Orleans and Loyola University New Orleans. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit <a href="http://www.lakelawnmetairie.com" target="_blank">www.lakelawnmetairie.com</a>.</p></div><div class="modal-footer"><button class="btn btn-secondary" data-dismiss="modal" type="button">Close</button></div></div></div></div>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2017 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: ROBERT GUNN </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2592 </p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;OCTOBER 2, 2017 </strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Louisiana judges, dressed in their robes, gathered at St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square this morning for the 65th annual Red Mass ceremony, traditionally held the first Monday in October. Judges, lawyers and officials of all faiths were invited to attend the Mass which is offered for guidance in the administration of justice in the year ahead.<br /><br />According to Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, &ldquo;Judges from across the state are in New Orleans for the annual Fall Conference October 1 - 3, 2017, which is sponsored by the Louisiana Judicial College. In addition to attending the continuing law education sessions and business meetings of the conference, state judges can also participate in this solemn ceremony that is deeply rooted in tradition.&rdquo;<br /><br />The Red Mass is sponsored by the Catholic Bishops of the State of Louisiana and the Saint Thomas More Catholic Lawyers Association. The Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans was the Celebrant of today&rsquo;s ceremony. The celebration of Red Mass goes back many centuries in Rome, Paris, and London. Stateside the Red Mass has been celebrated annually in California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Georgia, and the District of Columbia. In Louisiana the first Red Mass was offered in St. Louis Cathedral on October 5, 1953.<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 - </p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2016 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; AUGUST 15, 2016</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson announced today, due to the flood conditions affecting several Louisiana parishes, numerous state and federal courts have temporarily closed until conditions improve.<br /><br />&ldquo;Citizens and the legal community should refer to the Louisiana Supreme Court website home page at <a href="www.lasc.org">www.lasc.org</a> for the most current list of all court closures,&rdquo; Chief Justice Johnson said.<br /><br />Courts presently closed include:<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016</strong></span></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.la-fcca.org/index.php/component/content/article/41/145" target="_blank">1ST CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEAL</a> - Due to the inclement weather, the Louisiana Court of Appeal, 1st Circuit will be closed Monday 8/15/2016. All filings due during the period of court closure or which become due during the period of closure shall be deemed timely if filed on or before Tuesday 8/16/2016.<br /></li><li><strong><a href="/court_closure_orders/2016/15th_JDC_Courthouse_Closure_Order.8-15-16.pdf">15TH JDC</a></strong> - Closure order for Acadia, Lafayette and Vermilion Parish Courthouses for Monday, August 15, 2016.<br /></li><li><strong><a href="/court_closure_orders/2016/15th_JDC_closing%20--%208-15-16.pdf">15TH JDC - Additional Information Notice from the 15th JDC</a></strong> regarding Jury Duty and Hearings.<br /></li><li><strong>BATON ROUGE CITY COURT</strong> - Baton Rouge City Court will be closed Monday, August 15, 2016 due to flooding and hazardous weather conditions.<br /></li><li><strong>EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH JUVENILE COURT</strong> - EBR Juvenile Court will be closed on Monday, August 15, 2016.<br /></li><li><strong><a href="/court_closure_orders/2016/19th_JDC_EBR_Family_August2016.pdf">FAMILY COURT OF EAST BATON ROUGE</a></strong> - Family Court of East Baton Rouge is closed Monday, August 15, 2016.<br /></li><li><strong><a href="/court_closure_orders/2016/19th_JDC_EBR_Family_August2016.pdf">19TH JDC</a></strong> - The 19th JDC is closed Monday, August 15, 2016.<br /></li><li><strong>21ST JDC</strong> - The 21st JDC is closed on Monday, August 15, 2016.<br /></li><li><strong><a href="/court_closure_orders/2016/23rd_JDC_Ascension_Parish_August2016.pdf">23RD JDC/ASCENSION AND ST. JAMES PARISH COURTHOUSES</a></strong> - The Ascension Parish and St. James Parish Courthouses will be closed on Monday, August 15, 2016. This includes the Gonzales, Donaldsonville and Convent courthouses, as well as Ascension Parish Court. Offices and Courthouse in Assumption Parish shall remain open.<br /></li><li><strong>ZACHARY CITY COURT</strong> - By order of Judge Lonny A. Myles, Zachary City Court will be closed Monday, August 15, 2016 due to flooding and hazardous weather conditions.<br /></li><li><strong>US District Court, Middle District of LA</strong> - Due to the inclement weather the Russell B. Long Federal Building and Courthouse will remain closed on Monday, August 15th.<br /></li><li><strong><a href="http://www.lamb.uscourts.gov/news/court-closure-due-baton-rouge-flooding" target="_blank">US Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of LA</a></strong> - is closed until further notice.<br /></li></ul><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016</strong></span><br /></p><ul><li><strong>1ST CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEAL</strong> - Due to the continuing conditions associated with the flooding in the area, the Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit, will be closed Tuesday, August 16, 2016. All filings due during the period of court closure or which become due during the period of closure shall be deemed timely if filed on or before Wednesday, August 17, 2016.<br /></li><li><strong><a href="/court_closure_orders/2016/15th_JDC_Courthouse_Closure_Order_8-16-16.pdf">15TH JDC</a></strong> - Closure order for Acadia and Vermilion Parish Courthouses on Tuesday, August 16, 2016.&nbsp; Lafayette Parish Courthouse shall reopen on Tuesday, August 16, 2016; however, employees and the general public should only travel to the Lafayette Parish Courthouse if they can safely do so.<br /></li><li><strong><a href="/court_closure_orders/2016/15th_JDC_closing%20--%208-16-16.pdf">15TH JDC - Additional Information Notice from the 15th JDC</a></strong> regarding Jury Duty and Hearings.<br /></li><li><strong>BATON ROUGE CITY COURT</strong> - Baton Rouge City Court will be closed Tuesday, August 16, 2016.<br /></li><li><strong>EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH JUVENILE COURT</strong> - EBR Juvenile Court will be closed on Tuesday, August 16, 2016.<br /></li><li><a href="/court_closure_orders/2016/19th_JDC_EBR_Family_August2016.pdf"><strong>FAMILY COURT OF EAST BATON ROUGE</strong></a> - Family Court of East Baton Rouge is closed Tuesday, August 16, 2016.<br /></li><li><a href="/court_closure_orders/2016/19th_JDC_EBR_Family_August2016.pdf"><strong>19TH JDC</strong></a> - The 19th JDC is closed Tuesday, August 16, 2016.<br /></li><li><strong>21ST JDC</strong> - Livingston and St. Helena courts closed on Tuesday, August 16, 2016. Tangipahoa Court will resume on Tuesday, August 16, 2016.<br /></li><li><strong>23RD JDC/ASCENSION PARISH COURTHOUSE</strong> - The Ascension Parish Courthouse will be closed on Tuesday, August 16, 2016. This includes the Gonzales and Donaldsonville courthouses, as well as Ascension Parish Court. Offices and Courthouses in St. James and Assumption Parishes shall remain open.<br /></li></ul><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016</strong></span><br /></p><ul><li><a href="/court_closure_orders/2016/19th_JDC_EBR_Family_August2016_2.pdf"><strong>FAMILY COURT OF EAST BATON ROUGE</strong></a> - Family Court of East Baton Rouge will be closed Wednesday, August 17, 2016.<br /></li><li><a href="/court_closure_orders/2016/19th_JDC_EBR_Family_August2016_2.pdf"><strong>19TH JDC</strong></a> - The 19th JDC will be closed Wednesday, August 17, 2016.<br /><br /></li></ul><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2015 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;DECEMBER 18, 2015</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>PUBLIC STATEMENT</strong></p><p>On behalf of the Louisiana Supreme Court and the Louisiana Judicial College, Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson issued the following statement today:<br /><br />The Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court and Governors of the Louisiana Judicial College share in the sadness felt throughout the academic and legal communities from the passing of Cheney C. Joseph, Jr., the recently retired Executive Director of the Louisiana Judicial College. Professor Joseph was a giant in the legal profession whose career touched many lives in many ways. The Louisiana Judicial College, which oversees the continuing legal education of the state's judiciary, has been under the able stewardship of Cheney since 2001. Cheney made immeasurable contributions at LSU Law School as a professor, vice-chancellor and dean; at the State Law Institute as a legal scholar; as a distinguished attorney; and as a pro tempore judge. Cheney served as a member of numerous Supreme Court committees and was a frequent adviser to the court on matters of criminal law and procedure. In November, to honor Cheney's exceptional service, the Louisiana Supreme Court appointed him Executive Director Emeritus of the Judicial College. The professional contributions of Cheney will not be easily matched. His influence on Louisiana law and the Louisiana judiciary will be felt for decades. A true legal scholar and educator, he will be greatly missed.<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2014 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; AUGUST 5, 2014</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court announced today the election of Shreveport attorney Jerry Edwards as Chair and 15th Judicial District Judge Jules D. Edwards, III, as Vice-Chair of the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana.<br /><br />Attorney Edwards succeeds 19th Judicial District Court Judge Anthony J. Marabella as Chair of the Judiciary Commission. Edwards received his law degree from Vermont Law School in 2005. After graduating law school, he served as a law clerk for First Judicial District Court Judges Scott J. Crichton and Jeanette G. Garrett. He joined the Shreveport law firm Blanchard, Walker, O&rsquo;Quin &amp; Roberts as an associate in 2006 and became director of the firm in 2014. Additionally, Edwards has been an active member of many professional and civic organizations including the: Shreveport Bar Association; Louisiana State Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Council (2011-present); Booth- Politz Inn of Court; and Volunteers of America North Louisiana. In 2011, Edwards was selected by the Conference of Court of Appeal Judges to serve as a lawyer-member of the Judiciary Commission.<br /><br />Judge Jules D. Edwards, III, succeeds attorney Jerry Edwards as Vice-Chair of the Judiciary Commission. Judge Edwards, a native of New Orleans, received his undergraduate and law degrees from Loyola University New Orleans in 1981 and 1984, respectively. He earned a Masters in Public Administration from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge in 1994, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College in 2005. Judge Edwards enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1977, and served in the Louisiana Army National Guard until 2007. He served in the Infantry, Artillery and in the Judge Advocate General&rsquo;s Corps and also has served as the 256th Infantry Brigade&rsquo;s Inspector General, and the State Judge Advocate. In 2007 he retired as Colonel of the Louisiana National Guard and was recognized as the best Staff Judge Advocate in the United States.<br /><br />Judge Edwards has served as Chief Judge of the 15th Judicial District Court and has been a drug court judge and pioneer. Prior to serving on the court, he served as an Indigent Defender Attorney, Assistant District Attorney, Counsel to the Louisiana Senate&rsquo;s Select Committee on Crime and Drugs, and a partner of the Edwards and Edwards Law Offices. Judge Edwards was selected by the Louisiana Supreme Court to serve as a judge-member of the Judiciary Commission.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2013 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;OCTOBER 2, 2013</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson will be awarded the prestigious Joan Dempsey Klein Award by the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ) in a ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Thursday, October 10, 2013. The Joan Dempsey Klein NAWJ Honoree of the Year Award is presented to a judge who brings distinction to her office and to NAWJ as exemplified by its founding mother, Justice Joan Dempsey Klein of California&rsquo;s Second District Court of Appeal.</p><p align="left">According to NAWJ President Joan Churchill, &ldquo;The award recognizes Chief Justice Johnson&rsquo;s assistance to women judges in becoming more proficient in their profession, help in solving the legal, social and ethical problems associated with the judiciary, and working to increase the number of women serving as judges. Chief Justice Johnson overcame many obstacles in her judicial career while making impressive contributions to women in the legal profession.&rdquo;</p><p align="left">The NAWJ 35th Annual Conference will be in New Orleans October 9 - 13 with over 300 NAWJ members expected to attend. Chief Justice Johnson will be presented the award at the Keynote Luncheon which will also feature U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, Jr. as the keynote speaker.</p><p align="left">NAWJ is the nation&rsquo;s leading voice of women jurists dedicated to preserving judicial independence, ensuring equal justice and access to the courts for women and minorities, providing education on cutting-edge issues, and increasing the numbers and advancement of women judges at all levels.</p><p align="left">As the 2013 recipient, Chief Justice Johnson joins a distinguished list of Joan Dempsey Klein Award recipients that includes U.S. Supreme Court Justices Sandra Day O&rsquo;Connor (1982), Ruth Bader Ginsburg (2003) and Sonia Sotomayor (2009).</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2012 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;DECEMBER 3, 2012</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Retired Judge Hillary J. Crain has been assigned, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as a judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore</em>&nbsp;of Division G of the 22nd Judicial District Court, to fill the vacancy created by the election of Judge William J. &ldquo;Will&rdquo; Crain to the First Circuit Court of Appeal. He will serve from January 1, 2013 through June 1, 2013, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner.</p><p align="left">Retired Judge Crain served from 1968 - 1982 as a judge of the 22nd Judicial District Court, representing St. Tammany and Washington Parishes. In 1982, he was elected to the First Circuit Court of Appeal where he served until his retirement in 1994.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2011 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; september 12, 2011</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Attorney John &ldquo;Ross&rdquo; Smith has been appointed by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore</em>&nbsp;of Division &ldquo;A&rdquo;, Orleans Parish Traffic Court, according to Justice Bernette J. Johnson. Smith will fill the vacancy created by the death of Judge Dennis Dannel on January 21, 2011. He will serve from September 15 through December 31, 2011, or until further order of the Court.</p><p align="left">Smith received his undergraduate degree from Southern University New Orleans in 1983 and he received his law degree from Southern University Law Center in 1988. The year after graduating from law school Smith served as Justice Johnson&rsquo;s law clerk during her tenure as an Orleans Civil District Court judge. Smith has been in the private practice of law in New Orleans since 1989; serving also as Deputy City Attorney for the City of New Orleans through 2005. During 2009 and 2010, Smith was an Adjunct Professor for Tulane Law School training students in trial preparation, techniques, and procedures.</p><p align="left">Smith is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, the United States Federal District Court-Eastern District, the United States Federal District Court-Western District, and the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2010 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; november 11, 2010</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Fifteenth Judicial District Court Judge Jules D. Edwards, III, was elected Treasurer of the Louisiana District Court Judges Association (LDJA) during the Louisiana Judges Fall Conference held in New Orleans, October 3-5, 2010. The LDJA is a professional, non-profit corporation established in 1981 that has a membership of 230 judges. All Louisiana district judges with general jurisdiction and judges of juvenile and family courts are eligible for membership.</p><p align="left">The mission of the LDJA includes, among other things, the administration of justice, representation of the interest of judges, and the professional development of its membership to provide the greatest access to fair, just and responsive trial courts.</p><p align="left">Judge Edwards received his B.A. degree from Loyola University in New Orleans in 1981 and his J.D. degree from Loyola University Law School in 1984. In 1994, he received a Master degree in Public Administration from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, and a Master degree in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College in 2005. Prior to taking the bench in 1992, Judge Edwards served as an Indigent Defender and an Assistant District Attorney in New Orleans, Counsel to the Louisiana Senate&rsquo;s Select Committee on Crime and Drugs, and a partner in the law firm of Edwards and Edwards Law Offices in Lafayette. He is married to Orida Broussard Edwards and they have three children.</p><p align="left">Other officers comprising the 2010-2011 Executive Committee of the LDJA are: 4th Judicial District Court Judge Sharon Marchman, President; 1st Judicial District Court Judge Scott Crichton, First Vice-President; 9th Judicial District Court Judge Harry F. Randow, Second Vice-President; and 22nd Judicial District Court Raymond S. Childress, Secretary.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2009 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; june 8, 2009</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Chief Justice Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball announced today that the Louisiana Supreme Court has appointed 16 members who will sit on the newly established&nbsp;<em>Pro Se</em>&nbsp;Litigant Task Force. According to Chief Justice Kimball, &ldquo;The purpose of the committee is to study the issue of&nbsp;<em>pro se</em>, or &lsquo;self represented,&rsquo; litigants and to examine what steps can be taken to assist such litigants and to make appropriate recommendations.&rdquo;</p><p align="left">The committee is comprised of judges and lawyers from a wide array of public interest law practice. Judge Harry F. Randow, 9th Judicial District Court, is the Chairman of The&nbsp;<em>Pro Se</em>&nbsp;Litigant Task Force. The other members are: Judge Jerome J. Barbera, III, 17th Judicial District Court; Judge Christopher J. Bruno, Orleans Civil District Court; Judge Scott J. Crichton, 1st Judicial District Court; Bernadette D&rsquo;Souza, Southeast Louisiana Legal Services; Christy Kane, Louisiana Appleseed; Kathleen McNelis, Louisiana Bar Foundation; Monte T. Mollere, Louisiana State Bar Association-Access to Justice; Mark Moreau, Southeast Louisiana Legal Services; Joseph R. Oelkers, III, Acadiana Legal Services; Judy Pace, Judge Kent D. Savoie, 14th Judicial District Court; Marta Schnabel, Louisiana State Bar Association -Access to Justice; Lisa Stansky, Southeast Louisiana Legal Services-<em>Pro Se</em>&nbsp;Court Project; Judge Stephens H. Winters, 4th Judicial District Court; and Judge Lisa Woodruff-White, East Baton Rouge Family Court.</p><p align="left">For more information on the&nbsp;<em>Pro Se</em>&nbsp;Litigant Task Force, contact Brian Wiggins with the Louisiana Supreme Court Judicial Administrator&rsquo;s Office at 504-310-2568.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2008 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>July 14,  2008</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Attorney Deborah Majeeda Snead has been appointed by Order of the Louisiana Supreme Court as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore</em>&nbsp;of Division &ldquo;E,&rdquo; Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, according to Supreme Court Justice Bernette J. Johnson. Snead will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Calvin Johnson effective January 2, 2008. She will serve from July 13, 2008 through December 31, 2008, or until the vacancy is filled by an election, whichever occurs sooner.</p><p align="left">Snead received her undergraduate degree from the University of New Orleans in 1981 and her Juris Doctor degree from Loyola University School of Law in 1984. She began her legal career as a staff attorney for the New Orleans Legal Assistance Corporation. Snead later entered into the private practice of law for the law firm of Howell &amp; Bayer where in 1990 she became a partner in the firm of Howell &amp; Snead. In 2001, Snead became a professor at Loyola University College of Law where she currently serves as the Acting Director of the Law Clinic.</p><p align="left">Snead has been a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, the Louis Martinet Society, the National Conference of Black Lawyers, the National Lawyers Guild, the New Orleans Association of Black Women Attorneys, and the Louisiana and National Associations of Criminal Defense Lawyers.</p><p align="left">During her legal career Snead has received several honors including: the American Jurist Award (1981); the Jack LaNasa Award (1981); the Reginald Hebert Smith Fellowship (1985-1986); the National Conference of Black Lawyers Civil Rights Award (1990); and the Gillis Long Public Service Award (2007).</p><p align="center">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2007 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: TRACY BUCCINO<br />(504) 310-2550<br /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 5, 2007</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="center"><strong>ISSUE</strong><strong>D BY THE LOUISIANA JUDICIAL CAMPAIGN OVERSIGHT COMMITTEEHARRY S. HARDIN, III, CHAIR</strong></p><p>On Tuesday, September 25, 2007, the Louisiana Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee will be conducting an educational seminar in New Orleans to educate judges and judicial candidates about ethical campaign conduct. The seminar is open to the public, and judges, judicial candidates and their campaign managers are especially encouraged to attend. Attendees may receive 2 hours of Continuing Legal Education Credit (1 hour of ethics credit and 1 hour of professionalism credit).</p><p>The seminar will be conducted by Louisiana Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee members and/or staff, along with a representative from the Louisiana Board of Ethics, and will focus on Canon 7 of the Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct. The seminar will take place:</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2007<br />5:00 P.M. TO 7:00 P.M.<br />LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT<br />FORMAL CONFERENCE ROOM, 4TH FLOOR<br />400 ROYAL STREET<br />NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA 70130</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="center">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2005 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: ROBERT GUNN<br />(504) 310-2588<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 25, 2005</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court will return to its French Quarter home at 400 Royal Street, New Orleans as soon as the Louisiana Office of State Buildings has completed necessary cleanup and has given the necessary clearance, announced Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. The Chief Justice stated that, thanks to the efforts of Governor Kathleen Blanco and the Office of State Buildings, he expects the Court to be operating in New Orleans in December, and noted that a number of Court employees, who had evacuated from New Orleans, will resume work in the building early in November.</p><p>Further, and of direct relevance to the Court's docket, Chief Justice Calogero announced that oral arguments have been scheduled for the week of November 28, 2005, to be held at the Supreme Court's temporary quarters at the First Circuit Court of Appeal, 1600 North Third Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. A copy of the Court's docket is available at the Supreme Court's website,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lasc.org/">www.lasc.org</a>.</p><p>Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. also announced today that the Louisiana Supreme Court's existing closure order was extended through Friday, November 25, 2005. According to the Court's order, "For purposes of computing the timeliness of filings, the period of the Court's closure from August 29, 2005 through November 25, 2005 will be considered a legal holiday, and thus pleadings otherwise due in this Court during this legal holiday will be due on Monday, November 28, 2005."</p><p>However, in an accommodation to litigants and attorneys, during this period of closure the Supreme Court will continue to accept filings. Beginning Wednesday, November 2, 2005 and until further order of this Court, filings will be accepted at the temporary location of the Louisiana Supreme Court Clerk of Court's office at 1600 North Third Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802, or by mail to Louisiana Supreme Court, 400 Royal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130. The Clerk's office will continue to operate at its temporary location Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until further notice.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2004 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD&nbsp;<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2588</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 11, 2004</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">In response to a motion filed by the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana, prompted in part by a request from the judge himself, the Louisiana Supreme Court today ordered Judge Alan J. Green, 24th Judicial District Court, Jefferson Parish, Division "C", disqualified from exercising any judicial function pending further proceedings, according to Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr.</p><p>As required by Louisiana Constitution Article V, section 25(C), Judge Green will be disqualified without loss of salary during the period of disqualification.</p><p>Retired Judge M. Joseph Tiemann has been assigned to as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore&nbsp;</em>of the 24 th Judicial District Court, Division "C" effective for the dates of October 11, 2004 through January 11, 2005, or until further orders of the Court and subject to the completion of unfinished business.</p><p>Judge Tiemann served as judge for Division "G" of the 24 th Judicial District Court from 1982-1996 when he retired from the bench. A graduate of Notre Dame Seminary in 1958, he received his law degree from Loyola University Law School in 1974. Tiemann was a three term State Senator from Metairie from 1972 to 1982.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2003 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>november 24, 2003</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The&nbsp;<a href="/JudicialCouncil">Judicial Council</a>&nbsp;of the Louisiana Supreme Court has created a Court Cost/Fee Committee to guide the Judicial Council's process of reviewing and evaluating requests for new court costs, fees and increases in existing court costs and fees.</p><p align="justify">According to Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr., Chairman of the Judicial Council, "Under Act 202 of the 2003 Regular Legislative Session, no law shall be enacted to provide for a new court cost, fee or increase unless first submitted to the Judicial Council for review and recommendation to the legislature."</p><p align="justify">Specifically, the Judicial Council has created the Court Cost/Fee Committee, chaired by Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Thomas F. Daly, to develop&nbsp;draft guidelines&nbsp;and an&nbsp;application for the Council's approval, and to review and evaluate requests submitted in accordance with the adopted guidelines and applications prior to their consideration by the Council.</p><p align="justify">The Court Cost/Fee Committee will conduct a public hearing on Wednesday, December 10, 2003 at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal, 101 Derbigny Street, Courtroom A, Gretna, Louisiana from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Anyone interested in the Judicial Council's new process or wishing to make comments or ask questions regarding the draft guidelines, application form, deadline for submitting requests, or other aspects of the process is invited to attend and participate at the hearing.</p><p align="justify">After the hearing and the Court Cost/Fee Committee's consideration of the public's comments, the final adopted guidelines and application form will be available to the public by e-mail, fax, mail or on the Louisiana Supreme Court's web site at the following addresses: e-mail:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tjg@lajao.org">tjg@lajao.org</a>; FAX: Attention Judicial Council (504) 568-5687; MAIL: Attention Judicial Council, Judicial Administrator's Office, 1555 Poydras Street, Suite 1540, New Orleans, LA 70112; web site:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lasc.org/">www.lasc.org</a>.&nbsp;</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2001 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>december 13, 2001</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Attorneys William H. deLaunay and Chris J. Roy, Sr. have been appointed, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judges&nbsp;<em>pro tempore&nbsp;</em>of Alexandria City Court, according to Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Chet D. Traylor.</p><p>deLaunay and Roy will fill the vacancy created by the November 27 death of Judge Edward E. Roberts, Jr. deLaunay will take over as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore&nbsp;</em>of Alexandria City Court from Retired Judge William F. Polk who was appointed to fill the vacancy since November 27, 2001. deLaunay will serve for the period from December 17, 2001 through May 31, 2002. Roy will serve for the period of June 1, 2002 through November 15, 2002.</p><p>deLaunay received his Juris Doctor degree from Tulane University Law School in 1966. He has been a partner in the law firm of Provosty, Sadler, deLaunay, Sobel &amp; Fiorenza since 1968. He is admitted to practice in the United States District Courts for the Western, Middle and Eastern Districts of Louisiana; the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal and the United States Supreme Court. He is a member and past-president of the Alexandria Bar Association and a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association where he served on the House of Delegates and the Nominating Committee. He is also a member of the American Bar Association, the International Association of Defense Counsel, the Defense Research Institute and the American Inns of Court of Alexandria, Pineville. deLaunay has previously served as a judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore&nbsp;</em>of Alexandria City Court.</p><p>Roy received his undergraduate and Juris Doctor degrees from Louisiana State University (LSU) in 1959. He is in the private practice of law having also served as the City Attorney for Alexandria in 1983 and Deputy Clerk for the Third Circuit Court of Appeal in 1961. He is admitted to practice in the United States District Courts, United States Fifth and Eleventh Circuit Courts of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. He is a member and past-president of the Alexandria Bar Association and a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association where he served as Chairman of the Bill of Rights Section. He was also a past-president and a member of the Board of Governors of the Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association, a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, CODOFIL, and the LSU Board of Trustees of the Paul M. Hebert Law Center. Roy has previously served as a judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore&nbsp;</em>for the City of Marksville.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2018 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT: TRINA VINCENT</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; OCTOBER 18, 2018</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">LOUISIANA DISTRICT JUDGES ASSOCIATION ELECTS NEW OFFICERS</p><p>At a meeting of its general membership on Monday, October 1, 2018, the Louisiana District Judges Association elected new officers for the 2018-2019 term. The officers are as follows:</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">President &ndash; Judge Lisa Woodruff-White, East Baton Rouge Family Court<br />First Vice President &ndash; Judge Guy Bradberry, 14th Judicial District Court<br />Second Vice President &ndash; Judge Brady O&rsquo;Callaghan, 1st Judicial District Court<br />Secretary &ndash; Judge Piper Griffin, Orleans Civil District Court<br />Treasurer &ndash; Judge Scott U. Schlegel, 24th Judicial District Court<br />Immediate Past President &ndash; Judge C. Wendell Manning, 4th Judicial District Court</p><p>The Louisiana District Judges Association is a professional nonprofit corporation established in 1981. All Louisiana District Judges with general jurisdiction and Judges of Juvenile and Family Courts are eligible for membership. The mission of the LDJA includes the administration of justice, representation of the interests of judges, and the professional development of its membership to provide the greatest access to fair, just, and responsive trial courts. The newly elected officers will serve from October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2019.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><table border="1" width="534"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td height="328" style="" valign="middle" width="210"><div align="center"><img align="middle" alt="Judge Lisa Woodruff-White" hspace="5" src="/press_room/press_releases/2018/images/Woodruff_wname%20sized.jpg" vspace="5" width="300" /></div></td><td valign="middle" width="200"><div align="center"><img alt="Judge Guy Bradberry" src="/press_room/press_releases/2018/images/bradberry_guy%20sized.jpg" width="300" /></div></td><td valign="middle" width="200"><div align="center"><img alt="Judge Brady O’Callaghan" src="/press_room/press_releases/2018/images/O&#39;Callaghan_Brady-sized.jpg" width="300" /></div></td></tr><tr><td valign="middle" width="200"><div align="center"><img alt="Judge Piper Griffin," src="/press_room/press_releases/2018/images/Griffin,%20Piper%20sized.jpg" width="300" /></div></td><td valign="middle" width="200"><div align="center"><img alt="Judge Scott U. Schlegel" src="/press_room/press_releases/2018/images/Schlegel,%20Scott%20sized.jpg" width="300" /></div></td><td valign="middle" width="200"><div align="center"><img alt="Judge C. Wendell Manning" src="/press_room/press_releases/2018/images/Manning,%20Wendell_wname%20sized.jpg" width="300" /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><p>&gt;&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2017 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: ROBERT GUNN </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2592 </p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;SEPTEMBER 15, 2017 </strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court will celebrate national Constitution Day Monday, September 18, 2017, by giving away free pocket-sized copies of the U.S. Constitution at the Royal Street courthouse. Citizens are encouraged to pick up a copy and to also visit the exhibits in the Louisiana Supreme Court Museum and the Louisiana Law Library. Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by 39 Founding Fathers on September 17, 1787, recognizing all who, by birth or by naturalization in the U.S., have become citizens.<br /><br />&ldquo;On September 17, 1787, the Founding Fathers signed the most influential document in American history: the United States Constitution. This document established the framework of our government and the rights and freedoms that &lsquo;We the People&rsquo; enjoy today. We celebrate this great work on its 230th anniversary and invite local and visiting citizens to join us,&rdquo; Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson said.<br /><br />The courthouse is located at 400 Royal Street in the French Quarter and is open to visitors between 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. No food, drink or cameras are permitted in the building. Cell phone cameras are permitted.&nbsp;<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 - </p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2016 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; JUNE 2, 2016</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson announced today that the Louisiana Supreme Court recently approved substantive revisions to <a href="/Supreme_Court_Rules?p=RuleXXIII">Supreme Court Rule XXIII</a>, pertaining to the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana, to be effective on July 1, 2016.<br /><br />The Court adopted the rule revisions following a lengthy study conducted by the Judiciary Commission beginning in 2013. The Court solicited, received, and reviewed comments from judges and practitioners before making its final determination.<br /><br />The amendments to Rule XXIII seek to change the tenor of Judiciary Commission proceedings from a &ldquo;prosecutorial&rdquo; nature to a &ldquo;fact finding&rdquo; endeavor; codify existing practices of the Commission; clarify certain processes regarding existing practices; and also include changes for stylistic and consistency purposes. The revisions balance the right of judges to due process with the need to improve the existing Commission procedures to preserve the integrity of the judiciary and to promote the public&rsquo;s confidence and trust in the judicial system. The <a href="/Supreme_Court_Rules?p=RuleXXIII">revised Rule XXIII</a>, effective July 1, 2016, can be found on the Court&rsquo;s website, <a href="www.lasc.org">www.lasc.org</a>.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /></p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2015 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; DECEMBER 17, 2015</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court announced today that Suzanne H. Stinson, attorney Philip B. Sherman and attorney Fred L. Herman have been appointed members of the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana.<br /><br />Stinson is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University where she earned an undergraduate degree, Master of Business Administration degree and a Master of Arts degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. She retired as court administrator of the 26th Judicial District Court of Bossier and Webster Parishes in 2014. Stinson is a fellow of the Institute for Court Management and received her Certificate of Judicial Administration from Michigan State University. She also served in the Louisiana National Guard from 1979 to 1982. She is past president of the Louisiana Court Administrators Association and past president of the National Association for Court Management. Stinson served on the board of directors for the International Association of Court Management. She has been previously appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court to serve on the Judicial Compensation Commission, State Court Rules Committee, Advisory Committee to the Performance Audit on Jury Practices, Disaster Recovery Planning Committee and the Louisiana Integrated Juvenile Justice Information System Committee.<br /><br />Philip B. Sherman received his undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University, received his law degree from Tulane University and was a fellow of the Loyola Institute of Politics in 2007. He is a partner in the Chaffe McCall law firm Business and Real Estate Section and also practices in the fields of general business and securities law. He was named a &ldquo;Top Lawyer&rdquo; in Real Estate by New Orleans Magazine 2012-2014, was listed as &ldquo;One to Watch&rdquo; by New Orleans City Business and was selected for inclusion as a &ldquo;Rising Star&rdquo; in Louisiana Super Lawyers in 2013. Sherman is admitted to practice in the federal courts of the Louisiana Eastern, Middle and Western Districts as well as the U.S. Court of Appeals Fifth Circuit.<br /><br />Fred L. Herman graduated from Loyola University College of Law in 1975. He was a partner in the law firm of Herman, Herman &amp; Katz, a civil litigation and general civil practice firm through 1987. In 1988, he established the Fred Herman Law Firm which had a practice emphasis of litigation, business transactions and alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Herman was a lecturer at Loyola University College of Law, Skills Curriculum, and was on the Tulane School of Law Trial Advocacy Faculty. He has served as judge pro tempore in First City Court in New Orleans, and has been an arbitrator and mediator in over 400 civil disputes. He is a member of the Louisiana Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, the Louisiana Association for Justice, the American Association for Justice, and the Louisiana Bankers Association. Herman is also a member of the ADR Section of the Louisiana State Bar Association and the American Healthcare Lawyer&rsquo;s Association.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><table><tbody><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:33%;padding:10px;margin:10px;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;"><img alt="Suzanne H. Stinson" src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2015%2Fimages%2FSuzanne%20Stinson.jpg" style="display:block;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;" width="250" /></td><td style="width:33%;padding:10px;margin:10px;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;"><img alt="Philip B. Sherman" src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2015%2Fimages%2FSherman.jpg" style="display:block;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;" width="250" /></td><td style="width:33%;padding:10px;margin:10px;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;"><img alt="Fred L. Herman" src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2015%2Fimages%2FFred%20Herman%20-%20Headshot.JPG" style="display:block;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;" width="250" /></td></tr><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:33%;padding:10px;margin:10px;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;">Suzanne H. Stinson</td><td style="width:33%;padding:10px;margin:10px;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;">Philip B. Sherman</td><td style="width:33%;padding:10px;margin:10px;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;">Fred L. Herman</td></tr></tbody></table>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2014 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; JULY 28, 2014</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Attorney Marta-Ann Schnabel, Chair of the Louisiana Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee announced today that following the August 21-22 qualifying period for the fall 2014 elections, the Louisiana Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee, in conjunction with the Louisiana Supervisory Committee on Campaign Finance Disclosure, will be conducting free educational seminars throughout the state.<br /><br />&ldquo;The first hour, which is directed towards all candidates, will be provided by the Louisiana Supervisory Committee on Campaign Finance Disclosure and will provide information on the Louisiana Campaign Finance Disclosure Act along with instruction as to the proper completion of forms. The second hour, which is directed towards judges, judicial candidates and their campaign managers, will be conducted by the Louisiana Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee and will focus on Canon 7 of the Louisiana Judicial Code of Conduct. All seminars are open to the public. Approval is pending for Continuing Legal Education credit,&rdquo; Schnabel said.<br /><br />All seminars are 4:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M., except the seminar in Shreveport, which will take place from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. In Lafayette, the doors will close at 5:00 P.M. and no camera phones will be allowed. Attendees may wish to check with each individual location concerning any restrictions with regard to camera phones or otherwise. The schedule for the seminars is as follows:<br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">Thursday, August 28 - Lake Charles, Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal, 100 Main Street<br />Tuesday, September 2 - Monroe, Ouachita Parish Courthouse, Courtroom 3, 300 St. John Street<br />Wednesday, September 3 - Shreveport, Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeal, 430 Fannin Street<br />Thursday, September 4 - Baton Rouge, Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal, 1600 N. 3rd Street<br />Tuesday, September 9 - Alexandria, Rapides Parish Courthouse, Second Floor, 700 Murray Street<br />Wednesday, September 10 - Lafayette, Lafayette Parish Courthouse, 800 South Buchanan Street&nbsp;<br />Thursday, September 11 - New Orleans, Louisiana Supreme Court, Fourth Floor, 400 Royal Street<br /></p><p>For more information about the judicial campaign and campaign finance free educational seminars, contact Louisiana Supreme Court staff attorney Tracy Buccino at 504.310.2550.<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2013 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;SEPTEMBER 3, 2013</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In response to today&rsquo;s release of a report by the Bureau of Governmental Research, Chief Justice Bernette J. Johnson issued the following statement:</p><p>&ldquo;While the Court is aware of studies by the Bureau of Governmental Research and other groups who have concerns about the appropriate number of state judges, our work is guided by HCR 143 wherein the Legislature, in keeping with its constitutional responsibility to create and fund judgeships, requested the Supreme Court to &lsquo;conduct a comprehensive study of the caseload data and the number of judges of each appellate court, district court, parish court, and city court in Louisiana to determine changes necessary to the existing structure of the judiciary to provide the most efficient use of judicial resources,...&rsquo; In response, the Louisiana Supreme Court created the HCR 143 Committee (143 Committee). Chaired by Senator Edwin Murray (D-New Orleans), the 143 Committee is made up of a diverse group of legislators from both the house and the senate, judges from different levels of court, representatives from the private bar, and citizens from the community. The committee has been meeting diligently for two years and is scheduled to complete its work by February 2014. Before concluding its work, the 143 Committee will hold a public hearing at the Capitol in Baton Rouge in October specifically to receive information and input from the public. Senator Murray&rsquo;s Committee has spent countless hours reviewing pertinent information, and I am certain the committee members, as well as the Judicial Council, will be interested in reviewing the recently-released Bureau of Governmental Research report. However, ultimately, the state legislature is tasked with the creation and funding of judgeships which is why the Supreme Court will be guided by the work of the 143 Committee. We believe it is important to allow the 143 Committee to finish its work, and we look forward to reviewing the culmination of the Committee&rsquo;s efforts and its recommendations.&rdquo;</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2012 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;DECEMBER 3, 2012</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Walter J. Rothschild, upon his retirement December 31, 2012, has been assigned by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore</em>&nbsp;to the 24th Judicial District Court, Division D, to fill the vacancy created by the election of Judge Robert M. Murphy to the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal. He will serve for the period of January 1, 2013 through June 1, 2013, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner. Judge Rothschild served as a judge of the 24th Judicial District Court from 1995 until 2001 when he was elected to the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal.</p><p align="left">Also at the 24th Judicial District Court, retired judges Jo Ellen Grant and Carolyn Gill-Jefferson have been assigned as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore</em>&nbsp;to fill vacancies in Division J and Division N, respectively. Retired Judge Grant will fill the vacancy created in Division J by the election of Judge Stephen J. Windhorst to the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal. Retired Judge Gill-Jefferson will fill the vacancy created in Division N by the election of Judge Hans J. Liljeberg to the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal. Both judges will serve for the period from January 1, 2013 through June 1, 2013, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner.</p><p align="left">Retired Judge Grant served as a judge of the 24th Judicial District Court from 1990 until her retirement in 2008. Retired Judge Gill-Jefferson served as a judge of Orleans Civil District Court from 1994 until her retirement in 2006.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2011 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; august 17, 2011</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">At a ceremony held at the 17th Judicial District Court (JDC), the National Council for DWI Courts presented the 2011 Leadership Award to a member of the 17th JDC drug and treatment court team, Lafourche Parish Assistant District Attorney Thad Toups. In attendance for the ceremony were Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John Weimer, 17th Judicial District Court Judge Jerome Barbera, and Louisiana Supreme Court Drug Court Office Program Services Manager Virginia Williams.</p><p align="left">The National DWI Court Leadership Award recognizes contributions to the advancement of the nation&rsquo;s DWI and Drug Court efforts to save lives and make our communities a safer place. According to Justice Weimer, &ldquo;this award is indicative of the outstanding work of many individuals who are members of drug and treatment court teams throughout the state.&rdquo;</p><p align="left">Drug courts significantly reduce recidivism rates and costs associated with incarceration. Louisiana&rsquo;s 47 drug and treatment courts are a statewide success story, with 739 adult graduates and 146 juvenile graduates in 2010. These courts integrate substance abuse treatment services within the judicial system. Each program is comprised of a drug court team which is led by a drug court judge and includes a drug court coordinator, treatment staff, prosecutor(s), public defender(s), law enforcement representative(s), case manager(s), and others who work together to ensure that the program operates according to all applicable standards and policies. Funds for Louisiana&rsquo;s drug courts are administered by the Supreme Court Drug Court Office (SCDCO). The SCDCO awards funds annually to programs and monitors each program&rsquo;s operations throughout the year. The SCDCO works with the Louisiana Association of Drug Court Professionals, the Office of Behavioral Health, the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, the Office of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Children and Family Services, and other State and Federal partners to ensure accountability and to promote best practices in existing drug court programs. The office also assists with planning efforts of jurisdictions interested in establishing new drug court programs.</p><p align="left">For more information contact the Louisiana Supreme Court Drug Court Office at (504) 568-2020.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2010 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; november 10, 2010</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Hugh M. Collins, Ph.D., Judicial Administrator of the Louisiana Supreme Court, announced that he will retire after 36 years of service to the state judiciary, effective January 3, 2011. The Judicial Administrator&rsquo;s Office is the managerial arm of the Louisiana Supreme Court which serves as the staffing and fiscal agent for several court departments and programs, the Judicial Council, and court-appointed task forces and committees.</p><p align="left">Under Collins&rsquo; stewardship, the Office of the Judicial Administrator has grown to include oversight of a number of award-winning, good-government initiatives and departments such as: the Louisiana Supreme Court Drug Court Program, the Children and Families Department, the Community Relations Department, the Court Management Information Systems Department and the Louisiana Protective Order Registry.</p><p align="left">Collins received his B.S. degree in Mathematics from Boston College in 1966. In 1971 he received his Ph.D. in Mathematics from Tulane University. Additionally in 1980, Collins graduated from the National Center for State Court&rsquo;s Institute for Court Management and he is a Fellow of the Institute of Politics at Loyola University. From 1972 to 1978 Collins served as a consultant to the Superintendent and the Research and Planning Division of the New Orleans Police Department.</p><p align="left">In 1974, Collins joined the staff of the Louisiana Supreme Court Judicial Administrator&rsquo;s Office as Deputy Judicial Administrator for Systems Analysis. In 1980 he became Chief Deputy Administrator and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana. In 1987 he was designated Acting Judicial Administrator of the Louisiana Supreme Court and in 1988 was appointed Judicial Administrator. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana, a nine-member constitutionally created body empowered to review allegations of judicial misconduct and to recommend sanctions to the Supreme Court.</p><p align="left">Throughout his years as Judicial Administrator, Collins was a member of a number of professional organizations including the Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA), the National Association for Court Management (NACM), and the Forum on the Advancement of Court Technology. During his career he held several leadership positions including service as President of COSCA and as Chairman of the COSCA Committee on Trial Court Performance Standards, the COSCA Court Statistics Project and as Co-Chairman of the COSCA/NACM Joint Technology Committee. Additionally, Collins served as the COSCA liaison to the American Judges Association, on the Board of Directors of SEARCH &ndash;The National Consortium for Justice Information and Statistics, and as a member of the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Advisory Policy Board. In 2009, Collins became Chairman of the FBI Criminal Disposition Task Force.</p><p align="left">In 1990, Collins received the Distinguished Service Award presented annually by the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) for outstanding contributions to the administration of justice nationally. In 1998, he was inducted into the Warren E. Burger Society, which honors individuals who have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to improving the administration of justice through extraordinary contributions of service and support to the NCSC. Collins received the 1999 Glenn R. Winters Award, presented by the American Judges Association to the lay person who has made substantial improvement to the image of the judiciary; and in 2007, he was awarded the prestigious Kenneth Palmer Award in recognition of his service to COSCA and for his outstanding achievement in the field of judicial administration.</p><p>Collins is married to Sheila O&rsquo;Donnell of New Orleans, also a Ph.D. in Mathematics and the recently-retired Chair of the Mathematics Department at Isidore Newman School.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2009 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; june 4, 2009</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Chief Justice Catherine D. Kimball announced today that the Court&rsquo;s recently-adopted amendments to the Rules of Professional Conduct pertaining to lawyer advertising&nbsp;<a href="/rules/orders/2009/ROPC_ARTICLE_XVI.pdf">have been further amended</a>&nbsp;in response to recommendations received from the Louisiana State Bar Association.</p><p align="left">The Court initially amended the attorney advertising rules in June, 2008 following a lengthy study conducted by the Louisiana State Bar Association, recommendations of the LSBA House of Delegates, and further study by a Court Committee chaired by Chief Justice Catherine D. Kimball, which were triggered by a 2006 Senate Concurrent Resolution.</p><p align="left">On February 18, 2009, the Court deferred implementation of the rules until October 1, 2009 and asked the LSBA to further study certain rules in light of the constitutional challenges that have been raised. On April 15, the LSBA provided the Court its&nbsp;<em>&ldquo;Findings and Recommendations of the LSBA Rules of Professional Conduct Committee Re: New Lawyer Advertising Rules and Constitutional Challenges Raised,&rdquo;</em>&nbsp;and upon review, the Court adopted the recommendations of the LSBA Rules of Professional Conduct Committee and amended the rules accordingly.</p><p align="left">The new rules resulting from the additional review balance the right of lawyers to truthfully advertise legal services with the need to improve the existing rules in order to preserve the integrity of the legal profession, to protect the public from unethical and potentially misleading forms of lawyer advertising, and to prevent erosion of the public&rsquo;s confidence and trust in the judicial system. The effective date of the new rules remains October 1, 2009.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2008 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>July 3,  2008</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. announced today the Court&rsquo;s adoption of&nbsp;<a href="/rules/orders/2008/ROPCnewrule.pdf"><strong>comprehensive amendments to the Rules of Professional Conduct</strong></a>&nbsp;pertaining to lawyer advertising. The Rules of Professional Conduct set forth the standards of ethical conduct required of lawyers.</p><p align="left">The new rules are the result of a lengthy study conducted by the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA), and recommendations to the Court for rule changes that were suggested by the LSBA House of Delegates. The advertising rules were also studied by a Court Committee that was chaired by Justice Catherine D. Kimball. The Court Committee&rsquo;s work was precipitated by a 2006 Senate Concurrent Resolution in which the Court was asked to establish a committee to study attorney advertising. The Court&rsquo;s decision balances the right of lawyers to truthfully advertise legal services with the need to improve the existing rules in order to protect the public from unethical forms of lawyer advertising.</p><p align="left">Among the significant changes to the rules are the following:</p><ul><li>The addition of a rule addressing advertisements in the electronic media, including television and radio;</li><li>The addition of a rule addressing computer-accessed communications, including e-mails;</li><li>Amendments to the present rules concerning the type and content of advertising or written communications that are violative of the rules. For example, a lawyer advertising communication would violate the new rules if it &ldquo;promises results;&rdquo;</li><li>The addition of a new rule which, while not prohibiting lawyers from running their advertisements, will require lawyers to file copies of their advertisements with a committee of the Bar Association either prior to or concurrently with the first dissemination of the advertisement. The committee will review and evaluate the advertisements for compliance with the advertising rules. Lawyers whose advertisements are found by the committee not to be in compliance with the rules will be informed that dissemination or continued dissemination may result in professional discipline;</li><li>Rule changes clarifying the circumstances in which lawyers may communicate that they are &ldquo;certified&rdquo; or an &ldquo;expert&rdquo; in a particular field of law; and</li><li>The addition of a rule that will exempt certain advertisements of a more limited nature from the aforementioned review and evaluation process.</li></ul><p align="left">The amendments to the Rules of Professional Conduct become effective on December 1, 2008, in order to provide lawyers with sufficient time to evaluate the rule changes and review their advertising practices.</p><p align="center">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2007 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590<br /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>June 22, 2007</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>By order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, attorney Bonita Preuett-Armour has been appointed to the Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee for a term of office commencing June 15, 2007 through April 21, 2011, according to Justice Jeannette Theriot Knoll.</p><p>The purpose of the committee is to serve as a resource for judicial candidates, to assist in educating judges and attorneys running for judicial office about the Code of Judicial Conduct, and to help deter impermissible judicial campaign conduct. The Committee is comprised of lawyers, retired judges, and citizens who are neither lawyers or judges.</p><p>Preuett-Armour received her undergraduate degree from Louisiana College in 1989 and her law degree from Louisiana State University Law School in 1992. Currently, she is an attorney in the private practice of law at the Armour Law Firm in Alexandria, Louisiana, where since 2002 she has specialized in the areas of civil litigation, insurance defense, and subrogation and products liability. Since 2005, Preuett-Armour has also served as an Assistant District Attorney for Grant Parish.</p><p>Admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, for the Western District of Louisiana, for the Middle District of Louisiana, and for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Preuett-Armour is a member of numerous professional organizations, including: the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Alexandria Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel, the American Inns of Court, the National Association of Subrogation Professionals, the Louisiana Bar Foundation and the Defense Research Institute.</p><p>For more information about the Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee visit the Louisiana Supreme Court web site at www.lasc.org.</p><p align="center">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2005 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: ROBERT GUNN<br />(504) 310-2588<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#f7ebc6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>october 24, 2005</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Attorney Gaynell Williams has been appointed, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, to serve as judge pro tempore of Division "C" of the 24th Judicial District Court, according to Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr.</p><p>Williams will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Alan J. Green. Williams will serve October 24, 2005 through May 1, 2006, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner.</p><p>Williams received her undergraduate degree from Loyola University in New Orleans and her law degree from Tulane University School of Law. She has served as First Assistant District Attorney in the New Orleans District Attorneys' Office since May, 2005 after holding the position of Executive First Assistant District Attorney in that same office from May, 2003 through May, 2005. She formerly served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana from 1992-2002 where she supervised the Violent Crime and Drug Unit, and as an Assistant District Attorney for Jefferson Parish from 1987-1992 during which time she was also engaged in private practice, where she handled personal injury and domestic relations cases.</p><p>Additionally, Williams has served as a guest lecturer for many legal education seminars and has co-authored the Louisiana Code of Evidence Pocket Manual, (2002, 1999, 1997) and Fifth Circuit Symposium: Evidence, 40 Loy. L. Rev. 637 (1994).</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2004 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD&nbsp;<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2588</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 7, 2004</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Baton Rouge Attorney Mary Terrell Joseph has been appointed, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore&nbsp;</em>of 19 th Judicial District Court, Parish of East Baton Rouge, Division "N," according to Justice Catherine D. "Kitty" Kimball.</p><p>Joseph will fill the vacancy created by the election of Judge Jewel E. Welch to the Court of Appeal, First Circuit. She will serve from January 1, 2005 through June 30, 2005 or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner.</p><p>Joseph received her undergraduate degree from Hollins University in 1966 and her Juris Doctor degree from Louisiana State University, Hebert Law Center in 1970. She has over 30 years experience in the area of collections and creditor's rights. Since 1993, Joseph has been a member of the multi-state law firm of McGlinchey Stafford, PPLC. Previously she practiced with the law firms of Rubin, Curry, Colvin &amp; Joseph 1983-1993; Sanders, Downing, Kean &amp; Cazedessus 1978-1983; and Joseph &amp; Joseph 1970-1978.</p><p>Joseph is a member of the American Bar Association, the Baton Rouge Bar Association, the Commercial Law League and the Louisiana State Bar Association. She is a frequent lecturer on creditor's rights, foreclosure and collection and has co-authored several seminar manuals on these subjects. Additionally, Joseph has made numerous presentations to the American Bar Association, the Louisiana Bar Association and the Baton Rouge Bar Association.</p><p>Joseph has been honored as a Volunteer Activist, an Olympic Torchbearer, one of Baton Rouge's 25 Outstanding Women and as the recipient of the Leadership Greater Baton Rouge Alumni Community Award.&nbsp;</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2003 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>november 5, 2003</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Attorneys Sheryl M. Howard and Paula A. Brown have been appointed, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judges&nbsp;<em>pro tempore&nbsp;</em>of Orleans Parish Civil District Court, Division " M," according to Justice Bernette J. Johnson, speaking for the Louisiana Supreme Court.</p><p>Howard and Brown, in successive terms, will fill the vacancy created by the removal of Judge C. Hunter King. Howard and Brown will take over as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore&nbsp;</em>of Orleans Parish Civil District Court, Division "M," from Retired Judge Gerald P. Fedoroff who has been appointed to fill the vacancy until November 7, 2003. Howard will serve for the period of November 10, 2003 through May 14, 2004. Brown will serve for the period of May 17, 2004 through November 26, 2004.</p><p>Howard received her Juris Doctorate degree from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center of Louisiana State University in 1991. An experienced trial attorney, she has worked for the Law Offices of Richard Britson, Jr. and the Law Offices of Harold G. Toscano where she was Corporate Staff Counsel for a major insurance company. Since 2001 Howard has been a senior trial attorney with Evans &amp; Clesi, PLC, litigating personal injury claims for both plaintiff and defense clients. She is a member of the Louisiana Bar Association and is also admitted to practice in the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States District Court for the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana.</p><p>Brown received her Juris Doctorate degree from Southern University Law Center in 1992. She was a judicial law clerk for Justice Johnson at the Louisiana Supreme Court 1994-1995 and at Orleans Parish Civil District Court, Division " I, " 1993 -1994. Brown's extensive trial experience includes her current position as senior staff attorney for the Law Office of John Erny, III, as well as previous attorney positions with Fine &amp; Associates, Transit Management of Southeast Louisiana, Inc., and the Orleans Indigent Defenders Program. A member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, the American Bar Association and the National Bar Association, she is also admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2002 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>october 11, 2002</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Fifteen new officers were elected during the Louisiana Fall Judges Conference in New Orleans, October 6-8. The officers, which were elected by their peers at the same levels of court, will hold one-year terms.</p><p align="left">The conference, which was held in conjunction with the Louisiana Judicial College Seminar and Annual Joint Meeting of the Louisiana Judiciary and the Judicial Council of the Supreme Court of Louisiana, also was host to the Louisiana Court Administrators Association meeting. Nearly 150 judges attended the seminar, which featured workshops and panel discussions of recent litigation and developments in jurisprudence, both civil and criminal. The new officers for 2002-2003 are:<br /><br /><strong>CONFERENCE OF COURT OF APPEAL JUDGES</strong><br />Chairman - Judge Henry Brown, Jr., Second Circuit<br />Vice-Chairman - Judge Ned Doucet, Third Circuit<br />Secretary-Treasurer - Judge Felicia Toney Williams, Second Circuit<br /><strong><br />LOUISIANA DISTRICT JUDGES ASSOCIATION</strong><br />President - Judge Patricia H. Minaldi, 14th JDC<br />First Vice-President - Judge Michael G. Bagneris, Orleans Civil District Court<br />Second Vice-President - Judge Jerome J. Barbera, III, 17th JDC<br />Secretary - Judge W. Ross Foote, 9th JDC<br />Treasurer - Judge Fredericka Wicker, 24th JDC<br /><br /><strong>LOUISIANA COUNCIL OF JUVENILE AND FAMILY COURT JUDGES</strong><br />President - Judge Randy P. Angelle, Breaux Bridge City Court<br />Vice-President - Judge Andrea Price Janzen, Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court<br />Secretary - Judge J. P. Mauffray, 28th JDC<br />Treasurer (appointed) - Judge Nancy Konrad, Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court<br /><br /><strong>LOUISIANA CITY COURT JUDGES ASSOCIATION</strong><br />President - Judge Paul Bonin, New Orleans Traffic Court<br />Vice-President - Judge Grace Bennett Gasaway, City Court of Hammond<br />Secretary - Judge Scott Leehy, Monroe City Court<br />Treasurer - Judge Marilyn Lambert, Ascension Parish Court</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2001 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>september 28, 2001</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Retired Judge Robert J. Klees has been appointed, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judge pro tempore of the 17 th Judicial District Court, Division "C", Lafourche Parish, according to Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr.</p><p>Klees fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge John J. Erny, Jr. effective October 1, 2001. He will serve for the period of October 1, 2001 through December 31, 2001 or until further orders of the Court. </p><p>Klees was elected in 1981 and re-elected in 1990 as judge for the 4th Circuit Court of Appeal where, prior to his retirement in 2000, he served as chief judge.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2018 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT: TRINA VINCENT </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2590 </p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; OCTOBER 1, 2018</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Louisiana judges, dressed in their robes, gathered at St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square this morning for the 66th annual Red Mass ceremony, traditionally held the first Monday in October. Judges, lawyers and officials of all faiths were invited to attend the Mass which is offered for guidance in the administration of justice in the year ahead.</p><p>According to Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, &ldquo;Judges from across the state are in New Orleans for the annual Fall Conference September 30th - October 2nd, which is sponsored by the Louisiana Judicial College. In addition to attending the continuing law education sessions and business meetings of the conference, state judges can also participate in this solemn ceremony that is deeply rooted in tradition.&rdquo;</p><p>The Red Mass is sponsored by the Catholic Bishops of the State of Louisiana and the Saint Thomas More Catholic Lawyers Association. The Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans was the Celebrant of today&rsquo;s ceremony and the Homilist was Father Paul Scalia, son of the late Justice Antonin Scalia. The celebration of Red Mass goes back many centuries in Rome, Paris, and London. Stateside the Red Mass has been celebrated annually in California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Georgia, and the District of Columbia. In Louisiana the first Red Mass was offered in St. Louis Cathedral on October 5, 1953.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><table border="1" width="1000"><tbody><tr><td><img alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Justices and judges participated in Red Mass 2018" src="/press_room/press_releases/2018/images/RedMass1.jpg" width="500" /></td><td><img alt="the Most Reverend Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond served as Celebrant of the 2018 Red Mass Ceremony" src="/press_room/press_releases/2018/images/RedMass2.jpg" width="500" /></td></tr><tr><td><img alt="Father Paul Scalia, son of deceased U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, delivered the Homily at the 2018 Red Mass Ceremony." src="/press_room/press_releases/2018/images/RedMass3.jpg" width="500" /></td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2017 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0px;">CONTACT PERSON: ROBERT GUNN </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;">COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0px;">(504) 310 - 2592 </p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;AUGUST 24, 2017 </strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court announced today that Edward J. Walters, Jr., has been appointed as an attorney member of the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana. The Judiciary Commission is a nine-member constitutional body that receives and investigates allegations of judicial misconduct and recommends to the Supreme Court that a judge be sanctioned when misconduct is proven by clear and convincing evidence.<br /><br />Edward J. Walters, Jr. has practiced law for over 40 years, and is board certified in Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He is listed in the 20th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the practice of Personal Injury Litigation, and is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. Mr. Walters has also served as Adjunct Professor of Law at the LSU Law Center for over 25 years, and serves on the Louisiana State Bar Association&rsquo;s Board of Governors, the Rules of Professional Conduct Committee, the Louisiana Bar Journal Editorial Board, and the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) Committee.<br /><br />Mr. Walters was born in New Orleans. He is a graduate of Louisiana State University (B.S., 1969) and the Louisiana State University Law Center (J.D., 1975) where he is a member of its Hall of Fame and was chosen as the 2015 Distinguished Alumnus. He was appointed to the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana for a four-year term commencing September 1, 2017 by the Conference of Court of Appeal Judges to replace attorney Kenneth Michael Wright, who has completed a four-year term on the Commission.&nbsp;<br /><br />Additionally, the Court announced the appointment of attorney Michelle A. Beaty as Deputy Judicial Administrator - Special Counsel for the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana. Beaty earned her BA degree in political science from Duke University in 1991 and her Juris Doctorate from Tulane University Law School in 1994. Ms. Beaty began her legal practice handling domestic, bankruptcy, and personal injury cases. She served as Assistant District Attorney in the New Orleans District Attorney&rsquo;s Office from 1996-1998 and again from 2003-2008. In 2008, she joined the law firm of Blue Williams as an associate, and in February 2014 was appointed as an Assistant Special Counsel for the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana. Beaty rejoined Blue Williams in 2015 as Of Counsel, and was named partner in 2016.<br /><br />She is a member of DRI and formerly served on its Commercial Litigation Steering Committee and Publications Board. She also serves as a board member of the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel and is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association&rsquo;s Committee on the Profession. In addition to her professional affiliations, Beaty served as an assistant bar examiner in the area of constitutional law from 2001-2012 and also served as Chair of the Governing Board of Laureate Academy Charter School from 2013 to 2016.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p><table><tbody><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:50%;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom;"><img alt="Attorney Edward J. Walters" src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2017%2Fimages%2FEJW%20Head%20Shot%20Sized.jpg" width="250" /></td><td style="width:50%;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom;"><img alt="Deputy Judicial Administrator-Special Counsel Michelle A. Beaty" src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2017%2Fimages%2FMichelle%20Beaty%202017%20Sized.jpg" width="250" /></td></tr><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:50%;text-align:center;">Attorney Edward J. Walters</td><td style="width:50%;text-align:center;">Deputy Judicial Administrator-Special Counsel Michelle A. Beaty</td></tr></tbody></table>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2016 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; MAY 16, 2016</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court announced today that Ashley Gary Higginbotham has been appointed to the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana for a four-year term which commenced March 15, 2016. The Judiciary Commission is a nine-member constitutionally created body empowered to review allegations of judicial misconduct and to recommend to the Supreme Court that a judge be sanctioned when misconduct is proven by clear and convincing evidence.<br /><br />Higginbotham is the Instructional Interventionist at Breaux Bridge Elementary School in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. She earned both an undergraduate degree in Liberal Arts and a Master&rsquo;s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2007 and 2015, respectively. Higginbotham was Teacher of the Year, Teacher Leader for the Louisiana Department of Education at Breaux Bridge Elementary and obtained the Highly Qualified teaching status. Additionally, she has served as Chair of the 4th Grade Math Curriculum Steering Committee and Curriculum Writing Team for the St. Martin Parish School Board from 2013 to 2015. From 2007-2009, she was a member of the 705 and Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce while working as the Marketing Director of the Lafayette Bar Association.<br /><br />Higginbotham was selected by the Louisiana District Judges Association to succeed Carol R. LeBlanc as a citizen member of the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><table><tbody><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:100%;"><img alt="Ashley Gary Higginbotham" src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2016%2Fimages%2FAshley%20Higginbotham%20sized.jpg" width="300" /></td></tr><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:100%;text-align:center;">Ashley Gary Higginbotham</td></tr></tbody></table>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2015 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; OCTOBER 28, 2015</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson has been named one of five Louisiana State University (LSU) graduates to be inducted into the LSU Alumni Association Hall of Distinction. The Hall of Distinction recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves and the university through their careers, personal and civic accomplishments, volunteer activities and loyalty to their alma mater LSU. The induction ceremony will take place March 4, 2016, in the Lod Cook Alumni Center on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge.<br /><br />&ldquo;I am honored to be among the illustrious LSU graduates included in the Alumni Hall of Distinction and I look forward to the induction ceremony with great anticipation. As an LSU law student in the 1960's, my thoughts were directed toward being a dutiful student, graduating, and passing the bar so I could practice law and help solve legal problems. Never did I imagine my life path would bring me back to LSU to be recognized for doing just that,&rdquo;&nbsp;<br />Chief Justice Johnson said.<br /><br />After receiving her undergraduate degree from Spelman College, Chief Justice Johnson was one of the first African-American women to attend the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at LSU, where she received her juris doctor degree in 1969. Her judicial career began in 1984 when she was the first women elected to serve on Orleans Civil District Court. Chief Justice Johnson was then elected to serve on the Louisiana Supreme Court in 1994 and was re-elected without opposition in 2000 and 2010. As senior justice on the Supreme Court, she was sworn in as Chief Justice on February 1, 2013. She is the Court&rsquo;s 25th chief justice, its second female chief justice and its first African-American chief justice.<br /><br />The other inductees to be honored are: Murphy Oil Corporation President and CEO Roger W. Jenkins; Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital President and CEO Mario J. Garner; President and CEO of MacAulay-Brown, Inc. Sidney E. Fuchs; and Baton Rouge attorney, former Louisiana cabinet secretary and speaker pro tempore Frank P. Simoneaux.<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2014 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; JULY 28, 2014</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Attorney Michael T. Johnson has been appointed by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court as judge <em>pro tempore</em> of Pineville City Court in Rapides Parish, according to Justice Marcus R. Clark.<br /><br />Johnson will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Phillip Terrell, Jr. on March 14, 2014. Johnson will serve August 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner.<br /><br />Johnson received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana College in 1981 and his law degree from Southern University School of Law in 1984 where he graduated cum laude. He is a partner at the Pineville law firm Johnson, Siebeneicher &amp; Ingram. Prior to starting the law firm in 1997, Johnson was a Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Louisiana, a former Congressional Aide in the U.S. House of Representatives, law clerk for the Louisiana State Senate, and a member of the Attorney General&rsquo;s Special Task Force - Insurance and Civil Litigation Sections.<br /><br />Johnson is admitted to practice in the Louisiana Eastern and Middle Federal district courts, as well as the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal. He currently serves on the Tort Reform Advisory Committee and is a member of several law-related organizations including: the Alexandria Bar Association, Louisiana Bar Association, American Bar Association, Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel, Defense Research Institute, International Association of Defense Counsel, Education Law Association, City Attorney Division of Louisiana Municipal Association and Council on Litigation Management.<br /><br />In addition to a distinguished law career, Johnson has been dedicated to public service, serving in leadership roles of the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce, the North Rapides Business and Industry Alliance, the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and the Louisiana State Police Commission. Additionally he was the Founding Chairman of the Rapides Children&rsquo;s Advocacy Center, the Founding President of the Rapides CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate Assistance), and a Commissioner on the Louisiana Ethics Board.&nbsp;<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2013 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; JULY 30, 2013</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court announced today that Chief Justice Bernette Johnson and 40th Judicial District Court Judge Mary Becnel are the co-chairs of the 35th Annual Conference of the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ) which will be held at the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans, October 9-13, 2013.</p><p>The National Association of Women Judges is the nation&rsquo;s leading voice of women jurists dedicated to preserving judicial independence, ensuring equal justice and access to the courts for women and minorities, providing education on cutting-edge issues, and increasing the numbers and advancement of women judges at all levels. Over 300 NAWJ members are expected to attend the New Orleans conference.</p><p>According to Chief Justice Johnson, &ldquo;The Conference Planning Committee has coordinated an outstanding program featuring United States Attorney General Eric Holder, Jr. as the keynote speaker for the luncheon Thursday, October 10. Other notable speakers include mediation attorney Kenneth Feinberg and attorney Barbara Arnwine, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers&rsquo; Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law who will speak at the Friday, October 11 luncheon event.&rdquo;</p><p>&ldquo;Additionally, in recognition of the NAWJ Annual Conference, the Louisiana Supreme Court Law Museum, located in the 400 Royal Street courthouse, will debut a new exhibit entitled Making History: Women Judges in Louisiana. The exhibit will begin October 11 and will be open to the public thereafter during courthouse hours, weekdays 9 AM - 5PM.&rdquo;</p><p>Members of the Conference Planning Committee include: Third Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Phyllis Montgomery Keaty; Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal Judges Rosemary Ledet and Joy Lobrano; Orleans Criminal Parish Court Judge Laurie White; Orleans Civil District Court Judges Ethel Simms Julien, Tiffany Chase, and Bernadette G. D&rsquo;Souza; and 24th Judicial District Court Judge June Berry Darensburg.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 - </p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2012 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;OCTOBER 26, 2012</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="left">On October 16, 2012, after briefing, deliberation and review, the Louisiana Supreme Court issued its opinion in&nbsp;<em>In Re Office of Chief Justice</em>, 12-O-1342, unanimously concluding that under the Louisiana Constitution, Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson is the judge &ldquo;oldest in point of service&rdquo; and thus will succeed to the office of Chief Justice upon the retirement of Chief Justice Catherine D. Kimball. This opinion is now final.</p><p align="left">Commenting on the finality of this opinion, Chief Justice Kimball issued the following statement: &ldquo;Now that the delay for rehearing has run and the opinion issued by this court is final, I wish to publicly congratulate my distinguished colleague Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, who will become Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court upon my retirement on January 31, 2013. In addition to the achievement of being the first African-American Louisiana Chief Justice, Justice Johnson should also be recognized for her experience on the bench, including her eighteen years of service on the Supreme Court, her judicial temperament, her skills as a jurist, her compassion, and her dedication to the law. I have every confidence that Justice Johnson will excel in her new administrative role, and I know she and her fellow Justices will continue to make strides in judicial reform.&rdquo;</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2011 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; august 17, 2011</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Scott C. Griffith, Louisiana Supreme Court Deputy Judicial Administrator - Research and Development, was elected to fill one of two At-Large seats on the National Association of Court Management&rsquo;s (NACM) 15-member Board of Directors. The election took place at NACM&rsquo;s annual business meeting held July 14, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada in conjunction with the NACM 2011 Annual Conference. He will serve a three-year term.</p><p align="left">NACM is the largest organization of court management professionals in the world with members from all levels and types of courts. NACM educates the public on the role and importance of the courts and provides court leaders with information focused on improving the administration of justice. Griffith currently serves as chair of NACM&rsquo;s National Agenda Subcommittee and as a member of the NACM&rsquo;s Planing Committee, Ethics Committee, and Publications Committee.</p><p align="left">Griffith received his undergraduate degree from Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts. He received a master of public administration degree from the University of New Orleans and a law degree from Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans.</p><p align="left">Prior to assuming his current position at the Louisiana Supreme Court in 2009, Griffith was the Deputy Judicial Administrator/Director of the Supreme Court Drug Court Office from 2004-2009 and was the Judicial Administrator for Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court from 1999-2004.</p><p align="left">Griffith is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, the New Orleans Bar Association, the Association of Government Accountants, the American Society of Public Administration, the Society for Empirical Legal Studies, and the Louisiana Court Administrators Association where he has held several positions of leadership.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2010 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; november 5, 2010</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Justice Marcus Clark was in East Carroll Parish recently, on behalf of the Louisiana Supreme Court to present a grant check in the amount of $34,595 to East Carroll Parish Clerk of Court Beatrice Carter for the acquisition of a new and improved case management system. The new system provides a technological solution for East Carroll Parish where heretofore criminal and traffic case management was paper-driven, done manually, and not able to be shared in an automated fashion.</p><p align="left">&ldquo;With these funds the Clerk of Court for East Carroll Parish takes a giant step into the 21st century and it is a win-win for everyone. The parish citizens and the legal community benefit from the convenience of the automated case management services provided by the Clerk&rsquo;s Office on a day-to-day basis. The criminal justice system as a whole benefits from the criminal, traffic and statistical data which can now be integrated with other criminal justice agencies&rsquo; information systems,&rdquo; said Justice Clark.</p><p align="left">According to Carter, the newly acquired system enables state-of-the-art scanning, indexing and preserving of criminal and traffic records on par with most of the Clerk of Court Offices in the state. The collected data can now be reported to the Case Management Information Systems (CMIS) division of the Louisiana Supreme Court and passed on to other criminal justice agencies such as the Louisiana State Police Criminal Repository and the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. The $34,595 grant for East Carroll&rsquo;s modernized case management system is federally funded through the Crime Information Technology Act of 1998, and additionally funded through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration which is administered by the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice. The Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s CMIS division serves as a conduit for these federal funds to the state district courts.</p><p align="left">For more information contact Beatrice Carter at 318.559.2399.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2009 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; april 30, 2009</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Associate Justice Greg G. Guidry took a ceremonial oath of office as Supreme Court justice today in the courtroom where he has officially presided, representing the First Louisiana Supreme Court District, since January.</p><p align="left">&ldquo;I champion our system of justice and applaud all of the hard working judges and attorneys who make it the best the world has to offer," Justice Guidry said in his remarks to a gathering of family, friends and fellow members of the bar.</p><p align="left">The investiture program commenced with Chief Justice Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball&rsquo;s opening remarks; a welcome by Christine Remy, Vice President of the Jefferson Bar Association; the Pledge of Allegiance led by Patrick Guidry and Boy Scout Pack 55 of Holy Name of Jesus School; and, a musical interlude provided by Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Walter J. Rothschild.</p><p align="left">U.S. Attorney Jim Letten provided the introduction of Justice Guidry, sharing his knowledge of Guidry as a friend and former co-worker at the U.S. Attorney&rsquo;s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana, where they worked together as Assistant U.S. Attorneys from 1990 - 2000. The oath was administered by former Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr., who retired after 36 years of service in December 2008, and whose seat on the Supreme Court bench was filled by the election of Justice Guidry. In a symbolic gesture on behalf of the Jefferson Bar Association, President-Elect Lorraine P. McInnis presented Guidry with a gavel from the organization.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2008 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#f7ebc6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 30, 2008</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Attorney Chris J. Roy, Sr. has been appointed by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court to serve as judge pro tempore of the Court of Appeal, Third Circuit, according to Justice Chet Traylor. Roy fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Glenn B. Gremillion effective June 6, 2008 through December 31, 2008, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner.</p><p align="left">Roy received both his undergraduate and law degree from Louisiana State University in 1959. During the same year he was admitted to practice law in Louisiana, the U.S. District Court, Fifth and Eleventh Circuits and the U.S. Supreme Court. A trial lawyer, Roy has also served as City Attorney in Alexandria, Louisiana in 1983 and as the Deputy Clerk, Court of Appeal, Third Circuit in Lake Charles, Louisiana in 1961. Additionally, he served as judge pro tempore of the City Court of Marksville in 1996 and of the City Court of Alexandria in 2002.</p><p align="left">Roy has been an active member of numerous law-related organizations, including serving as: President, Alexandria Bar Association 1980-1981; Chairman, Louisiana State Bar Association, Bill of Rights Section, 1988-1996; a member, Eighth District, Board of Governors, 1971-1973; and as a member of the Nominating Committee, 1974-1975. He also served as a member of the Board of Governors, 1971-1980, and as President, 1978-1979, of the Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association and was also a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America and CODOFIL. In 1973, he was a delegate and Vice Chairman of the Louisiana Constitutional Convention.</p><p align="left">Roy&rsquo;s civic involvement included being a member of the Board of Trustees, Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Louisiana State University, 2001-2005; the Chairman, Rapides Parish Airport Authority, 1982-1983; the attorney for Red River, Atchafalaya and Bayou Boeuf Levee Districts; a Fellow of the International Society of Barristers; and a member of the Melviin Belli Society.</p><p align="left">He is the co-author of &ldquo;Win ATV Cases&rdquo; published by Judicial Press in 1988 and is a Retired Captain, Louisiana National Guard Green Berets.</p><p align="center">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2007 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590<br /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 30, 2007</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Suzanne H. Stinson, Court Administrator for the 26th Judicial District Court for Bossier and Webster Parishes, recently became a Fellow of the Institute for Court Management (ICM), having successfully completed the rigorous requirements of ICM&rsquo;s Court Executive Development Program (CEDP). Stinson and 17 other court professionals from around the United States and Trinidad and Tobago took part in graduation ceremonies conducted at the Supreme Court of the United States in Washington, D.C. The Honorable John G. Roberts, Jr., Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, welcomed the graduates and offered laudatory remarks.</p><p>The Court Executive Development Program is the only program of its kind in the United States. This professional certification program was established more than 30 years ago, in part by U.S. Chief Justice Warren E. Burger in his call for improving the management of state court administration. The intensive four-phase educational program better prepares court professionals for management and leadership positions.</p><p align="left">Stinson&rsquo;s attendance of the final phase of the program in Washington, D.C. was supported by a scholarship awarded by the State Justice Institute (SJI), a non-profit organization established by Federal law to award grants to improve the quality of justice in State courts nationwide, facilitate better coordination between State and Federal courts, and foster innovative, efficient solutions to common problems faced by all courts. More information about the Institute is available on the SJI website (http://www.statejustice.org).</p><p align="center">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2005 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: ROBERT GUNN<br />(504) 310-2588<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 29, 2005</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. announced today that because of damage caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to south Louisiana, the Supreme Court will remain closed through October 25, 2005, but will reopen at its French Quarter location as soon as practical. According to Chief Justice Calogero, the Courthouse at 400 Royal Street in New Orleans sustained minimal damage from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. While the courthouse, as with most French Quarter property, did not receive flood waters, the basement in the building did take on some water, and some damage was caused by a loss of power to the pumps in the basement and the rising water table beneath the building. That minor amount of water has been pumped out of the basement and some records have been removed for preservation. Cleaning and examination of mechanical and electrical equipment is being overseen by the State&rsquo;s Division of Administration and should be completed in the near future. Chief Justice Calogero stated, &ldquo; Our employees will return to the courthouse and we will be open for business as soon as we have been assured that it is safe to do so. I look forward to calling Court to order once again at 400 Royal Street.&rdquo;</p><p>Today&rsquo;s court closure Order, regarding suspension of filings in the Louisiana Supreme Court, extends a&nbsp;<a href="/court_closure_orders/katrina_orders/order-Katrina2nd.pdf" target="_blank">previous Order of September 1, 2005</a>, which had closed the Supreme Court until September 30, 2005. While the Supreme Court has suspended the usual processing of filings, as well as consideration of writ applications and entertaining oral arguments, through October 25, 2005, the Supreme Court&rsquo;s Justices, Judicial Administrator, Clerk of Court, and supervisory personnel have been working since Hurricane Katrina at its temporary location at the First Circuit Court of Appeal in Baton Rouge. The Court has been handling administrative matters and offering assistance to local courts affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in their efforts to return to normal operations. Chief Justice Calogero thanked the Justices and Supreme Court personnel who have been working diligently since Hurricane Katrina, especially Justice Kitty Kimball who, at his request, has coordinated the Court&rsquo;s response to the disaster and assistance to local courts.</p><p>A copy of the Court&rsquo;s Order, as well as other Louisiana Supreme Court orders and information, can be found at the Supreme Court website, www.lasc.org.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2004 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD&nbsp;<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2588</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>October 2, 2004</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left"><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Building Dedication Ceremony - Saturday, October 2, 2004, Noon</strong></p><p align="left"><strong>Court Open House for members of the public and Louisiana Bar - Sunday, October 3, 2004, 1-3 p.m.</strong></p><p>United States Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor joined Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Pascal Calogero, Jr., the Associate Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court and the Judges of the Court of Appeal-Fourth Circuit, as they gathered on the steps of the newly restored courthouse at 400 Royal Street for a dedication ceremony to officially designate it as the Louisiana Supreme Court Building. The event marks the return of the judiciary to Royal Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans.</p><p>"Returning the state's highest court to this awe-inspiring building demonstrates to citizens and visitors alike that we, the people of Louisiana, value our system of justice, our rich cultural heritage and our distinctive architecture. However, let me assure you that the justices and judges who toil within these walls are fully aware that justice is not wrought by shaping marble and stone, but rather, by dedication to the rule of law and the painstaking application of mind, time and work ," said Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr.</p><p>The Beaux Arts-style building was originally built in 1910 for the Louisiana Supreme Court and the Orleans Civil District Court. The building has now been restored for multi-purpose use to house the Louisiana Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal-Fourth Circuit, the State Judicial Administrator's Office, the Law Library of Louisiana, an Attorney General's Office and, in time, a legal museum. In May 2004, following more than 20 years of planning, the Supreme Court moved back to the French Quarter courthouse that it vacated in 1958.</p><p>Also participating in the dedication ceremony, emceed by Ambassador Lindy Boggs, were Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu, Attorney General Charles Foti, Jr., Mayor Ray Nagin, Louisiana Division of Administration Commissioner Jerry Luke LeBlanc, Louisiana State Bar Association President Michael McKay, and representing the Louisiana Supreme Court Historical Society, Judge Eldon Fallon. Stirring musical performances by United States Marine Corps Reserve Band and the Franklin Avenue Baptist Choir of New Orleans underscored the dignity and excitement of this important day in Louisiana history.</p><p>As part of the ceremony, on behalf of the Court, Chief Justice Calogero presented U.S. Supreme Court Justice O'Connor with a watercolor print of the courthouse. Additionally, by proclamation, Mayor Nagin officially declared October 2, 2004 as "Sandra Day O'Connor Day" in New Orleans.</p><p>When the ceremony ended, the courthouse doors were opened for invited guests and the public to tour the public areas of the Louisiana Supreme Court Building. On Sunday, October 3, 2004, an Open House will be held from 1 pm. - 3 p.m. for members of the public and the Louisiana Bar who are encouraged and welcome to tour the building.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2003 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>october 31, 2003</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Retired Judge Moon Landrieu has been appointed by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore&nbsp;</em>of the Court of Appeal, Fourth Circuit, At Large District, according to Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr.</p><p>Landrieu fills the vacancy created by the death of Judge William H. Byrnes, III on October 21, 2004. He will serve for the period of November 3, 2003 through May 3, 2004, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner, or until further orders from the Court.</p><p>Landrieu was elected judge of the Court of Appeal, Fourth Circuit in 1992, where he served until his retirement in 2000.&nbsp;</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2002 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>september 16, 2002</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Charles Hanemann has been appointed, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore&nbsp;</em>of Division "A", Thirty-Second Judicial District Court, Terrebonne Parish, according to Justice John L. Weimer.</p><p>Hanemann fills the vacancy created by the election of Judge Edward J. Gaidry to the First Circuit Court of Appeal and he will serve September 16, 2002 through December 31, 2002, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner. Hanemann is prohibited from running for the judgeship to which he has been appointed.</p><p>Hanemann graduated from Loyola University of the South and received his Juris Doctor degree from Tulane University Law School. He has been in private practice in Houma, Louisiana since 1967 and was a founding partner of the law firm of Henderson, Hanemann &amp; Morris. He has argued before the United States Supreme Court, the Louisiana Supreme Court and many other intermediate courts of appeal and district courts of the state and federal systems. In recent years, he has also served as a mediator with Mediation Arbitration Professional Systems. Since 1993, Hanemann has been named in&nbsp;<em>The Best Lawyers in America&nbsp;</em>.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2001 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>september 26, 2001</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Justice of the Peace Nicholas "Nick" Lacoste, Jr. for the Parish of St. Bernard, Ward G, has been assigned, by Order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as Justice of the Peace for the Parish of St. Bernard, Ward F, to fill the vacancy that exists because of the death of Justice of the Peace Robert W. "Bob" April, Sr., according to Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. In addition to his duties as Justice of the Peace for St. Bernard, Ward G, Lacoste has been assigned to perform duties as well in Ward F, in an Order signed by Chief Justice Calogero.</p><p>Justice of the Peace Lacoste will serve as Justice of the Peace, for the Parish of St. Bernard, Ward F, effective September 25, 2001 through October 31, 2001.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2018 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><table style="text-transform:uppercase;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="82">CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td width="150">TRINA S. VINCENT<br />504-310-2590</td></tr></tbody></table><p align="left" style="margin-top:0px;text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="background-color:#f7ebc6;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td style="text-align:left;" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp;SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 </strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT CELEBRATES CONSTITUTION DAY</strong></p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong></strong>New Orleans, LA &ndash; The Louisiana Supreme Court will commemorate Constitution Day, Monday, September 17, 2018, by giving free pocket-sized copies of the U.S. Constitution to visitors of the courthouse located at 400 Royal Street. All are encouraged to pick up a copy and visit the exhibits in the Louisiana Supreme Court Museum and the Louisiana Law Library.</p><p style="text-align:left;">Constitution Day is an observance of September 17, 1787, when 39 Founding Fathers signed and adopted the U.S. Constitution which recognizes the rights of all citizens whether by birth or naturalization. Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson said, "We celebrate this great work on its 231st anniversary and invite local and visiting citizens to join us. The United States Constitution established the framework of our government and the rights and freedoms that &lsquo;We the People&rsquo; enjoy today.&rdquo;</p><p style="text-align:left;">The courthouse is located at 400 Royal Street in the French Quarter and is open to visitors between 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2018 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: JUDY BOUDREAUX</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;APRIL 23, 2018</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Aimed at reducing the jail population in New Orleans, a new Public Safety Assessment (PSA) model was unveiled today. The PSA tool will assist judges and the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Pretrial Services department with assessing the risk level defendants pose if released pending trial. The PSA provides information that is race‐ and gender‐neutral. The tool will help create a safer, fair and cost‐effective pretrial service system to reduce unnecessary pretrial detention by identifying a defendant&rsquo;s risk of failure to appear and commit a crime while out on bail.</p><p align="left">Over three days last week, stakeholders, including judges, were trained on the PSA under the supervision of the Louisiana Supreme Court, and in partnership with Criminal District Court and the City of New Orleans.</p><p align="left">&ldquo;Following the Rule of Law and applying fairness at all times is the right thing to do,&rdquo; said Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson. &ldquo;The implementation of the PSA tool will offer evidence‐based data to assist judges and commissioners in determining whether release or detention is appropriate considering the charges faced by a defendant.&rdquo;</p><p align="left">Developed by the Laura and John Arnold Foundation, the PSA model helps guide pretrial decision-making in an effort to increase safety, reduce taxpayer costs, and enhance fairness and efficiency in the system.</p><p align="left">&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a two part process,&rdquo; according to Tracey Flemings‐Davillier, Criminal District Court judge.&ldquo;First data is collected during the pre‐trial assessment. A risk score is then calculated using a rubric based on nine indicators,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;The second phase is the needs assessment that will allow the judge to feel more comfortable releasing the defendant, knowing his needs will be addressed and assistance will be provided,&rdquo; said Flemings-Davillier.</p><p align="left">Needs assessments are completed utilizing the Ohio Risk Assessment System (ORAS). During this phase other factors that may hinder a pre‐trial defendant&rsquo;s return to court are considered. ORAS offers ways to quantify and qualify the needs of the defendant.</p><p align="left">&rdquo;Every defendant does not have a need. There are various levels of monitoring and needs. A defendant may simply need to know why he has been arrested, he may need medical care or assistance with substance abuse,&rdquo; said Flemings‐Davillier. &ldquo;A defendant&rsquo;s needs may entail continuous contact with the supervision team, court reminders and drug testing when applicable,&rdquo; she said.</p><p align="left">&ldquo;We want a tool that is a workable model that provides more insight so judges can adequately assess the risk level of a defendant,&rdquo; Orleans Criminal Court Chief Judge Keva Landrum-Johnson said. &ldquo;Research indicates that pre‐trial detention of low risk defendants increases the likelihood of future crime. We believe the collaboration will better assist us in our criminal reform efforts.&rdquo;</p><p align="left">Since 2013 the PSA tool has been used by judges in 36 jurisdictions in America, including New Jersey, Kentucky and Arizona. A nationwide launch of the tool will soon be made accessible online to any interested jurisdictions. &ldquo;We are excited to be the first jurisdiction in Louisiana to implement a nationally recognized risk assessment tool. We are looking forward to sharing information with the rest of the state. Thank you to Chief Justice Johnson for making this a reality,&rdquo; Judge Flemings‐Davillier said.</p><p align="left">For more information about the PSA, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.arnoldfoundation.org/">www.arnoldfoundation.org</a>.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p align="center">&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2017 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: ROBERT GUNN </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2592 </p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; AUGUST 10, 2017 </strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:left;"></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Chief Justice Welcomes Child Law Specialists to Louisiana</strong></span><br /></p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson is pleased to announce that the 40th annual conference of the National Association of Counsel for Children will be held in New Orleans August 10-12, 2017. Hundreds of practitioners from across the country will learn from experts in child welfare, juvenile justice and family law during this event, which follows a full day of optional specialized child welfare law training. The Chief Justice will be among those recognized at the conference for her participation on the Louisiana Child Protection Representation Commission.<br /><br />The Commission was established in 2014, upon the recommendation of the legislatively-created Task Force on Legal Representation in Child Protection Cases, to oversee the uniform statewide system of representation created as a result of 11 years of Task Force efforts. In addition to the Chief Justice, Commission members include Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Walters, Louisiana State Bar Association President Dona Renegar, Judge Anastasia Wiley (President of the Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges), Senator Rick Ward (Chair, Senate Committee Judiciary A) , Representative Ray Garofalo (Chair, House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure), Rep. Barbara Carpenter (Legislative Women&rsquo;s Caucus), Becky Hollen (Louisiana District Attorney Association), and Richard Pittman (Louisiana Public Defender Board).<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /></p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2016 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; APRIL 28, 2016</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson announced today, in recognition of Law Day&mdash;May 1st, the Louisiana Supreme Court <strong><a href="/press_room/press_releases/2016/Law_Day_2016_Resolution.pdf">issued a resolution</a></strong> urging all Louisiana state court judges to dedicate the month of May 2016 to reaching out to schools to provide students with an opportunity to learn about the law, the role of judges, and the court system from members of the judiciary.<br /><br />Law Day was established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to strengthen our heritage of liberty, justice and equality under the law. In 1961, Congress issued a joint resolution designating May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day. Every president since then has issued a Law Day proclamation on May 1st to celebrate the nation&rsquo;s commitment to the rule of law. The 2016 national Law Day theme is Miranda: More than Words, marking the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona which established the Miranda warning now ingrained in law enforcement.<br /><br />According to Chief Justice Johnson, &ldquo;During the month of May, the Louisiana Supreme Court will host school students participating in Law Day activities including: mock trials and tours of the Royal Street courthouse which include visits to the Louisiana Supreme Court Museum and the Law Library of Louisiana.&rdquo;<br /><br />On this 58th anniversary of Law Day, the resolution states in part that &ldquo;all judges have a unique ability to educate young people about our legal system and respect for the law.&rdquo; Teachers or principals interested in coordinating a Louisiana Supreme Court tour or a Law Day presentation with a local judge, contact the Louisiana Supreme Court Community Relations Department at 504.310.2590.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /></p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2015 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; OCTOBER 27, 2015</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court announced today the election of 15th Judicial District Court Judge Jules D. Edwards, III, as Chair and citizen-member Carol LeBlanc as Vice-Chair of the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana. Additionally, the Court announced the appointment of attorney Kelly McNeil Legier as the new Judiciary Commission Counsel succeeding attorney Clare Fiasconaro upon her retirement.<br /><br />Judge Edwards succeeds Carol LeBlanc as Chair of the Judiciary Commission. A native of New Orleans, Judge Edwards received his undergraduate and law degrees from Loyola University in New Orleans in 1981 and 1984, respectively. He earned a Masters in Public Administration from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge in 1994, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College in 2005. Judge Edwards enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1977, and served in the Louisiana National Guard until 2007. He served in the Infantry, Artillery, and in the Judge Advocate General&rsquo;s Corps. He also served as the 256th Infantry Brigade&rsquo;s Inspector General and the State Judge Advocate.&nbsp; In 2007 he retired as Colonel of the Louisiana National Guard and was recognized as the best Staff Judge Advocate in the United States.<br /><br />In addition to his regular judge duties, Judge Edwards served as Chief Judge of the 15th Judicial District Court 2001 - 2003, and has been a pioneer of drug courts and re-entry courts. Prior to serving on the court, he served as an Indigent Defender Attorney, Assistant District Attorney, Counsel to the Louisiana Senate&rsquo;s Select Committee on Crime and Drugs, and a partner of the Edwards and Edwards Law Offices. He was inducted into the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame in 2013. Judge Edwards was selected by the Louisiana Supreme Court to serve as a judge-member of the Judiciary Commission.<br /><br />Carol LeBlanc succeeds Judge Jules Edwards as Vice-Chair of the Judiciary Commission. She served a previous term on the Judiciary Commission which ended in 2013 and also served as Chair 2011 - 2012. She has a long history of civic service in Lafourche Parish and in state government. LeBlanc is Past-President of the Bayou Industrial Group and has served as a member of the Louisiana State Mineral Board, the Lafourche Council on Aging, the Lafourche Chambers of Commerce, and the Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District. In 2005, she was inducted as an honorary member of the Louisiana Center for Women &amp; Government Hall of Fame at Nicholls State University. LeBlanc was selected by the Louisiana District Judges Association to serve as a citizen-member of the Judiciary Commission.<br /><br />Attorney Kelly McNeil Legier received her undergraduate and law degrees from Loyola University in New Orleans in 1989 and 1993, respectively. Prior to her position as Judiciary Commission Counsel, she served as an Administrative Law Judge for the Louisiana Division of Administrative Law in Baton Rouge and as the first Director of Member Outreach &amp; Diversity for the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) in New Orleans. Before the LSBA, Legier worked in the Staff Attorney&rsquo;s Office of the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. She clerked for Judge Carl E. Stewart on the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. In addition to clerking, Legier spent several years in private practice in the area of employment law and commercial litigation in large local and international firms. She practiced with Stone, Pigman, Walther, Wittmann &amp; Hutchinson, LLC; Shook Hardy &amp; Bacon, LLP (a Kansas City based firm); and Proskauer Rose LLP (a New York based firm).<br /><br />Legier serves on the LSBA Diversity Committee. She is a past member of the LSBA of Governors and has served on the Board of Directors of the New Orleans Chapter of the Federal Bar Association 2002 - 2014. She was President of the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc. 2004 - 2006 and was on the Loyola University New Orleans College of Law Board of Directors 2004 - 2010. Legier is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, most notably including: the National Diversity Council&rsquo;s 2013 Louisiana Multicultural Leadership Award; the LSBA 2004 President&rsquo;s Award; City Business 2004 Success Guide &ldquo;Person To Know;&rdquo; and in 2012, the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc.&rsquo;s Vanguard Award from the Baton Rouge Chapter and the Legacy Award from the New Orleans Chapter.<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2014 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; JULY 16, 2014</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Retired Judge Mildred &ldquo;Mimi&rdquo; Methvin has been appointed, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judge <em>pro tempore</em> of Division &ldquo;D,&rdquo; of the 27th Judicial District Court in St. Landry Parish, according to Justice Jeannette Theriot Knoll. Methvin will fill the vacancy created by the death of Judge Donald Hebert on July 9, 2014. She will serve from July 14, 2014, through December 31, 2014, or until further order of the Court.<br /><br />A native of Alexandria, Louisiana, Methvin graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Tulane University in 1974, and she received her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 1976. Before serving 26 years as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Western District of Louisiana in Lafayette (1983-2009), Methvin held several positions in law and government including: staff assistant to U.S. Representative Gillis W. Long in Washington, D.C.; Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana in Shreveport; law associate at the law firm Gist, Methvin, Hughes &amp; Munsterman in Alexandria; Assistant U.S. Attorney, Western District of Louisiana in Shreveport; and staff attorney for the U.S. Department of the Interior Office of Surface in Charleston, West Virginia. After her retirement from the federal bench in 2009, Methvin served part-time as a Recall U.S. Magistrate Judge for the federal courts in Maryland and Pennsylvania from 2011- 2013. Currently, she is the owner of Satori ADR, L.L.C. an alternative dispute resolution and mediation service, and is the principal of the law firm Mildred E. Methvin, L.L.C. Both are located in Lafayette, Louisiana.<br /><br />Throughout her legal career Methvin has presented numerous seminars for organizations such as the American Conference Institute, the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Acadiana Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, the Acadiana Association of Women Attorneys, and the Lafayette Parish Bar Association.<br /><br />Additionally, Methvin is a member of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals, the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Lafayette Parish Bar Association, the American Inn of Court of Acadiana (Program Chair 2004-2013), the Federal Magistrate Judges Association, and the National Association of Women Judges (Assistant Director, District Six 1989-1990).<br /><br />In 1997, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist appointed Methvin as one of only three magistrate judges in the country to serve on the committee which makes nationwide policy for the federal magistrate judges system. She served as such until 2003.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2013 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; JULY 30, 2013</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Attorney Michael C. Darnell has been appointed by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judge <em>pro tempore</em> of Orleans Parish Traffic Court, Section &ldquo;D,&rdquo; according to Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson.<br /><br />Darnell will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Ronald J. Sholes. He will serve from August 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever comes sooner.<br /><br />Darnell received his undergraduate and Juris Doctor degrees from Yale University. He has been in the private practice of law since 1982. Formerly a partner with Adams and Reese law firm, since 1995 Darnell has been a partner in the law firm Murray, Darnell &amp; Associates, LLC. While practicing law, he has served in numerous legal and government positions including: Councilmember-At-Large and Vice President, New Orleans City Council; Judge pro tempore Orleans Parish Juvenile Court, Section &ldquo;C;&rdquo; Vice President and General Counsel, New Orleans Regional Transit Authority; Instructor of Public Health Law, Dillard University; Deputy City Attorney, City of New Orleans; Assistant City Attorney, New Orleans Traffic and Municipal Courts; Assistant District Attorney, 16th Judicial District Court, Parishes of St. Martin, Iberia and St. Mary; and as a Board Member of the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission. He also served as Vice-Chairperson of the American Bar Association&rsquo;s Conference of Minority Partners in Majority Corporate Law Firms.<br /><br />Darnell is a member of the Louisiana Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the Louis Martinet Society in New Orleans. He is the recipient of the Award for Outstanding Service as President of the Southwest Louisiana Lawyer&rsquo;s Association.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp;&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2012 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;OCTOBER 25, 2012</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The Louisiana Supreme Court announced today that 4th Judicial District Court Judge Sharon I. Marchman and 19th Judicial District Court Judge Antony J. Marabella, Jr., have been elected Chair and Vice-Chair of the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana, respectively.</p><p align="left">Judge Marchman succeeds William &ldquo;Bill&rdquo; W. Hall as Chair of the Judiciary Commission. She received her undergraduate degree (1982) and her law degree (1985) from Louisiana State University (LSU). After working as a law clerk at the Second Circuit Court of Appeal, she entered private practice with the Monroe firm of Theus, Grisham, Davis and Leigh where she became a senior partner. In 2000, she was elected to the 4th Judicial District Court and served as Chief Judge. Judge Marchman presides over juvenile court as well as adult drug and DWI court for Morehouse and Ouachita Parishes. She also established a juvenile drug court for Ouachita Parish which has become a MacArthur Foundation Model for Change site. Judge Marchman was awarded the Alton E. &ldquo;Jake&rdquo; Hadley Award for outstanding work in drug court, as well as the Louisiana Association of Marriage and Family Therapists Family Advocacy Award, and the Monroe Region of the National Association of Social Workers Public Official of the Year Award. In 2009 Judge Marchman was selected by the Louisiana Supreme Court to serve as a judge member of the Judiciary Commission.</p><p align="left">Judge Marabella succeeds Judge Marchman as Vice-Chair of the Judiciary Commission. He received his law degree from the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 1973. He began his career in Baton Rouge as an assistant parish attorney (1973-1975), an assistant district attorney (1975-1978), and an assistant public defender (1978- 1980). He was in private practice devoted largely to criminal defense from 1980 until his election in 2003. Judge Marabella presides over a criminal docket at the 19th Judicial District Court and also presides over drug court. Additionally, he serves as an adjunct faculty member of the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center. Judge Marabella is a member of many professional organizations where he has served in leadership positions including: Baton Rouge Bar Association President (1994); Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers President (1999); East Baton Rouge Parish Indigent Defense Board Chairman; Louisiana Indigent Defense Assistance Board Chairman (2001-2003); and Ecumenical House Board President. In 2011 Judge Marabella was selected by the Louisiana Supreme Court to serve as judge member of the Judiciary Commission.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2011 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; august 15, 2011</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Suzanne H. Stinson, 26th Judicial District Court Administrator for Bossier and Webster Parishes, has been re-elected to the Board of Directors of the National Center for State Courts (NCSC). Headquartered in Williamsburg, Virginia, NCSC is a nonprofit that aims to improve the administration of justice through the leadership and service of the nation&rsquo;s state courts. Stinson has been re-elected for an additional three-year term.</p><p align="left">Suzanne graduated magna cum laude from Louisiana Tech University and has a Master of Business Administration degree and a Master of Arts degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Louisiana Tech University. Stinson received her Certificate of Judicial Administration from Michigan State University and her Fellowship from the Institute for Court Management. She served in the Louisiana Army National Guard from 1979 to 1982.</p><p align="left">She is Past President of the Louisiana Court Administrators Association and Past President of the National Association for Court Management. Stinson was appointed by Chief Justice Catherine Kimball to serve on the Judicial Compensation Commission. Additionally, she was appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court to serve on the State Court Rules Committee, Advisory Committee to the Performance Audit on Jury Practices, Disaster Recovery Planning Committee and the Louisiana Integrated Juvenile Justice Information System Committee.</p><p align="left">Stinson is a member of the American Judicature Society, Forum for Advancement of Court Technology, NCSC Knowledge and Information Systems Advisory Committee and Institute for Court Management Advisory Council. She also currently serves on committees for the Bossier Parish Truancy Assessment Center and the Coalition for Juvenile Justice. She is president of the Bossier City Mayor&rsquo;s Women&rsquo;s Commission, president of the Shreveport Bossier Bar Association Auxiliary, member of the Junior League of Shreveport/Bossier City, past president of the Benton Rotary Club and a 2007 and 2009 Athena Award Nominee.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2010 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; november 4, 2010</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Fourth Judicial District Court Judge Sharon I. Marchman was elected President of the Louisiana District Judges Association (LDJA) during the Louisiana Judges Fall Conference held in New Orleans, October 3-5, 2010. The LDJA is a professional, non-profit corporation established in 1981 that has a membership of 230 judges. All Louisiana district judges with general jurisdiction and judges of juvenile and family courts are eligible for membership.</p><p align="left">The mission of the LDJA includes, among other things, the administration of justice, representation of the interest of judges, and the professional development of its membership to provide the greatest access to fair, just and responsive trial courts.</p><p align="left">Judge Marchman is serving her 10th year as a judge with the Fourth Judicial District. She received her B.S. degree in1982 and her J.D. degree in 1985 from Louisiana State University. Prior to her election, she was a law clerk at the Second Circuit Court of Appeal from 1985-1987 and was in the private practice of law from 1987-2000. She has served as President of the 4th Judicial District Bar Association and in 2008, Judge Marchman received the Louisiana Association of Drug Court Professionals&rsquo; top honor, the Jake Hadly Award, for her outstanding service in the drug court field. She is married to David E. Marchman, Jr. and they are the parents of two children.</p><p align="left">Other officers comprising the 2010-2011 Executive Committee of the LDJA are: 1st Judicial District Court Judge Scott Crichton, First Vice-President; 9th Judicial District Court Judge Harry F. Randow, Second Vice-President; 22nd Judicial District Court Raymond S. Childress, Secretary; and 15th Judicial District Court Judge Jules D. Edwards, III, Treasurer.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2009 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; april 28, 2009</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="center"><strong>2009 STATE OF THE JUDICIARY ADDRESS TO THE<br />JOINT SESSION OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE<br />LOUISIANA LEGISLATURE BY<br />CATHERINE D. KIMBALL<br />CHIEF JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA<br />TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2009, 5:00 P.M. HOUSE CHAMBER</strong></p><p>Good Evening! I am delighted to be here with you this evening, and I greatly appreciate your giving me the opportunity to address you on the state of the judiciary in Louisiana. Joining me today are Justice Bernette Johnson from New Orleans; and Justice Chet Traylor, from Winnsboro. This is the last state of the judiciary address Chet will attend as a justice because he is retiring from the court at the end of next month to return to the private practice of law. Also here from the Court are Justice Jeannette Knoll, from Marksville; Justice John Weimer from Thibodaux; and I would like to introduce you to our newest Justice, Greg Guidry from Jefferson Parish who has served on the court since January of this year. Unfortunately, Justice Jeff Victory from Shreveport is unable to attend.</p><p>It was suggested to me by some of the members that I should keep my remarks brief. I will try to do that, but please know that I do not speak as fast as Governor Jindal. On the other hand, I don&rsquo;t speak as slow as Francis Thompson. But I must tell you that there are so many good things happening in our branch of government that I could speak to you for several hours and not cover all of them adequately. However, out of respect for you and for fear of a possible uprising, I will endeavor to limit my remarks to only a few of the numerous things we are involved in right now.</p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Vision for the Judiciary:</strong></span><br />Immediately after my Induction ceremony, our court met to set a direction for this year and beyond. We adopted a vision statement for our court. Though not profound, this simple statement is the standard by which we intend to measure our judicial system and the standard by which we intend to effectuate the change necessary to bring this vision to reality.&nbsp;</p><p>Three weeks after I became Chief Justice, I had occasion to meet with the Speaker. His first question to me was, &ldquo;have you completed your five year plan?&rdquo; While we may need a little more time to get there, I believe our vision statement demonstrates the direction in which we&rsquo;re headed. That vision is as follows: We envision hard working judges, that treat all within their purview with kindness, fairness and respect, and who require that same treatment by his or her employees and the attorneys who appear before the court; a judiciary that is recognized by our state and nation as having those qualities. We envision a judiciary that handles its work efficiently and appropriately and cares as deeply about the disposition of a child abuse, a juvenile, or a custody case as it does about a high profile civil lawsuit.</p><p>This vision is shared not only by these justices and our court but by many hardworking judges at all levels of our state&rsquo;s judiciary. And we have begun throughout our state judiciary to implement measures to make our vision a reality.</p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Improved Case Management:</strong></span><br />Our court&rsquo;s first implementation priority is &ldquo;improved case management&rdquo; at all levels of the judiciary. We want to understand why some courts and some judges&rsquo; dockets are handled quickly and efficiently and some are not. We will examine those issues and afford assistance to any courts who need help with managing their dockets. We believe very strongly that the court system should be run for the convenience of the users of the system. To demonstrate our emphasis on these issues, we decided to begin the examination with our own court. We are in process of finalizing a contract with the National Center for State Courts whereby the Center will examine the case management processes of the Louisiana Supreme Court and advise us how we might handle the public&rsquo;s business in a more efficient or timely manner. We are also reviewing all departments at the Supreme Court to improve efficiency and competency. We have instituted management training so that our managers may better handle their supervisory functions and responsibilities and assist our staff in achieving their top job performance. We have also implemented some insightful suggestions made by our employees to improve our internal communications.<br />We are not alone in this self-examination. I am proud that several of our lower courts, in anticipation of, and embracing the inquiries that will be made, have already taken steps to examine their own case management operations and other improvements they may undertake to perform their jobs more efficiently. We will continue to encourage this type of examination.</p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Financial Disclosure:</strong></span><br />At the Supreme Court, we have recently taken other steps towards judicial reform. Last year, we implemented stringent rules requiring financial disclosure by our state judges. The first reporting deadline is May 15th of this year, although recent judicial candidates were already required to file their disclosure reports. We also revised and strengthened Canon 6 of our Code of Judicial Conduct governing the receipt of gifts by state judges. These new rules have been a source of many inquiries from state judges as they seek to comply with the new requirements, but I am encouraged that our judges are in fact acting in accordance with these new rules and are in the process of preparing their financial disclosures.</p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Judicial Education:</strong></span><br />We are also concentrating on improving the competency of our judges by improving the judicial education we offer. Our State District Judges Association has undertaken a universal &ldquo;best practices&rdquo; effort to discover and then implement the best methods of handling cases in our court system. Last December, about twenty of the best and brightest members of the state judiciary gave up a week of their time and countless hours of preparation to present a week of &ldquo;New Judges Training&rdquo; for the newly elected judges on how to begin their career in a competent and knowledgeable way. We also recently held mandatory training for all judges who handle capital cases. And our Supreme Court Conference has recently authorized representatives of the Judicial College to examine successful judicial education programs in other states so that we may further improve our own education curriculum.</p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Reapportionment:</strong></span><br />Our court realizes that soon you will look at reapportioning yourselves and others as we learn from new census results what our state now looks like. We recognize the possibility of new imbalances among our supreme court districts as population shifts have occurred. Although there has never been a United States Supreme Court pronouncement requiring reapportionment of the judicial branch of government, we nonetheless embrace the idea of balance in our system. The courts of appeal, as well, recognize the very real implications of caseload imbalance on the workloads of their judges and on the speed with which the public&rsquo;s business is handled. We will work with Glenn and others at the legislature and will present a plan to you at the appropriate time for a re-structuring of supreme court districts. The courts of appeal have created a committee of their judges and will present to you as well a plan to improve their workload distribution and a method of re-structuring, if necessary, to ensure the most efficient handling of the appeals in our state.</p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Negative Perceptions:</strong></span><br />In the pursuit of making our vision of the judiciary a reality, we are concerned about the public perception of our branch of government. We have read, as have you all, disparaging articles about our legal system from some national organizations. We want to know the bases of these criticisms. If any are valid, we want to address them and if not, we want to work to quell them. To that end, the court has appointed a committee to analyze these articles and to address them. I believe our committee is one of the most diverse and distinguished that we have ever appointed. It consists of representatives from the Governor&rsquo;s office, including the executive counsel and senior policy advisor, members of the Legislature, including Senators Marionneaux and Amedee, and Representatives Harrison and Abramson; representatives from the Conference of Court of Appeal Judges and the Louisiana District Judges Association; and representatives from LABI, labor, the defense bar, and the Association of Justice, as well as the State Bar Association. We are encouraged by the enthusiasm and interest of this group in improving the image of Louisiana&rsquo;s legal system. Though there are many diverse interests and ideas among this group, we all share a love of our state and a commitment to try to improve its image.</p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Pro Se Litigants:</strong></span><br />On the national stage, we are seeing an increase in the numbers of pro se litigants that are using the court system. These are litigants that seek to file suit or pursue relief from a court without the assistance of an attorney. This national trend is also evident in Louisiana. Obviously, as the cost of litigation continues to be high and as the economy weakens, more and more of our citizens who must utilize the courts are trying to handle their legal matters on their own. The Supreme Court, in concert with the Louisiana State Bar Association, has formed a committee to explore methods of assisting those pro se litigants in navigating the legal system. In states such as ours where poverty might play a widespread yet unfortunate role in the lives of our citizens, it is imperative that we move in this direction. We must and we will do more to make our courts available and accessible to all of Louisiana&rsquo;s citizens, no matter what their means.</p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Other advances:</strong></span><br />I would like to quickly mention some of the other advances we have and are making at our court. As you may know, we &ldquo;live stream&rdquo; our oral arguments so anyone can watch them from a computer; our Court website is now translatable into 31 different languages; and we will soon be kicking off an e-filing system where court filings can be made via e-mail. Our domestic violence registry is unique in that it reports directly to the FBI and has been recognized by the FBI for its outstanding work. Our security staff, under the supervision of Justice Traylor, is one of the best in the country, and we participate in training with the secret service. We will ask you this year to afford our court security officers &ldquo;peace officer&rdquo; status.</p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Adult Criminal Justice:</strong></span><br />We have and will continue to work with you and the executive branch to do our part to address the problems in criminal justice, both in the adult and juvenile areas. In the adult arena, you may know that one in 26 adults in Louisiana is under correctional control - one in every 55 Louisiana residents is incarcerated. Even more sobering is our recidivism rate - just under 50%. In 2009, approximately 15,000 offenders will be released from prisons back to Louisiana&rsquo;s communities. They will face huge obstacles such as finding a job, a place to live, and treatment for physical or mental health issues. I applaud Secretary LeBlanc&rsquo;s commitment to try to reduce this recidivism rate through reentry programs - preparing an offender for his return to society before he is released from prison. The Secretary and I have spoken about the critical importance of pre-release preparation and the associated cost benefit to the citizens of Louisiana when an offender successfully reenters our communities and becomes a productive, law-abiding and tax-paying citizen.</p><p>Perhaps more important in reducing recidivism is an examination of our sentencing and correctional policies. You recently reenacted the Louisiana Sentencing Commission, which I understand will undertake the task of examining this state&rsquo;s sentencing policies. I commend you for that step, which will go a long way toward controlling the growth of Louisiana&rsquo;s prison population, and which will work in tandem with Secretary LeBlanc&rsquo;s reentry initiatives.</p><p>We have worked with you to develop one of the most extensive drug court programs in the country because we know these programs work, and a successful drug court graduate contributes to society rather than drains it. Our drug court judges devote many, many, hours to these programs in addition to their regular dockets. Most of them do their staffing each week early in the morning before they start court for the day. They put in this extra time because they realize the value of these programs.</p><p>We have also started to explore other kinds of specialty courts such as DWI courts and mental health courts. While I recognize the potential benefit of &ldquo;problem solving&rdquo; courts, I believe we need to proceed cautiously and deliberately to ensure uniform standards, accountability measures, and monitoring mechanisms. To this end, we just recently applied for a federal grant to add expertise in these areas and explore the appropriate standards and best practices for our judges who are willing to take on yet additional &ldquo;problem solving&rdquo; court programs. We want them to have the best training and employ the best methods possible to these new kinds of judging. Ideally, these programs will have the ultimate effect of reducing the long term costs of incarceration.</p><p>Another method of reducing long term costs in criminal justice and one that is required by both the United States and Louisiana Constitutions is our obligation to provide, and your obligation to fund, adequate representation for indigent defendants. While not usually considered, perhaps, as a cost savings method, adequate counsel prevents in many cases, particularly in death penalty cases, exorbitant costs associated with reversal and re-trial. In addition to the monetary costs, can you imagine the human costs expended when a defendant that has been sentenced to death must be re-tried and the families of the victim and the defendant must re-live all of the emotions connected with a capital crime? Adequate resources for indigent defense can significantly reduce the likelihood of delay and provide a better initial trial experience. I urge you to continue what you started in reforming indigent defense and providing it with adequate resources to perform its constitutional functions in criminal justice.</p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Juvenile Justice Reform:</strong></span><br />I&rsquo;d like to turn now to a subject that is very near to my heart, Louisiana&rsquo;s juvenile justice system. As many of you were not here in 2001 when this effort began, I will give you a very brief history of where we were and how far we have come.&nbsp;</p><p>Just a little over ten years ago, in 1996, the U.S. Department of Justice wrote the Governor of Louisiana, informing him of life-threatening and dangerous conditions at the state&rsquo;s juvenile facilities, and noted that 28 children from the juvenile facility in Tallulah had been sent to the hospital for evaluation and/or treatment of serious injuries, including fractures, suspected fractures, and serious lacerations in need of suturing. Eventually, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit over conditions at Tallulah, accusing the State of Louisiana, widely believed to have the worst juvenile prisons in the nation, with failing to protect youthful inmates from brutality by guards and providing inadequate education, medical and mental healthcare. In reporting on the situation, the first line of a blistering article in a national newspaper read, &ldquo;Here, in the middle of the impoverished Mississippi Delta is a juvenile prison so rife with brutality, cronyism and neglect that many legal experts say it is the worst in the nation.&rdquo;</p><p>At that time, Louisiana&rsquo;s recidivism rate for juvenile offenders was close to 70 percent, one of the highest in the country, while the recidivism rate of the State of Missouri&rsquo;s rehabilitative model was minimal. Louisiana locked up more children per capita than any other state in the nation.</p><p>The tide started to turn several years ago. In 2001, you were asked to take steps to reform the juvenile justice system, and to create a joint commission to develop a vision and a plan for reform. You responded in an unprecedented inter-branch effort that resulted in the Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 2003, which closed the juvenile prison at Tallulah, and the creation of the Juvenile Justice Implementation Commission, as the chief vehicle for reform. I serve as Vice-Chair of the Commission. We started to look closely at alternatives to our present system, especially Missouri&rsquo;s rehabilitative system, and we made some real progress. According to a recent article by Professor Eric Trupin of the University of Washington School of Medicine, by 2006 Louisiana&rsquo;s system was hailed by both local advocates and the Justice Department as a progressive model for the rest of the country. National experts have helped the state develop programs that enhance youth strengths and build a positive peer culture. Both the Casey Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation have invested substantial funds in creating comprehensive systems change initiatives in support of the strides we have made in reforming our juvenile justice system. The system will now emphasize the importance of providing essential services in the community.</p><p>Our improvement of the juvenile justice system has been significant, but there is still much work to be done. We need to keep moving forward. We need to continue with the reforms that have been set in place. We need to continue to work together so that our shameful past does in fact remain in the past. Louisiana&rsquo;s youth deserve our continued efforts.</p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Judicial Council:</strong></span><br />Before I end my remarks, I would like to thank you, the members of the Legislature, for the courtesies you have shown to the Court throughout the years. You have provided adequate funding for the state judiciary to be effective both in its adjudicative and its administrative responsibilities, even as they have increased over the years. You passed legislation requiring that requests for new court costs or the creation of new judgeships be reviewed by our Judicial Council, and we appreciate your confidence and trust. We hope you have found us responsive to your requests for advice and information. We stand ready to continue to provide assistance in this area.</p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Judicial Discipline:</strong></span><br />One particular area where you provided requested funding was to implement a procedure by which we could speed up the disposition of judicial discipline cases. Judicial discipline continues to be one of the Court&rsquo;s top priorities and concerns. As with any profession, unfortunately, there are some members who engage in misconduct and abuse the public&rsquo;s trust. We take such action and abuse very seriously. Following the dictates of our state constitution, we have endeavored to act swiftly and thoughtfully on recommendations of judicial discipline that come to us from the Louisiana Judiciary Commission. Since 2002, we have removed 6 judges and two justices of the peace from the bench, and issued a suspension without pay or other action in 31 instances.</p><p>Thanks to your budgetary support, we have worked to speed up this system. We recently established a procedure where selected retired and active judges will serve as Hearing Officers on certain Judiciary Commission complaints. In only its first year of implementation, formal charges regarding 10 different judges were referred to the hearing officers. Of these 10 cases, 2 judges and 1 justice of the peace resigned or retired rather than proceed to hearings, and hearing dates were promptly set in the 7 other cases. This demonstrates that one of the predominant reasons for using hearing officers seems to be bearing fruit &ndash; matters are being resolved more rapidly, which inures to the benefit of the public.</p><p>I believe our judicial discipline system is effective and strong. In the words of my colleague, Justice John Weimer, speaking for the Court in an opinion he authored:</p><blockquote><p>&ldquo;The judiciary of this state is not defined by the inappropriate acts of an infinitesimal few. The strength of our judiciary lies in the vast, overwhelming number of judges who diligently discharge the duties of the office. The strength of our judicial system lies in its intolerance of those who are unfaithful to the oath administered to all judges, unfaithful to the constitution, and unfaithful to the code of judicial conduct which governs judicial behavior.&rdquo;</p></blockquote><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Conclusion:</strong></span><br />In conclusion, as I close this, my first State of the Judiciary Address, I believe we have a strong and sound judiciary. However, we can, and we will, make it better. We appreciate the assistance of you, the State Legislature, in our pursuit of making our vision of a competent, compassionate, and efficient judiciary a reality.</p><p>Thank you.</p><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2008 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 7,  2008</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Charles Connell Wilson has been assigned, by Order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as Justice of the Peace pro tempore for the Parish of St. Charles, Justice of the Peace District One. He fills the vacancy that exists due to the resignation of Justice of the Peace Aleshia J. Smith, according to Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John Weimer.</p><p align="left">Wilson received an undergraduate degree and a law degree from Louisiana State University (LSU) in 1965 and 1968, respectively. In addition to establishing a private practice of law in Hahnville, Louisiana from 1974-1980, Wilson has had an extensive career in law enforcement. He has served as a Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), as a Police Planning Specialist for the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice, and as the Sheriff for the Parish of St. Charles. Other positions Wilson has held include: Quality Concerns Investigator at the Waterford lll nuclear plant in Killona, Louisiana; Chief Investigator for Boeing Petroleum Services, Inc., DynMcDermott Petroleum Operations Company at the United States Department of Energy&rsquo;s Strategic Petroleum Reserves in New Orleans; and Operation Manager for Bayou State Security Services, Inc. in New Orleans. He has also been an instructor in the areas of law enforcement and criminal justice for LSU, Northwestern Louisiana State University, and Xavier University.</p><p align="left">Wilson will serve as Justice of the Peace District One, for the Parish of St. Charles effective May 6, 2008 through November 30, 2008, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner, at which time the assignment terminates.</p><p align="center">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2007 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590<br /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 2007</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left"><a href="/press_room/press_releases/2007/Opperman_Award.pdf">Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. to receive the Fourth Annual Dwight D. Opperman Award for Judicial Excellence</a></p><p align="center">&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2005 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD&nbsp;<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>august 3, 2005</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr., while attending the 2005 Annual Meeting of the Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ) and the Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA) held in Charleston, South Carolina, from August 1-August 3, announced today&nbsp;<a href="/press_room/press_releases/2005/CCJ_Resolution01.pdf">the Conference&rsquo;s adoption of a resolution on wrongful criminal convictions</a>. This resolution was initially proposed to the Public Trust and Confidence in the Judiciary Committee by Chief Justice Calogero in January 2005 and was adopted by the Conference of Chief Justices this week. As adopted, the resolution highlights the scope of the issue and the impact upon public confidence in the criminal justice system of wrongful convictions, and it expresses the Conference&rsquo;s support of state judicial officers and appropriate public agencies in their efforts to prevent the conviction of persons wrongfully charged with criminal offenses, and improvement in procedures for considering post-conviction claims of innocence.</p><p>Chief Justice Calogero stated, &ldquo;Wrongful convictions are inefficient in that they cost the system time and money punishing innocent people, retrying cases, and possibly paying restitution to the convicted, but innocent party. Wrongful convictions are ineffective because they punish innocent persons while letting the guilty persons free to commit more crimes. Wrongful convictions are also clearly unfair ---unfair to the innocent defendant and his family, unfair to the victim who must relive the event if the case is retried, unfair to other victims who may be harmed while the real perpetrator continues to commit crimes, unfair to the taxpayers who must pay twice for wrongful convictions, and unfair to officials and other personnel in the justice system. For all these reasons, wrongful convictions undermine public trust and confidence in the system.&rdquo;</p><p>The Conference of Chief Justices was established over 50 years ago to improve the administration of justice in the states, commonwealths and territories of the United States. The Conference accomplishes this mission by facilitating the exchange of information among its members, educating and training its members, promoting the independence and effectiveness of the judiciary, developing and advancing policies of common interest to the members, and by supporting adequate funding and resources for the operation of state courts.</p><p>The Conference of Chief Justices&rsquo; 2006 Mid-Year Meeting will be held in New Orleans in February.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2004 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD&nbsp;<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2588</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>september 29, 2004</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Attorney Joseph P. Dupont, Jr. has been appointed, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore&nbsp;</em>of Plaquemine City Court, according to Justice Catherine D. "Kitty" Kimball.</p><p>Attorney Dupont will fill the vacancy created by the election of Judge William C. Dupont to the Eighteenth Judicial District Court. Attorney Dupont will serve October 1, 2004 through April 1, 2005, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner.</p><p>Attorney Dupont received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern Louisiana University in 1993 and his law degree from Southern University Law School in 1997. He has been a partner in the law firm Dupont, Dupont &amp; Dupont, Ltd. since 1998 specializing in civil law, criminal law, mineral law, environmental law and trial practice.</p><p>Attorney Dupont is admitted to practice in all Louisiana District courts, Courts of Appeal, the Louisiana Supreme Court and the United States District Court-Middle District of Louisiana. Additionally, he is member of the Louisiana State Bar Association and the 18th Judicial District Bar Association. He is the nephew of Judge William C. Dupont.&nbsp;</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2003 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>october 24, 2003</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Retired Judge Gerald P. Fedoroff has been appointed, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore&nbsp;</em>to assist with the docket of Orleans Parish Civil District Court, Division "M," according to Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr.</p><p>Fedoroff will serve for the period of October 27, 2003 through November 7, 2003, or until further orders of the Court.</p><p>Prior to his retirement in 2001, Fedoroff served as judge for Orleans Parish Civil District for nearly 31 years. He took his first oath of office in 1970 as judge for Division "E," and was subsequently re-elected to the office in 1972, 1978, 1984, 1990 and 1996.&nbsp;</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2002 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>september 5, 2002</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The Louisiana Supreme Court heard oral arguments on five pending cases today at Nicholls State University (NSU) in Thibodaux, Louisiana. The seven justices held proceedings at Nicholls as part of an ongoing effort by the Court to educate and inform students and the general public about the work of the Court.</p><p>"For over 15 years, holding court in venues other than the Supreme Court courthouse has been a tradition of the Court. The goal is to provide area citizens with a snapshot of the volume, variety and complexity of the Court's caseload by bringing the Louisiana Supreme Court to them," said Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr.</p><p>Prior to oral arguments, Justice John L. Weimer, a 1976 Nicholls graduate and a former professor of Business Law at NSU, welcomed the high school and the university students in attendance in NSU's Talbot Theater. Justice Weimer was elected last year and recently re-elected to the Sixth Supreme Court District which includes Thibodaux.</p><p>According to Justice Weimer, "High school students from 13 parishes traveled from across Louisiana to attend the court proceedings which were also open to the public and all members of the NSU community."</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2001 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>september 20, 2001</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Justice of the Peace "Stan" Sirgo, for the Parish of St. Bernard, Ward C, has been assigned, by Order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as Justice of the Peace for the Parish of St. Bernard, Ward E, according to Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. In addition to his duties as Justice of the Peace for St. Bernard, Ward C, Sirgo has been assigned to perform duties as well in Ward E, in an Order signed today by Chief Justice Calogero.</p><p>With this appointment of Justice of the Peace Sirgo, the earlier assignment of Ward F Justice of the Peace Robert "Bob" W. April, Sr., to also handle the docket in Ward E, will terminate in accordance with his request. Justice of the Peace Sirgo will serve as Justice of the Peace, for the Parish of St. Bernard, Ward E, effective September 24, 2001 through January 14, 2002.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2018 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: ROBERT GUNN </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2592 </p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; AUGUST 7, 2018</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Judge Peter J. Garcia of the 22nd Judicial District Court was recognized with the 2018 Sam Cochran Criminal Justice Award presented by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) during its annual convention in New Orleans.&nbsp; Judge Garcia is the first Louisiana recipient of the Sam Cochran Award.</p><p>The Sam Cochran Criminal Justice Award is named in honor of the founder of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training program and recognizes outstanding work in the criminal justice system, specifically the fair and humane treatment of people with mental illness. In 2011 Garcia worked to establish the Behavioral Health Court at the 22nd JDC, and for many years has advocated for the needs of those with mental illness in the criminal justice system.</p><p>&ldquo;It is our duty to point out the defects in the criminal justice system that further stigmatize mental health issues as criminal behavior,&rdquo; Garcia said.&nbsp; &ldquo;Mental illness is not a crime and we must advocate for those most unable to advocate for themselves.&nbsp; Illness is illness, whether of the body or the mind. It is our duty to use our positions of authority to point out the stigma of mental illness and the intolerance faced by those with mental illness.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p><p>Garcia uses his platform to speak at numerous events to promote awareness, and has served in leadership roles with the St. Tammany chapter of NAMI. He received the Criminal Justice Award from NAMI Louisiana in 2014, and in 2015 was further recognized by the 22nd Judicial District Attorney during National Recovery Month for his work on behalf of people with mental illness in the criminal justice system.&nbsp;</p><p>NAMI is the nation&rsquo;s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:'Times New Roman';" width="206"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td><img alt="Judge Peter Garcia (l) of the 22nd Judicial District Court was recognized with the 2018 Sam Cochran Criminal Justice Award during the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) National Convention in New Orleans. Pictured (l to r) Judge Peter Garcia, Sam Cochran. Photo Credit: NAMI/Chris Martinez" src="/press_room/press_releases/2018/images/Judge%20Peter%20Garcia%202018%20NAMI%20Award.jpg" width="700" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:medium;">&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2017 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: ROBERT GUNN </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2592 </p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; MAY 15, 2017 </strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Justice John Weimer welcomed 122 students from Thibodaux High School to the Louisiana Supreme Court on Monday, May 1, 2017 to take part in the Court&rsquo;s Law Day 2017 activities.<br /><br />While at the court, the students had the opportunity to visit the Louisiana Supreme Court Museum, tour the Law Library of Louisiana, where they learned about the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment, and meet with Justice Weimer in the courtroom.<br /><br />&ldquo;I thoroughly enjoyed my visit with the students of Thibodaux High School, from which I graduated in 1972,&rdquo; said Justice Weimer. &ldquo;I commend the students and their teachers for visiting the Louisiana Supreme Court on Law Day. The students were polite, inquisitive, and interested. It is my hope their visit was a worthwhile education experience.&rdquo;<br /><br />Law Day was established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to strengthen our heritage of liberty, justice and equality under the law. In 1961, Congress issued a joint resolution designating May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day. Every president since then has issued a Law Day proclamation on May 1st to celebrate the nation&rsquo;s commitment to the rule of law. The 2017 national Law Day theme is The 14th Amendment: Transforming American Democracy, and provides the opportunity to explore the many ways that the Fourteenth Amendment has reshaped American law and society.<br /><br />Teachers or principals interested in coordinating a Louisiana Supreme Court tour or a Law Day presentation with a local judge, contact the Louisiana Supreme Court Community Relations Department at 504.310.2588.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /></p><p><strong>Thibodaux High School Law Day 2017</strong></p><table><tbody><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:50%;"><img alt="Thibodaux High School Law Day 2017" src="/community_outreach/images/LawDayImages%2F2017_Thibodaux%20HS_01%20Sized.jpg" width="400" /></td><td style="width:50%;"><img alt="Thibodaux High School Law Day 2017" src="/community_outreach/images%2FLawDayImages%2F2017_Thibodaux%20HS_02%20Sized.jpg" width="400" /></td></tr><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:50%;"><img alt="Thibodaux High School Law Day 2017" src="/community_outreach/images/LawDayImages%2F2017_Thibodaux%20HS_03%20Sized.jpg" width="400" /></td><td style="width:50%;"><img alt="Thibodaux High School Law Day 2017" src="/community_outreach/images%2FLawDayImages%2F2017_Thibodaux%20HS_04%20Sized.jpg" width="400" /></td></tr></tbody></table>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2016 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; MARCH 23, 2016</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Attorney Bobby L. Stromile has been appointed, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judge <em>pro tempore</em> of Caddo Parish Juvenile Court, Section &ldquo;D,&rdquo; according to Justice Scott J. Crichton. Stromile will fill the vacancy created by the election of Judge Shonda Stone to the Second Circuit Court of Appeal and he will serve from March 22, 2016 through September 22, 2016, or until the vacancy is filled by election, whichever comes sooner.<br /><br />Stromile attended Southern University A &amp; M and received his law degree from Southern University Law Center in 1975. Stromile has been in the private practice of law at Bobby L. Stromile, LLC. He has also served as a staff attorney for the Bossier-Webster Public Defender&rsquo;s Office where he handles both Child in Need of Care and juvenile delinquency cases. For more than 25 years prior, Stromile served as an assistant district attorney for the 26th Judicial District (Bossier/Webster Parishes). There he served as First Assistant District Attorney from 1991-2003 and had primary supervision over the juvenile cases during that time.<br /><br />Stromile is the former president and vice-president of the Louisiana Child Support Enforcement Association and is a member of a number of professional organizations including: the Louisiana State Bar Association; the National Bar Association; the Bossier Bar Association; the Shreveport-Bossier Black Lawyer&rsquo;s Association; and the Louisiana District Attorney&rsquo;s Association (Retiree).</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><table><tbody><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:100%;"><img alt="Attorney Bobby L. Stromile" src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2016%2Fimages%2FBobby_Stromile_photo.jpg" width="300" /></td></tr><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:100%;text-align:center;">Attorney Bobby L. Stromile<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2015 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; OCTOBER 13, 2015</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, on behalf of the Louisiana Supreme Court, recently signed an order establishing the Louisiana Access to Justice Commission (ATJ Commission). The mission of the ATJ Commission is to assure continuity of policy and purpose in the collaboration between the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA), the courts and the civil justice community, in furtherance of the goal to ensure that all Louisiana citizens have access to equal justice under the law.<br /><br />According to Chief Justice Johnson, &ldquo;Recognizing the importance of civil equal justice to the proper functioning of our democracy, and the need for leadership and effective coordination of civil justice efforts in our state, the Supreme Court was pleased to support the outstanding work of the LSBA&rsquo;s Access to Justice Committees and to encourage the continuation of that ongoing work with the creation of this Commission. Through the ATJ Commission, the Supreme Court and the LSBA will work in concert, promoting effective and economical civil legal services delivery for low and moderate income citizens of Louisiana.&rdquo;<br /><br />The ATJ Commission will operate as a standing committee of the LSBA consisting of 21 voting members appointed by the President of the LSBA and the Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court. Members will represent diverse ethnic, gender and geographic communities of Louisiana. Lawyers serving on the Commission will have demonstrated a commitment to access to justice issues and will reflect the various types of legal aid providers in Louisiana.<br /><br />Some of the goals of the Commission include: educating the people of Louisiana about the importance of equal access to justice and the challenges many face in effectively accessing the civil justice system in Louisiana; developing a strong statewide civil legal services delivery system by licensed attorneys; developing and recommending initiatives intended to maximize resources and funding for access to justice in civil matter and to encourage efficient use of the available resources; recommending initiatives to reduce systemic barriers to access to justice, including enhancing resources for self-represented litigants; and encouraging members of the bar to provide pro bono legal services as a regular component of their practices.<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2014 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;JUNE 23, 2014</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>New Orleans Criminal Court Judge Arthur L. Hunter, Jr. represented the Louisiana judiciary at a conference on <em>United States Sentencing Reform - Experiences and Lessons Learned for Macedonia</em>. The conference took place in Skopje, Macedonia, May 12 - 13, 2014. It was presented in cooperation with the Academy for Judges and Public Prosecutors and was financially supported by the United Sates Embassy and the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.<br /><br />&ldquo;I am pleased to report that the sentencing conference was engaging and fruitful. The meetings were intimate, detailed and led the Macedonian legal authorities to adopt sentencing guidelines as well as establish a formal sentencing commission. The trip was rewarding and was a great opportunity to promote Louisiana and its legal system,&rdquo; Judge Hunter said.<br /><br />Participating in the conference were Macedonian legal authorities from the Supreme Court of the Republic of Macedonia, the Judicial Council of the Republic of Macedonia, and the Macedonian Bar Association along with the Chief Public Prosecutor, the Deputy Minister of Justice and the President of Basic Court. Topics discussed included judicial independence, judicial education, ethics, alternative sentences, plea bargaining, indigent representation, probation, pre-sentence investigation reports and the death penalty.<br /><br />Additionally, Judge Hunter had the opportunity to observe a high profile corruption case in a Macedonian court. The visit wrapped up with a final meeting and briefing with U.S. Ambassador to Macedonia Paul Wohlers.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2013 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; JUNE 20, 2013</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court announced today that 15th Judicial District Court Judge Jules D. Edwards, III and John T. M. Baldwin have been appointed as new members of the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana.<br /><br />Judge Edwards, a native of New Orleans, received his undergraduate and J.D. degrees from Loyola University New Orleans in 1981 and 1984, respectively. He earned a Masters in Public Administration from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge in 1994, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College in 2005. Judge Edwards enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1977, and served in the Louisiana Army National Guard until 2007. He served in the Infantry, Artillery and in the Judge Advocate General&rsquo;s Corps and also has served as the 256th Infantry Brigade&rsquo;s Inspector General, and the State Judge Advocate. In 2007 he retired as Colonel of the Louisiana National Guard and was recognized as the best Staff Judge Advocate in the United States.<br /><br />Judge Edwards has served as Chief Judge of the 15th Judicial District Court and has been a drug court judge and pioneer. Prior to serving on the court, he has also served as an Indigent Defender Attorney, Assistant District Attorney, Counsel to the Louisiana Senate&rsquo;s Select Committee on Crime and Drugs, and a partner in the Edwards and Edwards Law Offices. Judge Edwards was selected by the Louisiana Supreme Court to serve as a judge-member of the Judiciary Commission, succeeding Judge Sharon I. Marchman.<br /><br />John T. M. Baldwin, a native of Covington, received a B.A. degree with honors in business administration from Northwood University in Cedar Hill, Texas in 1972. He is Owner and Chief Executive Officer of Baldwin Motors, Inc., a Lincoln and Subaru dealership, and is Owner and President of John Baldwin&rsquo;s Classic Sports Cars, Ltd. specializing in exotic sports cars and historic race cars. Both businesses are located in Covington, Louisiana, and were established in 1950 and 1981, respectively.<br /><br />Baldwin is a member of the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association where he has served on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. Additionally, he has served on the St. Peter Catholic Church Parish Council and in leadership positions for a number of civic and business organizations, including the Covington Rotary Club, the United Way of Southeast Louisiana Board of Trustees, the United Way St. Tammany Leadership Council, the West St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement and dealer representative on the Lincoln Mercury Dealer Council. In 2002 he co-founded and continues to chair Feeding the Needy, a program organized to deliver over 1500 holiday meals to families on Christmas morning. Baldwin served in the United States Navy Submarine Service. Baldwin was selected by the Louisiana District Judges Association to serve as a citizen-member of the Judiciary Commission, succeeding Carol LeBlanc.<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2012 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;OCTOBER 18, 2012</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The Louisiana Supreme Court will hold court at Northwestern State University today to hear oral arguments on four pending cases. The session is part of an on-going effort to educate and inform students and the general public about the work of the Court. The oral arguments will convene at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall and will be open to university and high school students, faculty, and the public as space is available.</p><p align="left">The session will be streamed on Northwestern State&rsquo;s website, www.nsula.edu.</p><p align="left">Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball and Northwestern State President Dr. Randall J. Webb jointly announced the convening of the Louisiana Supreme Court, which periodically convenes in venues other than the Supreme Court Courthouse in New Orleans, and which is known as &ldquo;riding the circuit.&rdquo;</p><p align="left">&ldquo;We are pleased to be able to hold our court sitting in Natchitoches, one of the first places where the Louisiana Supreme Court held oral arguments,&rdquo; said Chief Justice Kimball.</p><p align="left">As Justice Greg Guidry further explained, &ldquo;March 1, 2013, will mark the bicentennial of the Louisiana Supreme Court. In recognition of this momentous occasion the justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court are &lsquo;riding the circuit&rsquo; in Natchitoches.</p><p align="left">Before transportation made it possible to travel easily to New Orleans, &lsquo;riding the circuit&rsquo; was constitutionally required to make it possible for citizens statewide to have access to justice. Natchitoches, along with Monroe and Opelousas, was a venue on the circuit and we feel it is symbolically appropriate to return to our former home as we kick-off the celebration of the Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s 200th anniversary.&rdquo; Justice Guidry is coordinating the Court&rsquo;s bicentennial commemoration.</p><p align="left">&ldquo;We place a high priority on civic engagement here at Northwestern and are delighted to host this event,&rdquo; said Northwestern President Dr. Randall J. Webb. &ldquo;It is especially appropriate for the Court to choose Natchitoches, the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase territory, as the site of a session that will allow our students and the outlying community the opportunity to witness the state&rsquo;s highest court in action.&rdquo;</p><p align="left">While in Natchitoches, the Justices will also participate in the annual Red Mass at 10 a.m. Friday 19 at Trinity Episcopal Church. The Red Mass is a prayer service for individuals in the legal community.</p><p align="left">The Louisiana Supreme Court last sat at Northwestern State in 1986.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2011 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; august 1, 2011</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The Louisiana Supreme Court announced today that Carol R. LeBlanc and William &ldquo;Bill&rdquo; W. Hall have been elected Chair and Vice-Chair of the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana, respectively.</p><p align="left">LeBlanc will serve a one-year term as Chair of the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana. She succeeds Sharonda R. Willams of New Orleans as Chair. LeBlanc is a graduate of Meadows-Draughn Business College and has recently retired from her position with the North Lafourche Conservation, Levee &amp; Drainage District. She has a long history of civic service in Lafourche Parish and in state government. In 2005 she was inducted as an honorary member of the Louisiana Center for Women &amp; Government Hall of Fame at Nicholls State University. In 2009 Leblanc was selected by the Louisiana District Judges Association to serve a four-year term as a citizen member of the Judiciary Commission. She previously served as a Commissioner from 2003-2004.</p><p align="left">Hall will serve a one-year term as Vice-Chair of the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana. He succeeds Judge Bonnie Jackson of Baton Rouge as Vice-Chair. Hall is a private practice attorney in Jefferson Parish. He received both his undergraduate degree (1971) and law degree (1973) from Louisiana State University. From 1973-1987, Hall was an Assistant District Attorney in Jefferson Parish and from 1980-2006 he served as Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Louisiana. An active member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, Hall has served in leadership positions on the Committee of Professional Responsibility and is a member of the American Bar Association, the Louisiana Association for Justice, and the Louisiana Defense Counsel. In 1992 he served as Chair of the Louisiana Lawyer Disciplinary Board. In 2009 Hall was selected by the Conference of Court of Appeal Judges to serve a four-year term as an attorney member of the Judiciary Commission. Photographs are attached.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2010 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; november 1, 2010</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">First Judicial District Court Judge Scott Crichton was elected First Vice-President of the Louisiana District Court Judges Association (LDJA) during the Louisiana Judges Fall Conference held in New Orleans, October 3-5, 2010. The LDJA is a professional, non-profit corporation established in 1981 that has a membership of 230 judges. All Louisiana district judges with general jurisdiction and judges of juvenile and family courts are eligible for membership.</p><p align="left">The mission of the LDJA includes, among other things, the administration of justice, representation of the interest of judges, and the professional development of its membership to provide the greatest access to fair, just and responsive trial courts.</p><p align="left">Judge Crichton is serving his 20th year as judge with the First Judicial District. Having served on both the civil and criminal divisions, Judge Crichton has presided over hundreds of jury trials and well over a thousand hearings and bench trials. He received his B.S. degree in 1976 from Louisiana State University (LSU) and a J.D. degree in 1980 from Paul M. Hebert LSU Law Center.</p><p align="left">Prior to his election to the bench in 1990, he served as an Assistant District Attorney for Caddo Parish for a decade and maintained a civil practice. He has taught Business Law for a number of years at LSU-Shreveport. He is Chairman of the Shreveport Bar Association Continuing Legal Education Committee and the LDJA Education Committee, and a member of the Diversity Committee for the Louisiana State Bar Association.</p><p align="left">Judge Crichton is a frequent speaker for the Louisiana Judicial College and he also teaches a teen consequences program &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t Let This Be You,&rdquo; which he created and has presented to more than 5000 teenagers and parents at various Shreveport schools, churches and community groups.</p><p align="left">Other officers comprising the 2010-2011 Executive Committee of the LDJA are: 4th Judicial District Court Judge Sharon Marchman, President; 9th Judicial District Court Judge Harry F. Randow, Second Vice-President; 22nd Judicial District Court Judge Raymond S. Childress, Secretary; and 15th Judicial District Court Judge Jules D. Edwards, III, Treasurer.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2009 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; april 16, 2009</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The Law Library of Louisiana is hosting a free continuing legal education (CLE) program in recognition of Law Day. The theme of Law Day for 2009 is &ldquo;A Legacy of Liberty - Celebrating Lincoln&rsquo;s Bicentennial.&rdquo; This year marks the bicentennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president, who spent much of his adult life in the practice of law. The library is offering a CLE program on Tuesday, April 28th from 11:30 AM-12:30 PM, worth one credit hour, to commemorate the legacy of Abraham Lincoln by exploring the man behind the familiar myths. The library is located in the Louisiana Supreme Court courthouse at 400 Royal Street in the French Quarter.</p><p align="left">According to Law Library of Louisiana Director Georgia Chadwick, &ldquo;The first of two speakers will be LSU Professor David Madden, Chair of the Louisiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. The Law Library of Louisiana&rsquo;s CLE program will be considered as an official event of the Louisiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission in celebrating the legacy of Abraham Lincoln.&rdquo; Professor Madden will speak about Lincoln&rsquo;s unique relationship with Louisiana, pointing out that Lincoln chose Louisiana to be the first state to re-enter the Union and to function as a model for all other Southern states in the implementation of his non-vengeful vision of Reconstruction.</p><p align="left">The second speaker will be E. Phelps Gay, partner at the New Orleans law firm of Christovich and Kearney. He has been intensely studying the life of Abraham Lincoln since the early 1990's when he purchased a copy of Lincoln: His Speeches and Writings, edited by Roy Basler. In his talk, Gay will offer his answer to the question &ldquo;Who was Abraham Lincoln?&rdquo; by covering six key aspects of Lincoln&rsquo;s character. Part of his presentation will focus on why and how Abraham Lincoln became a lawyer and an effective advocate for his clients.</p><p align="left">There is no charge for the program. However, due to limited seating, attendees must call or email to indicate they will attend. A light lunch will be provided. For more information on the Law Library of Louisiana&rsquo;s free CLE, contact Georgia Chadwick at 504.310.2402 or gchadwick@lasc.org.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2008 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 6,  2008</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The Louisiana Supreme Court Drug Court Office will hold a New Drug Court Training in Monroe, Louisiana during the week of May 5, 2008. Three judicial districts have applied for funding to implement new drug court programs for FY 2008-09. The 3rd and 10th Judicial Districts, which currently have adult drug court programs in operation, have applied for funding to implement juvenile drug court programs in their jurisdictions. The 37th Judicial District has applied for funding to implement an adult drug court program, which will be the first drug court program in this jurisdiction.</p><p align="left">According to the Louisiana Supreme Court Drug Court Program Director, Scott Griffith, &ldquo;Jurisdictions interested in establishing a drug court program must go through extensive training related to program design, drug testing, substance abuse treatment, drug court case management, and fund administration. Each drug court program is comprised of a team which is led by the drug court judge and includes a drug court coordinator, treatment staff, prosecutors, public defenders, law enforcement representatives, case managers, and others who work together to ensure that the program operates according to all applicable standards and policies.&rdquo;</p><p align="left">The training, which will be conducted by National Drug Court Institute faculty, will be hosted by Judge Sharon Ingram Marchman, who serves as both the adult and juvenile drug court judge in the 4th Judicial District, and members of her drug court teams. Judge Marchman was recently awarded the prestigious Jake Hadley Award for her dedication and outstanding service to the drug court field at the 2008 Louisiana Association of Drug Court Professionals Conference.&nbsp;</p><p align="center">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2007 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590<br /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 10, 2007</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="center"><strong>Louisiana Protective Order Registry Receives FBI Award</strong></p><p>As Chair of the Louisiana Supreme Court Technology Committee, Justice Catherine D. "Kitty" Kimball announced today that the Louisiana Protective Order Registry (LPOR) received the prestigious Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division Assistant Director's Award for&nbsp; Outstanding Contribution to State and Local Public Safety during a ceremony which took place at the Louisiana Supreme Court this afternoon. Bobby P. Hamil, Jr., FBI CJIS NICS Section Chief, made the presentation.&nbsp; LPOR is the first of forty-five state registries, and the only court-managed program, to win this award.</p><p>LPOR, a division of the Court Management Information Systems (CMIS) division in the Judicial Administrator's Office of the Louisiana Supreme Court, is a statewide repository for court orders issued for the purpose of preventing domestic abuse and dating violence. LPOR was officially launched in April 1999. Currently, all 64 parishes are participating in the program. As of April 30, 2007, LPOR had entered 154,714 orders in their repository, of which 8,570 orders were still active as of that same date.</p><p>According to FBI CJIS Assistant Director Thomas Bush, III, "The LPOR displays exceptional initiative and unselfishness, making themselves available to the FBI around the clock to ensure potential gun purchasers, who are also the subjects of court issued protective orders, do not receive possession of a firearm.&nbsp; The LPOR's expertise pertaining to the federal Brady law, particularly regarding protective orders, places them in a category of their own.&nbsp; The development of liaison relationships between the NICS Section and the LPOR has significantly enhanced public safety nationally. The LPOR's professionalism is certainly in keeping with the finest traditions of not only the law enforcement community, but the citizens they serve.&nbsp; LPOR's commitment to public safety warrants them to be highly deserving of this award."</p><p>In Louisiana, protection orders signed by judges are reviewed, then entered into the repository by LPOR staff immediately upon receipt from the courts. Orders meeting specific criteria are forwarded to the NICS and are used to ensure that prohibited gun purchasers are prevented from obtaining possession of a firearm through a licensed gun dealer.&nbsp; Under the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993, the NICS section has up to three business days to process background check investigations.</p><p>If no final determination is made within the three business-day time frame, the Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) can transfer the firearm to the applicant at their discretion.&nbsp; This magnifies the importance of local and state agencies' timely assistance to ensure firearms are not transferred to individuals prohibited from purchasing, possessing, transporting or selling a firearm.</p><p>This award is being presented to seven members of the Louisiana Protective Order Registry and CMIS division for their exemplary performance assisting the NICS with public safety.&nbsp; They are: Francis G. DiFulco (Assistant Chief Information Officer, CMIS Division), Mary R. "Patsy" Taylor (LPOR Director), Ramona M. Harris (LPOR Research Associate), Beverly P. Green (LPOR Operations Supervisor), Francis E. Robinson (LPOR Data Coordinator), Patricia M. Angell (LPOR Data Coordinator), Cathy L. Eady (LPOR Data Coordinator)</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2005 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD&nbsp;<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>june 22, 2005</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>By order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, Retired Judge Andrew B. Gallagher has been appointed to the Campaign Oversight Committee and former committee members Debra Simmons Neveu, Dr. Christopher Cenac, and Gale B. Clausen have been re-appointed, all to serve a four year term of office. The committee is comprised of lawyers, retired judges, and citizens who are neither judges nor lawyers.</p><p>According to Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr., &ldquo;The purpose of the committee is to serve as a resource for judicial candidates, to assist judges and attorneys running for judicial office about the Code of Judicial Conduct and to help deter impermissible judicial campaign conduct.&rdquo;</p><p>Retired Judge Gallagher was a judge of Caddo Juvenile Court from 1979 -1999 where prior to his service as a judge he was a Legal Officer of the court from 1964-1979. As an attorney, he practiced law from 1965-1979 with the law firm Gallagher &amp; Gallagher and from 1961-1965 with the law firm Gallagher, Alexander &amp; Gallagher.</p><p>Debra Simmons Neveu, an attorney from New Orleans, specializes as an Arbitrator and Mediator. For the American Arbitration Association she has been a member of Employment Mediation and Arbitration Panels since 1993 and for the United States Postal Service-American Postal Workers Union she has been a member of the Southwest Expedited Arbitration Panel from 1998-1999 and a Regular Panel Member since 1999 to the present.</p><p>Dr. Christopher Cenac, a citizen member of the Campaign Oversight Committee, is an orthopedic surgeon in private practice in Houma, Louisiana. He is a member of the staff at Terrebonne General Medical Center, Bayou Oaks Hospital, Physicians Surgery Center, and Leonard Chabert Medical Center in Houma, Louisiana. Cenac is additionally on staff at Thibodaux Regional Hospital in Thibodaux, Louisiana and Doctor&rsquo;s Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana.</p><p>Gale B. Clausen, also a citizen member, is a Senior Claims Adjuster for the Louisiana Compensation Corporation where she has been employed since 1993. She is a board member of the Sunshine Foundation, a past officer of the Zonata Club of Baton Rouge, a past board member of the Eye Bank Auxiliary, the Special Children&rsquo;s Foundation, the Respite Home of Baton Rouge, and the Newcomer&rsquo;s Club of Baton Rouge.</p><p>The other Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee members are: Harry S. Hardin, III (Chair); Father M. Jeffery Bayhi; Barry Erwin; Donna D. Fraiche; Lynn M. Luker; Retired Justice Harry T. Lemmon; Dr. Romell J. Madison; John B. Scofield; Retired Judge Fred C. Sexton; Darrell Douglas Teats; and Retired Judge Melvin A. Shortess.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2004 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD&nbsp;<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2588</p><p>OR&nbsp;<br />ANGELA R. ANTHONY&nbsp;<br />(504) 861-5888</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>August 19, 2004</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left"><strong>Loyola University New Orleans School of Law joins in 200-year celebration of the French Civil Code</strong></p><p>The School of Law at Loyola University New Orleans, the Louisiana Supreme Court and the French Ministry of Justice will come together in New Orleans to celebrate the Bicentennial of the French Civil Code. On Wednesday, September 8, legal scholars and distinguished justices will offer a day filled with exciting discussions, historical perceptions and a tour of the newly restored Louisiana Supreme Court located in the French Quarter.</p><p>The day begins at 9 a.m. with a welcome from Loyola President, the Rev. Kevin Wm. Wildes, S.J., and Law Dean Brian Bromberger. Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Pascal Calogero, Jr. and his French counterpart Guy Canivet, president of the Cour de Cassation, France's highest and most important appellate court for civil matters, will both make presentations. The day will end with discussions on the French code as a model for most of Louisiana's civil code. Other speakers include Professors David Gruning and Mary Algero from Loyola, Justices Bernette Johnson and Jeffrey P. Victory from the Louisiana Supreme Court, and Judge Alain Lacabarats , president of the Paris Court of Appeal.</p><p>The relationship between France and Louisiana is significant. The first French Civil Code, adopted in 1804, is commonly referred to as the Code Napoleon. It was the first successful attempt to codify European Civil Law; that is, the private civil law of continental Europe derived in part from Roman law and the work of European scholars who rediscovered and elaborated on Roman law in the middle ages up until the French Revolution. The Code Napoleon was influential throughout Europe, Latin America, and Asia and many countries' private civil law have borrowed from it or been influenced by it.&nbsp;When Louisiana lawyers drafted the first civil code for Louisiana in 1808, they, too, borrowed heavily from the Code Napoleon and were influenced by it. Today, significant parts of Louisiana's current civil code are still closely modeled on, and in some case still almost identical to, the Code Napoleon.</p><p>As Assistant Professor of Law John Lovett explains, "Civilian legal systems, especially those with Civil Codes like France, tend to regard laws enacted by the legislature as the most important source of law. Common law systems, like England, and the rest of the United States, have laws made by legislatures, too, but also give great consideration to laws made by judges-the common law.&nbsp; Louisiana today is a mixed jurisdiction.&nbsp;We have a strong civil code that, just as the Code Napoleon did, provides the most important source of law for subjects like family law, successions, private contracts, property, leases, sales, and mortgage, but we have also adopted laws and legal practices from our common law neighbors in the other 49 states."</p><p>Loyola University New Orleans was chartered in 1912.&nbsp;The Loyola School of Law operates both a day program for full-time students and an evening program for part-time students with a total enrollment of approximately 650 students and 30 full-time faculty members. The law school is a member of the Association of American Law Schools and is accredited by the American Bar Association. Visit Loyola University New Orleans on the World Wide Web at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.loyno.edu/"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">http://www.loyno.edu&nbsp;</span></a>.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2003 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>june 30, 2003</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The Louisiana Supreme Court has approved an appellate Pilot Mediation Program proposed by the First Circuit Court of Appeal. The Court will fund the one-year program designed to resolve disputes as early in the appellate process as possible and participation in the mediation program will be at no cost to the parties.</p><p>"This pilot mediation program will aid the First Circuit Court of Appeal by resolving cases in a timely fashion which will ultimately benefit the attorneys, litigants, judicial system and society at large. Having served as a mediator before becoming a judge, I have seen firsthand that mediation is an effective tool in dispute resolution," said Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John L. Weimer.</p><p>Participation in the mediation program is completely voluntary. If all parties agree to mediation, mediation will take place within 60 days of the agreement to participate. Mediations will take place only in those cases where all parties agree to participate.</p><p>According to First Circuit Court of Appeal Chief Judge Burrell J. Carter, "Confidentiality is an important component of the program. All material received by the mediation program will be maintained separate and apart from the regular court records and will not be accessible to members of the court and will only be available to the mediators and staff assigned to administer the program. The judges of the First Circuit will not be advised which cases have been selected for the program and whether or not the parties elect to participate."</p><p>The state court appellate Pilot Mediation Program adopted by the First Circuit Court of Appeal was modeled after the federal court mediation program which has been successfully in operation at the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans since 1996.</p><p>For more information on the First Circuit Court of Appeal Pilot Mediation Program contact Chief Judge Burrell J. Carter at (225) 222-4171, Judge Page McClendon at (985) 624-3310, or Clerk of Court Chris Crow at (225) 342-1500.&nbsp;</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2002 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>August 5, 2002</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="center"><strong>ISSUED BY THE LOUISIANA JUDICIAL CAMPAIGN OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>HARRY S. HARDIN, III, CHAIR</strong></p><p>The&nbsp;Louisiana Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee&nbsp;will be conducting educational seminars throughout the state to educate judges and judicial candidates about ethical campaign conduct. Judges and judicial candidates are invited to attend. All seminars are open to the public.</p><p>The seminars will be conducted by Louisiana Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee members and staff, and will focus on Canon 7 of the Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct. The schedule for the seminars is as follows:</p><p><strong>1. TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2002&nbsp;</strong><br />5:30 P.M. TO 7:30 P.M.&nbsp;<br />FIRST CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEAL, COURTROOM 1&nbsp;<br />1600 N. 3 RD STREET&nbsp;<br />BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA 70802</p><p><strong>2. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2002&nbsp;</strong><br />5:30 P.M. TO 7:30 P.M.&nbsp;<br />LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT COURTROOM&nbsp;<br />301 LOYOLA AVENUE&nbsp;<br />NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA 70112</p><p><strong>3. THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2002&nbsp;</strong><br />5:30 P.M. TO 7:30 P.M.&nbsp;<br />PIKE HALL, JR. COURTHOUSE&nbsp;<br />430 FANNIN STREET&nbsp;<br />SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA 71101</p><p><strong>4. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2002&nbsp;</strong><br />5:30 P.M. TO 7:30 P.M.&nbsp;<br />RAPIDES PARISH COURTHOUSE&nbsp;<br />700 MURRAY STREET, 4 TH FLOOR&nbsp;<br />ALEXANDRIA, LOUISIANA 71301</p><p><strong>5. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2002&nbsp;</strong><br />5:30 P.M. TO 7:30 P.M.&nbsp;<br />LOUISIANA COURT OF APPEAL, FIFTH CIRCUIT&nbsp;<br />LAWRENCE A. CHEHARDY COURTHOUSE&nbsp;<br />101 DERBIGNY STREET&nbsp;<br />GRETNA, LOUISIANA 70054</p><p><strong>6. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2002&nbsp;</strong><br />5:30 P.M. TO 7:30 P.M.&nbsp;<br />LOUISIANA COURT OF APPEAL, THIRD CIRCUIT&nbsp;<br />1000 MAIN STREET&nbsp;<br />LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA 70615</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2001 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>september 19, 2001</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Judge John E. Conery, Sixteenth Judicial District Court, St. Mary, Iberia, and St. Martin Parishes, has recently completed the History and Theory Jurisprudence course and the Law and the Social and Behavioral Sciences course offered by the highly acclaimed National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada. Judge Conery is pursuing a Masters in Judicial Studies degree (MJS) at the National Judicial College.<br /></p><p>The Masters of Judicial Studies curriculum focuses on the role of judges in American society and on the improvement of services rendered by judges. The National Judicial College has been recognized as the leading national training and education center for trial judges. Founded in 1963, more than 60,000 members of the judiciary have attended the college, including U.S. Supreme Court Justices Sandra Day O&rsquo;Connor and David Souter.<br /></p><p>Judge Conery, practiced law for 24 years in the Sixteenth Judicial District prior to his election to the bench in 1994. A graduate of the University of Southwestern Louisiana,<br /></p><p>Judge Conery attended Loyola Law School where he graduated Cum Laude in 1970. At Loyola, Judge Conery was a member of the Loyola Law Review, president of the Student Bar Association and was selected as the Outstanding Student in the College of Law.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2018 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;"><br /></p><table style="text-transform:uppercase;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td>CONTACT:&nbsp;</td><td>ROBERT GUNN, LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT<br />(504) 310-2592&nbsp;<br />ROZ MOORE, FELLOWS COORDINATOR<br />ROZ.MOORE@LA.GOV<br />(225) 342-5855</td></tr></tbody></table><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;AUGUST 7, 2017 </strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, Justice John L. Weimer, and Justice James T. Genovese hosted Governor John Bel Edwards and the college students selected to participate in the inaugural Governor&rsquo;s Fellows Program in Louisiana Government at the Louisiana Supreme Court building in New Orleans. The Fellows Program is designed to provide the participating students with the opportunity to collaborate with state agency leaders on existing projects, gain first-hand knowledge of the development and implementation of public policy, and provide a better understanding of Louisiana government and current affairs directly from state leaders.</p><p>&ldquo;It was a pleasure to welcome the first Governor&rsquo;s Fellows in the history of the state of Louisiana to the Supreme Court,&rdquo; Chief Justice Johnson said.&nbsp; &ldquo;We are always encouraged by the interest shown by the next generation in learning how our state government operates, and enjoyed the opportunity to meet with the Fellows and serve as a resource for questions they had on the judicial system.&rdquo;</p><p>The Fellows Program is a partnership with Louisiana&rsquo;s Office of the Governor, Louisiana State University, Southern University and the Baton Rouge Area Foundation. Each Fellow, who is either from Louisiana or enrolled in a Louisiana college or university, was assigned to work in an agency in Baton Rouge that aligned with their personal and professional interests.&nbsp;</p><p>This year&rsquo;s class (and the office to which they were assigned) includes:&nbsp;<strong>William Boles</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Louisiana Dept. of Health, Sec. Rebekah Gee;&nbsp;<strong>Lindsey Cooper</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, CPRA Board Chairman Johnny Bradberry;&nbsp;<strong>Jared Johnson</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Office of the Governor;&nbsp;<strong>Kobie Lain</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Dept. of Transportation and Development, Sec. Shawn Wilson;&nbsp;<strong>Seth Leto</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Louisiana Dept. of Economic Development, Sec. Don Pierson;&nbsp;<strong>Regina Mungwe</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections, Sec. Jimmy Leblanc;&nbsp;<strong>Tanisha Pruitt</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Louisiana Workforce Commission, Executive Director Ava Dejoie;&nbsp;<strong>Alexander Rader</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Louisiana State Police, Col. Kevin Reeves;&nbsp;<strong>Tatiana Gonzalez&ndash;Quiroga</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Office of Juvenile Justice, Sec. James Bueche;&nbsp;<strong>Zoe Williamson</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Office of the Governor.</p><p>Regina Mungwe, PhD candidate at Southern University from Cameroon said, &ldquo;As an African, participating in the Fellows program is a once in a lifetime experience. The program is affording me the privilege to gain first-hand knowledge of Louisiana&rsquo;s government and how it operates. I appreciated the warm welcome we received from everyone at the Supreme Court, and I thank Governor Edwards for making the visit possible.&rdquo;</p><p>&ldquo;Being able to have an engaging panel discussion with members of the Supreme Court and Governor, and meeting Chief Justice Johnson was the highlight of my visit,&rdquo; Kobie Lain said. &ldquo;It did not take long for us to be able to see how seriously they take their positions.&nbsp; I want to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity because not many are given the chance, and I am thankful to the members of the Louisiana Supreme Court for taking time out of their day to speak with us,&rdquo; he said.</p><p>During the Program, the Fellows participated in weekly speaker series and field trips to expose them to the inner workings of state government.&nbsp; For more information on the 2018 Governor's Fellows in Louisiana Government, please see:&nbsp;<a href="http://gov.louisiana.gov/page/2018-governors-fellows" target="_blank">http://gov.louisiana.gov/page/2018-governors-fellows</a>.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:'Times New Roman';" width="206"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td><img alt="(Front row, l to r): Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John Weimer, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, and Louisiana Supreme Court Justice James T. Genovese gather with participants in the 2018 Governor's Fellows Program in Louisiana Government." src="/press_room/press_releases/2018/images/Governor&#39;s%20Fellows.jpg" width="1000" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2017 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: ROBERT GUNN </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2592 </p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; MAY 15, 2017 </strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson welcomed 102 students from two New Orleans area schools to the Louisiana Supreme Court to take part in the Court&rsquo;s Law Day 2017 activities.<br /><br />On Tuesday, May 2, 75 students from Lafayette Charter Academy toured the court and sat in on oral argument in the Supreme Court courtroom. On Wednesday, May 3, 27 students from St. Katharine Drexel also were able to observe the Supreme Court in action and tour the court.<br /><br />Prior to oral argument, the students met with Chief Justice Johnson, who welcomed them to the court. After watching the oral argument take place, the students had the opportunity to visit the Louisiana Supreme Court Museum and tour the Law Library of Louisiana, where they learned about the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment.<br /><br />&ldquo;As a number of courts do across the state, the Louisiana Supreme Court enjoys hosting students every year for Law Day activities,&rdquo; said Chief Justice Johnson. &ldquo;I believe that educating these young men and women about the valuable work of our judges statewide and here at the Supreme Court helps better prepare them as they move towards becoming young adults.&rdquo;<br /><br />Law Day was established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to strengthen our heritage of liberty, justice and equality under the law. In 1961, Congress issued a joint resolution designating May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day. Every president since then has issued a Law Day proclamation on May 1st to celebrate the nation&rsquo;s commitment to the rule of law. The 2017 national Law Day theme is The 14th Amendment: Transforming American Democracy, and provides the opportunity to explore the many ways that the Fourteenth Amendment has reshaped American law and society.<br /><br />Teachers or principals interested in coordinating a Louisiana Supreme Court tour or a Law Day presentation with a local judge, contact the Louisiana Supreme Court Community Relations Department at 504.310.2588.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><table><tbody><tr style="height:33.333333333333336%;"><td style="width:50%;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;border-width:1px;border-style:double;padding:5px;margin:5px;"><strong>Lafayette Charter Academy</strong> - Law Day 2017</td><td style="width:50%;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;border-width:1px;border-style:double;padding:5px;margin:5px;"><strong>St. Katharine Drexel</strong> - Law Day 2017</td></tr><tr style="height:33.333333333333336%;"><td style="width:50%;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;border-width:1px;border-style:double;padding:5px;margin:5px;"><img alt="Lafayette Charter Academy" src="/community_outreach%2Fimages%2FLawDayImages%2F2017_Lafayette%20Charter%20Academy_01%20Sized.jpg" width="400" /></td><td style="width:50%;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;border-width:1px;border-style:double;padding:5px;margin:5px;"><img alt="St. Katharine Drexel" src="/community_outreach%2Fimages%2FLawDayImages%2F2017_St.%20Katharine%20Drexel_01.jpg" width="400" /></td></tr><tr style="height:33.333333333333336%;"><td style="width:50%;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;border-width:1px;border-style:double;padding:5px;margin:5px;"><img alt="Lafayette Charter Academy" src="/community_outreach%2Fimages%2FLawDayImages%2F2017_Lafayette%20Charter%20Academy_02%20Sized.jpg" width="400" /></td><td style="width:50%;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;border-width:1px;border-style:double;padding:5px;margin:5px;"><img alt="St, Katharine Drexel" src="/community_outreach%2Fimages%2FLawDayImages%2F2017_St.%20Katharine%20Drexel_02.jpg" width="400" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2016 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; MARCH 15, 2016 </strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>2016 STATE OF THE JUDICIARY ADDRESS TO THE</strong><br /><strong>JOINT SESSION OF THE LOUISIANA LEGISLATURE BY</strong><br /><strong>CHIEF JUSTICE BERNETTE JOSHUA JOHNSON</strong><br /><strong>SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA</strong><br /><strong>TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016, 10:00 A.M.&nbsp;</strong><br /><strong>HOUSE CHAMBER</strong></p><p><strong>MR. PRESIDENT, MR. SPEAKER, MEMBERS OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, COLLEAGUES, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:</strong><br /><br />Good morning. It is an honor and a privilege to visit with you this morning, and thank you for the invitation to address you on the State of the Judiciary. I know you have much on your legislative agenda, especially in light of the historic flooding in our state, and I do appreciate your taking the time to be here today.<br /><br />Before I begin, let me first introduce my colleagues - Justice Jeannette Theriot Knoll from Marksville; Justice John Weimer from Thibodaux; Justice Greg Guidry from Jefferson and St. Tammany; Justice Marcus Clark from Monroe; Justice Jefferson Hughes from Denham Springs; and our newest Justice, Justice Scott Crichton from Shreveport. Unfortunately for the Court and for the state, this will be the last time Justice Knoll will be in attendance as a sitting Justice, as she will be retiring at the end of 2016 after two decades on the Supreme Court and 30 years of judicial service. Jeannette is now in her victory lap. Justice Knoll is a distinguished jurist who has left an indelible mark on Louisiana jurisprudence, and we will certainly miss her on the court, and I wanted to recognize her today.<br /><br />On behalf of the Justices, let me extend our congratulations and welcome to the newly elected legislators in the House and Senate. Let me also offer our thanks and congratulations to the veteran legislators on your re-elections, although you all must feel like veteran legislators upon the conclusion last week of the Special Session.<br /><br />Our respective two branches of government have a history of mutual respect and cooperation, and it is my goal as Chief Justice to do everything I can to continue that, and build upon this relationship. I believe the mutual respect of our two branches is based upon a recognition that the Legislature and the Judiciary are two separate, but equal, branches of government. Both our federal and state Constitutions enshrine the principle of separation of co-equal powers, a principle which is meaningless and ineffective without maintenance of an independent judiciary.<br /><br />Although judges in this state are elected, their allegiance is owed to the Louisiana Constitution and to the Rule of Law, and not to the rule of the majority. It is the duty and the responsibility of each judge in this state to apply the constitution and laws to the facts before him or her, without fear or favor. A judge cannot be partisan, despite which way political winds may blow. An independent judiciary is a hallmark of our democracy, and we should take whatever steps are necessary to respect and preserve this independence.<br /><br />This morning, I will speak on the &ldquo;State of the Judiciary&rdquo;. I am pleased to bring with me today, hot off the press, copies of our 2015 Annual Report, and you have each been given a copy. Our Annual Report includes basic information on our state judiciary, as well as an annual statistical compilation of case filings at all levels of court. It also includes updates and discussions of court activities and related entities, such as the Office of the Judicial Administrator, the Louisiana Law Library, the Judicial College, the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana, the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board, and the Committee on Bar Admissions. The Annual Report is prepared in hard copy form, and it is also available online in electronic form on the Supreme Court website.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Judicial Council</strong></span><br />The Annual Report is prepared under the auspices of the Judicial Council. It is the research arm for the Court, and is composed of 17 members, representing the judiciary, the legislature, the bar, and the citizens of Louisiana. Senator Dan Claitor and Representative Frank Foil are your current representatives on the Judicial Council.<br /><br />The Judicial Council has several standing committees that report to the Legislature regularly, and chief among these are the New Judgeship Committee and the Standing Committee to Recommend Court Costs and Fees. Both of these committees were established in response to the Legislature&rsquo;s request that the Council review all requests for new judgeships, the splitting or merging of any courts, or requests for new or increased court costs or fees. These committees play a critical role in assisting the Legislature when bills regarding the structure of the judiciary or the need for new or increased court costs are presented.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Judiciary Budget</strong></span><br />I would like to highlight and specifically refer you to information that is included in our Annual Report on the judiciary budget. In addition to this budget information, copies of our most recent judiciary appropriations bill and legislative audit can be found online on our court&rsquo;s website. Further, our budget request for this upcoming fiscal year, FY 2016-2017, has been filed as HB 616, and that is available online on the Legislature website.<br /><br />Please be reminded that the judiciary appropriations bill does not include funding for the entire state judicial system. The Louisiana court system is a non-unified system. It is not a totally state funded court system under the control of the Supreme Court. There is no one overarching budget for state courts. The judicial branch of government is funded through multiple sources, including funds appropriated by the state legislature and also local governing bodies; self-generated revenues from fines, fees and court costs; and also we rely on federal grants.<br /><br />The budget prepared by the Louisiana Supreme Court and presented to you annually funds the operations of the Louisiana Supreme Court and the five courts of appeal, and also includes salaries and retirement benefits for all state judges. The budget also includes some state funding for lower courts, and funding for operations of programs that you have asked the Supreme Court to administer, such as oversight of state drug courts.<br /><br />We have always utilized these state appropriated funds in a prudent manner, and we have also actively sought and obtained significant federal funding to assist our courts. I believe we have done an excellent job and been good stewards of the public fisc, especially considering that we are able to effectively and efficiently operate a third co-equal branch of government with state appropriations totaling less than one percent (1%) of the total State budget. Page 11 of the Annual Report shows how much of the total state budget you have allocated to the judiciary; it is exactly .63%.<br /><br />We rely on you to provide adequate funding of our branch of government; this guarantees an independent judiciary. It enables the state judiciary to fulfill its constitutionally mandated duties to resolve disputes, and also allows us to continue to work for reforms and improvements in the area of judicial administration.&nbsp;<br /><br />We are aware of the budget crisis facing our State, we all live here, and I commend you for the courage you demonstrated in tackling the difficult budget issues during the Special Session. We know you have many challenges ahead of you during this Regular Session. We do have an area of particular concern with regard to indigent defense. Approximately 85% of all criminal defendants are represented by public defenders. It is our constitutional obligation to provide adequate representation. We cannot try felony cases - cases where folks are subject to imprisonment at hard labor - without them having an attorney. While not usually considered as a cost savings method, if we fail to provide adequate counsel at the outset, we will not be able to avoid the exorbitant costs associated with reversal and retrial of case.<br /><br />Our indigent defender system is funded through a combination of state appropriations ($33 million last year), proceeds from traffic tickets, and local funds and court fees. Unfortunately, revenues from traffic tickets have decreased dramatically; and we know state appropriations have been slashed. As a result, 33 of the state&rsquo;s 42 judicial district public defender offices are presently operating under a Restriction of Services, and they foresee that half the public defender offices in the state will be insolvent within months.<br /><br />We are also concerned about the effect of budget cuts on the system of legal representation in child protection cases. The Child Protection Representation Commission was recently advised that due to reductions in funding for the Louisiana Public Defender Board, state funding for provision of legal services to indigent parents would soon cease. These planned cuts to funding and services not only threaten the constitutional and legal rights of parties in abuse and neglect cases, they put Louisiana at risk of losing millions of dollars in federal child welfare funds.</p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Court costs</strong></span><br />I mentioned that our state courts are partially funded by the collection of court costs and fees. These costs and fees are implemented by either state or local legislation, and differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Although the Office of the Legislative Auditor includes a review of court cost collections in its regular audits, at this time, there is no composite inventory of what costs are being assessed by all courts.<br /><br />There is a problem when people without the means to pay criminal fines and fees may face disproportionate rates of incarceration. This issue has been publicly highlighted in various lawsuits in both state and federal court, as well as a recent publication by the American Civil Liberties Union entitled, &ldquo;Louisiana&rsquo;s Debtor&rsquo;s Prisons: An Appeal to Justice.&rdquo;<br /><br />Defendants released on their own recognizance or on unsecured bonds have no problem; however, the majority of individuals accused of low-level crimes are being held in jail simply due to poverty and the inability to pay fines and fees. People held in pretrial detention for minor offenses not only lose their freedom, and often their jobs, their homes. In this way, a relatively minor arrest can destabilize an entire family. The Settlement Agreement confected in the Snow v. Lambert in Ascension Parish seeks to address these critical issues by eliminating preset bail for misdemeanor arrestees. The Agreement prohibits any misdemeanor defendant from being held in jail, after arrest, on a secured money bond that the defendant cannot afford. In response to the Settlement in Snow, many state and local courts have chosen to voluntarily address the constitutional concerns presented by preset bail schedules.<br /><br />In an attempt to learn exactly what costs and fees are being imposed throughout the state, we have charged the Judicial Council Standing Committee on Court Costs to gather information on court costs and fees currently collected by all Louisiana courts. We asked the Committee to study the use of court costs and fees for the operational needs of the judicial system, and to develop and recommend best practices for the collection and use of costs and fees.<br /><br />The Committee recommended the creation of a transparent, public database, listing all required and optional fines and fees that may be charged; the creation of an effective system for tracking assessed and collected fines, fees and costs; and the development of best practices for fairly collecting and using these fees and costs. I am happy to report that we received a grant of $50,000 from the State Justice Institute to fund these efforts.<br /><br />Work on this important project is well underway. To assist in its work, the Court Costs Committee recently asked the Judicial Council to recommend to the Legislature the imposition of a short-term moratorium on all new fees and costs, except for exigent circumstances. I look forward to reporting to you on the work of the Committee.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Mass Incarceration</strong></span><br />I would like to turn now to another issue that costs our state millions of dollars - mass incarceration. I rarely make a speech these days without talking about mass incarceration. Louisiana has the highest rate of incarceration in the world. We spent over $600 million on state corrections in FY 2014-2015. One in 86 adult Louisianans is behind bars, nearly twice the national average. As of last year, we imprison 816 people per 100,000, compared to the national average of 496 per 100,000. In 2013, Louisiana&rsquo;s incarceration rate was nearly five times Iran&rsquo;s, 13 times China&rsquo;s, and 20 times Germany&rsquo;s. I guess it would not matter, except that it costs us money.<br /><br />While in Louisiana we are rich in oil and gas natural resources, I believe our greatest natural resource is our people. Yet our incarceration rate is so high. It is no coincidence that Louisiana is a leader in both poverty and prison population. Maybe there is a connection there.<br /><br />In May 2015, I convened a meeting of over fifty (50) criminal justice stakeholders to discuss evidence-based solutions to over-incarceration. At the meeting, Bill Hubbard, American Bar Association Immediate Past-President, led the discussion about the importance of developing legislation and policy aimed at implementing alternatives to incarceration for low-level offenders, - which just to make clear, we are only talking about low-level offenders; noone is talking about letting rapists or murderers out of jail - reducing the length of excessive criminal sentences, and providing meaningful pathways back to work and society for returning citizens. Mr. Hubbard discussed how South Carolina passed omnibus legislation that has already begun to significantly reduce the prison population, while also influencing a reduction in violent crime. These legislative reforms are estimated to save the state of South Carolina $350 million.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Pre-Trial Services</strong></span><br />Without a doubt, the problem of over-incarceration is detrimental both to our society and our economy. So what can be done? There are several initiatives underway in our state court system to address the over-incarceration issue. First, we have been looking at pre-trial services offered in our state and at how decisions are made at the point a defendant enters the criminal justice system. Research shows that pretrial detainees account for more than 60 percent of the U.S. inmate population and cost an estimated $9 billion per year to incarcerate. Public safety is undermined when space and money are unnecessarily allocated for imprisoning low-level offenders.<br /><br />I believe that a comprehensive solution to Louisiana&rsquo;s over-incarceration must include statewide pretrial services. There are models available to us that provide judges with objective, data-driven assessments of a defendant&rsquo;s risk level and the most effective approach to protecting public safety in each case. A team of judges, sheriffs and court staffers recently traveled to Kentucky to learn from that state&rsquo;s highly successful statewide pretrial services program. This is an ongoing project about which you will hear more in the future.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Specialty Courts</strong></span><br />We also want to recognize that the work our specialty courts are doing can have a dramatic effect on our incarceration rate. In Louisiana, our specialty courts include Drug Courts, Re-entry Courts, Veterans Courts and Behavioral Health Courts.<br /><br />One of the shining success stories of the collaboration of our two branches is the operation of our Drug Courts, and we thank you again for HCR 216 which you passed last year, commending the work of the Louisiana Supreme Court Drug Court Office.<br /><br />In 2001, you allocated funds to enable the Supreme Court to establish a Drug Court office to provide oversight and standards to newly established drug courts throughout the state. In 2015, there were 50 operational drug court programs in Louisiana. Of the 50 programs, there were 30 adult drug courts, 17 juvenile drug courts, and 3 family preservation courts. Forty (40) of our programs have been in operation ten years or longer.<br /><br />National research shows that 80% of offenders abuse drugs or alcohol, and almost 50% of inmates are clinically addicted; approximately 60% of arrestees test positive for drugs at arrest. Drug Courts address the incarceration problem by offering an effective alternative sentencing option.<br /><br />Our Drug Courts are successful and we have the statistical data to prove it. Our drug courts not only decrease incarceration rates, they also reduce crime and save money. In Louisiana, three years post-graduation, 89.8% of clients who graduated in 2012 had no new criminal convictions, for a recidivism rate of only 10.2%, something we should be proud of. Nationally, research has shown significant reductions in recidivism for participants in drug courts compared to those sentenced to conventional justice intervention. And for each $1.00 invested in drug courts, our state receives an average of $3.36 in benefits through reduced recidivism, decreased victimization costs, decreased medical costs, and increased worker productivity.<br /><br />Even more impressive is the fact that 49 drug-free babies were born to drug court participants in 2015, for an estimated savings of Twelve million, two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($12,250,000) just this year. Since the inception of the drug court program, we have seen the birth of 593 drug-free babies, for an estimated savings of a whopping One hundred forty eight million, two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($148,250,000) in medical and related expenses that we do not have to spend on babies who are born addicted.<br /><br />We have also seen increased interest in Louisiana in Re-entry Courts. The theory behind Re-entry courts is to address the needs of an offender by providing skills, training, education and counseling while the offender is still incarcerated. The ultimate goal is for the offender to successfully re-enter society upon release and become a productive citizen.<br /><br />Upon release, re-entry courts closely supervise offenders, provide links to social services, and monitor the transition through intensive case management. Each Re-entry Court judge first identifies a possible participant for the program. After the offender is assessed to determine his risk of recidivism and his needs, the offender is placed in an appropriate training program while incarcerated. All of these re-entry court programs are provided at Angola, take a minimum of two years to complete, and are taught by fellow offenders who are serving life sentences but have been chosen to be &ldquo;mentors&rdquo; to the Re-Entry clients.<br /><br />Department of Public Safety and Corrections Secretary James LeBlanc is dedicated to the re-entry concept. Currently, there are 16 vocational training programs offered at Angola such as automotive repair, welding, electrical, refrigeration and air conditioning repair. An inmate trained in these areas can test for certification, and if successful, has the potential to earn as much as $75,000 a year. Upon release, of course, a key element of the success of the re-entry court is the placement of the offender in a job upon release from prison, which requires the support and assistance of local businesses and communities.<br /><br />Currently we have eight statutorily created Re-entry Courts in Louisiana, and I understand there are bills pending in this session to authorize additional re-entry courts. Two of our Re-entry court judges - Judges Laurie White and Arthur Hunter of Orleans Criminal District Court - recently received national recognition for their re-entry courts.<br /><br />Preliminary results for Re-entry Courts are encouraging. The recidivism rates for participants are far less than the average rates of recidivism. This could mean dramatic savings and a decrease in crime over time. In recognition of the potential of the re-entry court model, and the need to be able to quantify its successes with measurable standards, the Supreme Court recently asked Judge William Knight of the 22nd JDC to coordinate the drafting of best practices and standards for re-entry courts, much like the drug court model.<br /><br />We have also seen an increase in interest in Speciality Courts to address specific issues relating to veterans and those who suffer from mental illness. I recently attended a conference in Washington, D. C. where Judge Steve Leifman, a Miami-Dade County Florida state judge, received the prestigious Rehnquist Award in recognition for his great strides with mental health courts. As a result of Judge Leifman&rsquo;s efforts, Florida was able to close a prison. We are in the process of gathering information on the Florida model so we can move our citizens with mental health issues out of the court system and into appropriate treatment programs.<br /><br />Another successful specialty court was the recent subject of a positive national news article. Chief Judge Desiree Charbonnet of New Orleans Municipal Court was recently spotlighted in <em>The Atlantic</em>&rsquo;s online magazine for establishing a new diversion program to address defendants charged with prostitution. Judge Charbonnet&rsquo;s &ldquo;Crossroads&rdquo; program aims to break the cycle of prostitution, arrest and incarceration by offering support through services such as health care, housing, job training or counseling.<br /><br />We owe a debt of gratitude to all of our judges who preside over specialty courts in addition to maintaining their regular dockets. You pay their salaries, but they do not get an additional dime for this extra work. They handle their specialty court dockets for no additional compensation but simply because they believe in the good that can be accomplished.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Justice Reinvestment Initiative</strong></span><br />I am looking forward to serving on the Louisiana Justice Reinvestment Task Force, which you created last year under HCR 82 and which I believe has great potential. The Task Force has been charged with studying the state&rsquo;s adult criminal justice system with an eye toward reducing inmate populations, expanding research-based supervision and sentencing practices, and reinvesting savings to reduce recidivism and improve reentry outcomes.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Juvenile Justice</strong></span><br />Another initiative which affects the incarceration rate and which could ultimately result in significant costs savings to the state is raising the age of juvenile jurisdiction, a subject which you will be considering in Senate Bill No. 324 by Senator J.P. Morrell. The bill seeks to create a council to study raising the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to include age 17. Seventeen year olds are minors; eighteen year olds are majors. Not only have other states which have made such a change seen reduced recidivism and increased cost savings, but in a recent study, the LSU Health New Orleans&rsquo; Institute for Public Health and Justice projected similar significant taxpayer savings in Louisiana if the age of juvenile court jurisdiction were raised.&nbsp;<br /><br />On the subject of juvenile justice, Louisiana must now respond to the U.S. Supreme Court&rsquo;s recent decision that children are constitutionally different from adults for purposes of sentencing. There is also a need for supporting common-sense juvenile justice reform that will curb crime, use taxpayer resources responsibly, and achieve better outcomes for children. In addition to raising the age for juvenile court jurisdiction, some further reforms include:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>right-sizing the juvenile justice system by keeping more nonviolent offenders out of juvenile prison;<br /></li><li>improving education in juvenile custody so that every child in custody has access to high-quality educational options; and<br /></li><li>promoting fairness by providing legal counsel for every child in juvenile prison.<br /></li></ul><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Other initiatives</strong></span><br />What else is going on at the Supreme Court, in addition to our continued maintenance of a current docket? We are in the process of implementing a state-of-the-art case management system in our Clerk of Court&rsquo;s office. We continue to review the state bar examination with an eye towards making improvements, and we are in the process of reviewing recommended revisions to the rules governing the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana. Late last year, I signed an Order creating an Access to Justice Commission to continue our existing efforts to provide access to the courts and to assure continuity of policy and purpose in the collaboration among the private bar, the courts, and the civil justice community. This was done to further the goal of ensuring that Louisianans, regardless of their economic circumstance, have access to equal justice under the law. Louisiana is only one of three states that provides zero funding for civil legal services.&nbsp;<br /><br />Our Judicial College is completing a year of strategic planning and is continuing to improve the quality of judicial education for our state judges. I might also mention that we suffered a great loss with the untimely death of Professor Cheney Joseph, Executive Director Emeritus of our Judicial College. I know Professor Joseph taught many of you in law school, and his contributions to Louisiana criminal law are immeasurable.<br /><br />I refer you to the Annual Report for additional information on the Court&rsquo;s year in review.<br /><br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />As I conclude, I began my remarks commenting on the history of the cooperation and collaboration between our two branches of government. The Court pledges to continue that cooperation, open lines of communication, and mutual respect.&nbsp;<br /><br />Let me again say what an honor and privilege it is to appear before you today. We greatly appreciate your hospitality. I look forward to working with you as Chief Justice, and the members of the Court and I stand ready to assist where appropriate. On behalf of the state judiciary, thank you President Alario, Speaker Barras, and all of you, the dedicated members of our state Legislature, for opening your chamber to us today, for your attention to my remarks, and for your unfailing devotion to the people of Louisiana.<br /><br />Thank you.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /></p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2015 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; OCTOBER 13, 2015</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana Law Library, housed in the Louisiana Supreme Court, announced today that it will host a six-panel display telling the story of the Freedom Rides. The exhibit, created by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History in partnership with the PBS history series &ldquo;American Experience,&rdquo; is on loan to the Law Library and will be on display from October 13 - October 30, 2015.<br /><br />According to Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, &ldquo;This exhibit tells the important story of the brave, non-violent protesters who defeated Jim Crow laws in interstate commerce. In 1961, over 400 black and white Americans risked their lives by traveling together on buses and trains through the Deep South deliberately violating Jim Crow laws in effort to force the federal government to protect the civil rights of the protesters.&rdquo;<br /><br />The exhibit was created as companion to the PBS documentary Freedom Riders which aired nationwide in 2011. The film featured testimony from a cast including: the Freedom Riders themselves, state and federal government officials, and journalists who witnessed the rides. These interviews have been interactively incorporated into the traveling exhibit and provide a firsthand account of the violence, social-political tension and the climate of change that defined the time.<br /><br />The exhibit is free and open to the public weekdays, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. The Law Library is located on the Second Floor of the Louisiana Supreme Court courthouse. For more information about the Freedom Rides exhibit contact Law Library Director Georgia Chadwick at 504.310.2400.<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 - </p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2014 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; JUNE 17, 2014</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Attorney Lynn Luker has been appointed by Order of the Louisiana Supreme Court as judge <em>pro tempore</em> of Division &ldquo;H,&rdquo; Orleans Parish Civil District, according to Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson. Luker will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Michael Bagneris effective December 11, 2013. She will serve from July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014, or until the vacancy is filled by an election, whichever occurs sooner. Attorney Val Exnicios&rsquo; appointment as judge <em>pro tempore</em> of Division &ldquo;H&rdquo; terminates June 30, 2014.<br /><br />Luker received her undergraduate degree from the University of New Orleans in 1978 and her Juris Doctor degree from Tulane Law School in 1981. She also holds two Masters of Law degrees from Tulane Law School in Admiralty (1985) and Energy and Environment (1992). Her firm, Lynn Luker and Associates, LLC is located in New Orleans and her practice focuses on the areas of law pertaining to litigation, maritime law, commercial litigation, labor and employment litigation and toxic tort litigation.<br /><br />Luker has taught numerous classes and seminars for organizations such as the National Institute for Trial Advocacy, the American Bar Association and the International Association of Defense Counsel Trial Academy. She has taught coursework at Tulane Law School, LSU Law School and Loyola University Law School. Currently, Luker is a professor and co-director of the Trial Advocacy Program at Tulane Law School.<br /><br />She is admitted to practice in the states of Louisiana and Massachusetts, the Eastern, Western and Middle U.S. District Courts of Louisiana, the 5th and 11th Circuit Courts of Appeal, and the U.S. Supreme Court.<br /><br />During her legal career, Luker has received several honors including the Distinguished Teaching Award from Tulane Law School and the Human Rights Award from the Louisiana State Bar Association. She also has been named as One of Top 25 Women Lawyers in Louisiana, a &ldquo;Leader in Law&rdquo; by CityBusiness, a &ldquo;Role Model&rdquo; by the Young Leadership Council, and is a past President of the Tulane Inn of Court.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2013 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; JUNE 4, 2013</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jefferson D. Hughes took a big step Over the Edge for Adoption to increase awareness of the nearly 300 adoption-eligible children in Louisiana&rsquo;s Foster Care program. The Over the Edge for Adoption event featured Justice Hughes, other state leaders and local celebrities rappelling the One American Place building in downtown Baton Rouge.<br /><br />According to Justice Hughes, &ldquo;Rappelling a building is a unique moment to focus on the need for more adoptive homes for children, however, through its Children and Families Department, the Louisiana Supreme Court is regularly engaged in initiatives that promote permanent placement of children.&rdquo;<br /><br />The Louisiana Supreme Court administers both the Court Improvement Program and the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Assistance Program which are statewide programs serving to increase permanency and well-being for children in the foster care system.<br /><br />For more information about Louisiana Supreme Court services for children and families contact Karen Hallstrom at 504.599.0770.&nbsp;<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp;
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2012 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;OCTOBER 11, 2012</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The Louisiana Supreme Court will hold court at Northwestern State University to hear oral arguments on four pending cases. The session is part of an on-going effort to educate and inform students and the general public about the work of the Court. The session will convene at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18 in Magale Recital Hall and will be open to university and high school students, faculty and the public as space is available.</p><p align="left">The session will be streamed on Northwestern State&rsquo;s website, nsula.edu.</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Catherine Kimball and Northwestern State President Dr. Randall J. Webb jointly announced the convening of the Louisiana Supreme Court, which periodically convenes in venues other than the Supreme Court House in New Orleans and which is known as &ldquo;riding the circuit.&rdquo;</p><p>&ldquo;We are pleased to be able to hold our court sitting in Natchitoches, one of the first places where the Louisiana Supreme Court held oral arguments,&rdquo; Kimball said.</p><p>As Justice Greg Guidry further explained, &ldquo;March 1, 2013, will mark the bicentennial of the Louisiana Supreme Court. In recognition of this momentous occasion the justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court are &lsquo;riding the circuit&rsquo; in Natchitoches. Before transportation made it possible to travel easily to New Orleans, &lsquo;riding the circuit&rsquo; was constitutionally required to make it possible for citizens statewide to have access to justice. Natchitoches, along with Monroe and Opelousas, was a venue on the circuit and we feel it is symbolically appropriate to return to our former home as we kick-off the celebration of Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s 200th anniversary.&rdquo; Justice Guidry is coordinating the Court&rsquo;s Bicentennial commemoration.</p><p>&ldquo;We place a high priority on civic engagement here at Northwestern and are delighted to host this event,&rdquo; said Northwestern State President Dr. Randall J. Webb. &ldquo;It is especially appropriate for the Court to choose Natchitoches, the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase territory, as the site of a session that will allow our students and the outlying community the opportunity to witness the state&rsquo;s highest court in action.&rdquo;</p><p>While in Natchitoches, the Justices will also participate in the annual Red Mass at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 19 at Trinity Episcopal Church. The Red Mass is a prayer service for individuals in the legal community and law enforcement profession. Trinity will host a reception following the service.</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court last sat at Northwestern State in 1986.</p><p>For more information, about the Louisiana Supreme Court visit to Northwestern State visit lasc.org.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2011 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; june 30, 2011</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Attorney Clinton W. Smith has been appointed by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore</em>&nbsp;of Division &ldquo;A,&rdquo; Orleans Parish Traffic Court, according to Justice Bernette J. Johnson. Smith will fill the vacancy created by the death of Judge Dennis Dannel on January 21, 2011. He will serve from July 1, 2011 through September 30, 2011, or until further order of the Court.</p><p align="left">Smith received his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College in 1982 and he received his law degree from Tulane University Law School in 1987. He previously has been appointed to serve as an Administrative Law Judge for the New Orleans Aviation Board and as a judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore</em>&nbsp;for Orleans Parish Juvenile Court. Additionally, he has served as a member of the Louisiana Supreme Court Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Committee.</p><p align="left">Currently Smith has limited private law practice. He is also an independent contractor with The DMP Group, LLC, a full-service Certified Public Accounting and Management Consulting Firm, where he is responsible for conducting compliance oversight for the Federal Transit Administration.</p><p align="left">Smith is a member of the New Orleans Bar Association, the Louisiana Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the Louis A. Martinet Society.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2010 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; august 2, 2010</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Suzanne H. Stinson, 26th Judicial District Court Administrator, received an award of appreciation from the Louisiana Court Administrators Association (LCAA) in recognition of her distinguished service and outstanding achievement as the 25th President of the National Association of Court Administrators (NACM). The award ceremony took place during the NACM annual conference held in New Orleans July 20-24, 2010. The award was presented to her by Louisiana Supreme Court Judicial Administrator Hugh M. Collins, Ph.D. on behalf of LCAA.</p><p align="left">According to Collins, &ldquo;The award honors Stinson&rsquo;s national achievement and leadership in serving this past year as President of NACM, the largest organization of court management professionals in the world. She represented NACM, an organization with 2000 members from the United States, Canada and Australia with excellence, and in so doing, made Louisiana proud.&rdquo;</p><p align="left">Stinson graduated magna cum laude from Louisiana Tech University and has a Master of Business Administration degree and a Master of Arts degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Louisiana Tech University. She also received her Fellowship from the Institute for Court Management. She is a past-president of the Louisiana Court Administrators Association and is a member of the American Judicature Society, Bossier City Mayor&rsquo;s Commission for Women, Junior League of Shreveport/Bossier City, Bossier Parish Truancy Interagency Committee, and the Forum on Advancement of Court Technology. She is also a member of the board of directors for the National Center for State Courts, on the advisory board of the Institute for Court Management and is a past-president of the Rotary Club of Benton. Stinson served on the Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s State Court Rules Committee and the Disaster Recovery Planning Committee. She was appointed by Governor Jindal to serve on the Louisiana Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters.</p><p align="left">In 2010-2011, Stinson will continue to hold a significant leadership role in NACM now serving as the Immediate Past-President.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2009 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; april 1, 2009</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Chief Justice Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball announced today, by unanimous decision, the justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court have appointed Fourth Judicial District Court Judge Benjamin Jones as justice&nbsp;<em>pro tempore</em>&nbsp;of the Louisiana Supreme Court, Fourth District, to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Chet D. Traylor. Jones&rsquo; appointment will be effective June 1, 2009 through November 30, 2009, or until the vacancy is filled.</p><p align="left">Judge Jones received his undergraduate degree in political science from Southern University in 1966 and received his law degree from Boston College Law School in 1969. Prior to being elected in 1992 to the bench of the Fourth Judicial District, Ouachita and Morehouse Parishes, he served as a legal services attorney for the Boston Legal Assistance Project, an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice in Boston, Deputy Legal Counsel to the Governor of Massachusetts, Chief Administrative Law Judge for the Board of Appeal on Motor Vehicle Liability, Policy &amp; Bonds in Boston, and a private practice attorney in Monroe, Louisiana. Additionally, he served as an Army Intelligence Officer 1970-1971.</p><p align="left">During his career as a judge, Jones has an outstanding record of professional achievements and service to the judiciary: he has served as judge pro tempore on the Second Circuit Court of Appeal in Shreveport; he is a graduate of the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada; he is the Past President of the Fourth Judicial District Bar Association; he served as President of the Louisiana District Court Judges Association; he served as Chairman of the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana; and he sat on the Board of Governors of the Louisiana Judicial College.</p><p align="left">He is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the Louisiana Supreme Court, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court; the First, Fifth and Eleventh U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeal; and the Louisiana and Massachusetts United States District Courts.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2008 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 1,  2008</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The Louisiana Supreme Court has appointed retired Judge Robert J. Klees to serve as Supernumerary Judge&nbsp;<em>Pro Tempore</em>&nbsp;of the 25th Judicial District, Parish of Plaquemines, to discharge all administrative duties and responsibilities, effective May 1, 2008. This appointment is made following the release of the Louisiana Legislative Auditor&rsquo;s Plaquemines Parish Government Compliance Audit.</p><p align="left">The order allows the judges of the 25th Judicial District, Parish of Plaquemines, to otherwise continue to discharge their judicial duties and responsibilities and does not deprive the judges of their office as judges.</p><p align="center">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2007 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590<br /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 8, 2007</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="center"><strong>2007 STATE OF THE JUDICIARY ADDRESS TO THE<br />JOINT SESSION OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE<br />LOUISIANA LEGISLATURE BY<br />PASCAL F. CALOGERO, JR.<br />CHIEF JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA<br />TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2007, 2:30 P.M. HOUSE CHAMBER</strong><br /></p><p>MR. PRESIDENT, MR. SPEAKER, MEMBERS OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, COLLEAGUES, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:</p><p>Good Afternoon,</p><p>On behalf of the Louisiana Supreme Court, thank you for this opportunity to speak to you again on the State of the Judiciary. With me today for this biennial address are Justice Kitty Kimball of New Roads, Justice Bernette Johnson of New Orleans, Justice Jeannette Theriot Knoll of Marksville, and Justice John L. Weimer from Thibodaux. Unfortunately, Justice Jeffrey Victory of Shreveport and Justice Chet D. Traylor of Winnsboro could not be with us this afternoon.</p><p>It is an honor to appear before you again. I sincerely appreciate the courtesies shown me by the President, the Speaker, and all of you for scheduling this address and for my being here today.</p><p>One of the goals during my tenure as Chief Justice has been to improve communications between the judicial and legislative branches of government. One such step has been these State of the Judiciary addresses, which have not only provided the opportunity for me to speak to you but also the opportunity for the other justices to visit you. I believe underlying these visits is a mutual respect for our two branches of state government, and I appreciate that. I also thank you for the courtesy and cooperation that you have shown our Court, our staff, and myself and Justice Kimball, when appearing before you to represent the judiciary&rsquo;s interest on administrative judicial matters, such as the annual presentation of the judicial branch budget request and on other occasions when we have been invited to appear before one of your Committees.</p><p>I last appeared before this body two years ago, in May 2005. Our world has changed dramatically since then. Our state and region have suffered the worst natural disaster in the history of our country. Yet we have survived; and I know with certainty we will prevail. I would like to take a few minutes to let you know the &ldquo;state of the judiciary&rdquo; in this post-Katrina world, including our courthouses and especially the actions of the Supreme Court during and after the evacuation period.</p><p>About twenty Courthouses were damaged by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, and the vast majority of courts have resumed operations in their original courthouses. However, the judges of the 25th JDC Plaquemines Parish are holding court in temporary facilities, and Orleans Traffic and Municipal Courts are still displaced, operating in alternate locations. We are very grateful for the actions of our judges and for the assistance they have received from FEMA, state and local government, and, many others in restoring our courthouse facilities.</p><p>Unfortunately, courthouses are only a small part of the essential facilities that comprise the judicial system. Equally important to the criminal justice system are the great many of the buildings housing police departments, crime labs, district attorney&rsquo;s offices, indigent defender offices, forensic facilities, and other facilities integral to the criminal justice system, and these have not been fully replaced in all areas of the state, especially not in New Orleans. I believe the lack of proper facilities has, unfortunately, adversely affected the criminal justice system.</p><p>While many judicial buildings were damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and their aftermath, I am happy to report that the Louisiana Supreme Court building received only minimal damage, but which required the State to close the building for several weeks after the storm. We returned to the building the first week of December, 2005. We are fully staffed and fully operational, as we have been, since shortly after Katrina.</p><p>Turning to our actions immediately after the storm, after Katrina struck and the City of New Orleans was under mandatory evacuation, we operated the Supreme Court in Baton Rouge from August 30th until our return to the City, three months later. In order to stop filing deadlines from running against litigants and their lawyers whose affairs were stymied by Katrina, we issued a closure Order to protect against loss of rights. The Court, however, was not closed. By the end of the first week after Katrina, key personnel had relocated to Baton Rouge and were working daily, along with a majority of our Justices, including Justice Kimball and myself at the First Circuit Court of Appeal. Justice Johnson and Justice Weimer were at the First Circuit several days each week, and several of our Justices labored in their upstate offices. We much appreciated the hospitality and courtesies shown our Justices and staff by Chief Judge Burrell Carter and his colleagues of the First Circuit Court of Appeal.</p><p>Because of a voluminous administrative workload and the disruption of the affairs of litigants and lawyers created by the emergency, we deferred action on pending writ applications for several weeks, until November 2005. The Supreme Court was by rule not allowing non-emergency filings for three months. However, the Court was operational, handling the myriad of emergency administrative matters that arose. In addition to our weekly administrative conferences starting in early September, we held oral arguments in the fall in November and held two bar admissions ceremonies at the First Circuit Court of Appeal in Baton Rouge. We also assisted the twenty affected lower courts with the goal of resuming their operations as soon as was feasible.</p><p>We secured server space outside of our New Orleans building to enable us to operate the Court&rsquo;s computer system while in Baton Rouge. We were fortunate to have an outstanding IT staff available, and they worked around the clock to get us operational. Our Court website was of critical importance in communicating not only with our employees, but with courts and attorneys throughout the state. We also worked closely with the leadership of the Louisiana State Bar Association during the storms&rsquo; aftermath. The commitment and dedication of the leaders of the Bar during this time were impressive and a credit to our legal community.</p><p>The recovery efforts continue through today, and we continue to provide assistance to the lower courts, which are all open, albeit some at temporary locations. Of particular note, I must point out that the Supreme Court is an active participant in the Judicial Committee of the Southeast Louisiana Criminal Justice Recovery Task Force, which has been chaired by our Justice Kimball. That Committee has been a catalyst for cooperative efforts by judges, sheriffs, district attorneys, the police department, and other participants in the criminal justice system in New Orleans. We are also having our state courts prepare Disaster Recovery Plans for future use, and we have prepared and have in place the Supreme Court&rsquo;s Business Continuity of Operations and Disaster Recovery Plan. I am pleased, and proud, that the state&rsquo;s judicial system weathered the storm, thanks to the dedication of our judges and judicial employees throughout the state and others. The criminal justice system in New Orleans was particularly hard hit, but it is, perhaps slowly but surely, improving.</p><p>Since Katrina, the Louisiana Supreme Court building has served not only as a home for the Supreme Court, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal, and other offices, but it also has fulfilled its &ldquo;multi-use&rdquo; purpose. For example, since the fall of 2005, the Court has been the venue for nearly a dozen United States House and Senate Committee hearings. Further, in February of this year, we hosted the midyear meeting of the Conference of Chief Justices in New Orleans. Just last week, on Law Day, we officially opened the Louisiana Supreme Court Museum on the first floor of the Courthouse. The operation of the Museum is a project of the Supreme Court of Louisiana Historical Society, a non-profit organization formed several years ago, and modeled after the United States Supreme Court&rsquo;s Historical Society. We got to thank former Governor Mike Foster and his wife Alice, who were in attendance at the Museum reception in the Court&rsquo;s multi-purpose building. During his tenure, Governor Foster supported, as did the Legislature, the appropriation of funds necessary to complete the restoration of the Courthouse. Also in attendance at the Museum opening were the descendants of Homer Plessy and a great niece of Judge John Ferguson, a former criminal district court judge in New Orleans. These two were the chief principals in the famous - some might say &ldquo;infamous&rdquo; - and socially important case of Plessy v. Ferguson, which originated in New Orleans. The decision in Plessy, which legally established the &ldquo;separate but equal doctrine&rdquo;, the legal underpinning for the system of racial segregation, was only reversed by the United States Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education a half century later. The Plessy case is the subject of one of the exhibits in the Museum.</p><p>Last fall, we held a ceremony memorializing the naming of the square on which the courthouse sits as Judge Fred J. Cassibry Square in accordance with an Act you passed in a previous session. And one more event at the courthouse merits mention. Later this week, the Louisiana Protective Order Registry, which is operated by our Judicial Administrator&rsquo;s office, will receive the prestigious "Criminal Justice Information Services Division Assistant Directors Award for Outstanding Contribution to State and Local Public Safety" from the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation). This is the first court-managed program and also the first of forty-five state registries to receive such an award. According to the FBI, the Louisiana Protective Order Registry is being recognized for its work in maintaining a statewide repository for protective orders, such as those issued in domestic violence cases, and making orders meeting specific criteria available to the FBI National Instant Check System. This ensures that potential gun purchasers, who are also subjects of court issued protective orders, do not receive possession of a firearm.</p><p><strong>ACT 621</strong><br />Now I would like to turn to two other timely issues that deserve mention in this address. Katrina caused many changes in our state, including population shifts and their effect on courts&rsquo; caseloads. As you know, the Judicial Council of the Supreme Court was requested in 2006 by your Act 621 of the Regular Legislative Session to study and make recommendations regarding the need for judgeships.</p><p>The Judicial Council accepted your charge and set about working on a product that would be presented to this session of the Legislature. With the help of several subcommittees, the Judicial Council prepared and delivered to the legislative leadership by March 1, 2007 as required, its report on judgeships. The findings and recommendations of the report offer the state a practical way to implement a very difficult reform, not just for the immediate situation created by the hurricanes but for all time, and statewide. In its report, the Council is proposing a permanent and practical method for controlling the number of judgeships statewide by employing ongoing data collection, data quality improvement, data analysis, and site visits to determine the number of judgeships that can be reduced, primarily through attrition, with a corresponding need for additional judges in other districts. This major process would begin after the 2008 elections, and can be used to deactivate non-vacated seats preceding elections that otherwise would automatically and constitutionally be called.</p><p>The basis of the Council&rsquo;s recommendations is its belief that unneeded judgeships create caseload and workload inequities and inefficiencies within the judiciary and among judicial branch agencies serving the judiciary. Unneeded judgeships not only involve compensation and funding of the operational expenses of judges but also the compensation and funding of the operational expenses of the judges&rsquo; staffs, the assistant district attorneys, indigent defenders, and others involved in the adjudicative process. The funding that goes to unneeded judgeships and related operational expenses could certainly be better used, for example, in funding juvenile justice reform, elementary and higher education, early childhood programs, indigent defense, case management information systems, or any of a number of other needed priorities, many of which are seriously underfunded. Without further funding, juvenile justice reform, and many other priorities are nothing more than promises, promises that cannot and will not be fulfilled without major structural and financial governmental reform.</p><p>Reform, however, must be prudent, and deliberate. For this reason, one of the Council&rsquo;s key findings was that it is premature to attempt to reduce the number of judgeships in time for the elections next year. The Council&rsquo;s reasons for this finding were:</p><p>First, the districts impacted by the hurricanes in case filings have not yet reached a level of stability to determine the number of judgeships needed in those of the 41 judicial districts in the state most affected by Katrina and Rita;</p><p>Second, the Council cannot and should not attempt to determine the number of district court judgeships needed without looking at the entire state judicial system, looking at courts besides the 41 judicial district courts, such as city and parish courts, and, perhaps, mayor&rsquo;s courts, and justice of the peace courts as well;</p><p>Third, the Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges has asked that additional factors, other than new filings, be considered in determining the need for judges in juvenile and family courts, and this may have merit;</p><p>Fourth, the quality of the data is still not where it should be. The data received from the clerks this year has, in large part, been accurate and the clerks of court as a whole have made a commendable effort to improve and forward the data as requested. However, more work has to be done with the clerks, the district attorneys and the courts to make the data more uniform and accurate. Those courts or clerks producing incomplete or inaccurate data can cause unreliable outcomes in the Council&rsquo;s study and analysis which may result in recommendations which are unfair to either the particular court under consideration or other courts;</p><p>Fifth, Act 621 of the Regular 2006 Legislative Session provides that, if the Judicial Council recommends reductions in the total number of judges, the reductions &ldquo;shall be done by attrition, unless otherwise provided by law&rdquo;; and</p><p>Finally, the matter of reducing judgeships for the 2008 elections is further complicated by the federal court consent decree authorizing the creation of minority sub-districts.</p><p>For the above reasons, the Council has recommended three important legislative initiatives for your consideration. First, the Council has recommended that legislation be enacted at this session to authorize the activation and/or deactivation of judicial seats, such as can be determined by the Supreme Court, perhaps through the Judicial Council. Through the activation/deactivation process, the Supreme Court would, at the time of a vacancy in any judicial office, inform the Governor and the legislature as to whether that seat should be deactivated, that is, temporarily eliminated. If the legislature, by a two-thirds vote, agrees with the need to deactivate the seat, the Supreme Court would not make an ad hoc appointment to fill the vacant seat and the governor would not call an election to fill the vacancy. The seat would be deactivated until perhaps reactivated on the basis of a similar process by which the Supreme Court, after careful analysis and the application of established criteria, determines that the affected court&rsquo;s workload is such that it warrants re-establishing the seat. The process of activation and deactivation would also be used to determine the number of judgeships needed in each six-year election cycle, beginning in 2014.&nbsp;</p><p>Second, the Judicial Council has recommended that the legislature authorize it (the Council) to complete, before the end of 2009, a study of all courts or, at least, all trial courts. Before now, the Council has evaluated the need for judgeships at the district court level without analysis and consideration being given to the workload and funding of city and parish courts in the same district, or throughout the state. The same is true in our evaluations of the need for city and parish court judges. Should we not evaluate these levels of courts together? Does it make much sense to grant new judgeships to a judicial district, perhaps, the city courts in the same parish or district have judges who might make $1 less than district court judges and are able to practice law and to work part-time as judges, with work point values indicating, in some circumstances, less than 20% of a full-time judicial work load? The issue of the number of judgeships, therefore, is inextricably tied to the issues of structure, finance, and workload &ndash; all of which have to be considered, especially when reducing or deactivating judgeships.</p><p>Third, the Council has also recommended that the legislature ask the Supreme Court to create a committee of judges, clerks of court, and district attorneys to improve the quality of data currently being collected and to define new data elements that may be needed to support the study and investigation of the need for judgeships. One of the Council&rsquo;s major findings is that the quality and consistency of district court data received from the clerks of court must be improved. The current data problems are not the fault of the clerks of court but the fault of a system that has not clearly defined its needs and allowed sufficient time for the clerks to adjust their systems to report high quality and consistent data relative to these needs. I thank the clerks of court for their positive response in 2006 to my request for data and changes in the method and substance of collection of the data. But more needs to be done and we should address the task collegially and comprehensively in the near future, until we get it right.</p><p>The three recommendations contained in the Council&rsquo;s report are bold actions that are designed to assist the executive and legislative branches in their ongoing efforts to reform government. The Council&rsquo;s recommendations, however, are limited to a comprehensive study of judgeships that takes structure and financing into account. Perhaps, however, a more comprehensive restructuring is needed. I believe that Louisiana&rsquo;s government should from time to time consider restructuring some of its judicial structure and financing, to insure that more of the state&rsquo;s resources are more directly benefitting Louisiana&rsquo;s citizens, especially our children and families. The issue of restructuring is especially timely, given the hurricane disaster we have experienced and the lessons we should have learned from this tragedy. We all know that restructuring is politically difficult. But it is not impossible, if we, the leaders of this state, have the will to do it. The judiciary stands ready to do its part. And now we await your response.</p><p><strong>INDIGENT DEFENSE</strong><br />Let me turn now to the issue of indigent defense. Two years ago I stood before this legislature to implore you to establish an indigent defense system that prevents crime victims from having to relive the horrors of the crime committed upon them, as cases are appealed and retried, sometime more than once, and to protect the innocent from an unfair deprivation of their liberty. I understand that the positive indigent defense reforms enacted two years ago were interrupted as the State dealt with the devastation of Katrina and Rita, the two storms which unmasked some of the long-standing problems of our criminal justice system. The aftermath of these storms highlighted the fact that our indigent defense system has not functioned well, some might say it is broken, but more importantly, that indigent defense is a key component of a fair and functioning criminal justice system. Without an adequately funded and well-managed indigent defense system, the entire criminal justice system suffers. It is true that in reaction to the emergency created by the storms, more money was allocated to our indigent defense system, but unfortunately better management, as well as an increase in funding, is still a critical need. It is time for all of us to make the necessary improvements to our indigent defender system.</p><p>At this session you will be considering legislation to create a new statewide indigent defender system. Please help create a system that allows public defenders to have the time, tools and training to present an adequate defense for their clients. Please create a system that gets it right the first time, so that we reduce the costly number of mistrials and re-trials that all too frequently beset the system.</p><p>My mission here is not to urge support for any particular bill as filed and/or thereafter amended, although I do understand that at this stage there is a consensus building in support of certain proposed legislation by district attorneys, sheriffs, bar officials, and supporters of improvements in the indigent defense system. I hope that as this legislation moves through the legislative process, this support does not wane.</p><p>What I would like to urge you to keep in mind is -- whatever the system you establish, it should respect the independence of the indigent defender system. The American Bar Association has recommended that the public defense function, including the selection, funding, and payment of defense counsel, be independent, to the extent possible. I believe an ideal indigent defender system would respect the independence of indigent defender boards as well as the lawyers who are assigned to handle cases. However, at the same time, the system must respect the judges&rsquo; role in the criminal justice process, including their prerogative, and indeed their responsibility, to run their courtrooms fairly and efficiently, and to make the legal calls required by our laws and the Louisiana and United States constitutions.</p><p>I am encouraged with the change I am seeing in how the Legislature goes about the business of building consensus around important criminal justice issues. There is value to leaving the adversarial process in the court room, and coming together as judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and law enforcement officials to have rational and reasoned discussion about best practices and how best to use limited taxpayer resources to ensure the public safety.</p><p>I thank the House Criminal Justice Committee, under the leadership of Representative Daniel Martiny, for including the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, the Louisiana Trial Judges Association, the Louisiana State Bar and others a place at the table to inform and offer perspectives on how best to ensure the state's constitutional duty to provide the right to counsel. What the process shows is that an adequately funded uniform system of public defense does not make one soft on crime or against victim's rights, but rather, it shows that public defenders are necessities, an integral part of a fair, objective and workable system of justice.</p><p><strong>CONCLUSION</strong><br />In conclusion, thank you Senator Hines, Speaker Salter, and all of you, the dedicated members of our state Legislature for opening your chamber to us today, for your attention to my remarks, and for your unfailing devotion to the people you serve, the citizens of Louisiana.</p><p>Thank you.&nbsp;</p><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2005 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: PATSY TAYLOR<br />DIRECTOR, LA PROTECTIVE ORDER REGISTRY (LPOR)<br />(504) 568-5208<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>june 16, 2005</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana Protective Order Registry (LPOR), a program of the Judicial Administrator&rsquo;s Office of the Louisiana Supreme Court, which maintains a statewide repository of court orders issued to protect victims of domestic abuse and dating violence, has been invited to send its four-member training team to New Iberia to conduct a half-day seminar on June 24, 2005.</p><p>The purpose of the training, which was arranged at the invitation of 16th Judicial District Court Judge John E. Conery, Iberia Parish Sheriff Sid Hebert, Sami Riley, Executive Director of Chez Hope, Inc., and Marva Porter, Executive Director of Safety Net for Abused Persons (S.N.A.P.), is to provide participants with updated information about state and federal laws related to court-ordered relief for domestic violence victims, and to disseminate the latest version of the standardized protection order forms, which courts are required to use.</p><p>According to Judge Conery, &ldquo;The Registry&rsquo;s multi-disciplinary training programs are designed for those whose work brings them into contact with families affected by domestic violence. The targeted audience includes, but is not limited to, judges, court administrators, clerks of court, prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, probation and parole officers, victim service providers, and attorneys.&rdquo;</p><p>The seminar on June 24 will be held at the Best Western on Hwy. 14 in New Iberia. The session will begin with participant sign-in at 8:00 A.M. and end at 12:30 P.M.</p><p>According to Riley of Chez Hope, Inc., &ldquo;We are always looking for opportunities to improve our services to battered women and their children. By joining with Judge Conery, Sheriff Hebert and S.N.A.P. to bring the LPOR training team to New Iberia, it allows us to update our knowledge and to network with those in other fields, who also play a critical role in issuing and enforcing orders of protection in our community."</p><p>Porter of S.N.A.P said, &ldquo;We find that victims of domestic violence may not know what the law provides in the way of court-ordered relief and protection, so it is important for those of us who assist these families to be knowledgeable of the laws related to protection and have a clear understanding of how the Louisiana Protective Order Registry works.</p><p>Unable to provide opening remarks for the session due to a prior commitment, Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John L. Weimer stated, &ldquo;I regret missing this opportunity to connect with so many of the people I know and respect in the 16th Judicial District. I commend them for their efforts to provide a coordinated response to domestic violence in their respective communities.&rdquo;</p><p>For more information about the seminar session and how to register, contact the LPOR office in New Orleans at 504.568.5749. The seminar, all training materials, and the refreshments are free. Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit will be available for attorneys. Seating is limited.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2004 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: TRACY BUCCINO<br />(504) 310-2621</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>August 5, 2004</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="center"><strong>ISSUED BY THE LOUISIANA JUDICIAL CAMPAIGN OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE<br /><br />HARRY S. HARDIN, III, CHAIR</strong></p><p>The Louisiana Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee will be conducting educational seminars in Alexandria and New Orleans to educate judges and judicial candidates about ethical campaign conduct. Judges and judicial candidates are invited to attend. All seminars are open to the public. Attendees may receive 2 hours of Continuing Legal Education Credit (1 hour of ethics credit and 1 hour of professionalism credit).<br /><br />The seminars will be conducted by Louisiana Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee members and staff, along with representatives of the Louisiana Board of Ethics, and will focus on Canon 7 of the Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct. The schedule for the seminars is as follows:<br /><br />1. MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2004<br />5:30 P.M. TO 7:30 P.M.<br />LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT<br />FORMAL CONFERENCE ROOM, 4TH FLOOR<br />400 ROYAL STREET<br />NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA 70130<br /><br />2. TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2004<br />5:30 P.M. TO 7:30 P.M.<br />RAPIDES PARISH COURTHOUSE<br />700 MURRAY STREET, 4TH FLOOR<br />ALEXANDRIA, LOUISIANA 71301</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2003 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>june 19, 2003</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Attorneys Jason Rogers Williams and Salvatore Panzeca have been appointed by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judges&nbsp;<em>pro tempore&nbsp;</em>of Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, Section "B," according to Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr.</p><p>Williams and Panzeca will fill the vacancy created by the June 7 death of Judge Patrick G. Quinlan. Williams will serve for the period from June 23, 2003 through September 14, 2003. Panzeca will serve from September 15, 2003 through December 12, 2003, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner.</p><p>Williams received his Juris Doctor degree from Tulane University Law School in 1997 where he participated on the Moot Court Board and the Criminal Law Clinc. He has been an associate with the law firm of Gertler, Gertler, Vincent &amp; Plotkin and an associate with the law firm of Spears &amp; Spears. Since 2000, Williams has been in the sole practice of law at the Jason Rogers Williams Law Office in New Orleans.</p><p>Panzeca received his Juris Doctor degree from Tulane University Law School in 1959. He has served as Assistant City Attorney for the City of New Orleans under three different administrations, as Attorney for the Civil Sheriff for the Parish of Orleans under two different administrations, and he has also been previously appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore&nbsp;</em>for Orleans Parish Juvenile Court. Panzeca is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association Criminal Law Committee and has over 40 years of jury trial experience in both criminal and civil cases. Currently, he is a partner in the Panzeca &amp; D'Angelo law firm which he founded in 1995.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2002 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>july 30, 2002</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Attorney Lisa Rogers Trammell has been appointed by Order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore&nbsp;</em>of the Fourth Judicial District Court, Division "F", according to Justice Chet D. Traylor.</p><p>Trammell will serve August 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002 or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner. She will fill the vacancy created by the death of Judge Michael S. Ingram.</p><p>Trammell received her undergraduate degree from Louisiana Tech University and her Juris Doctor degree from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center of Louisiana State University. During her legal career, Trammell has served as a Law Clerk for the Third Judicial District Court and was an Associate Attorney for the Crawford &amp; Anzelmo Law Firm. Since 1995, she has been a Hearing Officer for the Fourth Judicial District Court.</p><p>Trammell is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Louisiana Bar Foundation, and the Fred J. Fudickar Inn of Court. She was on the Board of Directors for the Louisiana Families in Need of Services Association from 1996-1998, and served on the Board of Directors for the Fourth District Bar Association in 1997. As a faculty member of several law organizations, Trammell has presented numerous seminars on family and juvenile law. Additionally, she has published articles in the&nbsp;<em>Louisiana Law Review&nbsp;</em>and the&nbsp;<em>Louisiana Bar Journal&nbsp;</em>.</p><p>Trammell is the mother of two young daughters, Molly (8) and Betsy (4).</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2001 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>july 19, 2001</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>In its continuing efforts to improve the lawyer disciplinary system, Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. announced today that the Louisiana Supreme Court has adopted rule changes to codify the Court's authority to disbar lawyers permanently from the practice of law. The Court's present rules allow all disbarred lawyers to apply for readmission to the practice of law five years after their disbarment. Such readmission is at the Court's discretion and is based upon strict criteria enumerated in the Court's rules. Under the amendments adopted today, an attorney guilty of egregious misconduct may be permanently disbarred at the outset and will thereafter be prohibited from applying for readmission to the bar. The rule changes become effective August 1, 2001.</p><p>The Court's action was prompted in part by recommendations of a Court-appointed study Committee which recommended that the Court adopt rule changes to provide for permanent disbarment. The Committee also recommended guidelines to illustrate the "types of conduct which might warrant permanent disbarment." The guidelines, which will be attached as an appendix to the lawyer discipline rules, are not binding upon the Supreme Court and were suggested by the Committee to "provide useful information to the public and to lawyers concerning the types of conduct the Court might consider to be worthy of permanent disbarment." The nine guidelines are as follows:</p><ul><li>GUIDELINE 1: Repeated or multiple instances of intentional conversion of client funds with substantial harm.</li><li>GUIDELINE 2: Intentional corruption of the judicial process, including but not limited to bribery, perjury, and subornation of perjury.</li><li>GUIDELINE 3: An intentional homicide conviction.</li><li>GUIDELINE 4: Sexual misconduct which results in a felony conviction, such as rape or child molestation.</li><li>GUIDELINE 5: Conviction of a felony involving physical coercion or substantial damage to person or property, including but not limited to armed robbery, arson, or kidnapping.</li><li>GUIDELINE 6: Insurance fraud, including but not limited to staged accidents or widespread runner-based solicitation.</li><li>GUIDELINE 7: Malfeasance in office which results in a felony conviction, and which involves fraud.</li><li>GUIDELINE 8: Following notice, engaging in the unauthorized practice of law subsequent to resigning from the Bar Association, or during the period of time in which the lawyer is suspended from the practice of law or disbarred.</li><li>GUIDELINE 9: Instances of serious attorney misconduct or conviction of a serious crime, when the misconduct or conviction is preceded by suspension or disbarment for prior instances of serious attorney misconduct or conviction of a serious crime. Serious crime is defined in Rule XIX, Section 19. Serious attorney misconduct is defined for the purposes of these guidelines as any misconduct which results in a suspension of more than one year.</li></ul><p>Serving on the Committee were: Justice Catherine D. "Kitty" Kimball (Co-Chair); Justice Jeannette T. Knoll (Co-Chair); Father M. Jeffery Bayhi; John G. Beckwith, Sr.; Ashley L. Belleau; Kim M. Boyle; Catherine G. Brame; Melissia A. Buckhalter; A. Edward Hardin; T. Haller Jackson, III; Ann E. Lowrey; Michael W. McKay; Alex W. Rankin; Thomas W. Sanders; and John G. Swift.</p><p>The Louisiana State Bar Association House of Delegates has previously expressed support for the concept of permanent disbarment.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2018 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: JUDY BOUDREAUX</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2592 </p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; MAY 11, 2018</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson hosted students from L.B. Landry-O.P. Walker College and Career Preparatory High School, and McDonogh 35 Senior High School at the Louisiana Supreme Court building in observance of Law Day, a national day set aside annually to celebrate the rule of law.&nbsp;Separation of Powers: Framework for Freedom, was the theme for the 60th observance of Law Day.</p><p align="left">Established in 1958 by President Dwight Eisenhower who was motivated to highlight the American governmental system, the Constitution and the inherent freedoms it subscribes to, Law Day is celebrated annually on May 1.</p><p align="left">Nearly 70 students sat in on oral arguments before the Supreme Court on May 1. Immediately after, law clerks fielded questions from the teens regarding the case. They also toured the Louisiana Supreme Court Museum and Law Library of Louisiana, which featured new displays on the three branches of government, and some had an audience with the Chief Justice.</p><p align="left">&ldquo;The theme of the day is very timely,&rdquo; said Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson. &ldquo;Citizens of the United States are more in tune with what is happening in America with regard to government, policy and law-making than any other time in history. The&nbsp;Separation of Powers: Framework for Freedom&nbsp;encapsulates the U.S. government model that compartmentalizes the executive, legislative and judicial branches. Each branch has distinct responsibilities to maintain a balance of power, and underscores the mantra-- no one is above the law,&rdquo; said Chief Justice Johnson.</p><p align="left">The American Bar Association declares the Law Day theme annually. Law Day activities are planned to encourage Americans to reacquaint themselves with the Constitution, to encourage careers in the legal profession and government buildings are encouraged to raise the American flag.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="206"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="100"><img alt="Nicholas Grest speaks to L.B. Landry-O.P. Walker College and Career Preparatory High School, and McDonogh 35 Senior High School students." height="288" src="/press_room/press_releases/2018/images/IMG_6354%20sized%20w-caption.jpg" width="400" /></td><td width="100"><img alt="Law Clerks, Gary Johnson and Nicholas Grest answer questions asked by L.B. Landry-O.P. Walker College and Career Preparatory High School, and McDonogh 35 Senior High School students." height="281" src="/press_room/press_releases/2018/images/IMG_6365%20Sized%20w-caption.jpg" width="400" /></td></tr><tr valign="top"><td><img alt="L.B. Landry-O.P. Walker College and Career Preparatory High School students visit the Louisiana Supreme Court Museum." height="281" src="/press_room/press_releases/2018/images/IMG_6383%20sized%20w-caption.jpg" width="400" /></td><td><img alt="McDonogh 35 Senior High School students with teacher and LASC staff on steps of the Louisiana Supreme Court building." height="355" src="/press_room/press_releases/2018/images/IMG_6461%20sized%20w-caption.jpg" width="400" /></td></tr><tr valign="top"><td><img alt="Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson with L.B. Landry-O.P. Walker College and Career Preparatory students in the Louisiana Supreme Courtroom." height="281" src="/press_room/press_releases/2018/images/IMG_6484%20Sized%20w-caption.jpg" width="400" /></td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2017 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: ROBERT GUNN </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2592 </p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; MAY 1, 2017 </strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson announced today, in recognition of Law Day&mdash;May 1st, the Louisiana Supreme Court <a href="/press_room/press_releases/2017/Law Day Resolution 2017.pdf"><strong>issued a resolution</strong></a> urging all Louisiana state court judges to dedicate the month of May 2017 to reaching out to schools to provide students with an opportunity to learn about the law, the role of judges, and the court system from members of the judiciary.<br /><br />Law Day was established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to strengthen our heritage of liberty, justice and equality under the law. In 1961, Congress issued a joint resolution designating May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day. Every president since then has issued a Law Day proclamation on May 1st to celebrate the nation&rsquo;s commitment to the rule of law. The 2017 national Law Day theme is The 14th Amendment: Transforming American Democracy, and provides the opportunity to explore the many ways that the Fourteenth Amendment has reshaped American law and society.<br /><br />According to Chief Justice Johnson, &ldquo;During the month of May, the Louisiana Supreme Court will host school students participating in Law Day activities including: mock trials and tours of the Royal Street courthouse which include visits to the Louisiana Supreme Court Museum and the Law Library of Louisiana.&rdquo;<br /><br />On this 59th anniversary of Law Day, the resolution states in part that &ldquo;all judges have a unique ability to educate young people about our legal system and respect for the law.&rdquo; Teachers or principals interested in coordinating a Louisiana Supreme Court tour or a Law Day presentation with a local judge, contact the Louisiana Supreme Court Community Relations Department at 504.310.2588.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2016 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; MARCH 15, 2016</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court will hold court at Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge on Tuesday, March 15, to hear oral argument on a family law case. The session is part of an ongoing effort to educate and inform students and the general public about the work of the Louisiana Supreme Court. The oral argument will convene at 2:00 p.m. in Rooms 129 -130 A.A. Lenoir Hall and will be open to law students, university and high school students, faculty, and the general public as space is available.<br /><br />Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson and Southern University Law Center Interim Chancellor John K. Pierre jointly announced the visit of the Louisiana Supreme Court. The Court periodically convenes in venues other than the Supreme Court Building in New Orleans and this practice is known as &ldquo;riding the circuit.&rdquo;<br /><br />According to Chief Justice Johnson, &ldquo;Before transportation made it possible to travel easily to New Orleans, the Louisiana Supreme Court was constitutionally required to &lsquo;ride the circuit&rsquo; to ensure citizens statewide would have access to justice. We continue the tradition today so students and citizens across the state can see first-hand how the Louisiana Supreme Court operates.&rdquo; The Louisiana Supreme Court last sat at Southern University Law School in 1997.<br /><br />&ldquo;We are delighted to host this event because of the high priority we place on civil engagement and access to legal education, said Interim Chancellor Pierre.<br /><br />&ldquo;It is especially appropriate for the Court to choose to convene at Southern University Law Center 70 years after Charles Hatfield, III sought admission to law school as an African American. His bold action in 1946 was the catalyst for opening the doors for African Americans to access legal education in the state of Louisiana.&rdquo;<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /></p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2015 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;"><br /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; SEPTEMBER 15, 2015</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court will celebrate national Constitution Day Thursday, September 17, 2015, by giving away free pocket-sized copies of the U.S. Constitution at the Royal Street courthouse. Citizens are encouraged to pick up a copy and to also visit the exhibits in the Louisiana Supreme Court Museum and the Louisiana Law Library. Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by 39 Founding Fathers on September 17, 1787, recognizing all who, by birth or by naturalization in the U.S., have become citizens.<br /><br />&ldquo;On September 17, 1787, the Founding Fathers signed the most influential document in American history: the United States Constitution. This document established the framework of our government and the rights and freedoms that &lsquo;We the People&rsquo; enjoy today. We celebrate this great work on its 228th anniversary and invite local and visiting citizens to join us,&rdquo; Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson said.<br /><br />The courthouse is located at 400 Royal Street in the French Quarter and is open to visitors between 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. No food, drink or cameras are permitted in the building. Cell phone cameras are permitted.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /></p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2014 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; MAY 5, 2014</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>First Circuit Court of Appeal Judge John Michael Guidry is the new President of the Louisiana Judicial College Board of Governors.<br /><br />The Louisiana Judicial College is charged with providing quality continuing legal education for Louisiana&rsquo;s judges. Continuing legal education courses focus on new law, ethics and cutting-edge issues. As lawyers, judges are required to attend a minimum of 12.5 hours of continued legal education every year&ndash;including one hour must be on legal ethics and one hour on professional responsibility. Judges must obtain at least five of their continued legal education hours from a Louisiana Judicial College Seminar.<br /><br />Judge Guidry received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University in 1983 and his law degree from the Southern University Law Center in 1987. Guidry had a private law practice from 1987-1997. During that time, he also served as an Assistant Parish Attorney from 1988-1991, as a State Representative for District 67 from 1992-1993, and as a State Senator for District 14 from 1993-1997. Guidry has served as an instructor for the Southern University Law Center since 1988 and Southern University since 1993. In 1997, Guidry was elected to the First Circuit Court of Appeal where he currently serves.<br /><br />Guidry is a member of numerous professional organizations including: the American Bar Association, the National Bar Association, the American Judges Association, the Louisiana State Bar Association and the Judicial Council of the Louisiana Supreme Court.<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /><br /><br /></p>&nbsp;&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2013 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; APRIL 16, 2013 </strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson announced today, in recognition of Law Day&mdash;May 1st, the Louisiana Supreme Court <strong><a href="/press_room/press_releases/2013/2013_Law_Day_resolution.pdf">issued a resolution</a></strong> urging all Louisiana state court judges to dedicate the month of May 2013 to reaching out to schools to provide students with an opportunity to learn about the law, the role of judges, and the court system from members of the judiciary.<br /><br />Law Day was established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to strengthen our heritage of liberty, justice and equality under the law. In 1961, Congress issued a joint resolution designating May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day. Every president since then has issued a Law Day proclamation on May 1 to celebrate the nation&rsquo;s commitment to the rule of law. The 2013 national Law Day theme is Realizing the Dream: Equality for All.<br /><br />According to the Chief Justice Johnson, &ldquo;During the month of May, the Louisiana Supreme Court will host hundreds of school students participating in Law Day activities including: mock trials and tours of the Royal Street courthouse which include visits to the Law Museum of Louisiana and the Law Library of Louisiana.&rdquo;<br /><br />Additionally, the Law Library and the Supreme Court of Louisiana Historical Society are co-sponsoring <strong><em><a href="/law_library/Law_Day_2013_CLE_flyer.pdf">Lincoln&rsquo;s Emancipation Proclamation: How the Commander in Chief Created a New Birth of Freedom</a></em><a href="/law_library/Law_Day_2013_CLE_flyer.pdf">, Thursday, May 2, 2013, from 12 P.M. - 1 P.M. in the Supreme Court courtroom</a></strong>. The program is free, open to the public, and counts as one hour of CLE credit for lawyers who attend.<br /><br />Teachers or principals interested in coordinating a Louisiana Supreme Court tour or a Law Day presentation with a local judge, contact the Louisiana Supreme Court Community Relations Department at 504.310.2590.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2012 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;JULY 30, 2012</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The Louisiana Supreme Court announced today that attorney Mary Whitney has been selected to serve as Special Counsel for the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana.</p><p align="left">The Judiciary Commission of Louisiana is a nine-member constitutional body empowered to review allegations of judicial misconduct and to recommend to the Supreme Court that a judge be sanctioned when misconduct is proven by clear and convincing evidence. The Office of Special Counsel is the prosecutorial arm of the Judiciary Commission that receives, investigates, and prosecutes formal charges regarding judicial behavior before the Judiciary Commission.</p><p align="left">Whitney received her undergraduate degree and masters degree from Nicholls State University in 1975 and 1985, respectively. She received a law degree from Florida State University College of Law in 1992 and practiced law as a trial attorney in Florida until 1998. Whitney returned to Louisiana to serve as the Assistant Special Counsel for the Judiciary Commission from 1998-2005. In 2005, she returned to Florida to work as Senior Central Staff Attorney for the Florida Supreme Court until 2010. In 2011, after a year of practicing law with a Florida law firm, Whitney returned to Louisiana to serve in her current position as the Commission Counsel of the Judiciary Commission.</p><p align="left">Whitney is a member of the Florida and Louisiana bar associations and is admitted to practice in the United States District Courts for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Florida, the United States Circuit Court for the Eleventh Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. She is the recipient of numerous academic honors and has been published in several law-related publications.</p><p align="left">Attorney Clare D. Fiasconaro, currently the Assistant Commission Counsel for the Judiciary Commission will serve as the interim Commission Counsel.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2011 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; june 7, 2011</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Chief Justice Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball announced today that significant enhancements have been made to the Louisiana Supreme Court Drug Court Case Management System (DCCM) making it a state-of-the-art means of tracking drug court clients through the drug court process. The Louisiana Supreme Court, through the Supreme Court Drug Court Office (SCDCO), is the fiscal agent for funds allocated to local drug court programs throughout the state.</p><p align="left">According to Chief Justice Kimball, &ldquo;The web-based system allows for multi-user entry and access to critical offender data in a real-time format. Drug court staff will be able to benefit from enhanced reporting capabilities, speedier and more user-friendly applications, and new features that better facilitate data entry.&rdquo; Currently there are 47 operational drug court programs in Louisiana. Each program is comprised of a drug court team which is led by a drug court judge and includes a drug court coordinator, treatment staff, prosecutor(s), public defender(s), law enforcement, case manager(s), and others who work together to ensure that the program operates according to all applicable standards and policies.</p><p align="left">Enhancements to the DCCM enable drug court staff to track a more complete drug court client history. They are now better able to document the activity and progress of a client while in the drug court system, including detailed treatment plans, counseling sessions, and the results of all drug screen tests.</p><p align="left">The system improvements were completed through a partnership of the SCDCO, the Louisiana Supreme Court Information Technology Department, and Geocent, LLC, a Metairie based information technology firm.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2010 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; july 21, 2010</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left"><a href="/press_room/press_releases/2010/Civil_Rights_Advocate_Award.pdf">Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Bernette Johnson to Receive Lawyers' Committee's Distinguished Civil Rights Advocate Award from National Bar Association</a></p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2009 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; march 24, 2009</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The 2009 Spring Judges Conference will feature an intensive, day-long agenda of training on capital litigation that is mandatory for all newly elected state court judges. The annual conference is held Wednesday March 25 - Friday, March 27 at the Lafayette Hilton and Towers in Lafayette, Louisiana. The first day is dedicated to the new judges training with the remainder of the conference being open to all state court judges.</p><p align="left">According to Chief Justice Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball, &ldquo;States that impose the death penalty have an ever-increasing number of prisoners on death row. This training will explore the array of motions, hearings and appeals that are unique to death penalty cases. We have brought in experts in field of capital litigation from the National Judicial College (NJC) because it is critical that new judges be exposed to this area of law that they will face on the bench and in which they are likely to have had no prior experience.&rdquo;</p><p align="left">The NJC faculty consists of judges and industry professionals who offer a wealth of national and international experience. Outstanding judges, lawyers and law professors from across the nation serve without compensation. Each year, more than 250 faculty members lecture and lead workshops, panels and discussion groups. Faculty is chosen for their experience and expertise.</p><p align="left">The NJC faculty for the capital litigation training include: Joseph Hoffman, Professor of Law, Indiana University -Bloomington where he has been teaching death penalty law, criminal law, and criminal procedure since 1986; Judge Michael J. Sage, Court of Common Pleas, Butler County, Ohio where he has served since 1991. He is also a member of the faculty of the Ohio Judicial College where he has taught evidence and death penalty litigation; and Judge O. H. Eaton, 18th Judicial Circuit of Florida since 1986 and is presently assigned as the criminal division administrative judge in Seminole County.</p><p align="left">After attending the training, the state&rsquo;s approximately 50 new judges will be able to summarize the trends in recent U.S. Supreme Court capital cases; ensure that the jury has been properly &ldquo;death qualified&rdquo; through voir dire; handle the penalty phase and sentencing efficiently after analyzing what constitutes aggravating and mitigating circumstances; and rule effectively on post-trial motions.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2008 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>April 30, 2008</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The Louisiana Supreme Court announced today Sharonda R. Williams and Mark A. Delphin have been appointed to the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana, for a four-year term commencing December 18, 2007 and January 11, 2008, respectively. The Judiciary Commission is a nine-member constitutional body, empowered to review allegations of judicial misconduct and to recommend to the Supreme Court that a judge be sanctioned when misconduct is proven by clear and convincing evidence.</p><p align="left">Williams, of New Orleans, was selected to serve on the Judiciary Commission by the Conference of Court of Appeal Judges to succeed W. Kyle Green. She received her undergraduate degree from Xavier University New Orleans in 1994, a medical degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Medicine in 1998, and her law degree from Loyola University New Orleans School of Law in 2001. She is currently an associate attorney in the general litigation section of the Sher Garner Cahill Richter Klein &amp; Hilbert law firm in New Orleans.</p><p align="left">Delphin, of Lake Charles, was also selected to serve on the Judiciary Commission by the Conference of Court of Appeal Judges and he succeeds Richard L. Edrington. Delphin received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern State University of Louisiana in 1978 and his law degree from Louisiana State University Law School in 1981. He is currently in the private practice of law, primarily handling civil cases, and is licensed to practice before all Louisiana state and federal courts.</p><p align="left">The Judiciary Commission also has named Ron S. Macaluso of Hammond, as the 2008 Chair and Len G. Ciaravella, of Shreveport as the 2008 Vice-Chair. Ciaravella was selected to serve on the Judiciary Commission in 2005 by the Louisiana District Court Judges Association to succeed Donald L. Horton. Macaluso, of Hammond, was selected to serve on the Judiciary Commission in 2005 by the Conference of Court of Appeal Judges to succeed Senator Donald G. Kelly.</p><p align="left">The Judiciary Commission was created by the Louisiana Constitution, and as such, it is not a Board or Commission subject to a particular branch of government.</p><p align="center">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2007 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590<br /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 1, 2007</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The Supreme Court of Louisiana Historical Society announced the opening of the Louisiana Supreme Court Museum during a ceremony at the courthouse today. The Louisiana Supreme Court Museum is a project of the Supreme Court of Louisiana Historical Society. It is the Society&rsquo;s purpose to promote an interest in and understanding of the people and institutions which have contributed to the development of Louisiana law over the course of nearly 300 years.</p><p align="left">&ldquo;The Louisiana Supreme Court thanks the members of the Supreme Court of Louisiana Historical Society for their important contribution to preserving the history of the Louisiana Supreme Court and for increasing the public&rsquo;s knowledge and awareness by opening the Louisiana Supreme Court Museum,&rdquo; Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. said expressing the Court&rsquo;s appreciation to the Historical Society.</p><p align="left">According to David Bienvenu, President of the Historical Society Board of Directors, the Museum will display items of interest in the area of the history of the Louisiana Supreme Court and Louisiana law. The opening exhibit is entitled The Chief Justices of Louisiana: Life Sketches. The Museum, located on the first floor of the Louisiana Supreme Court at 400 Royal Street in New Orleans, is open to the public Monday through Friday.</p><p align="left">In addition to the Museum, the Historical Society was active in the restoration and reopening of the Louisiana Supreme Court at 400 Royal Street. The restoration of dozens of portraits of Louisiana judges and lawyers from the past has been also made possible in recent years through the contributions of members of the Historical Society.</p><p align="left">Membership in the Historical Society is open to the public. Membership forms will be available at the Museum Opening, or can be obtained by calling 504.310.2149, or by e-mail to cbillings@lasc.org.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2005 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD&nbsp;<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER<br />(504) 310-2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>june 7, 2005</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>By order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, Len G. Ciaravella and 21st Judicial District Court Judge Robert H. &ldquo;Bob&rdquo; Morrison have been appointed to the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana, for a four-year term commencing March 22, 2005 and April 2, 2005, respectively. The Judiciary Commission is a nine-member constitutional body, empowered to review allegations of judicial misconduct and to recommend to the Supreme Court that a judge be sanctioned when misconduct is proven by clear and convincing evidence.</p><p>Ciaravella, of Shreveport, was selected to serve on the Judiciary Commission by the Louisiana District Judges Association to succeed Donald L. Horton. She is the former Executive Director of Volunteers for Youth Justice and is also a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer, a member of the Judicial Advisory Committee on FINS (Families in Need of Services), a member of the Ad Hoc Louisiana Commission on Juvenile Justice 2002, and a member of Community Coalition to Reduce Juvenile Gun Violence. Ciaravella additionally served on the Board of Directors for the American Heart Association, the Parenting Coalition, the Mental Health Association and the Young Women&rsquo;s Christian Association. In 2003 she was certified as Civil and Family Mediator.</p><p>Judge Morrison was selected by the Supreme Court of Louisiana to succeed Judge Robin M. Giarrusso. He was elected to the 21st Judicial Court bench in 1988 and is the Chief Judge. From 1998-1999 Morrison served as president of the Louisiana District Judges Association and he currently serves as the Legislative Chair of the association. He also serves as Chair of the Committee to Evaluate Requests for New Trial Court Judgeships and he is a member of the Louisiana Budgetary Control Board and the Judges Supplemental Compensation Fund Committee.</p><p>The Judiciary Commission was created by the Louisiana Constitution, and as such, it is not a Board or Commission subject to a particular branch of government.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2004 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: PATSY TAYLOR&nbsp;<br />DIRECTOR, LA PROTECTIVE ORDER REGISTRY (LPOR)&nbsp;<br />(504) 568-5208</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>july 6, 2004</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>New Orleans, LA</p><p>The Louisiana Protective Order Registry (LPOR), a program of the Judicial Administrator's Office of the Louisiana Supreme Court, which maintains a statewide repository of court orders issued to protect victims of domestic violence, has been invited to send its four-member training team to Franklin to conduct two half-day seminars on July 23, 2004.</p><p>The purpose of the training, which was arranged at the invitation of 16th Judicial District Court Judge John E. Conery and Sami Riley, Executive Director of Chez Hope, Inc., is to provide participants with updated information about state and federal laws related to court-ordered relief for domestic violence victims, and to distribute the latest version of the standardized protection order forms which courts are required to use.</p><p>According to Judge Conery, " The Registry's multi-disciplinary training programs are designed for those whose work brings them into contact with families affected by domestic violence. The targeted audience includes, but is not limited to, judges, court administrators, clerks of court, prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, probation and parole officers, victim assistance service providers, and attorneys."</p><p>Both July 23rd seminar sessions will be held at the Best Western Forest Motor Inn. The morning session is from 8:00 A.M. to noon; the afternoon session is from 12:30 to 4:30 P.M.</p><p>According to Riley, "We are always looking for opportunities to improve our services to battered women and their children. By joining with Judge Conery to bring the LPOR trainers to our area, we not only have the chance to update our knowledge, but also to network with those in other fields, who also play a critical role in the issuance or enforcement of protection orders."</p><p>Unable to provide opening remarks for the sessions due to a prior commitment Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John L. Weimer stated, "I regret missing this opportunity to connect with so many of the people I know and respect in the 16 th Judicial District. I commend them for their efforts to provide a coordinated response to domestic violence in their respective communities."</p><p>For more information about the seminar sessions and how to register, contact the LPOR office in New Orleans at 504.568.5749. The seminar, all training materials, and the refreshments are free. Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit will be available for attorneys.&nbsp;</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2003 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>june 4, 2003</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Orleans Parish Juvenile Judge Ernestine Gray and Jefferson Parish Juvenile Judge Nancy Konrad were featured speakers today at the Women's Leadership Initiative's (WLI) 2nd Annual Public Policy Breakfast,&nbsp;<em>Children - Our Focus and Our Future&nbsp;</em>held at the Audubon Tea Room in New Orleans. Over 400 WLI members and guests were given a view from the bench of the workings of the child protection system. Joining them for the program which specifically addressed the issues of child abuse and neglect, foster care and prevention were Marketa Gautreau, President and CEO of Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana, and K&auml;ren Hallstrom, Louisiana Supreme Court Deputy Judicial Administrator - Children and Families, who served as moderator.</p><p>According to Hallstrom, "The Women's Leadership Initiative has taken a courageous step today by taking a hard look at the very uncomfortable topics of child abuse, neglect and foster care. It is encouraging that this dynamic association recognizes the importance of proactive involvement in improving the welfare of children."</p><p>Judge Gray provided a procedural overview of what happens once a abused and neglected child enters the court system up to adjudication and Judge Konrad continued with what happens to the child from adjudication through permanent placement. The judges' comments also included information on the federal law on safe and permanent placement of children, volunteer efforts such as CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), mediation in child abuse and neglect cases, and the work of the Louisiana Juvenile Justice Commission. Gautreau discussed Louisiana's child abuse and neglect prevention efforts and the&nbsp;<em>Platform for Children and Youth of Louisiana,&nbsp;</em>a plan designed to transform&nbsp;Louisiana from its low national ranking (49th) in its care of children.</p><p>The highlight of the program were comments and a musical performance by Robbie Steiner, a recent Metairie Park Country Day School graduate, an accomplished composer and musician and a former foster child "success story" from the greater New Orleans area.</p><p>The WLI, an arm of the United Way for the Greater New Orleans Area, is comprised of hundreds of corporate, civic and community leaders with a mission to support the unique health and human service needs of women and children in the Greater New Orleans Area through leadership, philanthropy and advocacy.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2002 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>july 24, 2002</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Attorney Michael A. Patterson has been appointed by Order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore&nbsp;</em>of the Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit, according to Justice Catherine D. "Kitty" Kimball.</p><p>Patterson will serve August 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002 or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner. He will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Douglas M. Gonzales.</p><p>Patterson received both his undergraduate and his Juris Doctor degrees from Louisiana State University. He has been in the private practice of law since 1971 and is a partner with the Long Law Firm in Baton Rouge. Patterson has served on the Adjunct Faculty of the Louisiana Law Center and Southeastern Louisiana University. He is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association and the Baton Rouge Bar Association and has held numerous leadership positions in both organizations. He is also a member of the American Bar Association, the Bar of the United States Supreme Court, the Bar of the U.S. Court of Appeals-Fifth Circuit, the Bar of the District of Columbia, the American Inns of Court, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, and the Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association.</p><p>Additionally, Patterson has authored several legal writings for the&nbsp;<em>Louisiana Bar Journal&nbsp;</em>, a chapter of&nbsp;<em>Louisiana Trial Procedure&nbsp;</em>, and an article in&nbsp;<em>TRIAL&nbsp;</em>. During his legal career, Patterson has served as an arbitrator or participated in approximately 15 arbitrations and has mediated approximately 100 cases. In 2002, he received a Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution from Pepperdine University.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2001 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>july 5, 2001</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. announced today the Louisiana Supreme Court's establishment of the Supreme Court Committee to Study Lawyers' Financial Assistance to Clients. The committee has been charged with studying and then making recommendations concerning possible amendments to the Rules of Professional Conduct concerning financial assistance to clients. Presently, the Rules of Professional Conduct (which apply to all Louisiana licensed attorneys) and case law allow lawyers to advance minimal living expenses and litigation expenses to clients in need.</p><p>The intention to establish a committee to study financial assistance to clients was expressed by the Supreme Court in the opinion in&nbsp;<em>Chittenden v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, et al&nbsp;</em>, rendered May 15, 2001. The Court held in&nbsp;<em>Chittenden&nbsp;</em>that clients may be obligated to pay interest in certain circumstances when an attorney procures loans to help the client fund living and litigation expenses.</p><p>The members of the Supreme Court Committee to Study Financial Assistance to Clients are: Justice Catherine "Kitty" D. Kimball, Chair; Kim M. Boyle; Richard C. Broussard; John W. deGravelles; Elizabeth Erny Foote; E. Phelps Gay; T. Haller Jackson, III; Justice Jeannette T. Knoll; Lawrence S. Kullman; J. Burton LeBlanc, IV; Christine Lipsey; Frank L. Maraist; Jacques A. Massey; Charles B. Plattsmier; Gary L. Ryan; Dominick Scandurro, Jr.; Richard C. Stanley; and Phillip A. Wittmann.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2018 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: JUDY BOUDREAUX</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; MAY 1, 2018</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson announced today, in recognition of Law Day&mdash;May 1st, the Louisiana Supreme Court <a href="/press_room/press_releases/2018/images/2018_Law_Day_Resolution.pdf">issued a resolution</a> urging all Louisiana state court judges to dedicate the month of May 2018 to reaching out to schools to provide students with an opportunity to learn about the law, the role of judges, and the court system from members of the judiciary.<br /></p><p>Law Day was established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to strengthen our heritage of liberty, justice and equality under the law. In 1961, Congress issued a joint resolution designating May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day. Every president since then has issued a Law Day proclamation on May 1st to celebrate the nation&rsquo;s commitment to the rule of law. The 2018 national Law Day theme is Separation of Powers: Framework for Freedom, and provides the opportunity to reflect on the separation of powers as fundamental to our constitutional purpose and to consider how our governmental system works for ourselves and our posterity.<br /></p><p>&ldquo;Once a year, Law Day invites us all to intentionally consider the rule of law, the Law Day theme, and what both represent and how they relate,&rdquo; Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson said. &ldquo;Most importantly, Law Day provides students with a unique opportunity to observe the application of the principles of law and to learn about the legal system and the legal profession. It is imperative for young people to understand that the law is the instrument by which we are governed.&rdquo;<br /></p><p>During the month of May, the Louisiana Supreme Court will host school students participating in Law Day activities including mock trials and tours of the Royal Street courthouse which include visits to the Louisiana Supreme Court Museum and the Law Library of Louisiana.<br /></p><p>On this 60th anniversary of Law Day, the resolution states in part that &ldquo;all judges have a unique ability to educate young people about our legal system and respect for the law.&rdquo; Teachers or principals interested in coordinating a Louisiana Supreme Court tour or a Law Day presentation with a local judge, please contact the Louisiana Supreme Court Community Relations Department at 504.310.2588.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2017 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: ROBERT GUNN </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2592 </p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; APRIL 28, 2017 </strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Attorney Cherrell Simms Taplin has been appointed, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judge <em>pro tempore</em> of Orleans Parish Civil District Court, Division &ldquo;J,&rdquo; according to Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson. Taplin will fill the vacancy created by the election of Judge Paula A. Brown to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal and she will serve from May 1, 2017 through November 30, 2017, or until the vacancy is filled by election, whichever comes sooner.<br /><br />Taplin received her undergraduate degree from Loyola University in 1998 and her law degree from Loyola University School of Law in 2002. Taplin has been serving as Senior Chief Deputy City Attorney for the City of New Orleans since December 2013 where she was responsible for the oversight of law department staff, budget assistance and office management, as well as overseeing and directing over 1,000 active cases in litigation.<br /><br />Prior to her service with the City of New Orleans, Taplin was in the practice of law with the firm Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr and Smith, APLC, from December 2006 until December 2013 where she handled a diverse civil defense practice in addition to oversight of associates and senior-level guidance and supervision of project and case assignments. From October 2002 until December 2006, Taplin was an associate with Bryan &amp; Jupiter, APLC.<br /><br />Taplin is a former president and member of the board of governors of the Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society. She served on the regional and national board of governors, as well as co-chair of the annual convention planning committee of the National Bar Association. She is a member of a number of professional organizations including: the Louisiana State Bar Association; the National Bar Association; the American Inn of Court, A.P. Tureaud Chapter; and the Defense Research Institute. She was a 2009 recipient of the Loyola University College of Law Black Law Students Association (BLSA) Distinguished Alumni Award.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><table><tbody><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:100%;"><img alt="Cherrell Simms Taplin" src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2017%2Fimages%2FCherrell%20Simms%20Taplin%20Sized.jpg" style="display:block;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;" width="250" /></td></tr><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:100%;text-align:center;">Cherrell Simms Taplin</td></tr></tbody></table><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2016 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; MARCH 9, 2016</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson will make the State of the Judiciary address before a joint session of the legislature on Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at 10:00 AM. All Justices of the Supreme Court will be in attendance for the address which will take place in the chambers of the House of Representatives.<br /><br />The first State of the Judiciary address by a Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice to the Legislature was in 1997, and this will be Chief Justice Johnson&rsquo;s second State of the Judiciary address since becoming Chief Justice in 2013. The speech will be live-streamed from the Legislature&rsquo;s website at <a href="www.legis.la.gov" target="_blank">www.legis.la.gov</a>.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2015 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;"><br /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; AUGUST 28, 2015</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jefferson D. Hughes III, and seven other public officials were inducted into the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame in an afternoon ceremony today. The Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame is a public service honor presented by the Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum Foundation, an organization which studies public safety and corrections. The ceremony, now in its 11th year, involves a tour of the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola and a visit to its museum which is the home of the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame exhibits.<br /><br />&ldquo;It is an honor to be recognized as a Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame inductee and to be included in this distinguished group of public servants who, each in their unique way, have dedicated their professional lives to improving public safety and quality of life for Louisiana citizens,&rdquo; Justice Hughes said.<br /><br />Justice Hughes received his undergraduate and his law degree from Louisiana State University. He served as a law clerk for Judge Frank Polozola and began private practice in Baton Rouge with the firm Adcock, Dupree, and Shows. He later began a solo practice and was the first attorney to practice law in Walker, Louisiana. After 12 years of private practice Justice Hughes was elected to the 21st Judicial District Court in 1990 where he served 14 years. In 2004 he was elected to the Court of Appeal, First Circuit, where he served eight years. He was elected to the Louisiana Supreme Court in 2012.<br /><br />Other 2015 inductees to the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame include: Fabian Blache, Jr., Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police; Warden N. Burl Cain, Louisiana State Penitentiary; Mary Claire Landry, the New Orleans Family Justice Center; the late Charles R. Scott, II, former Caddo Parish District Attorney; Joseph L. Waltz, Jr., Terrebonne Parish District Attorney; and Craig Webre, Lafourche Parish Sheriff.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2014 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590<br /></p>&nbsp;<div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; APRIL 28, 2014</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson announced today, in recognition of Law Day&mdash;May 1st, the Louisiana Supreme Court <strong><a href="/press_room/press_releases/2014/Law_Day_Resolution.pdf">issued a resolution</a></strong> urging all Louisiana state court judges to dedicate the month of May 2014 to reaching out to schools to provide students with an opportunity to learn about the law, the role of judges, and the court system from members of the judiciary.<br /><br />Law Day was established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to strengthen our heritage of liberty, justice and equality under the law. In 1961, Congress issued a joint resolution designating May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day. Every president since then has issued a Law Day proclamation on May 1 to celebrate the nation&rsquo;s commitment to the rule of law. The 2014 national Law Day theme is <em>American Democracy and the Rule of Law: Why Every Vote Counts</em>.<br /><br />According to the Chief Justice Johnson, &ldquo;During the month of May, the Louisiana Supreme Court will host hundreds of school students participating in Law Day activities including: mock trials and tours of the Royal Street courthouse which include visits to the Louisiana Supreme Court Museum and the Law Library of Louisiana.&rdquo;<br /><br />On this 56th anniversary of Law Day, the resolution states in part that &ldquo;all judges have a unique ability to educate young people about our legal system and respect for the law.&rdquo; Teachers or principals interested in coordinating a Louisiana Supreme Court tour or a Law Day presentation with a local judge, contact the Louisiana Supreme Court Community Relations Department at 504.310.2590.<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2013 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; APRIL 9, 2013</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>2013 STATE OF THE JUDICIARY ADDRESS TO THE</strong><br /><strong>JOINT SESSION OF THE LOUISIANA LEGISLATURE BY</strong><br /><strong>CHIEF JUSTICE BERNETTE JOSHUA JOHNSON</strong><br /><strong>SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA</strong><br /><strong>TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2013, 4:30 P.M.</strong><br /><strong>HOUSE CHAMBER</strong><br /><br /></p><p><strong>MR. PRESIDENT, MR. SPEAKER, MEMBERS OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, COLLEAGUES, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:</strong><br /><br />Good afternoon. I am pleased to be with you today, and I thank you for the invitation to address you on the State of the Judiciary. Before I begin, let me first introduce my colleagues that are here in the Chamber - Justice Jeffrey Victory from Shreveport, Justice Jeannette Theriot Knoll from Marksville; Justice John Weimer from Thibodaux; Justice Greg Guidry from Jefferson and St. Tammany; Justice Marcus Clark from Monroe; and our newest Justice, Justice Jefferson Hughes from Denham Springs. We are also pleased to have with us today Dr. Nancy Victory, Justice Victory&rsquo;s wife, along with several Court staffers.<br /><br />Justice Hughes was elected from the Fifth Supreme Court District upon the retirement of Chief Justice Kitty Kimball. After serving as a judge for over thirty years, including twenty years on the Supreme Court and four years as Chief Justice, Justice Kimball retired earlier this year to spend more time with her family. During her years at the Court, Justice Kimball was the driving force behind many of the judicial reforms I will mention today. We miss Kitty at the Court, and we wish her well in her retirement.<br /><br />This is my first opportunity to address this distinguished body. I was honored to become the 25th Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court on February 1, 2013. Many of you accepted the invitation to attend my recent Investiture ceremony, and I thank you for sharing that day with me. Thank you also for the many warm wishes of congratulations and support.<br /><br />Thank you as well to the legislators who were able to attend our recent ceremony to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the first sitting of the Louisiana Supreme Court. In recognition of this significant event, over the past year, the Court has held oral arguments in the Cabildo, one of the Court&rsquo;s original homes. We gathered in the Sala Capitular, which was the same room where oral arguments were held almost two centuries ago. We also traveled to Natchitoches, another city where the Court used to sit many years ago. The next issue of the <em>Louisiana Bar Journal</em> will be dedicated to the Court&rsquo;s Bicentennial, and will include several articles of historic relevance. The Court will also be producing a booklet, similar to the booklet that was produced in 1813 upon the Court&rsquo;s Centennial celebration, which will include a transcript of the Bicentennial ceremony and other articles of interest. Because of the historical interest of the booklet, we will also disseminate it to schools and libraries around the state so students and citizens, generally, will have a document of this historic event.<br /><br />Our respective two branches of government have a history of mutual respect and cooperation, and I intend as Chief Justice to do everything I can to continue, and build upon, that relationship. This is one of the reasons I am glad to continue the tradition of these visits by our Court to your Chambers for the State of the Judiciary address, and I thank you for welcoming us here this afternoon. Thank you, as well, for the respect, courtesy and cooperation that you show our Justices, our state judges, and our staff every year upon presentation of the judicial branch budget requests, and other legislation that impacts the judiciary. Also, thank you to all of you who volunteer your time to Chair and serve on various committees concerned for judicial reform. A special thanks to Senator Ed Murray who chairs our Committee on House Concurrent Resolution 143, which I will speak about in a minute, and Rep. John Schroeder who does a yeoman&rsquo;s job in chairing the multi-disciplinary Task Force on Legal Representation in Child Protection Cases. We thank you for your valuable input and your contributions.<br /><br />I believe the mutual respect of our two branches is based upon a recognition that the Legislature and the Judiciary are two separate, but equal, branches of government. Our federal and state constitutions enshrine this principle of &ldquo;separate yet equal&rdquo;, a principle which is meaningless and ineffective without maintenance of an independent judiciary. Although judges in our state may be elected, their allegiance is owed to the Louisiana Constitution and to the Rule of Law, not to the rule of the majority. It is the duty and the responsibility of each judge in this state to apply the constitution and laws to the facts before him or her, without fear or favor. A judge cannot be partisan, despite which way political winds may be blowing. An independent judiciary is a hallmark of our democracy, and we should take whatever steps are necessary to respect and preserve this independence.<br /><br />Even though the state judiciary&rsquo;s budget is only about &frac12; of one percent of the total state budget, adequate funding of our branch of government guarantees an independent judiciary. It enables the state judiciary to fulfill its constitutionally mandated duties to resolve disputes, and also allows us to continue to work for reforms and improvements in the area of judicial administration.<br /><br />We have worked diligently to return the respect, courtesy and cooperation you have shown us by the way the state judiciary responds when called upon. The Louisiana Supreme Court, either on its own or through the Judicial Council, responds regularly to requests from the Legislature for information regarding the operations of the judiciary. Some recent examples include the preparation and submission of the 2011 Judicial Council report in response to a House Concurrent Resolution that requested the Judicial Council to study the necessity of uniform jurisdictional limits in city courts and to make recommendations regarding the factors that should be considered by the Legislature when it acts on these issues.<br /><br />Another example was the submission of the 2010 Judicial Council report in response to a House Concurrent Resolution regarding the need for uniform standards and licensing procedures for local juvenile detention facilities. Through its Judicial Administrator&rsquo;s Office, the Court also responds to annual requests from the Legislative Fiscal Office for information regarding the fiscal impact of bills affecting the judiciary.<br /><br />The Supreme Court is currently in the process of preparing responses to House Concurrent Resolution 143, which is a 2011 resolution that requests the Court to conduct a comprehensive study of the caseload data and the number of judges of the appellate courts, district courts, parish courts, and city courts &ldquo;to determine changes necessary to the existing structure of the judiciary to provide the most efficient use of judicial resources.&rdquo; In undertaking this work, the Court is looking at courts&rsquo; filing data, structure, finance, use of support personnel, territorial jurisdiction, jurisdictional limits, and the case weights used by the Judicial Council when evaluating judgeship needs. The Court created a ten-member committee to assist it in responding to the resolution and asked Senator Ed Murray to chair it. Senator Murray is joined by judges, legislators, and citizen members on the committee, including Senator Dan Claitor, Representative Nancy Landry, and Representative Katrina Jackson in this work, which is being staffed by our Judicial Administrator&rsquo;s Office. We sincerely appreciate the service and contributions to the Committee of these legislators. A report on the parish courts has been submitted to the Legislature, and work on the reports on the courts of appeal, the district courts, and the city courts is underway.<br /><br />The Judicial Council has several standing committees that report to the Legislature regularly. Chief among these are the New Judgeship Committee and the Court Cost Committee. Both of these committees were established by the Council in response to the Legislature&rsquo;s request that the Council review all requests for new judgeships, the splitting or merging of any courts, or requests for new or increased court costs or fees. These are active committees of judges and others that play a critical role in assisting the Legislature when bills regarding the structure of the judiciary or the need for new or increased court costs are presented. Over the last few years, the Legislature and the Supreme Court have shared a concern about the provision of services for court users with Limited English Proficiency. In 2010, you passed House Concurrent Resolution 48, which urged the Judicial Council to recommend guidelines and rules to the Supreme Court for the qualification and standards on the use of court interpreters. You may be interested to learn that in 2012, the Louisiana Supreme Court joined the Consortium for Language Access in the Courts, and adopted a Supreme Court rule entitled Code of Professional Responsibility for Language Interpreters. Based on a national model adopted by many states, this code provides ten Canons designed to increase the standards of ethics and professionalism for language interpreters in Louisiana courts.<br /><br />We are also in the process of scheduling court interpreter training classes to educate interpreters on selected topics, such as the interpreter&rsquo;s role in the Court, legal terminology and the Louisiana Court system, the three modes of interpretation, and ethics. These classes end with a written examination that will test the interpreters in both English and the 2nd language. If an interpreter successfully passes all sections of this examination, he or she will be considered a &ldquo;registered&rdquo; interpreter. A list of registered interpreters will be maintained by the Louisiana Supreme Court and will be available to courts, attorneys, and other parties needing Court interpreters. Once &ldquo;registered&rdquo;, the interpreter will be qualified to sit for the standard certification examination, administered in cooperation with the National Center for State Courts.<br /><br />One of the shining success stories of the collaboration of our two branches is the operation of our Drug Courts. In 2001, you allocated funds to enable the Supreme Court to establish a Drug Court office to provide oversight and standards to newly established drug courts throughout the state.<br /><br />The idea behind Drug Courts is to effectively use the resources of a community to fight the problem of drug and alcohol addiction. The design of the first drug court was premised upon the ability of a judge, with the help of a drug court team and all of the justice system stakeholders, to provide an alternative to incarceration to individuals who have landed in the criminal justice system because of their addiction. Rather than incarcerate these individuals, instead they are provided with services. These services combine both substance abuse treatment and educational components that are supervised by a judge who has the ability to award incentives and sanctions based upon the performance of the clients while in treatment. Treatment is community-based, and drug court participants are required to meet with the judge on a regular basis to review progress. Drug court clients are drug-tested regularly and randomly, and are required to attend varying levels of treatment based upon an established phase system and the individual needs of each client.<br /><br />As of today, a little more than 14 years after the first drug court opened in our state, there are now 49 drug courts operating in Louisiana under the supervision of the Supreme Court Drug Court Office, including the addition of one family preservation court. Within 30 days we will also add a new juvenile drug court. We continue to receive requests from other jurisdictions who are interested in expanding the drug court program to their communities. Operation of these drug courts in accordance with established procedures and standards results in savings of both money and lives. Thanks to the continued funding provided by you, the Legislature, our Louisiana drug court program continues to be nationally admired and respected.&nbsp;</p><p>In 2012, Louisiana operated 48 drug courts &ndash; 29 adult, 17 juvenile and 2 family preservation courts - serving an average of 2,779 clients a month. These drug court clients spent approximately 336,000 hours in skilled treatment sessions, and more than 189,000 multi-panel drug tests were administered. At the end of 2012, we provided a new court training to a drug court team in the 36th JDC in DeRidder, and they started a new adult drug court program in January, 2013 to serve the needs of the Beauregard Parish community. In addition to oversight of the operations of all Louisiana drug courts, the Supreme Court Drug Court Office has recently partnered with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission to take over administration and oversight of five Louisiana DWI Courts.<br /><br />In 2012, a milestone was reached for Louisiana Drug Courts &ndash; more than 10,000 clients have now graduated from a Louisiana drug court program. In addition, 37 drug-free babies were born to drug court clients, for a total of 449 drug-free babies since the inception of drug courts in Louisiana, which amounts to a cost savings of One hundred twelve million, two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($112,250,000), based on a national average study by the National Council of State Legislatures. Last year, 304 clients who were previously unemployed found jobs, and 68 clients who had not finished high school earned a GED. Drug courts continue to be the most effective alternative sentencing option in Louisiana, saving taxpayer money while reducing crime and literally saving lives.<br /><br />Each year, we operate a Drug Court Judicial Ride-Along Program. Legislators, sheriffs, district attorneys and other elected officials are invited to visit drug courts in their areas to observe firsthand how drug courts operate and the results they produce in the overall operation of the criminal justice system. I hope some of you were able to accept the invitation of your local programs to get an up-close view of the drug court experience; if you did, thank you for your participation and interest. If any of you are interested now in visiting a drug court program, I would encourage you to do so. Our drug court judges are all volunteers who manage their drug court dockets on top of their regular dockets, and these judges tell me that their drug court dockets can be the some of the most rewarding work they do &ndash; they say they can literally watch drug court clients&rsquo; lives change before their eyes.<br /><br />As Justices on the Supreme Court, our responsibilities fall into two distinct arenas - our adjudicative responsibility, which is to decide cases based only upon the law and the facts of each case; and our administrative responsibility, to oversee the state court system and to continuously undertake efforts to improve that court system. I would like to now turn to the Court&rsquo;s recent efforts to strengthen several key components of the state court system - the competency and knowledge of our judges; the competency and knowledge of our attorneys; and the public&rsquo;s access to our state courts.<br /><br />Over my several years on the bench, I have met judges from all over the country. I can say without hesitation that our state judiciary is composed of some of the most committed, knowledgeable and hardworking judges in the country. These jurists realize that staying abreast of the latest developments in the law is of critical importance. To this end, the Judicial College operates under the auspices of the Supreme Court to provide quality continuing legal education for Louisiana's judges. Continuing legal education courses focus on new law, ethics and cutting-edge issues.<br /><br />In recent years, there has been an emphasis placed upon the quality and relevance of the judicial education offered by the College. The governance of the College has been restructured, newly revised by-laws have been adopted, and a new Board of Governors composed of district, appellate, and city court judges has been selected. The board member judges have worked tirelessly to strengthen the core of the judicial College. The Board of Governors presented a plan to the Court to increase staffing at the College to include a Judicial Educator. The College also recently hired a Judicial Education program Attorney, who will assist in developing new and improved curricula for college seminars. Further, at the College&rsquo;s request, the Court recently enacted a rule whereby at least five hours of a judge&rsquo;s continuing education must be from courses offered by the Louisiana Judicial College. In accordance with our belief that the state judiciary owes a duty to its citizens to maintain competency and knowledge of the law, the Court and the Judicial College are committed to continue making improvements in the area of judicial education.<br /><br />One of the many responsibilities of the Supreme Court is oversight of the legal profession, and it is our duty to do what we can to insure a competent, knowledgeable, ethical and professional bar. With this goal in mind, we recently approved changes to assure validity, enhance reliability and create consistency in the Louisiana bar examination process for new attorneys.<br /><br />Our Committee on Bar Admissions, which is comprised of fifteen members of the bar appointed by the Court, is charged with the testing of applicants to assure minimum legal competence, and is also duty-bound to study and improve the examination, its administration and grading processes. About ten years ago, the Committee began a review of the existing bar exam. Following extensive analysis of the testing system, the Bar Admissions Committee made its recommendation to the Louisiana Supreme Court for several revisions to the bar examination process.<br /><br />In the fall of 2011, after soliciting and reviewing comments from the Louisiana State Bar Association, the law schools, members of the bar, and members of the public, the Louisiana Supreme Court took the following actions. For the short-term, effective October 19, 2011, the current scoring structure was retained, except that the "conditional failure" status was eliminated. Applicants who had already conditionally failed the exam had one final chance to sit for the separate subject examinations required to pass at the February 2012 administration of the bar exam. Thereafter, all applicants are required to take all nine subject examinations. For the legislators that are attorneys, you may be interested to know that &ldquo;spotting&rdquo;, or skipping subjects on the exam, is no longer allowed. The court also placed a limitation on the number of times an applicant may sit for the Louisiana bar exam, and now, applicants shall have only five (5) attempts to pass the exam.<br /><br />The Court&rsquo;s second order implemented a compensatory scoring model which began with the July 2012 bar exam. The passing score is set at 650 with Civil Code subjects to be weighted twice as much as non-Code subjects.<br /><br />The Court will be evaluating these changes and taking up additional long-term suggested changes to the bar exam, including the possible addition of a multiple choice section.<br /><br />Another initiative which I believe will be of great benefit to the education of our young lawyers is an idea that was brought to the Court by the Louisiana State Bar Association - the &ldquo;Transition Into Practice&rdquo; or Mentoring program for new attorneys. Modeled after successful mentoring programs from other states, the LSBA is proposing a two-year voluntary mentoring pilot program in Shreveport, Baton Rouge and the Greater New Orleans area to start in 2015. Upon the conclusion of the pilot, the program would be evaluated, and if successful, would be expanded statewide. Mentors would be experienced Louisiana attorneys who must meet certain qualifications and be accepted to participate. During the course of the program, new attorney mentees will be required to meet with their mentors on a quarterly basis to discuss topics such as the Louisiana Code of Professionalism, the Lawyers Assistance program, trust accounts, and others. In addition, they would be required to attend court activities throughout the year, such civil and criminal hearings in state district court, hearings in specialized courts (bankruptcy, administrative law court, small claims court), a deposition (with the mentor), and an appellate court oral argument. This Mentoring program could be of great benefit to young attorneys, especially those young attorneys who practice alone or in small firms who may not have an experienced attorney close by to answer questions.<br /><br />As I mentioned earlier, we have also taken steps this year to continue to improve the public&rsquo;s access to the judicial system. Access to Justice has long been one of my top priorities, first as a district court judge, and then as a Supreme Court Justice, and now as Chief Justice. A jurisdiction may have the most advanced court system and greatest jurists in the world, but if it is not accessible to all citizens, it is flawed. All participants in the court system - including judges, attorneys, and those with the power of the purse - have an obligation to see that the least among us have the same opportunity and access to justice as those with money and resources.<br /><br />I&rsquo;d like to tell you about two recent ongoing efforts to promote access to justice. First, in response to the growing increase in the number of pro-se or self-represented litigants using the court system as a result of a weakened economy and rising litigation costs, several years ago we joined with the Louisiana State Bar Association to form a committee to explore methods of assisting those self-represented litigants in navigating the legal system. A Task Force, chaired by Judge Harry Randow of the 9th JDC, was formed which studied the issue and drafted recommendations on how to improve access to all levels of court, including strengthening training for judges and court employees, improving the quality and availability of legal pleadings and forms, and simplifying court procedures and rules.<br /><br />Subsequently, the Louisiana District Judges Association took up the mantle of self-represented litigants, and formed the &ldquo;Self Represented Litigants Committee&rdquo;. It is currently chaired by Judge Lisa Woodruff-White, under the direction of Judge Harry Randow, now president of the LDJA. The Committee&rsquo;s mission is to provide tools and information not just for the self-represented litigant, but also to assist the judge in more properly and effectively handling a case where a litigant appears in court and is not represented by counsel. The Committee has worked to inform judges and the general public of Self-represented litigant services currently available in Louisiana; to provide education, information and support to courts about self-represented litigants and services; to encourage the creation or enrichment of Self-represented litigant services within court systems; and to develop resources for use by courts in dealing with Self-represented litigants. The Committee is also very active in judicial education, presenting education seminars to explain and promote the efforts of various entities including the Louisiana Bar Association, Clerks Associations and other legal services that provide information and assistance for self-represented litigants.<br /><br />Under the leadership of Judge Woodruff-White, the Committee recently attained our approval to amend the Code of Judicial Conduct to include the following directive: &ldquo;A judge may make reasonable efforts, consistent with the law and court rules, to facilitate the abilities of all litigants, including self-represented litigants, to be fairly heard, provided, however, that in so doing, a judge should not give self-represented litigants an unfair advantage or create an appearance of partiality to the reasonable person.&rdquo;<br /><br />Secondly, we recognize that serving on a jury is perhaps the public&rsquo;s most important contribution to our court system. However, we also recognize that often the public finds court proceedings confusing. To supplement the efforts of our state judges to fully explain court procedures to jurors, the Court recently created the &ldquo;Committee to Study Plain Civil Jury Instructions&rdquo;. The Committee was charged with studying standard civil jury instructions with a goal of translating them into plain and understandable language.<br /><br />The Committee&rsquo;s draft instructions have been posted on the Court&rsquo;s website for public comment, and judges throughout the state have been asked to review and comment upon the draft instructions. All comments will be reviewed in the near future with an eye toward revising the proposed pattern jury instructions. Our goal is to give jurors the clearest instructions about the law that applies in each case. This is vital to helping them do justice. Clear instructions benefit not only the citizens who serve on juries, but ultimately the judiciary as a whole.<br /><br />We also continue to make advances at the Court in the area of technology. Last year, we hired the court&rsquo;s first Chief Information Officer. Michael Evanson came to us from American Airlines in Tulsa. He has only been with the Court a few months, but he has already made substantial progress in reorganizing our Court technology departments, defining the scope of projects, and implementing new project management tools. As you may know, we currently live-stream our oral arguments over the Internet, we utilize video conferencing for many of our Court meetings, and we have also successfully implemented a new integrated computer-based Enterprise Resource Planning system to manage financial resources, materials, payroll, and human resources. We also continue to make progress on the development of a unified case management system to be used by our city courts, and a few months ago, we began accepting court filings electronically or by &ldquo;e-filing&rdquo;. In addition to e-filing being of great convenience to the attorneys throughout the state, it also enables a litigant in Monroe or Shreveport to get to the Courthouse just as fast as a litigant in New Orleans, in the case of an emergency filing, and thus it has improved the public&rsquo;s access to the Supreme Court.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Conclusion:</strong></span><br />I began my remarks today commenting on the history of the cooperation and collaboration between our two branches of government. I pledge as Chief Justice to continue that cooperation and open lines of communication not only with the Legislature but also with the Executive Branch of government. In this spirit of intergovernmental cooperation, I would like to express again my appreciation to this Legislature and to the Governor&rsquo;s Office for consulting with our staff about certain proposed legislation. First, we were consulted about proposed legislation to address the possession of weapons. This legislation would provide for mandatory reporting of certain information from district court clerks to our Information Technology Department, for ultimate reporting to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, when adults are prohibited from possessing a firearm because of their conviction of certain felony crimes, being found not guilty by reason of insanity or lacking mental capacity to proceed, or being involuntarily committed to an inpatient mental health treatment facility.<br /><br />We have also been consulted about proposed legislation affecting the Families in Need of Services or FINS program. Continued reform of Louisiana&rsquo;s juvenile justice system is imperative, and it is critical in these efforts that the welfare of the child be paramount. It is encouraging to see the Governor&rsquo;s office taking an active part in juvenile justice reform efforts. This legislation seeks to change the parameters for informal FINS to now include some non-delinquent behaviors, such as truancy. An argument can certainly be made that children who merely skip school or stay out past curfew should not be stigmatized and end up in the juvenile delinquency system. This legislation effectively draws attention to this issue, and hopefully will result in a dialogue among FINS stakeholders about necessary reforms. It will also draw attention to the continued need to ensure sufficient resources and services are available statewide for our youth.<br /><br />It is obviously not the role of the Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court to comment upon the substance of proposed legislation. Nonetheless, we are truly appreciative of the other branches&rsquo; willingness to reach out to us when information is needed as to how legislation might impact court operations, and we thank you for your consideration.<br /><br />In conclusion, let me again say what an honor and privilege it is to be before you today. We greatly appreciate your hospitality. I look forward to working with you as Chief Justice, and the members of the Court and I stand ready to assist where appropriate. On behalf of the state judiciary, thank you President Alario, Speaker Kleckley, and all of you, the dedicated members of our state Legislature, for opening your chamber to us today, for your attention to my remarks, and for your unfailing devotion to the people of Louisiana.<br /><br />Thank you.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 - </p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2012 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;JULY 30, 2012</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The Louisiana Supreme Court announced today that beginning August 1, 2012, the Court will take a technological step forward as it launches voluntary e-filing (electronic filing) of documents by attorneys. E-filing will be implemented in several phases with an eye toward improving and enhancing the system over time.</p><p align="left">&ldquo;I would like to commend Justice Marcus Clark for shepherding this project to where attorneys statewide can now do business with the Supreme Court online. I would additionally like to thank the Clerk of Court staff, the Information Technology staff, and all of the attorneys who participated in focus group testing of the system. Their knowledge and can-do spirit has made e-filing a customer service reality for the Louisiana Supreme Court,&rdquo; said Chief Justice Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball.</p><p align="left">A 30-minute online training session is provided on the Louisiana Supreme Court website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lasc.org/">www.lasc.org</a>&nbsp;and is required in order to access e-filing. Once trained, a password is provided and documents can be filed online as they would be filed conventionally, except that required copies of the e-filed documents will be made by the Clerk of Court Office rather than by the attorneys themselves. At this time, e-filing is limited to attorneys in good standing with the Louisiana Supreme Court. Technical assistance will be provided by the Clerk of Court Office during regular business hours.</p><p align="left">According to Justice Marcus Clark, &ldquo;Our e-filing system allows for 24-hour access and is designed to work with various levels of technical expertise and equipment. All attorneys throughout the state will now have the opportunity for quick and easy access to the Court around the clock.&rdquo;</p><p align="left">To cover the costs of implementing the e-filing system and preparing the number of copies required by court rule, there is a $100 cost for e-filing writ applications and a $50 cost for e-filing other court documents such as oppositions, replies, and&nbsp;<em>amicus curiae</em>&nbsp;briefs. These e-filing costs are in addition to the regular filing fees. The Court will also continue to accept filings by hand or mail delivery in accordance with existing court rules.</p><p align="left">For more information about electronic filing of documents and technical assistance, contact the Louisiana Supreme Court Clerk of Court Office at 504.310.2300 Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2011 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; May 3, 2011</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="center" style="text-align:left;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>2011 STATE OF THE JUDICIARY ADDRESS TO THE<br />JOINT SESSION OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE<br />LOUISIANA LEGISLATURE BY<br />CATHERINE D. KIMBALL<br />CHIEF JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA<br />TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2011, 5:00 P.M. HOUSE CHAMBER</strong></p><p>Good Evening! I am delighted to be here with you this evening, and thank you for the invitation to address you on the state of the judiciary in Louisiana. Joining me today are Justice Bernette Johnson from New Orleans; Justice Jeff Victory from Shreveport; Justice John Weimer from Thibodaux; and Justice Greg Guidry from Jefferson Parish. I would like to introduce you to our newest Justice, Marcus Clark from Monroe, who has served since late 2009. Unfortunately, Justice Jeannette Theriot Knoll from Marksville was unable to attend. I also want to introduce Timothy Averill, our new Judicial Administrator. Tim is a former Deputy Judicial Administrator who was appointed to the JA position upon the retirement of Dr. Hugh Collins. While I&rsquo;m making introductions, let me mention that one of your former colleagues, my husband Clyde, is with us this evening, as well as Nancy Victory, Justice Victory&rsquo;s wife.</p><p>It has been two years since my last visit to this chamber. Over these last years, there have been many challenges, both professional and personal. For a short time there, I wasn&rsquo;t so sure I&rsquo;d make it back to talk to you again. However, I am happy to report that I have been back at the helm of the state judiciary for over a year now. I was touched by the outpouring of support that I received from across the state during my recovery from the stroke. Thank you all for your support, words of encouragement, and prayers.</p><p>And while I am speaking here in the place where he spent so much time working for his constituents and the State of Louisiana, I would like to publicly thank my husband Clyde, who has been with me every step of the way. Thanks honey, you made today and all my todays possible.</p><p>Please indulge me for just a moment longer on this subject. It&rsquo;s true what they say, if you have your health, you have everything. I never dreamed I would have a stroke, and I&rsquo;m sure you don&rsquo;t imagine having one either. I have talked to our state judges, and will do so again in a few weeks, about the importance of wellness and the warning signs of a stroke. I urge you to educate yourself on this issue, but more importantly, to pay attention to your personal health needs. As elected officials, we owe as much to the people of our great state whom we serve, as well as to our own families.</p><p>And now on to the business at hand.</p><p>Many of you have had the opportunity to visit our Courthouse in New Orleans since it reopened in 2004. This year marks the 100th birthday of the historic building, and if you have not been to the Courthouse lately, I invite you to come visit. Thank you again for providing the funds necessary to put this building back into commerce. In addition to the funding of our courthouse, thank you for the respect, courtesy and cooperation that you show us every year, upon presentation of the judicial branch budget requests.</p><p>I believe that the respect you show us is indicative of the mutual understanding and recognition that our two branches - the Legislature and the Judiciary - are separate, co-equal, and independent branches of our government, as designed by our founding fathers. Independence of the judiciary is essential in a democracy. Even though the state judiciary&rsquo;s budget is only &frac12; of 1 percent of the total state budget, adequate funding of our branch of government guarantees an independent judiciary by enabling us to discharge our constitutionally mandated duties and responsibilities of resolving disputes and adjudicating cases. In addition, adequate funding makes it possible for us to partner with you, the Legislature, as well as the Executive Branch, in executing programs that not only benefit our citizens, but which save our state money in the long run.</p><p>I believe we have been good stewards of the taxpayer monies allocated to the state judiciary. Regarding our adjudicative responsibilities, in 2010, a total of approximately 844,460 cases were filed at all levels of court combined - district, appellate and Supreme. Of this number, 2,875 cases made their way to the Supreme Court, which was an increase of about 100 cases since 2009. Over the last two years, in addition to issuing hundreds of orders, the Supreme Court rendered 129 opinions. In the last two years, we considered the recommendations of the Judiciary Commission and we disciplined six state judges, including two interim disqualifications where the judge ultimately resigned, and one removal from the bench. Since 2009, the Supreme Court has considered and acted on approximately 200 disciplinary proceedings involving attorneys. We also reached an unfortunate milestone of sorts last week when the Court permanently disbarred its 100th attorney.</p><p>At the suggestion of the National Center for State Courts that performed a review of our case management operations, we have begun to utilize video conferencing to reduce the travel expenses of some of our Justices, and to enable Justices to participate in conferences when they are unable to travel to New Orleans for some reason. And we have also continued the pilot testing of e-filing with the Orleans and Jefferson Parish District Attorneys and Public Defenders&rsquo; offices. We hope to have our e-filing operations completed this year.</p><p>We have also been good stewards of the public fisc when it comes to the internal operations of our Court. We implemented a hiring freeze last year, filling only the most crucial positions. We estimate that the freezing of these positions, while inconvenient and not popular, may result in significant savings over time. Upon the recommendation of our Law Librarian, we reduced the number of hours the Louisiana Law Library is open to the public, cutting back on weekend and evening hours. We placed restrictions on employee travel, and we invited two national organizations to review our internal case management system and our information technology systems and to make recommendations on how we might improve. We have already enacted many of the recommendations, including eliminating one department and combining two other departments.</p><p>We have also spent many hours and resources designing, developing and implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning system which will result in an integrated computer-based system to manage financial resources, materials, payroll, and human resources. This ERP will revolutionize the way we conduct our internal business at the court, and will result in substantial savings and increased efficiencies for years to come. After months of hard work, we are halfway through our ERP rollout, and we expect to be completely online in just a few months.</p><p>We have been busy at the Court these last two years, and our judicial reform initiatives are too many to mention. However, I would like to give you a snapshot of some of the most interesting new initiatives we have undertaken in our ongoing quest for judicial reform and responsible use of taxpayer dollars.</p><p>In January, we created the Louisiana Judicial Leadership Institute, designed to serve as an organizational enrichment tool to assist in developing a judge&rsquo;s leadership skills, to increase awareness of leadership and management issues and challenges, and to provide a network of court leaders across the state who are actively involved in improving leadership skills and court operations. The Institute will consist of five sessions over an eight month period in various cities across the state. The inaugural class, composed of judges from across the state and from all levels of the state judiciary, participated in the first session in March, and I was pleased that we received rave reviews.</p><p>Both Louisiana and nationally, we have seen an increase in the number of pro-se or self-represented litigants using the court system, as a result of a weakening economy and rising litigation costs. We joined with the Louisiana State Bar Association to form a committee to explore methods of assisting those self-represented litigants in navigating the legal system.</p><p>Task Force members, representing a diverse coalition of judges, policy-makers, and advocates, met last year and drafted recommendations on how to improve access to all levels of court, including strengthening training for judges and court employees, improving the quality and availability of legal pleadings and forms, and simplifying court procedures and rules.&nbsp;</p><p>Justice Jeannette Knoll chaired the Supreme Court Committee to Study Post-Conviction Procedures, whose purpose was to conduct a comprehensive review and study of the laws, processes and procedures relevant to Louisiana post-conviction proceedings, in a collaborative method to determine the cause, if any, of delays or practices unfair to the either party. The Committee members were drawn from a broad range of individuals knowledgeable about the post-conviction process. We will be acting on the Committee&rsquo;s recommendations in the near future.</p><p>A specially appointed Task Force looked at how to improve courthouse security in Louisiana, and yet another committee was appointed to study standard jury instructions with the goal of translating them into plain and understandable language. Giving jurors the clearest instructions about the law that applies in each case is vital to helping them do justice, therefore benefitting not only the citizens who serve on juries, but ultimately the judiciary as a whole.</p><p>Over the last few years, you, the Legislature, has asked the Supreme Court to take on several programs. We did so enthusiastically, and we believe, effectively. We also did so economically.</p><p>For example, in 2001, you asked us to oversee the establishment of a Drug Court program in Louisiana. Now, only ten years later, we currently have in operation 29 adult drug courts, 17 juvenile drug courts, and one family dependency court. The operation of these drug courts results in savings of both money and lives.</p><p>Louisiana has the highest incarceration rate in the country; 40,000 or 1 out of 55 adults are in jail or prison. 80% of these offenders abuse drugs or alcohol; almost 50% of inmates are clinically addicted; and approximately 60% of arrestees test positive for drugs at arrest. Now, consider this: in Louisiana, where recidivism is rampant, 77.4% of drug court graduates remain arrest-free two years after leaving the program. For every $1 invested in drug courts, taxpayers save as much as $2.21 in direct benefits to the criminal justice system &ndash; a 221% return on the investment. Considering other factors such as foster care placements, healthcare service utilization and reduced victimization, savings can be $2 to $27 for every $1 invested; and the result is a net benefit to local communities from approximately $3,000 to $13,000 per drug court participant.</p><p>Since the first drug court opened in Louisiana, over 8,300 arrestees have graduated from the program. A total of 438 drug-free babies were born, for an estimated total cost saving of $109-1/2 million dollars ($109,500,000), based on a total of estimated costs of medical and related expenses for a drug-addicted baby in the first year of life. Further, 94% of adult 2009 drug court graduates were employed at graduation, as compared to a 51% employment rate at admission. Substance abusing mothers who have had their children removed by the state can regain custody if they remain drug free, reuniting mothers with their children and taking the children out of the foster care system. In short, while saving the state money in terms of incarceration, medical, welfare, unemployment and other expenses, as well as reducing crime, drug courts give hope and support to people previously considered as hopeless. The dollars you allocate to funding our drug courts are certainly a wise investment with an excellent return.</p><p>Another example of where funds allocated to the Supreme Court for use in programs result in savings is CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates. This year, 18 CASA programs provided services in 34 judicial districts to over 2,700 children, utilizing the services of 1,450 volunteers. These volunteers are &ldquo;extraordinary&rdquo; ordinary citizens who assist abused and neglected children who find themselves, through no fault of their own, embroiled in the legal system. Funds provided to CASA programs are leveraged by serving foster children with specially trained volunteers supervised by paid staff, thereby making it possible to serve more than 70 children per year for each paid staff person. By providing an average of $3.5 million dollars worth of donated time per year, CASA advocates save the State of Louisiana these additional dollars. Each year, over 1,000 Louisiana children with CASAs are permanently placed out of the foster care system, saving the State approximately $10,000 per year for each child.</p><p>Let me turn for a minute to this current legislative session. In accordance with current law, the Supreme Court regularly presents you with several annual reports, including the Annual Operational Plan; the report of action by the Judicial Council in response to requests for new judgeships as well as information on the distribution of judges around the state and the process used to assess the need for judgeships; the Judicial Council report on requests for increases in court costs; and our annual Performance Audit of a judicial program, as required by statute. At any point, if you have questions about any of these reports, please feel free to contact me. And as always, we look forward to meeting with you to present our annual judiciary budget.</p><p>Many of you know of my interest and involvement in the improvement of our juvenile justice system. And I&rsquo;m sure many of you know as well that I could not pass up an opportunity like talking to you today without asking for your continued support and assistance for our children.</p><p>We have come a long way in our juvenile justice system - from 2001's ranking by the New York Times as one of the worst systems in the country, to today&rsquo;s reality of international foundations such as MacArthur, Casey and others investing millions of dollars in our state because they see the potential and willingness for reform. While we have made dramatic improvements in how we treat the juvenile offender, we should also be concerned with the juvenile victim. Our legislature has traditionally concerned itself with victims&rsquo; rights, and even enacted an amendment to our state constitution, acknowledging the right of a victim to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect. We need also to be concerned with our state&rsquo;s youngest victims, those who are abused and neglected, sometimes even by their own parents and relatives.</p><p>On any given day there are some 4,500 abused and neglected children in the Louisiana child welfare system. And those are just the ones we know about; countless more go unreported. We in the judiciary have embraced our role in the system and have engaged actively with the Department of Children and Family Services and other partners to try to improve outcomes for these vulnerable children.</p><p>We recently participated actively in the Child and Family Services Review, which is a federal review of all aspects of the state&rsquo;s child welfare system, including the legal system. The judiciary has continued to participate in the subsequent child welfare program improvement plan and is currently working with the Department of Children and Family Services on strengthening family engagement through child-focused, family-centered practices to facilitate timely and permanent placement of children in the foster care system.</p><p>This last year, under the chairmanship of your colleague, Rep. John Schroder, we also successfully implemented a new statewide system of representation for children and indigent parents in child protection cases, working with all three branches of government and the Louisiana Bar Foundation.</p><p>We have also been working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders toward creation of a &ldquo;Louisiana Center of Excellence for Children and Families.&rdquo; The goal of the Center is to establish formalized, collaborative relationships among key stakeholders across the three branches of government. The Center would promote programs, practices and services for at-risk children that have been proven effective, and provide cross-systems training and technical assistance.</p><p>All parties involved in the Center bring specialized expertise of strategic importance. Coordinated use of state and private resources reduces redundancies and inefficiencies and increases our ability to leverage ever-dwindling state resources and maximize federal funding streams. The Center is yet another demonstration of our recognition that it is our collective responsibility that we, in all of our roles &ndash; whether judicial/executive/legislative, public/private, local/state - should apply what we have learned and base our policies and procedures and budgets on what has been shown to improve outcomes for our children.</p><p>Thank you again for the invitation to be with you today. Thank you for your attention to my remarks, and on behalf of the state judiciary, thank you for your respect and your courtesies. And most importantly, thank you for your undying efforts to improve the lives of the citizens of our state.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2010 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; may 27, 2010</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The National Consortium on Racial and Ethnic Fairness in the Courts (National Consortium) recently announced the election of Judge Max N. Tobias, Jr. as the new President and Moderator of the National Consortium for a two-year term that began on May 1, 2010. Judge Tobias, who has been a judge for more than 24 years, currently is a judge on Louisiana&rsquo;s Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal, an intermediate appellate court located in New Orleans. Previously, Judge Tobias served as President and Moderator of the National Consortium from 2004-2006. He has been involved with the National Consortium since 1992 and in issues relating to the fair and impartial treatment of minorities and women for many years.</p><p align="left">The National Consortium is the largest organization in the United States that specifically addresses the issue of racial and ethnic fairness and impartiality in the court system. It has 38 member states and is open to all courts, bar associations, judges and court administrators. It works closely with the Conference of Chief Justices and the Conference of State Court Administrators. The National Center for State Courts operates as the National Consortium&rsquo;s secretariat. The National Consortium&rsquo;s web site may be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.consortiumonline.net/">www.consortiumonline.net</a>.</p><p align="left">For further information, contact Judge Tobias ay mnt@La4th.org or John W. Douglas of the National Center for State Courts at jdouglas@ncsc.org.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2009 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; march 16, 2009</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Justice Chet D. Traylor has announced that he will retire from the Supreme Court of Louisiana, effective May 31, 2009, after twelve years of service on the court. Elected from the Fourth Supreme Court District, he took office on January 1, 1997.</p><p align="left">Justice Traylor received his B.A. degree in government from Northeast Louisiana State University in 1969 and his law degree from Loyola University of Law in 1974. He served as a judge of the Fifth Judicial District Court, including Franklin, Richland and West Carroll Parishes, from 1985 until his election to the Louisiana Supreme Court.</p><p align="left">During his tenure on the Supreme Court bench, Justice Traylor was chair of the Louisiana Supreme Court Ad Hoc Committee to Prevent Lawyer Misconduct and served as the Supreme Court representative for the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement.</p><p align="left">Justice Traylor is a former Louisiana State Trooper, Troop F; an Investigator for the Louisiana Department of Justice, Organized Crime and Racketeering Unit and was later the legal advisor to the Louisiana State Police Narcotics, Detectives and Intelligence units. From 1975 to 1982 he served as an Assistant District Attorney in Franklin Parish.</p><p align="left">Justice Traylor was a founding member of the Winnsboro Economic Development Foundation and served as a board member of the Winnsboro Lion&rsquo;s Club and of the Franklin Parish Mental Health Association. He was the first president of Winnsboro Ducks Unlimited and the founder of the John Adams Chapter of Greenwings. He is a life member of the National Rifle Association and is a member of the Rocky Mountain Conservation Fund.</p><p align="left">He served in the United States Army as a Military Police Investigator and was honorably discharged after two years of service as a Sergeant E-5.</p><p align="left">Justice Traylor is married to the former Peggy McDowell, and is the father of three daughters.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2008 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>April 8, 2008</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="center"><strong>2008 STATE OF THE JUDICIARY ADDRESS TO THE<br />JOINT SESSION OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE<br />LOUISIANA LEGISLATURE BY<br />PASCAL F. CALOGERO, JR.<br />CHIEF JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA<br />TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2008, 2:30 P.M. HOUSE CHAMBER<br /></strong></p><p><strong>MR. PRESIDENT, MR. SPEAKER, MEMBERS OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, COLLEAGUES, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:</strong></p><p>Good Afternoon,</p><p>On behalf of the Louisiana Supreme Court, thank you for this opportunity to speak to you again on the State of the Judiciary. With me today for this address are Justice Kitty Kimball of New Roads, Justice Chet D. Traylor of Winnsboro, Justice Jeannette Theriot Knoll of Marksville, and Justice John L. Weimer from Thibodaux. Unfortunately, Justice Bernette Johnson of New Orleans and Justice Jeffrey Victory of Shreveport are unable to be here today.</p><p>It is an honor to appear before you again. I sincerely appreciate the courtesies shown me by the President, the Speaker, and all of you for scheduling this address and for being here this afternoon.</p><p>As you may know, it has been my practice as Chief Justice to present this State of the Judiciary address every two years. This occasion gives us the opportunity to visit, and to demonstrate our mutual respect for our respective branches of government. I had the pleasure of speaking to you last year. However, I wanted to visit with you again this year for two main reasons. First, on behalf of the Louisiana Supreme Court, I wanted to personally welcome the new legislators, and to congratulate you on undertaking the awesome responsibility of serving your constituents in the August body of the Louisiana State Legislature. You join the ranks of one of the most dedicated and hard-working state legislatures in the country. The citizens of Louisiana are depending upon you, and the brightness of our future is dependent, in large measure, on the work you do here. Judging from the results of the first two extraordinary sessions earlier this year, I believe our future is indeed bright.</p><p>Second, in addition to a sincere welcome, my address today is also a heartfelt farewell. After 36 years on the bench and after 18 years as Chief Justice, I will be retiring at the end of this year. When I reflect back on my time on the Court, especially as Chief Justice since April of 1990, I am proud of what the Justices have accomplished. I would like to review a sampling of those accomplishments for the benefit of the new legislators so that you are better acquainted with some of the initiatives of the Louisiana Supreme Court.&nbsp;</p><p>First and foremost, I am proud to say that throughout the past 34 years, the Supreme Court has successfully maintained a consistently current docket, notwithstanding that during this time the volume of cases has more than tripled.</p><p>We have implemented meaningful reforms in judicial administration, many in partnership with you, the state legislature. For example, significant reforms have been made in Louisiana&rsquo;s juvenile justice system. In my 2001 State of the Judiciary Address, I spoke about the need to reform the juvenile justice system of Louisiana, and I asked you to create a joint commission to develop the vision and plan for reform. You responded in an inter-branch effort that resulted eventually in your passing an omnibus law and a companion omnibus resolution requiring or recommending major changes in the state&rsquo;s system of juvenile justice. These changes included, among others, the closure of a juvenile prison which had been operating under deplorable and substandard conditions, the empowerment of the Children&rsquo;s Cabinet as the chief vehicle for reform, and the establishment of an implementation commission. Because of your foresight several years ago, and the collaboration of the three branches of government, much improvement has been made, but there is still work to be done. I urge you to continue your commitment to the youth of our state and improving Louisiana&rsquo;s system of juvenile justice and to proceed full-steam ahead with the reform measures that you previously approved and that are ongoing.</p><p>I am also proud of the progress we have made together in the area of indigent defense, a vital part of a working criminal justice system. Our work began in 1993 with an inter-branch initiative to create and fund a statewide indigent defender board. Prior to this initiative, indigent defender programs in Louisiana were fragmented, poorly managed, and seriously underfunded. The Supreme Court established by its own rule a statewide indigent defender board, designed to operate temporarily, and which later became the Louisiana Indigent Defense Assistance Board. After a few years, operation and management of the Board was transferred to the executive branch as had been contemplated from the start.</p><p>Over the next several years, the issue of adequate funding was constantly being raised, and in 2005, in my State of the Judiciary address I asked you to provide for a workable and adequately funded indigent defense system. You took action by creating the Louisiana Indigent Defense Services Task Force, which was charged with studying the indigent defense crisis and making recommendations to improve the public defender system, which is used in perhaps 80-90% of all criminal cases in Louisiana. You acted again last year by passing the Louisiana Public Defender Act, which called for comprehensive, state-wide reforms and increased authority for the Louisiana Public Defender Board. Most importantly, you significantly increased funding for the delivery of public defense services. I urge you to continue to be responsive to the call for insuring a viable public defender system. We owe it to our citizens, especially to the victims of crime, to do what we can to insure that appropriate convictions are obtained and will survive the appellate process and constitutional challenge.</p><p>Thanks to you and state appropriations, and after two decades of effort, the restoration of the Louisiana Supreme Court building was completed, and now houses the Louisiana Supreme Court, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal, the Louisiana Law Library, and the Office of the Judicial Administrator, among other offices. In recent years, some of your Committees have held hearings in the building, and we stand ready to accommodate future hearings. Post-Katrina we also hosted several U.S. Congressional field hearings.</p><p>Over the last two decades, one of our Court&rsquo;s top priorities has been Louisiana&rsquo;s judicial discipline system. In its constitutional role of superintendence of the state judiciary, the Supreme Court reformed the judicial discipline system, including the creation of the Office of Special Counsel and the hiring of an aggressive prosecutor, separate from the Judicial Administrator, to fill that position, as well as increasing available funding and staffing, thanks to you. Also hired was a legal counsel for the Judiciary Commission itself. These efforts, combined with dedicated volunteer judges, and volunteer attorney and lay members of the Commission, have resulted in an increase in the number, as well as improvements in the adjudication, of judicial discipline cases. Since 2002, we have removed six judges and two justices of the peace from the bench, and issued a suspension or other discipline in 31 instances. We also acted to address a growing concern about the increasingly negative tenor of judicial campaigns, as well as possible unethical conduct, by creating a &ldquo;Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee.&rdquo; That Committee has had positive results. And just recently, we adopted procedures whereby selected retired and active judges will serve as Hearing Officers on certain Judiciary Commission complaints to help speed up the process and avoid the build-up of a backlog, as well as reduce delay in proceedings against judges, whose misconduct, if left unaddressed for any length of time, may well result in continuing harm to the public.</p><p>We are most serious about our constitutional responsibility concerning oversight of state judges, and we will continue to take steps to strengthen the judicial discipline process.</p><p>We also addressed head-on increasing concerns regarding lawyer misconduct and the need for reasonable and adequate attorney discipline. Louisiana&rsquo;s lawyer discipline system was the first based on the ABA&rsquo;s Model Code to be instituted in the United States. Over the years, while not the most popular move, the Court has acted several times to increase the disciplinary fee assessed to all practicing lawyers to adequately fund the system. For the last fifteen years, the system has worked extremely well, thanks to the efforts of the Disciplinary Board Hearing Committees, the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board, and the Office of Disciplinary Counsel. The Hearing Committees and Disciplinary Board are composed of volunteers, all of whom expend a substantial amount of time and effort, without pay, to make the attorney discipline process work at very little expense to the public.</p><p>The number of prosecutions of attorney misconduct has steadily increased over the last decade. Just since 2003, in a mere five years, we have ordered that an attorney be disbarred in 104 cases, of which in 66, the disbarment was made permanent, a sanction we recently codified by amendment to court rules, and which is reserved for the most gross misconduct, criminal and otherwise. Additional reforms implemented in the area of attorney discipline, among others, include requiring character and background investigations by the National Conference of Bar Examiners as a prerequisite for taking the bar exam; and mandatory trust account overdraft notification by banks.</p><p>Some other major judicial administrative initiatives that have been undertaken over the past two decades include the establishment of CMIS, the Case Management Information System Department, within our Judicial Administrator&rsquo;s Office for the purpose of developing a master plan for a statewide, computerized court information system linking the courts with each other and with state and federal law enforcement agencies; the creation of the Children and Families division of the Office of the Judicial Administrator, which administers three programs: the Court Improvement Program, the CASA (&ldquo;Court Appointed Special Advocates&rdquo;) Assistance Program, and the FINS (&ldquo;Families in Need of Services&rdquo;) Assistance Program; and the Louisiana Protective Order Registry (LPOR), which is a centralized computer repository for the collection of civil and criminal protective orders--stay away orders which provide relief from abusive or harassing behavior in domestic violence incidents.</p><p>Louisiana&rsquo;s drug court program also continues to grow and show positive results. Since the establishment of Louisiana's first drug court in 1997, the number of programs has grown to 45, with three currently in the planning stages. There are nearly 60 judges overseeing drug court dockets and managing the delivery of intensive treatment, drug testing and community supervision to over 2,900 participants. The Legislature&rsquo;s faithful support of our local drug court programs has had a significant positive impact on the lives of the many clients and families that have been served and on the communities in which they live.</p><p>Much significant work of the Louisiana Supreme Court is accomplished through its arm, the Louisiana Judicial Council. Over the past few years, you have passed several &ldquo;request and urge&rdquo; resolutions asking the Judicial Council to take action, and the Court and the Council have responded in all instances. For the benefit of the new legislators, the Judicial Council was created by a Supreme Court Rule in 1950 to assist the Chief Justice and the Court in the administration of justice. Since its creation, the Council has made studies and recommendations regarding the justice system. For example, the Council has studied court finance, issues relating to court reporting, delay reduction, pro se litigation, and many other topics.</p><p>Since 1981, the Council has also been involved in developing formal procedures and criteria for evaluating requests for new judgeships, which were extended by the legislature through the enactment of R.S. 13:61 several years ago. Since the enactment of another statute, R.S. 13:62, the Council has also assisted the legislature by evaluating and making recommendations regarding bills that would impose or increase court costs and fees. Last year, the legislature asked the Court, in conjunction with the Council, to continue to develop criteria for evaluating the need for judgeships throughout the state pursuant to Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 91. The report of the Council was submitted to the leadership of your respective bodies on March 14th of this year. The information produced by these criteria can be used by the legislature for the possible reduction of unneeded judgeships.</p><p>Throughout my tenure, this Court and its Judicial Council have enjoyed a good working relationship with the legislature and I am certain that this will continue. However, as I depart, I would like to make some suggestions for improving that relationship. First, I would recommend that, if you wish to have the Judicial Council study a matter of legislative concern, you address the request to the Court and not the Council. This would allow the Court the opportunity to review the request to determine if the Judicial Council is its proper agency to address the matter, and if not, to determine the appropriate response to your request. And second, I would hope that we could find ways for the three branches to work together on studies and projects of this type, perhaps following the course we took in collaborating on juvenile justice reform.</p><p>One of the most significant reforms, I believe, has just recently been implemented, and that is requiring financial disclosure by state judges. We have also revised Canon 6 of our Code of Judicial Conduct relative to the receipt and reporting of gifts by state judges to incorporate several recommendations of the ABA Model Code of Judicial Conduct, as well as some provisions of existing state law applicable to other public officials. You are to be commended for respecting the principles of separation of powers as is established in our state constitution. While it may not have been popular with some of your constituents to exclude judges from your recent financial disclosure legislation, I believe it was the only legal and constitutional thing to do, and I hope that the Court&rsquo;s expeditious action helped to assure you that the Louisiana Supreme Court, like your distinguished body, stands ready and is fully capable of complying with its constitutional responsibility in the exercise of its constitutional authority.</p><p>You may be interested to know that the Court has a standing Advisory Committee to the Supreme Court for Revision of the Code of Judicial Conduct, which is currently chaired by retired Justice Harry Lemmon. This Committee reviews the Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct, generally, and the American Bar Association Model Code in particular, and makes recommendations to our Supreme Court for improvements to the Louisiana Code. Present topics undergoing review include the provisions of the Code governing recusal of judges, as well as political and campaign conduct of judges.</p><p>I am concerned about what is perhaps a declining confidence in the judiciary, for it contradicts what I have observed in the way of judicial performance over my many years on the Court. During the past 36 years, I have had the opportunity to work with some of the most talented, dedicated judges in the United States, right here in Louisiana. The ranks of Louisiana judges are filled, for the most part, with hard-working, competent, ethical, honest jurists who take their constitutional responsibilities very seriously, as do you Legislators. They are dedicated public servants who routinely act without selfish motives. Yes, it is true that there are occasional occurrences of judicial misconduct, sometimes of a serious sort, and we are aggressively weeding out these errant judges. Do I believe that there might be corruption within the state judiciary? Indeed, as in any profession, there are some who would seek to benefit personally in an improper way, but I believe that our judicial discipline system is working to strip these judges of their offices. I also believe that the tightening of our ethical rules should discourage judicial aspirants with improper motives from seeking a judicial career.</p><p>My experience has been that the electorate, for the most part, has made wise and deliberate choices of those who are elected to serve in the state judiciary. Some have questioned whether our system of selecting judges by election is the optimal system, and it has been suggested that perhaps our elective system should be replaced with an appointive system. Of course, I am a product of the elective system, having faced the electorate on four separate occasions, including my first election in 1972. Nonetheless, I welcome this debate. However, such debate should be open, fair and straight-forward. We owe our citizens that much.</p><p>It has been said that an appointive system promotes judicial independence, whereas an elective system insures judicial accountability. Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages. My chief observation, however, is that if the right of the public to cast votes for their judges is to be taken away, then the decision to do so should be made based on facts, rather than rumor or innuendo, and the debate should be deliberate and considered. I am also concerned that replacing an elective system with a &ldquo;selection&rdquo; or appointive system only takes away the choice from the people and places it in the hands of a few; it does not in any way remove the politics from the process, as some have argued.</p><p>Notwithstanding these views, I do not take the position that our system is perfect, and I do believe there is a need for constant review and improvement. I might mention, however, that we already have in place strict limits on the amount of individual contributions to a judge&rsquo;s campaign, a prohibition on personal solicitation by judges of campaign contributions, limits on the level of campaign contributions that can be retained following an election, and stringent reporting requirements. And of course, the public has access to the list of contributors and contributions made to a judge&rsquo;s campaign committee.</p><p>As I am in the twilight of my tenure, I hope you will indulge me for several more moments as I share a few of my personal opinions with you on another subject. These comments are my views developed after years of involvement in the judicial system. They are my personal observations and are not necessarily expressions on behalf of any other justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court.</p><p>Many of the problems impairing judicial performance -- some of them problems revealed during the hurricanes and their aftermaths -- are deeply rooted in the confusing manner in which the judicial system is structured, governed, and financed. The present set of fragmented arrangements includes more than 750 elected judges and justices of the peace spread over five layers of courts, as well as countless district attorneys, clerks of court, sheriffs, coroners, and other court officials, all of whom exercise discrete, independent authority and are funded through differing financing mechanisms. The present system is further complicated by the fact that trial court judges, especially those on the district courts, are almost totally dependent upon other elected officers for the delivery of most essential court functions.</p><p>The existing governance structure of the trial courts is, in my opinion, a major problem for the proper administration of a court system because it requires, for its proper functioning, a complex system of coordination among the branches and offices of state and local government. In addition, the current complex structure makes it very difficult for the public to understand and access the system of justice. I would hope that, in the future, we could simplify the structure of the justice system.</p><p>We also need to find a way to control the number of judgeships in the state. We currently have a very good system for determining the need for new judgeships. We need an equally good system for eliminating unneeded judgeships. Unfortunately, a bill introduced by former Senator Lentini which proposed reducing unneeded judgeships by attrition &ndash; an approach, by the way, recommended in concept by the Judicial Council -- failed to pass the legislature last year. I am hopeful that this legislature will address that subject again as soon as possible.</p><p>I would also hope to see in the future a restructuring of the financing of the justice system. The current set of financial arrangements is bewildering and problematic. As part of these arrangements, local governments are required to carry the heavy burden of funding a large part of the operations of the courts, the district attorneys, and the coroners -- all of which are state constitutional functions. Citizens are also required to pay rather high fees, fines, court costs and assessments to also help pay for the costs of judicial branch functions. These arrangements create a condition of "rich" offices and "poor" offices, and force agencies that should work together, rather, to fight one another for limited resources, as well as to try to build up cash fund balances for a &ldquo;rainy day.&rdquo; Furthermore, the present funding arrangements prevent uniformity and consistency in judicial services, and threaten judicial impartiality by making judicial functions too dependent on local governments and user-generated income. In addition, the current financing arrangements make it impossible for citizens and the legislature to understand the total amount of financing being provided to each agency, thus making public accountability very difficult.</p><p>The current system of financing is not the product of any planned public policy analysis or rational overall decision-making. Rather, it is the aggregation of all of the arrangements made by financially strapped units of government over many decades. This patchwork of financing creates numerous problems that impede the state's efforts to combat crime, maintain public accountability, preserve judicial independence, and reduce the number and level of mandated expenses on local governments.</p><p>I would hope that, in the future, the state would move toward bearing the entire burden of financing the court system. Perhaps this could be accomplished by a combination of user-fee funding and general appropriations. In any case, the issue of financing the court system is one that warrants attention in the future.</p><p>As I close my final State of the Judiciary address, I want to express again my gratitude to you, the legislators of today, as well as the legislators who preceded you and whom I have had the honor of knowing and working with these past 35 years. Thank you for your assistance to the state judiciary, for giving due consideration to our annual appropriations requests, for generally respecting our views on matters of judicial administration when we have been called upon, and, for the respect and the courtesies you have demonstrated throughout the years. I also would like to thank your outstanding legislative staff which has provided immeasurable assistance to the judiciary over these many years.</p><p>I would also like to publicly thank my present colleagues on the bench - Justice Kimball, Justice Johnson, Justice Victory, Justice Traylor, Justice Knoll and Justice Weimer. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve with you, and I admire each of you for your dedication to your position and to improving the administration of justice in our state.</p><p>I owe a special thanks to the Justice who will succeed me as Chief, - Justice Kitty Kimball. Justice Kimball has been invaluable in assisting me on the Court in the handling of myriad court administrative duties in the past few years. She has proven herself to be an effective, courageous, and hard-working leader. The City of New Orleans, as well as the state, is in her debt for her successful efforts post-Katrina to encourage and foster communication and problem-solving among the entities in the Orleans Parish criminal justice system. I know Justice Kimball will excel as the next Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court. She has my every confidence.</p><p>In closing, thank you President Chaisson, Speaker Tucker, and all of you, the dedicated members of our state Legislature, for opening your chamber to us today, and for your unfailing devotion to the people you serve, the citizens of Louisiana. I greatly appreciate your attention to this, my final State of the Judiciary address. It has truly been an honor to serve you and the citizens of Louisiana as your Chief Justice.</p><p>Thank you.</p><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="center">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2007 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590<br /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 1, 2007</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">In recognition of Law Day 2007 and in accordance with the court-adopted Resolution encouraging state court judges to participate in Law Day activities, Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Bernette J. Johnson hosted 120 seventh and eighth grade students from Sophie B. Wright Academy of Excellence at the Supreme Court today for a Dialogue On the American Jury. A Dialogue is a carefully planned discussion with students organized and facilitated by lawyers and judges. The purpose of the dialogue is to explore American civic values and traditions.</p><p align="left">&ldquo;The Dialogue with the middle-school students of Sophie B. Wright was ripe with insightful thoughts and sharp questions about the American jury system. Topics discussed related to the history of the jury trial, landmark rulings regarding juries as well as issues confronting the jury today---unanimous verdicts and exemptions from service,&ldquo; Justice Johnson said.</p><p align="left">In addition to the Dialogue with Justice Johnson and her staff, the students were given a tour of the Supreme Court Building which included stops in the newly opened Louisiana State Law Museum and the Louisiana State Law Library.</p><p align="left">Law Day, May 1, was established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1957 in an effort to celebrate the American legal system and to strengthen understanding of the American heritage of liberty, justice and equality under the law. This year&rsquo;s Law Day theme is Liberty Under Law: Empowering Youth, Assuring Democracy.</p><p align="left">Sophie B. Wright Academy of Excellence is a Recovery District Type 5 Public Charter School located in Uptown New Orleans that is operated by a board of directors composed of educators from Southern University at New Orleans.</p><p align="left" style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2006 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD&nbsp;<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>November 30, 2006</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>A dedication ceremony honoring deceased U.S. District Court Judge Fred J. Cassibry was held today at the Louisiana Supreme Court, officially establishing the square city block on which the Louisiana Supreme Court Building sits as Judge Fred J. Cassibry Square. The naming of Cassibry Square was in accordance with Act 708 passed in 1999 by the Louisiana State Legislature. Located in the French Quarter, it is the block bounded by Royal, Conti, Chartres and St. Louis Streets.</p><p>In his welcoming remarks, Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. explained that the Louisiana Supreme Court, in accordance with Act 708, commissioned the construction of two memorial plaques which will be placed on the square in prominent positions on the corners of Royal and St. Louis Streets, and Chartres and Conti Streets. &ldquo;The plaques and the naming of the square will stand as a permanent testament to the life and accomplishments of a great man, Judge Fred Cassibry&rdquo;, said Chief Justice Calogero.</p><p>Fred J. Cassibry (1918-1996) was appointed for life by President Lyndon B. Johnson to serve as a federal judge for the U.S. District Court, Eastern Division of Louisiana in 1966, where he served for over twenty years. Prior to his service on the federal bench, Cassibry was a Field Representative for the National Labor Relations Board, and practiced law from 1947 to 1960. He served on the New Orleans City Council from 1954 to 1961, and was a state court judge on the Orleans Parish Civil District Court 1961 -1966. He ultimately retired from the judiciary in 1987, and at the age of 69, he returned to the private practice of law. In 1994, he was appointed to the Louisiana Economic Development and Gaming Corporation, which regulated the land-based casino in New Orleans, and he served with distinction until his death in 1996.</p><p>During his years on the bench, Cassibry was a co-founder and President (1975-1976) of the Federal Judges Association, a member and President (1965) of the Louisiana District Court Judges Association, a member and the Louisiana Delegate (1976) of the U.S. Trial Judges Association, and a member of the New Orleans and Louisiana Bar Associations. Additionally, he served on the Louisiana Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics, the Louisiana Judicial Council and the Executive Committee of the National Conference of Federal Trial Judges. In 1987, the National Football Hall of Fame honored him with its Distinguished American Award.</p><p>A World War ll veteran, Cassibry remained a dedicated public servant throughout his life. The plaque memorializing the naming of Cassibry Square states &ldquo;Throughout his forty years of public life, Judge Cassibry personified the definition of a dedicated public official. He never forgot he was a servant of the people.&rdquo;</p><p>Upon his death in 1996, Judge Cassibry was survived by his wife, Muriel, two daughters, Libby and Cathryn, and three step-sons, Roger, Lance, and Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Roland Belsome.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2005 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD&nbsp;<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER<br />(504) 310-2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>may 3, 2005</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="center"><strong>2005 STATE OF THE JUDICIARY ADDRESS TO THE&nbsp;<br />JOINT SESSION OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE&nbsp;<br />LOUISIANA LEGISLATURE BY&nbsp;<br />PASCAL F. CALOGERO, JR.&nbsp;<br />CHIEF JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA&nbsp;<br />TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2005, 2:00 P.M. HOUSE CHAMBER</strong></p><p align="justify">MR. PRESIDENT,&nbsp; MR. SPEAKER,&nbsp; MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE, COLLEAGUES, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS,&nbsp; LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:</p><p align="justify">Good Afternoon,</p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; On behalf of the Louisiana Supreme Court, thank you for this opportunity to speak to you again on the State of our Judiciary.&nbsp; With&nbsp;me today for the biennial trek for our Court are&nbsp;Justice Kitty Kimball of New Roads, Justice Bernette Johnson of New Orleans, Justice Jeffrey Victory of Shreveport, Justice Jeannette Theriot Knoll of Marksville, and Justice John L. Weimer from Thibodaux.&nbsp;&nbsp; Unfortunately, Justice Chet D. Traylor of&nbsp; Winnsboro could not be with us this afternoon.</p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It is an honor to appear before you again.&nbsp; I sincerely appreciate the courtesies shown by the President, the Speaker, and all of you for scheduling this address and for being here today.&nbsp; As I look around the chamber of this assembly, I see many friends of longstanding who have given invaluable assistance to the judiciary,&nbsp; and friendship to me personally, during the times that my duties as Chief Justice&nbsp; have brought me to this building.&nbsp; Earlier this month, I marked my 15 th year as Chief Justice and I thank each of you for your courtesy and friendship.</p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Of course, I am saddened as I look around this room that several of my friends, and your colleagues, are no longer with us, including the&nbsp; incomparable&nbsp; John Hainkel.&nbsp;&nbsp; On behalf of the Justices, I offer our sincerest condolences on the untimely loss of Senator Hainkel, Senator Ronald C. Bean, and Representative Charles I. Hudson.</p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Independent Judiciary:</strong></p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; One of the goals during my tenure as Chief Justice has been to improve communications between the judicial and legislative branches of government.&nbsp; One such step has been holding these State of the Judiciary addresses, during which the Justices travel to Baton Rouge to visit with you.&nbsp; I believe underlying these visits is a mutual respect for our respective branches of government, and I thank you for that.&nbsp; I also thank you for the respect, courtesy and cooperation that you show Justice Kitty Kimball and me, and our staff, every year, upon presentation of the judicial branch budget requests, and sometimes other legislation that affects the judiciary.</p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This mutual respect of our two branches is based on a recognition that the Legislature and the Judiciary are two separate, but equal, branches of government.&nbsp; Our federal and state constitutions enshrine this separate yet equal principle.&nbsp; This&nbsp; principle&nbsp;is meaningless and ineffective without maintenance of an independent judiciary.&nbsp; Although a judge in our state may be elected, his or her allegiance is owed&nbsp;to the Louisiana Constitution and to the rule of law,&nbsp; not to the rule of the majority.&nbsp; It is the duty and the responsibility of each judge in this state to apply the constitution and laws to the facts before him or her, without fear or favor.&nbsp; A judge cannot be partisan, despite which way political winds may be blowing.&nbsp; An independent judiciary is a hallmark of our democracy, and we should take whatever steps are necessary to respect and preserve this independence.</p><p align="justify"><strong>Law Day 2005:</strong></p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; One of the key elements in a functioning judiciary is our jury system.&nbsp; To commemorate Law Day 2005, this first week in May has been designated "National Juror Appreciation Week", a time to honor and celebrate jurors and the jury system.&nbsp; The American Bar Association, the Conference of Chief Justices, and courts throughout the country are devoting special time to recognize the contributions of jurors and to promote jury service.&nbsp; Your Supreme Court has adopted a resolution urging all state courts to take steps to recognize Law Day 2005 and to plan activities celebrating our jury system.&nbsp; At the Supreme Court, we are offering resources for these activities, and have scheduled several events such as speaker presentations and visiting student tours of the Courthouse.</p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If any of you has served on a jury, let me thank you.&nbsp; If not, if, and when, you get called for jury duty, I urge you to serve.&nbsp;&nbsp; Not only would you be fulfilling the highest responsibility of citizenship and making our system of justice a reality, I guarantee you an educational and eye-opening experience and an unparalleled view into the workings of our criminal or civil legal systems.</p><p align="justify"><strong>New Courthouse:</strong></p><p align="justify">For the first time since I began appearing&nbsp; before this August body, or one or more of your committees, I&nbsp;am pleased to announce that the Louisiana Supreme Court is occupying the newly renovated Supreme Court building at 400 Royal Street, nearing the end of its first year of occupancy.&nbsp; I cannot thank you enough for your diligence and support in making our move to the renovated courthouse possible.&nbsp; As you know, the new courthouse houses not only the Louisiana Supreme Court, but also the Court of Appeal - Fourth Circuit,&nbsp; the Louisiana Law Library, the Judicial Administrator's Office, an office for the Attorney General, and office space for the Executive Branch.&nbsp; And needless to say, we have a Formal Conference Room and other facilities available for your use in the event you choose to schedule a Committee or other meeting at 400 Royal Street.</p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I was delighted that many of you were able to be with us at our dedication ceremonies last Fall.&nbsp; In addition to the Legislators who were in attendance, dignitaries from across the state who participated included Governor Kathleen Blanco, Lt. Governor Mitchell Landrieu, Attorney General Charles Foti, Jr., and Commissioner of Administration Jerry Luke LeBlanc.&nbsp; The highlight of the ceremony was the Keynote Address by United States Supreme Court Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.&nbsp;</p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Early next year, we will host the mid-year meeting of the Conference of Chief Justices, and we are looking forward to showing the building to our colleagues from across the country.&nbsp; If you have not visited the building, I urge you to do so to see the fruits of your endeavors.</p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In compliance with the spirit and the letter of the legislation which designated the square of property on which the Courthouse sits as "Judge Fred J. Cassibry Square," we have seen to the manufacture of the appropriate markers, which will be installed at two opposite corners of the&nbsp; city block.&nbsp;&nbsp; Now that we have moved into the building, the Courthouse has been formally dedicated, and landscaping is nearly complete, we have scheduled the square dedication ceremony for this October.</p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Judicial Council:</strong></p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This legislative session has been the second occasion where our Judicial Council, at your request, has reviewed legislation proposing new court costs to ascertain if such imposition of additional court costs or fees appropriately affects court operations.&nbsp; We believe that it is not our function to approve or reject proposed legislative initiatives&nbsp; or&nbsp; policies, but rather, to focus on the impact on the courts of&nbsp; legislation that imposes&nbsp; court costs and fees upon litigants, the users of the court system.&nbsp; Such legislation directly affects the operation of, and access to,&nbsp; the court system.&nbsp; We hope to perform this job consistent with the purpose of the legislation that entrusted the Judicial&nbsp; Council with these duties, and hope that you will accept the recommendations of the Judicial Council in the vein that this counsel and advice is given.&nbsp;</p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If you feel that the Judicial Council's involvement in this process is more intrusive on your prerogative as legislators than it should be, we stand ready to respond to your legislative call,&nbsp; just as we are attempting to do in accordance with the extant legislation.&nbsp; I know the Judicial Council can be of assistance in this area, and I do believe that, as instituted, the system serves a plausible purpose, both for the legislative and the judicial branches of government.</p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Judicial pay:</strong></p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I also wish to thank the legislature in advance for its consideration at this session, or as soon as is practically possible, of the need for higher levels of judicial pay.&nbsp;&nbsp;I fully realize that at this legislative session there are many other fiscal matters of great importance to consider and resolve.&nbsp;&nbsp; However, do remember that adequate pay and financial security are&nbsp;two factors that contribute greatly to assuring a fair, impartial, and independent judiciary.&nbsp;</p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Reforms:</strong></p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Since my last address two years ago, the Court has continued its work to improve the administration of justice in our state.&nbsp; One such area is juvenile justice reform, where the level of inter-branch and inter-agency collaboration has been unprecedented, and I thank you for your continuing investment in the at-risk children and families in this State.&nbsp;&nbsp; Locally, our judges are taking an active part in the development of their local Family and Youth Planning Boards, and many are effectively using court-based programs for children and families such as the FINS (Families in Need of Services), CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates),&nbsp;and&nbsp; Drug Court&nbsp; programs administered by the Supreme Court. The cost-effectiveness of such community-based programs is demonstrable.&nbsp; For example, in the last year, screened, trained, and supervised community CASA volunteers contributed the equivalent of $11.2 million dollars of their time, facilitating placement of abused and neglected children by taking them out&nbsp;of state care and placing them into safe and permanent homes.&nbsp; I am sure the CASA folks at the capital today are available to provide you with additional information.&nbsp;</p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Great strides have been made toward real systemic reform in our juvenile justice system, and I encourage you to maintain the momentum.&nbsp; As demands on your time and attention are many during this session, I would specifically ask for your attention to, and support for, these efforts that directly impact the future of our children.</p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;You will soon be receiving a copy of our 2004 Annual Report,&nbsp; providing more detailed information on these, and many other, judicial reforms.</p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Indigent Defense:</strong></p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This&nbsp;session, you will also be asked to consider legislation affecting our system of funding legal services for citizens charged with a crime but unable to pay for their own lawyers and legal defense.&nbsp; In fact, hearings have already begun on proposed legislation.&nbsp; Today, I ask you for your continued assistance in reinforcing and actualizing one of the most important rights provided to citizens by our federal and state constitutions - the right to counsel.&nbsp;</p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Over forty years ago, in the landmark case of&nbsp;<em>Gideon v. Wainwright,&nbsp;</em>&nbsp; the United States Supreme Court stated: "&nbsp;<em>The right of one charged with crime, to counsel may not be deemed fundamental and essential to fair trials in&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration:underline;">some&nbsp;</span>countries, but it&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration:underline;">is&nbsp;</span>in ours.&nbsp;</em>"&nbsp; In this case, the Court ruled that the right to counsel for those unable to afford one is a fundamental part of due process in America.&nbsp; The Court held that the U.S. Constitution guarantees that no person shall be denied his life or liberty, without the guiding hand of effective counsel at every stage of criminal proceedings, simply because he is too poor to hire a competent lawyer.&nbsp; Soon after the&nbsp;<em>Gideon&nbsp;</em>decision, the Louisiana Constitutional Convention of 1974 enshrined the right to counsel in Article 1, section 13, making this right to counsel a state constitutional right, as well as federal.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The right to counsel that was solidified in&nbsp;<em>Gideon&nbsp;</em>&nbsp; in part evolved out of the law's understanding that wrongful convictions destroy&nbsp; trust in the system; and the law is best served when we get the process right, from the start.</p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Our federal and state constitutions provide that people without financial means should not be put in jail without due process of law.&nbsp; In this case, due process means the affording of effective assistance of counsel.&nbsp; It falls upon you as Legislators to speak for the State in fulfilling these constitutional obligations.&nbsp;&nbsp; It is never a popular political position to spend money on what some people see as a "social program for criminals."&nbsp; Viewed in a different light, however, our state and federal constitutions impose a constraint on the manner in which the State can deny a person his&nbsp; freedom.&nbsp;&nbsp; I will not comment on this bifurcated perception, but I will tell you that the Louisiana Supreme Court is charged with administering a judicial system that comports with these constitutional provisions.&nbsp; So when we are asked to review the propriety of a criminal prosecution where the defendant&nbsp;does not have the financial means to afford counsel, and this constitutional right has been abridged, we cannot dodge the responsibility of enforcing the constitution.</p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We were faced with this issue in the early 1990s, and as a result, following the principles enunciated in&nbsp;<em>Gideon v. Wainwright&nbsp;</em>, we handed down the cases of&nbsp;<em>State v. Peart&nbsp;</em>and&nbsp;<em>State v. Wigley&nbsp;</em>, in which we determined that indigents were receiving assistance of counsel not sufficiently effective to meet constitutional standards.&nbsp; In an attempt to resolve this problem, with the cooperation of all three branches of government, in 1994, the Supreme Court established by rule a temporary statewide Louisiana Indigent Defender Board.&nbsp;&nbsp; Initial legislative funding for this Board was $7.5 million.&nbsp; As planned, in 1998, the Supreme Court relinquished jurisdiction over the Board, at which time it was transferred to the Executive Branch, with the creation of the Louisiana Indigent Defense Assistance Board (LIDAB).</p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Despite inflation and increases in the volume of criminal cases, and some minor monetary increases over time, the monies allocated to indigent defense remained fairly static over the years.&nbsp; Against this background, our Court was faced with the recent cases of&nbsp;<em>State v. Citizen and State v. Tonguis,&nbsp;</em>two consolidated capital cases.&nbsp; In an opinion authored by Justice Jeffrey Victory, he&nbsp; concluded&nbsp; for the Court that the present indigent defense system is terribly flawed.&nbsp; While it is not within the purview of the Court to direct how much money should be appropriated by you on indigent defense, providing adequate funding is clearly a legislative responsibility.&nbsp; In this opinion, we recognized that until you, the legislature, take remedial action, we must address the immediate problems of defendants in&nbsp; forthcoming&nbsp; capital prosecutions securing constitutionally adequate counsel, in a constitutionally and statutorily required timely manner.&nbsp; And therefore, we decreed that unless adequate funds are available in a manner authorized by law, upon motion of the defendants the trial judge may halt the prosecution in these cases until adequate funds become available to provide for these indigent defendants' constitutionally protected right to counsel.</p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This recent opinion does not unfairly put the courts in the position of siding with the defense.&nbsp; The cases simply recognize the fact that the courts, as guardians of a fair and equitable process, must not let the state take a person's liberty without due process.</p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We have together taken steps in the past to make the right to counsel real and meaningful in Louisiana.&nbsp; Unfortunately, these efforts have not proven to be adequate.&nbsp;&nbsp; Much more needs to be done. The need for further action has been well articulated by the Task Force on Indigent Defense Services that you, the Louisiana Legislature, created one year ago, and which is chaired by Senator Lydia Jackson.&nbsp;</p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I understand that the Task Force has submitted two bills for your consideration, and that hearings on these bills are underway.&nbsp; I also am aware that there are differences of opinion on these bills.&nbsp; People may differ in their view of how to fix the system, and how the LIDAB Board should be structured. I respect such differences.&nbsp; However, I would caution that such differences of opinion should not be allowed to thwart this unique - and&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration:underline;">necessary&nbsp;</span>&nbsp; -&nbsp; opportunity to fix our ailing indigent defense system, - a system that represents eight out of ten defendants in this state - and&nbsp; to put the State on the correct path to complying reasonably with its constitutional duty.</p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;I am also here to ask you and the Task Force to explore&nbsp; ways to reduce the&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration:underline;">need&nbsp;</span>for indigent defense and, therefore, to reduce its costs, while still protecting the public.&nbsp; This can be done, in my opinion, in several ways, such as developing more strategies for diverting cases from the formal system, through early intervention juvenile diversion programs, or through such adult diversionary strategies as the expanded use of drug courts, shoplifting&nbsp; programs, traffic and misdemeanor probation programs, mental health perspectives in courts, and other forms of adult diversion.&nbsp;&nbsp;Further, strategies should be explored to reduce the number of re-trials made necessary by&nbsp;faulty police line-up and photo spread procedures, inappropriate of out-moded&nbsp;interrogation procedures, unaccredited and under-funded forensic laboratories, and other sources of wrongful conviction.&nbsp; (As an aside, the advent of DNA testing as a reliable forensic tool has produced over the past few years in this country the release of upwards of 200 persons convicted of serious crimes.)</p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Several years ago, I appeared before you and urged a call to action to address the deplorable state of our juvenile justice system.&nbsp; You responded, quickly and effectively, and our state is on its way to real juvenile justice reform.&nbsp; I ask you to do the same with indigent defense.&nbsp; We owe it to our citizens, especially to the victims of crime, to do what we can to insure that convictions are obtained that will survive the appellate process and constitutional challenge.</p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As a Supreme Court Justice, I must be an advocate of compliance with the mandates of our state and federal constitutions, and therefore, I admonish you, simply, to do the right thing.&nbsp; Provide for a workable&nbsp; and adequately funded indigent defense system, so that another victim does not have to go through the agony of an overturned conviction and repeat of grueling trial testimony, or so that an innocent person is spared the ordeal of an unjust conviction and punishment.&nbsp; This is just one of your many challenges, as well as your responsibility.&nbsp; Let us show the people that our State is more than up to that challenge.</p><p align="justify"><strong>&nbsp;Conclusion:</strong></p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In conclusion, let me again say what an honor and privilege it is to be before you today.&nbsp;&nbsp; We greatly appreciate your courtesies.&nbsp;&nbsp; On behalf of the state judiciary, thank you&nbsp; President Hines, Speaker Salter, and all of you, the dedicated members of our state Legislature, for opening your chamber to us today, for your attention to my remarks, and for your unfailing devotion to the people of Louisiana.</p><p align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thank you.</p><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2004 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2588</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>july 2, 2004</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Attorney Michael C. Darnell has been appointed, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore&nbsp;</em>of Orleans Parish Juvenile Court, Section "C," according to Justice Bernette J. Johnson.</p><p>Darnell will fill the vacancy created by the removal of Judge Yvonne Hughes. Darnell will serve from July 5, 2004 through December 31, 2004 or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner.</p><p>Darnell received his undergraduate and Juris Doctor degrees from Yale University. He has been in the private practice of law since1982. Formerly a partner with the Adams and Reese law firm, since 1995 Darnell has been a partner in the law firm Murray, Darnell &amp; Associates, LLC. While practicing law, he has held numerous legal positions including: Vice President and General Counsel for the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority; Instructor of Public Health Law for Dillard University; Deputy City Attorney for the City of New Orleans; Assistant City Attorney for New Orleans Traffic and Municipal Court; and Assistant District Attorney for the 16 th Judicial District Court, parishes of St. Martin, Iberia, and St. Mary.</p><p>Darnell is a member of the Louisiana Bar Association, the National Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Association of Defense Counsel, and the Louis Martinet Society in New Orleans. He is a recipient of the Award for Outstanding Service as President of the Southwest Louisiana Lawyer's Association.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2003 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 7, 2003</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="center"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Law Day Poster Contest Results</strong></span></p><p align="left">25 entries were received for the "What Law Day Means to Me" poster contest sponsored by the Louisiana Supreme Court. The contest was open to Louisiana middle and high school students participating in the Celebrate Your Freedom Youth Summit conducted by the Louisiana Center for Law Related Education on Thursday, May 1, 2003.&nbsp;<br /><br />Winning entries were chosen by a panel of Louisiana Supreme Court staff members based on creativity, interpretation of theme and artistic expression.. The winning entry is on prominent display at the Louisiana Supreme Court for the month of May 2003, is posted on the Court's web site,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lasc.org/">www.lasc.org&nbsp;</a>, and will be mentioned in upcoming Court-related publications. The winning school will also receive a visit from the justice elected from that district to visit with the entire law-related education class.</p><p align="center"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>2003 Supreme Court Law Day Poster Contest Results&nbsp;</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>1st Place&nbsp;<br /></strong></span>(Click image to enlarge)&nbsp;<br /><a href="/press_room/press_releases/2003/images/P5060068web.jpg"><img alt="1st Place - St Mary's School Natchitoches, LA" height="216" src="/press_room/press_releases/2003/images/P5060068web.jpg" width="173" /></a><br /><strong>St. Mary's School&nbsp;<br />Natchitoches, La.&nbsp;</strong><br /><br />(Click image to enlarge)&nbsp;<br /><a href="/press_room/press_releases/2003/images/P1010057web.jpg"><img alt="Melanie Quintero (l) of St. Mary's School in Natchitoches, La., is congratulated by Sandra Vujnovich of Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero Jr.'s Office. " height="214" src="/press_room/press_releases/2003/images/P1010057web.jpg" width="166" /></a><br /><strong>Melanie Quintero (l) of St. Mary's School in Natchitoches, La.,&nbsp;<br />is congratulated by Sandra Vujnovich of Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero Jr.'s Office.&nbsp;</strong><br /><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>2nd Place&nbsp;<br /></strong></span>(Click image to enlarge)&nbsp;<br /><a href="/press_room/press_releases/2003/images/P1010054web.jpg"><img alt="2nd Place - West Jefferson High School" height="156" src="/press_room/press_releases/2003/images/P1010054web.jpg" width="204" /></a><br /><strong>West Jefferson High School&nbsp;<br />Harvey, La.&nbsp;</strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">3rd Place&nbsp;<br /></span></strong>(Click image to enlarge)&nbsp;<br /><a href="/press_room/press_releases/2003/images/P1010052web.jpg"><img alt="3rd Place - John Ehret High School" height="159" src="/press_room/press_releases/2003/images/P1010052web.jpg" width="212" /></a><br /><strong>John Ehret High School&nbsp;<br />Marrero, La.&nbsp;</strong></p><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2002 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>june 10, 2002</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. announced today that the Louisiana Supreme Court has approved the&nbsp;<a href="/Court_Rules?p=JudicialCampaignOversightRules">Judicial Campaign Oversight Rules&nbsp;</a>proposed by the Louisiana Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee which will govern the operations of the recently established Committee.</p><p>The 15-member Oversight Committee, in place for the Fall 2002 judicial elections, is comprised of retired judges, lawyers, and citizens who are neither lawyers or judges. Along with the rules, the Oversight Committee recommended, and the Court approved, "Acknowledgment Regarding Canon 7 of the Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct" and a complaint form.</p><p>According to Chief Justice Calogero, "The purpose of the committee is to serve as a resource for judicial candidates, to assist in educating judges and attorneys running for judicial office about the Code of Judicial Conduct, and to help deter impermissible judicial campaign conduct."</p><p>In furtherance of this purpose, an "&nbsp;<a href="/rules/supreme/Acknowledgment.PDF">Acknowledgment Regarding Canon 7 of the Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct&nbsp;</a>," has been prepared which judicial candidates may voluntarily sign to certify that they have read, understand and agree to abide by Canon 7, which regulates judicial campaign conduct.</p><p>Additionally, a&nbsp;<a href="/rules/supreme/COMPLAINTFORM.PDF">complaint form&nbsp;</a>has been prepared and is available for use by citizens who wish to file complaints concerning alleged judicial campaign misconduct with the Oversight Committee.</p><p>For more information or a copy of the Judicial Campaign Oversight Rules, Acknowledgment, and Complaint Form visit the Louisiana Supreme Court web site at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lasc.org/">www.lasc.org&nbsp;</a>or contact the Louisiana Supreme Court Judicial Administrator's Office at (504) 568-5747.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2001 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>may 14, 2001</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. announced today that Retired Judge Robert L. Lobrano has been appointed by the Supreme Court of Louisiana as justice&nbsp;<em>pro tempore&nbsp;</em>of the Supreme Court of Louisiana, Sixth District to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Harry T. Lemmon. The Chief Justice further announced that Second Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Felicia Toney Williams has been appointed as a justice&nbsp;<em>pro tempore&nbsp;</em>to assist with the docket of Justice Bernette J. Johnson, who is recovering from a minor injury, and that Retired Judge Phillip C. Ciaccio has been appointed as a supernumerary justice&nbsp;<em>pro tempore</em>.</p><p>Lobrano's appointment will be effective May 17, 2001 through November 17, 2000, or until the vacancy is filled, or until further orders of the Court, whichever occurs sooner, at which time this appointment shall terminate. Williams will hear oral argument and participate in the disposition of opinions of cases orally argued May 14, 2001 through May 17, 2001. Ciaccio's appointment will be effective May 14, 2001 through June 2, 2001 or until further orders of the Court.</p><p>Lobrano received both his B.B.A. degree and his law degree, with honors, from Tulane University. He was a member of the Tulane Law Review, Order of the Coif and Tulane Moot Court Board and was the overall Tulane Moot Court winner in 1967. He was first elected judge to the Court of Appeal, Fourth Circuit in October 1981 and served in that capacity until his retirement on December 31, 1998. Prior to his election to the bench, he was in the private practice of law with the firm Lobrano, Ballay and Braud. He is a member of the American and Louisiana Bar Associations and a past President of the House of Delegates of the Plaquemines Bar. He has served as an adjunct professor for the Tulane Trial Advocacy Program, as well as a panelist on numerous Judicial College seminars. Since his retirement, Lobrano has served as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore&nbsp;</em>on the Court of Appeal, Fifth Circuit and on various district courts.</p><p>Williams received her B.A. from Southern University and J.D. degree from Southern University School of Law where she was Editor-in-Chief of the Law Review. Prior to her election to the circuit court, she served as judge of Division "B" of the 6 th Judicial District Court for East Carroll, Madison and Tensas Parishes. She was also an Assistant District Attorney for the 6 th Judicial District and was in the private practice of law. She is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Louisiana Task Force on Women in the Courts and Who's Who in American Law.</p><p>Retired Judge Ciaccio served as judge for the Court of Appeal, Fourth Circuit from 1982 until his retirement in 1997. Prior to his election to the bench, he served as City Councilman for District E of the City of New Orleans.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#2e6da4" border="1" bordercolor="#000063" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width:1126.55px;" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#337ab7" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2017 Press Releases</span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table style="width:1126.55px;" width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0px;">CONTACT PERSON: ROBERT GUNN</p><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0px;">COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT</p><p align="left">(504) 310 - 2592</p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table border="1" bordercolor="#FFEBC6" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color:#F7EBC6;" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; APRIL 27, 2017</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court announced today that it will host an exhibit entitled Lawyers Without Rights: Jewish Lawyers in Germany Under the Third Reich. The exhibit will be on display in the Louisiana Supreme Court Law Museum, 400 Royal Street, Monday - Friday, during regular courthouse hours 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M., from April 28 to May 31, 2017.<br /><br />According to Chief Justice Bernette J. Johnson, &ldquo;The highly acclaimed, international exhibit tells the important story of Hitler&rsquo;s systemic exclusion of German Jewish lawyers and judges where, in furtherance of his cruel and oppressive dictatorship, he prevented them from practicing their profession. Hitler&rsquo;s Third Reich was the complete antithesis of a fair and just legal system and this exhibit poignantly reminds us why we must dearly guard and preserve the rule of law.&rdquo;<br /><br />The North American showing of the exhibit is a joint project of the German Federal Bar, known as the Bundesrechtsandwaltskammer, and the American Bar Association. There are two identical exhibits now traveling throughout the United States and other parts of North America. To date the exhibit has appeared in more than three dozen cities in the United States.<br /><br />For more information about the Louisiana Supreme Court exhibit of Lawyers Without Rights: Jewish Lawyers in Germany Under the Third Reich, contact Louisiana Law Library Director Miriam Childs at 504.310.2411 or <a href="mailto:Mchilds@lasc.org">Mchilds@lasc.org</a>.<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p><img alt="Lawyers Without Rights Image" src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2017%2Fimages%2FLawyers%20without%20Rights.jpg" width="400" /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2016 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; MARCH 7, 2016</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson was one of five Louisiana State University (LSU) graduates to be inducted into the LSU Alumni Association Hall of Distinction Friday, March 4, 2016, in a ceremony at Lod Cook Alumni Center of the LSU campus in Baton Rouge.<br /><br />&ldquo;I am honored to be among the illustrious LSU graduates included in the Alumni Hall of Distinction. As an LSU law student in the 1960's my thoughts were directed toward being a dutiful student, graduating and passing the bar so I could practice law and help solve legal problems. Never did I imagine my life path would bring me back to LSU to be recognized for doing just that,&rdquo; Chief Justice Johnson said.<br /><br />The other inductees also honored were: Murphy Oil Corporation President and CEO Roger W. Jenkins; Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital President and CEO Mario J. Garner; President and CEO of MacAulay-Brown, Inc. Sidney E. Fuchs; and Baton Rouge attorney, former Louisiana cabinet secretary and speaker pro tempore Frank P. Simoneaux.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><table><tbody><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:100%;"><img alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson was inducted into the LSU Alumni Association Hall of Distinction" src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2016%2Fimages%2FCJ%20Johnson%20LSU%20Hall%20of%20Distinction.jpg" width="400" /></td></tr><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:100%;">Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson was inducted into the LSU Alumni Association Hall of Distinction</td></tr></tbody></table>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2015 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; AUGUST 27, 2015</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Law Library of Louisiana hosted Davita E. Vance-Cooks, Director of the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO), who was in New Orleans to tour two libraries that are part of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP), the Law Library being one of them. The Law Library of Louisiana is housed in the Louisiana Supreme Court courthouse located in the New Orleans French Quarter. Vance-Cooks is the first woman and first African-American to lead the agency, whose mission since its establishment in 1861 is to keep America informed.<br /><br />According to Vance-Cooks, there was a historic change to the agency in December 2014 when President Barack Obama signed into law a bill that changed the name of the Government Printing Office to the Government Publishing Office. The word &ldquo;publishing&rdquo; better reflects the current role that GPO plays in providing access to government information through the agency&rsquo;s Federal Digital System, apps, eBooks and related technologies.<br /><br />As the provider of the official federal government information in digital and printed formats, GPO produces the Congressional Record, the Federal Register, U.S. Passports and a wide variety of other publications.<br /><br />&ldquo;It was an honor to show Director Vance-Cooks the law library and the Louisiana Supreme Court Museum. She was particularly impressed by some of our rare books that shaped Louisiana law, including: original editions of the French Civil Code, Las Sieta Patidas and the Code Noir. Additionally, she enjoyed viewing the A.P. Tureaud portrait and exhibit and learning about his important civil rights work,&rdquo; Law Library Director Georgia Chadwick said.<br /><br />The GPO provides free public access to government information products through FDLP libraries nationwide as well as free online access at <a href="https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/" target="_blank">www.fdsys.gov</a>. The Law Library of Louisiana and Louisiana Law Museum are free and open to the public weekdays, 9 AM - 5 PM, with more contact information available at <a href="www.lasc.org">www.lasc.org</a>.<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><table><tbody><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:100%;"><img alt="Georgia Chadwick (left) and Davita Vance-Cooks (right)" src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2015%2Fimages%2FGC_and_DVance-Cooks.jpg" width="400" /></td></tr><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:100%;text-align:center;">&nbsp; Georgia Chadwick (left) and Davita Vance-Cooks (right)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2014 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590<br /></p>&nbsp;<div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; MARCH 21, 2014</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court announced today that attorney Sandra A. Vujnovich has been appointed Judicial Administrator of the Louisiana Supreme Court, effective March 24, 2014. She is currently Executive Counsel to the Court and Chief Justice Bernette J. Johnson, and has served as Executive Counsel for retired Chief Justice Catherine D. Kimball (2009-2013) and retired Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. (1996-2008)The Judicial Administrator&rsquo;s office is the managerial arm of the Louisiana Supreme Court and is the staffing and fiscal agent for several court departments and programs, the Judicial Council, and court-appointed task forces and committees. The position was previously held by Timothy F. Averill who recently retired from state service, having served three years as Judicial Administrator and twenty years as Deputy Judicial Administrator-General Counsel for the Court.<br /><br />Vujnovich received her B.A. degree with a Public Policy/Political Science double major from Newcomb College of Tulane University in 1981. She served as a Legislative Aide to United States Senator J. Bennett Johnston in Washington, D.C., before returning to Louisiana to attend law school at the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at LSU. After graduating with a juris doctorate degree in 1986, she clerked for then-Chief Justice John A. Dixon at the Louisiana Supreme Court. From 1987 to 1994, Vujnovich practiced law with the New Orleans firm of Brook, Morial, Cassibry, Fraiche &amp; Pizza, whose partners included former mayor Ernest N. &ldquo;Dutch&rdquo; Morial, retired federal district judge Fred J. Cassibry, and distinquished local attorney Donna D. Fraiche.<br /><br />Vujnovich is married to Joseph R. Lorenzo, the Interim Police Chief for the City of Harahan. They are the parents of two children.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><table><tbody><tr style="height:100%;"><td style="width:100%;"><img alt="Louisiana Supreme Court Judicial Administrator Sandra A. Vujnovich" src="/press_room/press_releases/2014/images/vujnovich%2C%20sandra%20Headshot%2C%20cropped.jpg" width="350" /></td></tr></tbody></table>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2013 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; APRIL 8, 2013</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court announced today that 19th Judicial District Judge Anthony Marabella, Jr. and Shreveport attorney Jerry Edwards have been elected Chair and Vice-Chair of the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana, respectively.<br /><br />Judge Marabella succeeds 4th Judicial District Court Judge Sharon I. Marchman as Chair of the Judiciary Commission. Marabella received his law degree from the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 1973. He began his career in Baton Rouge as an assistant parish attorney (1973-1975), served as an assistant district attorney (1975-1978) and later was a Baton Rouge assistant public defender (1978-1980). He was in private practice devoted largely to criminal defense from 1980 until his election in 2003. Judge Marabella presides over the 19th Judicial District Court drug court. Additionally, he serves as an adjunct faculty member of the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center. Judge Marabella is a member of many professional organizations where he has served in leadership positions including: Baton Rouge Bar Association President (1994); Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers President (1999); East Baton Rouge Parish Indigent Defense Board Chairman (2001-2003); and Ecumenical House Board President. In 2011 Judge Marabella was selected by the Louisiana Supreme Court to serve as a judge member of the Judiciary Commission.<br /><br />Attorney Jerry Edwards succeeds Judge Marabella as Vice-Chair of the Judiciary Commission. Edwards received his law degree from Vermont Law School in 2005. He has been an associate for the Shreveport law firm Blanchard, Walker, O&rsquo;Quin &amp; Roberts since 2006. He served as President of the Shreveport Bar Association Young Lawyers Section in 2009 and on the Board of Directors of the Shreveport Bar Foundation from 2008-2011. Additionally, Edwards has been an active member of many professional and civic organizations including: the Louisiana State Bar Association Leadership Class (2009-2010) and Young Lawyers Division Council; Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel; Harry V. Booth-Judge Henry A. Politz American Inn of Court; Volunteers of America North Louisiana Board of Directors (2006-2012); Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Initiative Executive Committee (2009); and the YMCA of Shreveport-Bossier City Board of Directors (2008). In 2011, Edwards was selected by the Conference of Court of Appeal Judges to serve as a lawyer member of the Judiciary Commission.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2012 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;JULY 16, 2012</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="left">This statement is being issued to clarify recent media accounts related to the dispute over the Office of the Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court and to provide greater understanding of the procedures and operations of the state Supreme Court.</p><p align="left">On June 13, 2012, the Louisiana Supreme Court issued&nbsp;<a href="/opinions/2012/12O1342.pdf">Order No. 12-O-1342</a>&nbsp;which was signed by Chief Justice Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball on behalf of the court. The Order was entered as a means of resolving an unprecedented, constitutional dispute that involves three justices by allowing an opportunity for those asserting a claim to present their legal argument to the Court. At issue is who has more seniority for the purpose of ascending to the Office of Chief Justice upon the retirement of Chief Justice Kimball in early 2013.</p><p align="left">The Order notes the recusation of the three justices with an interest in the outcome of the dispute, and assigns three&nbsp;<em>ad hoc</em>&nbsp;(&ldquo;for this purpose only&rdquo;) justices. For this matter the Court selected the three Court of Appeal Chief Judges with the most seniority as Chief Judge to participate.</p><p align="left"><em>Amicus curiae</em>&nbsp;(&ldquo;friend of the court&rdquo;) briefs may be filed, as always, pursuant to the procedure provided under the&nbsp;<a href="/Supreme_Court_Rules?p=RuleVII">Louisiana Supreme Court Rules, Rule VII, Section 12</a>.</p><p align="left">As with all matters before the Court, the Louisiana Supreme Court does not take a premature position on any dispute that must be decided. It is for this reason that written briefs have been sought. Only after all interested parties have made their positions known in writing and provided their legal arguments on the matter in dispute will a written opinion be released by the Court, and then only after thoughtful review and discussion has taken place and a majority vote cast.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2011 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; March 4, 2011</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Attorney N. Sundiata Haley has been appointed by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore</em>&nbsp;of Orleans Parish Traffic Court, Section &ldquo;A,&rdquo; according to Justice Bernette J. Johnson.</p><p align="left">Haley fills the vacancy created by the death of Judge Dennis J. Dannel on January 21, 2011. Haley will serve from March 7, 2011 through May 31, 2011, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner.</p><p align="left">Haley received his B.A. degree from Xavier University in1993 and his J.D. degree from Howard University School of Law in 1998. During his legal career, Haley served as a Public Defender ll for the University of Georgia School of Law Legal Aid and Defender Clinic and as a law clerk for Judge Kern A. Reese at New Orleans Civil District Court. Additionally he has served as an associate for the Ferrouillet Law Firm and the Rodney Law Firm, LLC., both in New Orleans. Currently, Haley is a partner in the New Orleans firm Haley &amp; McKee, LLC., established in 2005, which is responsible for all aspects of state and federal litigation involving matters of Employment Law, Civil Law, Contract Law, Tort Law, and Regulatory Law.</p><p align="left">Haley is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Georgia Bar Association, the National Bar Association, and the Louis A. Martinet Society.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2010 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; may 6, 2010</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">In recognition of Law Day 2010, Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Bernette J. Johnson presided over a mock trial at the Louisiana Supreme Court presented today by 90 students from Thomas Jefferson High School, Gretna, Louisiana. The mock trial is the culmination of weeks of preparation by the students. It is based on a Street Law, Inc. mock trial script that focuses on the issue of hazing on a university campus.</p><p align="left">According to Justice Johnson, &ldquo;Using this law-related education model, these students learn first-hand that the rule of law protects our freedoms in a democracy and that legal cases are decided by applying the law to the facts, not by the passions of public opinion. This mock trial program is a shining example of what Law Day is about.&rdquo;</p><p align="left">Law Day, May 1, was established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1957 in an effort to celebrate the American legal system and to strengthen understanding of the American heritage of liberty, justice, and equality under the law. Additional 2010 Law Day inspired Supreme Court activities include:</p><ul><li>A 2010 Resolution issued by the Louisiana Supreme Court urging all Louisiana judges to dedicate the month of May 2010 to reaching out to students and schools to provide an opportunity to learn about the law, the role of a judge, and the court system first-hand from members of the judiciary;</li><li>Two mock trials will be presented by Project L.E.A.D. (Legal Enrichment and Decision-Making) in the Louisiana Supreme Court and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal courtrooms with Court of Appeal Judges Paul Bonin and Michael Kirby presiding, respectively. Project L.E.A.D. is a 12-week course, sponsored by the Plaquemines Parish District Attorney&rsquo;s Office, which provides several Assistant District Attorneys to teach the L.E.A.D classes;</li><li>Lafourche Parish Student Government Day where students took over the parish government after spending a day shadowing the public officials Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John Weimer, the judges of the 17th Judicial District Court, and the Thibodaux City Court Judge participated.</li></ul><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2009 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; march 16, 2009</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s award-winning web site has recently expanded to include a language translation tool making the entire web site translatable into 31 different languages. Found on the Louisiana Supreme Court web site home page at www.lasc.org and powered by Google, the translation tool requires only a click on the language of choice to activate the web site content in the chosen language.</p><p align="left">According to Chief Justice Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball, &ldquo;Keeping the web site current and user-friendly is a priority for this court, as the web site is often the resource where citizens access court information. We are excited about the addition of a translation tool as it was a simple improvement that has a huge impact. Louisiana Supreme Court information is now accessible to the diverse, non-English speaking audience living within the state of Louisiana and to web-users throughout the world.&rdquo;</p><p align="left">In 2005, the Louisiana Supreme Court web site was awarded a spot on the Top-10 Court Web Sites list by Justice Served, an alliance of court management and justice experts, for being among the best in providing on-line court services. The court web site averages about 5.8 million hits and hosts approximately 77,500 visitors per month.</p><p align="left">For more information about the Louisiana Supreme Court web site contact Robert Gunn at 504.310.2592.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2008 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>March 28, 2008</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Attorney Harvetta Strozier Colvin has been appointed, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore</em>&nbsp;of Shreveport City Court, Division &ldquo;C,&rdquo; according to Justice Jeffrey P. Victory.</p><p align="left">Colvin will fill the vacancy created by the removal of Judge LaLeshia Walker Alford. Colvin will serve from April 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner.</p><p align="left">Colvin received her undergraduate degree from Stanford University in 1982 and her Juris Doctor degree from Tulane Law School in 1987. She has been in the private practice of law since 1997 as a solo practitioner at The Law Offices of Harvetta S. Colvin, L.L.C. During her law career, she has held numerous legal positions including: Senior Judicial Law Clerk, the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals; Staff Attorney, Louisiana Office of Family Support; Judicial Administrator, Juvenile Court for Caddo Parish; Judicial Law Clerk, State of Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeal; and Assistant District Attorney for Caddo Parish. Additionally, Colvin has sat as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore</em>&nbsp;of Shreveport City Court in 1998 and as an&nbsp;<em>ad hoc</em>&nbsp;Hearing Officer for child support cases at Juvenile Court for Caddo Parish in 1997.</p><p align="left">She has been admitted to practice law before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. Colvin is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association and the Shreveport Bar Association. She is a former member of the Bossier Parish Bar Association, Shreveport Bar Foundation Pro Bono Project, and the Louisiana Court Administrators Association. In 2002, Colvin was Chair of the Caddo Parish Indigent Defense Board after several years of being a board member.</p><p align="center">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2007 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590<br /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>April 26, 2007</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The judges of the Court of Appeal, Fourth Circuit sat en banc today to honor and celebrate the judicial career of former Fourth Circuit Judge Ernest N. &ldquo;Dutch&rdquo; Morial. Morial was elected to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal in 1974 and served until 1978. He was the first African American to sit on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal bench. Members of the Morial family were in attendance for the ceremony which was highlighted by the unveiling of a portrait of the former judge which will henceforth hang in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal courtroom.</p><p align="left">&ldquo;This court gratefully accepts this portrait of our colleague. It is a most generous gift from his devoted family,&rdquo; said Chief Judge Joan Bernard Armstrong on behalf of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal.</p><p align="left">On behalf of the Morial family, remarks were provided by son Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League. He noted that prior to joining the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal bench, his father had a distinguished career as an attorney in private practice and that his father was the first African American in a number of positions throughout his inspirational life. &ldquo;In addition to breaking new ground at the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal, &ldquo;Dutch&rdquo; was the first African American to graduate from Louisiana State University (LSU) Law School, to serve as an Assistant United States Attorney, to serve as a Juvenile Court Judge in Louisiana, and to serve as the Mayor of New Orleans.&rdquo;</p><p align="left">Morial received a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Xavier University in 1951 and he received his J.D. degree from Louisiana State University Law School in 1954. During his early years of practicing law in New Orleans, Morial was a cooperating attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Inc. and as President of the New Orleans Chapter of the NAACP. Locally, he fought for equal rights by handling many suits which resulted in the elimination of segregation policies at various institutions including: Delgado Trade School, the New Orleans Municipal Auditorium, Louisiana State University in New Orleans, Southwestern (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette), and Southeastern Louisiana University at Hammond.</p><p align="left">Morial was extensively involved in civic and community service programs locally and on a national scale. He was appointed by President John F. Kennedy as a charter member of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and was a member of the Steering Committee of the Section on Individual Rights and Responsibilities of the American Bar Association. He was a founder and former president of the New Orleans Legal Assistance Corporation. Morial also served as General President of Alhpa Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the oldest African American social service fraternity of college men, which initiated civil rights programs as early as 1913.</p><p align="left">Additionally, Morial taught at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Tulane University Law School, Xavier University, the Loyola University Institute of Politics and Southern University in New Orleans.</p><p align="left">As Mayor of New Orleans, Morial distinguished himself as one of the nation&rsquo;s foremost urban leaders and was the recipient of numerous honors and awards.</p><p align="left">Born in New Orleans in 1929, Morial died in 1989 at the age of 60. He was married to Sybil H. Morial and they had five children.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2006 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD&nbsp;<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>September 28, 2006</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Attorney Ernest L. Jones has been appointed by Order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judge pro tempore of Division &ldquo;A,&rdquo; Civil District Court, Parish of Orleans, according to Justice Bernette J. Johnson.</p><p>Jones will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Carolyn Gill-Jefferson. He will serve October 1, 2006 through March 31, 2007 or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner.</p><p>Jones received both his undergraduate and Juris Doctor degrees from Howard University in Washington, D.C. After a year as a staff attorney for the New Orleans Legal Assistance Corporation in 1969-1970, Jones entered the private practice of law as a partner in the law firm Cotton, Jones &amp; Dennis. In 1979-1984 he served as a general attorney for Louisiana Offshore Oil Port, Inc. (LOOP), before returning to the private practice of law until the present as manager of Elie, Jones and Associates, LLC. Additionally, during the years of 1993-2000, Jones was on the Adjunct Faculty of Tulane Law School teaching Trial Advocacy.</p><p>Jones is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the National Bar Association, the American Judicature Society, the Louis Martinet Legal Society, and the American Arbitration Association. Throughout his 37-year legal career, Jones has been the recipient of numerous professional honors and awards as well as having served as judge pro tempore of Orleans Parish Juvenile Court at times during the years of 1988 - 1990.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2005 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD&nbsp;<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER<br />(504) 310-2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>april 13, 2005</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Louisiana Supreme Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr., was presented the first Beacon of Justice Award by the Southeast Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) on Saturday, April 9, 2005, honoring the Chief Justice as Jurist of the Year.</p><p>ABOTA is a national organization founded in 1957 made up of experienced trial lawyers --- precisely 50% who generally represent plaintiffs and 50% who generally represent defendants. The primary mission of the group is to promote civility and professionalism among lawyers, to support the continuation of jury trials in civil cases, and to protect the judiciary from unfair criticism.</p><p>Calogero was elected to the Louisiana Supreme Court bench in 1972 and was re-elected in 1974, 1988 and 1998. He took his oath as Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court on April 9, 1990, fifteen years to the day of receiving the Beacon of Justice Award.&nbsp;</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2004 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310-2588</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>june 3, 2004</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Attorney Richard A. Swartz, Jr. has been appointed, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore&nbsp;</em>of Slidell City Court, St. Tammany Parish, according to Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr.</p><p>Swartz will fill the vacancy created by the death of Judge Gary J. Dragon. He will serve for the period of June 1, 2004 through November 30, 2004, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner.</p><p>Swartz received a BA degree from the University of New Orleans and a Juris Doctor degree from Louisiana State University. He has been in the private practice of law since 1985. He was an Assistant District Attorney for St. Tammany Parish in 1980 -1985 and has been an instructor of Business Law for Delgado Community College.</p><p>A member of the 22 nd Judicial District Inn of Court and of the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA), Swartz served as a delegate in the LSBA House of Delegates representing the 22 nd Judicial District from 1980-1989. Swartz has previously served as a judge&nbsp;<em>ad hoc&nbsp;</em>in Slidell City Court on numerous occasions since 1990.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2003 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>May 5, 2003</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">In recognition of Law Day 2003 theme,&nbsp;<em>Celebrate Your Freedom: Independent Courts Protect Our Liberties&nbsp;</em>, Louisiana Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="/About/Biography?p=Bernette_J._Johnson">Justice Bernette J. Johnson</a>&nbsp;presided over a mock trial presented today at the Louisiana Supreme Court by 36 fifth grade students from Port Sulphur High in Plaquemines Parish.</p><p>The mock trial is the culmination of a 12 week program, Project L.E.A.D. (Legal Enrichment and Decision-making), which is sponsored by the Plaquemines Parish District Attorney's Office and provides several Assistant District Attorney to teach the L.E.A.D. classes.</p><p>"The L.E.A.D. classes are designed to help students recognize and analyze potential consequences of the difficult decisions they face during adolescence and beyond. By focusing on peer pressure, responsibility, self-respect, self-control and self esteem, Project L.E.A.D. gives students the tools necessary to avoid many of the pitfalls and traps that often lead to delinquent conduct and criminal activity," said Plaquemines Parish District Attorney Darryl W. Bubrig, Sr.</p><p>The Project L.E.A.D. mock trial revolves around a fictitious case where a student is charged with selling drugs on the Plaqumines High School campus. According to Justice Johnson, "Using this law-related education model, these students have learned first hand that the rule of law protects our freedoms in a democracy and that legal cases are decided by applying the law to the facts, not by the passions of the moment or by public opinion. This program is a shining example of what Law Day is all about."</p><p>Law Day, May 1, was established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1957 in an effort to celebrate the American legal system and strengthen understanding of the American heritage of liberty, justice and equality under the law.</p><p>In addition the hosting the mock trial, the Louisiana Supreme Court also sponsored a&nbsp;<em>"What Law Day Means to Me"&nbsp;</em>Poster Contest for Louisiana middle and high school students participating in the Celebrate Your Freedom Youth Summit conducted by the Louisiana Center for Law Related Education.</p><p>For TV stations unable to attend in person a satellite feed will be available.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2002 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>may 17, 2002</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="center"><strong>STATE SUPREME COURT TO COME TO NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY</strong></p><p>As part of its month-long celebration of the law this May, the Louisiana Supreme Court announced today that it will hear oral arguments at Nicholls State University on Thursday, Sept. 5.</p><p>The visit to Nicholls State University is part of an ongoing effort by the court system to strengthen partnerships with educators at every level and to teach students about the day-to-day operations of Louisiana's courts.</p><p>Supreme Court Justice John L. Weimer, a 1976 graduate of Nicholls and a former teacher of Business Law at NSU, said, "Not only is this an outstanding opportunity for the community and for students from the region to learn about our state's highest court, but it is also an opportunity for the justices to learn about this region of the state."</p><p>Members of the community, particularly high school and college students, are invited to watch the court proceedings in NSU's Talbot Theater. Seating will be on a first-come, first- served basis.</p><p>Traditionally, the Supreme Court celebrates Law Day on May 1 each year. In 2002, the entire month of May is dedicated to reaching out to schools to provide students with an opportunity to learn about the law, the role of a judge and the court system from members of the judiciary.</p><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2001 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>may 7, 2001</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Retired Judge Robert L. Lobrano has been appointed, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as justice&nbsp;<em>pro tempore&nbsp;</em>of the Louisiana Supreme Court effective for the dates of May 10, 2001 through May 16, 2001, according to Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Lobrano is assigned as a supernumerary justice.</p><p>Since his retirement from the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal in December 1998, Lobrano has served&nbsp;<em>pro tempore&nbsp;</em>on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal and on various district courts.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2018 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: JUDY BOUDREAUX</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; APRIL 23, 2018</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>2018 STATE OF THE JUDICIARY ADDRESS TO THE</strong><br /><strong>JOINT SESSION OF THE LOUISIANA LEGISLATURE BY</strong><br /><strong>CHIEF JUSTICE BERNETTE JOSHUA JOHNSON</strong><br /><strong>SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA</strong><br /><strong>MONDAY, APRIL 23, 2018, 2:00 P.M.&nbsp;</strong><br /><strong>HOUSE CHAMBER</strong></p><p><strong>MR. PRESIDENT, MR. SPEAKER, MEMBERS OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, COLLEAGUES, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:</strong><br /></p><p>Good afternoon. Thank you for the invitation to address you on the State of the Judiciary. It is an honor and a privilege to visit with you this afternoon. I know you have much on your legislative agenda, and I appreciate your taking the time to be here today.<br /></p><p>Before I begin, let me first introduce my colleagues who are with me this afternoon &ndash; Justice John Weimer from Thibodaux; Justice Greg Guidry from Jefferson and St. Tammany; Justice Marcus Clark from Monroe; Justice Jefferson Hughes from Denham Springs; Justice Scott Crichton from Shreveport; and our newest Justice, Justice Jimmy Genovese from Opelousas. Justice Genovese served on the Third Circuit Court of Appeal, and was elected to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court that arose upon the retirement of Justice Jeannette Knoll.<br /></p><p>Our two branches of government have a history of mutual respect and cooperation, and I have worked hard as Chief Justice to build upon that relationship. I am glad to continue the tradition of these visits by our Court to your Chambers every two years or so for the State of the Judiciary address, and I thank you for welcoming us here this afternoon. Thank you, as well, for the courtesy that you show our Justices, our state judges, and our staff every year upon presentation of the judicial branch budget request, and other legislation that impacts the Judiciary.<br /></p><p>The state and federal constitutions divide our government into three equal and independent branches. Our two branches have long enjoyed a mutual respect founded upon a recognition that we are equals under the law and that each of us performs a constitutionally defined role that must be preserved. Although judges in our state are elected by a majority of the voters, their ultimate allegiance is owed to the Louisiana Constitution and to the rule of law. That duty often requires us to protect the rights of those in the minority, the poor, and the politically unpopular. It is the duty of each judge in this state to apply the law without fear or favor. A judge cannot be partisan, despite which way political winds may be blowing. An independent judiciary is a hallmark of our democracy, and we should take whatever steps are necessary to respect and preserve this independence.<br /></p><p>I am pleased to provide each of you today with copies of our 2017 Annual Report, which includes basic information on our state Judiciary, as well as a statistical compilation of case filings at all levels of court. It also includes updates and discussions of court activities and related entities, such as the Office of the Judicial Administrator, the Louisiana Law Library, the Judicial College, the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana, the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board, and the Committee on Bar Admissions. The Annual Report is also available online at the Supreme Court website.<br /></p><p>I would like to draw your attention to the information that is included in our Annual Report on the Judiciary budget. This budget information, along with copies of this fiscal year&rsquo;s Judiciary appropriations bill and legislative audit, can be found online on our court&rsquo;s website.&nbsp;<br /></p><p>As you may know, our budget request for this upcoming fiscal year, FY 2018-2019, has been filed as HB698. We have asked for $180 million &ndash; an amount we believe necessary to ensure not only an independent Judiciary, but an effective one. That budget will fund the operations of the Louisiana Supreme Court and the five courts of appeal, and also includes salaries and retirement benefits for all state judges. The budget also includes some state funding for lower courts, and funding for operations of programs that you have asked the Supreme Court to administer, such as oversight of state drug courts.<br /></p><p>I will note that the Judiciary appropriations bill does not include funding for the entire state judicial system. The Louisiana court system is not a unified system under the sole budgetary authority of my Court. Rather, the lower courts &ndash; district, city, parish, and municipal &ndash; are funded through multiple sources, including a limited appropriation by the state legislature; funds from local governing bodies; self-generated revenues from fines, fees and court costs; and federal grants.<br /></p><p>We are cognizant of today&rsquo;s budgetary challenges and competing priorities. And let me stress to you that we do not deem ourselves immune from the financial difficulties facing our state. Our budget was not created in a vacuum or without regard for the needs of other government entities. Before being presented to you, it was reviewed and approved by the Judicial Budgetary Control Board. It also reflects years of belt-tightening. For several years now, we have delayed filling personnel vacancies, left needed positions vacant, tried to renegotiate contracts with vendors, and restricted use of outside consultants. We have also actively sought and obtained significant federal funding to assist our courts. We have been good stewards of the public fisc, effectively and efficiently operating a co-equal branch of government with state appropriations totaling less than one percent (1%) of the total State budget.<br /></p><p>Under our tripartite constitutional system of government, you, the Legislature, are charged with funding all three co-equal branches. Adequate funding of the judicial branch of government is your legislative responsibility, and is critical to ensuring an independent Judiciary. It enables the state Judiciary to fulfill its constitutionally mandated duties to apply the laws you have written, to resolve private disputes, to protect fundamental rights, to punish wrongdoing, and to provide oversight to the bench and bar. It also allows us to continue to work for reforms and improvements in the area of judicial administration. We owe it to our citizens to provide them with a Judiciary armed with the financial resources necessary to ensure access to justice for all.<br /></p><p>Keep in mind that the majority of the monies you appropriate to the state Judiciary cover statutorily mandated expenses like judicial salaries and benefits, such as retirement and insurance costs. The discretionary portion of our budget is allocated to programs such as Drug Court, the Louisiana Protective Order Registry (LPOR), Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Families in Need of Services (FINS). These programs yield monetary savings for the state by reducing incarceration rates, recidivism, and the need for other social programs.<br /></p><p>Let me highlight just one of these programs for you. Our Drug Court program has proven to be an effective strategy for reducing crime and recidivism. Nationally, research has shown significant reductions in recidivism for participants in drug courts compared to those sentenced to conventional justice interventions, such as incarceration. That has proven true for the nearly 15,000 individuals who have graduated from Louisiana drug courts. Our programs have reduced three-year recidivism rates from upwards of two-thirds, to just over 10 percent. Perhaps more importantly, drug court participants are becoming productive citizens, thanks to programs that help them earn their GEDs and find housing. They are also becoming better parents and breaking the generational cycle of poverty. <br /></p><p>Drug Courts also save money. For each dollar invested in drug courts, communities receive an average of $3.36 in benefits such as avoided justice system costs. For example, drug intervention programs reduce the number of infant children born addicted to narcotics &ndash; children who would otherwise become the financial responsibility of the state. It is estimated that the state spends approximately $250,000 caring for a single drug-addicted infant during the first few years of his or her life. In 2017, 57 drug-free babies were born to drug court participants for an estimated cost savings of $14,250,000 to the State of Louisiana. This is a smart investment.<br /></p><p>Our Drug Court judges preside over drug courts in addition to their regular dockets with no additional compensation. They are supported by our Supreme Court Drug Court Office, which currently administers 49 drug courts in 44 parishes. Hopefully, you had the opportunity to visit with some of our Drug Court Office staff during their recent visit to the Capitol. We also invite you to participate in a Drug Court &ldquo;ridealong&rdquo; or visit a Drug Court to see for yourself the good it accomplishes and the lives it changes.<br /></p><p>Drug Court is just one type of Specialty Court that we operate in Louisiana, but it is the only one that receives state funding at this time. Because they have witnessed first-hand the successes of our problem-solving or Specialty courts, many of our state judges volunteer their time to handle dockets in Re-entry Courts, Veterans Courts, Sobriety Courts, Behavioral Heath Courts, Domestic Violence Courts, and Family Preservation Courts. These additional Specialty Courts are up and running because our judges have sought federal grants and funding from businesses and non-profit corporations. Again, they receive no state funding. Some of our Specialty Court judges are experimenting with cutting edge technologies in an effort to make the best use of limited resources. Our Specialty Court judges have been heard to say while these Specialty Courts create a substantial amount of extra work, managing them is the best part of their job, as they are able to watch participants&rsquo; lives change literally before their eyes.<br /></p><p>One of the most successful and promising Specialty Courts is Re-entry Court, which is a partnership between the Department of Corrections and the state Judiciary. Participating defendants spend a minimum of two years of their incarceration learning a marketable trade, such as auto-mechanics, HVAC, culinary skills, and welding. While incarcerated, the participants are partnered with a &ldquo;lifer&rdquo; mentor who lives with them. The mentees also receive appropriate substance abuse and/or mental health treatment while incarcerated. Once released, the participants are monitored by the Re-entry Court judge and are provided needed treatment and case management services. Upon graduation, participants &ldquo;re-enter&rdquo; society armed with a marketable trade and the skills to be productive citizens.<br /></p><p>There is real potential for expansion of Reentry Courts; however, expansion has been hindered by the lack of funding, at both the DOC and local court levels. It is my hope that some of the savings realized from our Justice Reinvestment efforts might be reinvested in some of these Re-entry or other Specialty Courts.<br /></p><p>Because we also recognize the success of these Specialty Courts, and because we wish to support our Specialty Court judges, we have expanded the Supreme Court Drug Court office to provide support for all of our state Specialty Courts. Our goal is to bring all Specialty Courts under the umbrella of the Supreme Court and give them all the same oversight and services that we currently provide to Drug Courts. This new configuration will allow us to better measure outcomes and savings in all areas of government.<br /></p><p>As I mentioned, the Judiciary appropriations bill does not include funding for the entire state judicial system. In fact, the majority of funding of our lower courts comes from two sources: local governing bodies and self-generated revenues from fines, fees and court costs. Let me say a few words about court costs.<br /></p><p>Funding a court system through the use of court costs paid by users of the justice systems presents many challenges that we as a state government need to confront. For starters, there is no central oversight of the assessment or collections of these court costs, which are authorized in a piecemeal fashion through legislation and local ordinances &ndash; often without consideration of existing court costs. Further, despite our best efforts to date, there is no comprehensive listing of all court costs that are applicable statewide. There is also no accounting available of how much money is collected annually in court costs, fines and fees, or what percentage of court operations are funded by court costs. When new court costs are proposed, there is no legal mechanism for comprehensively analyzing the request. We are not currently examining the extent to which proposed costs are genuinely needed, the effect those costs may add to the expense of litigation, or the potential effects on a citizen&rsquo;s access to justice. That has to change.<br /></p><p>An additional area where more information is arguably needed about court costs is pretrial diversion programs operated by District Attorneys&rsquo; offices statewide which &ldquo;divert&rdquo; cases out of the criminal justice system. Concern has been expressed about the potential effect these pretrial diversion programs may have on the judicial system, including the courts, indigent defenders, sheriffs, and other stakeholders. Based on legislation that was introduced this session, I know several of you share this concern. On behalf of the Louisiana Judicial Council, I recently reached out to our District Attorneys to request procedural and budgetary information on their diversion programs. I look forward to the Council&rsquo;s review of this information.<br /></p><p>Our court is taking steps to address these issues. HB493, which is currently pending before this body, would restore to the Judicial Council greater authority to evaluate attempts to raise court costs and fees. We are also one of five states to secure grant funding from the United States Department of Justice &ldquo;Price of Justice&rdquo; grant program to evaluate the current system of assessing, collecting, and distributing court costs and fees in Louisiana. We have formed a Grant Advisory Committee whose mission is to develop recommendations for policy and action to achieve a more transparent, accountable, and fair system of assessing, collecting, and distributing legal financial obligations. That committee held its first meeting last week. Thank you to Representatives Katrina Jackson and Gary Carter, and Representative-elect Royce Duplessis, formerly my Special Counsel, for agreeing to serve on this Advisory Committee.<br /></p><p>This grant from the U.S. Department of Justice is just one example of grant monies helping to fund the work of the Judiciary. Through the Supreme Court CMIS office, we distributed nearly $3 million in federal grants to district and city courts to enhance security in data collection, to improve the completeness, accuracy and timeliness of disposition reporting, and to enhance overall data quality. We also helped secure federal grant funds under the Federal Motor Carrier Act for eight city courts and twelve district courts for replacement or enhancement of case management systems, and to improve reporting on traffic and DWI dispositions to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.<br /></p><p>Louisiana is among the minority of states in our nation with a non-unified court system. Rather than using state funds to fully fund our Judiciary, we push much of that obligation off onto local governmental entities. Those, in turn, pass much of that unfunded mandate onto civil litigants and criminal defendants in the form of court costs, fees, and fines. These user fees help pay for courthouses and salaries of court clerks, as well as district attorneys, sheriffs, and public defenders.<br /></p><p>I believe it is time for us in Louisiana to begin thinking about the toll that this type of funding mechanism takes on our justice system. Is it financially prudent and morally responsible to fund a co-equal branch of government on the backs of a few who are often the poorest and least fortunate members of our society?<br /></p><p>As many of you know, there are a number of federal lawsuits currently pending that challenge the way our state funds its criminal-justice system. Because these cases are still in litigation, it would be inappropriate for me to comment upon them. But it also would be na&iuml;ve of us not to see that we are approaching a day of reckoning. It is unreasonable to think we can cut funding to courts and then expect mostly indigent criminal defendants to take up the slack. We simply cannot continue locking up indigents because they are too poor to pay fines for crimes often committed because of systemic poverty. Either we reform the system ourselves, or we risk having it reformed on the pain of a federal judgment or consent decree.<br /></p><p>Last year, the Louisiana Justice Reinvestment Task Force examined Louisiana&rsquo;s hundreds of criminal fees, which are used to cover costs of court services and various other parts of law enforcement, prosecution, and supervision. I was privileged to serve as a member of this Task Force, and I fully support its recommendations. Among its findings, the Task Force learned that fines and fees are often uncollected and uncollectable: in 2015, the average felony probationer still owed a third of the restitution amount (when ordered) and half of their other costs and fees at the end of their supervision terms. Further, the punishments used to address debts, including suspended licenses and arrest warrants, arguably interfere with criminal defendants&rsquo; ability to earn money to pay their debts and create further barriers to their long-term success and stability in the community.<br /></p><p>Let us be candid: Innocence, though presumed by our system, is currently bad for our bottom line. God forbid that any of us should ever find ourselves in a situation where we stand accused of a crime we did not commit and cannot afford the cost of our defense. This is, however, the reality for thousands in our state. Would you have faith in the system if you knew that every single actor in the criminal justice system &ndash; including the judge and your court-appointed lawyer &ndash; relied upon a steady stream of guilty pleas and verdicts to fund their offices? Would you doubt your ability to get justice? Would you question your lawyer&rsquo;s motivation for recommending a plea?<br /></p><p>I want to be clear that I do not believe a single DA or judge or public defender would ever compromise justice in the name of securing funding. These individuals are some of the most dedicated public servants you will ever find. I do not question their personal integrity for one minute. Even so, you&rsquo;ve got to concede that there is something about the system that does not feel right. When you talk to lawyers outside our state, they are often surprised at the way that Louisiana funds its courts. I would submit that the mere appearance of an unfair system undermines our moral standing and authority.<br /></p><p>Some of you may believe that there is nothing wrong with the way we fund our courts. You may see it as a local responsibility. You may feel little sympathy for criminal defendants. Or you may think it is fair and reasonable to ask those who use our justice system to pay their share. I understand these sentiments and agree with you to a point. Criminals should face consequences for misconduct and civil litigants should help defray the cost of the system they use. But there also comes a point when the price of justice becomes so high that the courthouse doors are closed to litigants. If that happens, we may have a constitutional problem.<br /></p><p>Because we do not fund our courts in a centralized way, there are wide disparities among jurisdictions in terms of fees assessed and services offered. Changing one&rsquo;s name should not be more expensive in New Orleans than in Natchitoches. A petition for interdiction should not cost four times as much in Jefferson Parish ($1,000) as in Ouachita Parish ($250). The fees assessed to criminal defendants for the same crime in different jurisdictions should not depend upon whether monies are needed to replace a dilapidated courthouse. One&rsquo;s access to rehabilitative programs should not hinge upon whether one happened to commit his crime in a wealthy parish.<br /></p><p>One of the central benefits of statewide government is the ability to pool resources and to fund services that individual jurisdictions could not furnish alone. My tax dollars have undoubtedly been used to build bridges I will never cross, schools my children will never attend, and hospitals where I will never receive care. But that does not mean I, as a citizen of Louisiana, did not benefit from these things. We all benefit from the common good.<br /></p><p>A rising tide lifts all boats. Similarly, a fair and just court system benefits us all. Rehabilitating criminals into productive, taxpaying members of society is good for everyone. It makes our streets and schools safer. It builds our tax base. It creates a climate where business thrive.<br /></p><p>Although the die is already cast in this legislative session, I call upon the legislature to examine and to seriously consider funding the entire Judiciary through state appropriation. Other jurisdictions &ndash; California, New York, Delaware, Kentucky &ndash; successfully fund the entirety of their judicial system, from the salary of the Supreme Court to the cost of a local courthouse. These jurisdictions offer a model worthy of study.<br /></p><p>Creating a unified court system will move us from a system in which judges must constantly petition their local government entity for sufficient funding. It also will help eliminate the financial disparities that exist among the various judicial districts.&nbsp;<br /></p><p>Unifying our court system would create long-term efficiencies that will save taxpayers money in the long run. Instead of 42 district courts operating on 42 different systems, our state would have a single system integrated with the five appeal courts and with the Supreme Court. Instead of 42 different sets of fees and costs, we could have a single, uniform standard applied across the state. Not only would this promote fairness and predictability, it would eliminate the constant flow of legislation increasing court costs in particular jurisdictions.<br /></p><p>Funding the Judiciary entirely and in a unified manner would also eliminate the perceived injustice of a user-pay system. If judges and public defenders receive a fixed and predictable annual budget set by the Legislature and the Supreme Court &ndash; as opposed to a variable funding stream that depends on the collection of court fines and fees &ndash; our criminal justice will be fair to all.<br /></p><p>Of course, I am not immune to the irony of asking you to expand your financial commitment to the Judiciary at the same time that drastic cuts to our budget are being considered. I am also certain there are arguments in favor of retaining our current system of funding the courts. However, I submit to you that there are serious problems and inequities in our present funding scheme, problems and inequities that harm our citizens, and I ask you to seriously consider an alternative system. I suggest simply that your investment in the Judiciary and in a just funding system is a good one. When the bills that you craft today leave this chamber and enter the books as laws, it is our branch that applies, interprets, and enforces them. But we cannot do that without your help. You&rsquo;ve given us good laws. We simply ask that you give a co-equal branch of government sufficient resources to apply your will fully and fairly for all citizens of Louisiana.<br /></p><p>Before I close, let me congratulate you on the legislation you passed last year based on the recommendations of the Justice Reinvestment Task Force. I was honored to serve as a member of the Task Force, and was pleased to see this enactment of the once-in-a-generation package of reforms to our criminal justice system. These reforms reflect bipartisan recognition that oftentimes incarceration is a poor use of public funds and does not provide a long-term solution to public safety.<br /></p><p>As I have said repeatedly, Louisiana jails more people, per capita, than every other state in the nation and every other country in the world. And that has to change. We cannot afford the financial burden to taxpayers, who spend $700 million annually on corrections. And we cannot afford the human toll that mass-incarceration takes on our communities, where families are pushed into poverty and children are forced into foster care.<br /></p><p>With this ambitious package, Louisiana is projected to reduce the prison population by 10% and save $262 million over the next decade. Seventy percent of these savings &ndash; an estimated $184 million &ndash; will be reinvested into programs and policies proven to reduce recidivism and support victims of crime. It is also projected to reduce the community supervision population by 12%, making caseload sizes more manageable for probation and parole officers. I am also encouraged to learn that sometime in 2018, based on these reforms, Louisiana will no longer lead the list of states with the highest incarceration rate. We will still be second on the list, but at least we are making progress.<br /></p><p>We cannot and must not roll back these reforms until they have had an opportunity to take root and make meaningful change.<br /></p><p>I began my remarks commenting on the history of the cooperation and collaboration between our two branches of government. The Court pledges to continue that cooperation, keep open lines of communication, and maintain mutual respect. I ask you to do the same.<br /></p><p>Let me again say what an honor and privilege it is to appear before you today. On behalf of the state Judiciary, thank you President Alario, Speaker Barras, and all of you, the dedicated members of our state Legislature, for opening your chamber to us today, for your attention to my remarks, and for your unfailing devotion to the people of Louisiana.<br /></p><p>Thank you.<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#2e6da4" border="1" bordercolor="#000063" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#337ab7" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2017 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: ROBERT GUNN </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2592 </p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table border="1" bordercolor="#FFEBC6" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color:#F7EBC6;" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; APRIL 18, 2017 </strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette J. Johnson will testify at a hearing before Louisiana Senate Committee Judiciary C at 10:00 A.M. today. The hearing will consider Senate Bill 16 regarding juvenile life without parole. Chief Justice Johnson will address the jurisprudence relative to juvenile life without parole, as well as the impact Senate Bill 16 may have on the administration of justice.&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2016 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; MARCH 4, 2016</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) honored Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson today by announcing the establishment of an annual award in her name. <em>The Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson Trailblazer Award</em> will recognize individual attorneys and judges who champion ideals exemplified by Chief Justice Johnson, the first African American chief justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, who has always exhibited an unwavering commitment to enhancing diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.<br /><br /><em>The Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson Trailblazer Award</em> will be awarded annually at the LSBA Annual Meeting to a recipient who demonstrates a unique blend of experience, skills and accomplishments which translate into successful diversity and inclusion effort.<br /><br />The announcement was made today during the LSBA&rsquo;s Ninth Annual Conclave on Diversity in the Legal Profession held in Baton Rouge.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><table><tbody><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:100%;"><img 9th="" a.="" alt="Left to Right: Attorney Roderick A. " annual="" attorney="" bernette="" chief="" conclave="" cunningham,="" dentons="" diversity="" johnson;="" joshua="" justice="" keynote="" llp,="" lsba="" mark="" palmore,="" president"="" rick"="" speaker;="" src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2016%2Fimages%2FCJ%20Johnson%20Trailblazer%20Award%20Edited.jpg" us="" width="450" /></td></tr><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:100%;">Left to Right: Attorney Roderick A. "Rick" Palmore, Dentons US LLP, 9th Annual Diversity Conclave Keynote Speaker; Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson; Attorney Mark A. Cunningham, LSBA President</td></tr></tbody></table>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2015 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; JUNE 15, 2015</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In a joint resolution issued today, the Louisiana legislature commended the Louisiana Supreme Court for administering drug courts in the state since 2001 and for collaborating with Louisiana Association of Drug Court Professionals (LADCP) to ensure accountability and promote best practices in Louisiana drug courts. House Concurrent Resolution No. 216, was authored by Representative Chuck Kleckley and Senator John Alario.<br /><br />The resolution noted, &ldquo;The partnership between the LADCP and the Louisiana Supreme Court has made Louisiana&rsquo;s drug courts some of the best and most progressive in the country and the information on national best practices shared at staff training opportunities has drawn interest from drug courts in other states.&rdquo;<br /><br />According to Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, &ldquo;National research has shown significant reductions in recidivism for participants in drug courts compared to those sentenced to conventional justice interventions. The success of Louisiana drug courts is proven in the 2014 numbers. More than 90% of the drug court clients had no new criminal convictions two years after graduation from Louisiana drug courts in 2012.&rdquo;<br /><br />Nearly 5,000 individuals participated in Louisiana drug courts in 2014 and more than 11,500 have graduated from Louisiana drug courts since their inception. As of January 1, 2015, there were 50 drug court programs - 30 adult, 17 juvenile and three family preservation &ndash; operational in 42 parishes in Louisiana. Each program is comprised of a drug court team, which is led by a drug court judge, as well as drug court professionals that include: a drug court coordinator, treatment staff, prosecutors, public defenders, law enforcement representatives, case managers and others. The team works together to operate pursuant to all applicable standards and policies while providing each participant with the substance abuse treatment and ancillary services they need.<br /><br />&ldquo;Louisiana Drug court judges preside over these time-consuming drug court dockets in addition to their civil, criminal, juvenile or family court dockets without any extra compensation. This commendation is a much appreciated recognition of their ongoing efforts and hard work,&ldquo; Chief Justice Johnson added.<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2014 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD</p>PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER<p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590 </p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; MARCH 3, 2014</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Supreme Court of Louisiana Historical Society and the A. P. Tureaud Sr. Legacy Committee were joined by Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson and the Associate Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court today for the presentation and installation of the portrait of the late New Orleans civil rights attorney Alexander Pierre &ldquo;A.P.&rdquo; Tureaud, Sr. Following the courtroom ceremony in the 400 Royal Street courthouse, the portrait was permanently installed in the State Wing of the Louisiana Law Library, which is located on the courthouse Second Floor. Painted by Haitian artist and New Orleans resident Ulrick Jean-Pierre, the portrait is a gift to the Louisiana Supreme Court from A. P. Tureaud, Jr.<br /><br />A. P. Tureaud, Sr. was the preeminent civil rights attorney of Louisiana from the mid 1920's until his death in 1972. As the local attorney for the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, Tureaud handled nearly all of the desegregation and other civil rights cases filed in Louisiana that successfully ended Jim Crow segregation throughout New Orleans and the state.<br /><br />&ldquo;In this year, as the country celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it is fitting that the portrait of this tireless civil rights attorney be prominently displayed in Louisiana&rsquo;s highest court and that the A. P. Tureaud, Sr. portrait will be the first African-American attorney portrait among the court&rsquo;s historical collection,&rdquo; Chief Justice Johnson said.<br /><br />The featured speaker of the courthouse ceremony was Dr. Norman C. Francis, President, Xavier University of Louisiana. Francis was a colleague and friend of A. P. Tureaud, Sr.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><table><tbody><tr style="height:100%;"><td style="width:100%;"><img alt="Portrait of A.P. Tureaud by artist Ulrick Jean-Pierre" src="/press_room/press_releases/2014/images/Alexander_Pierre_Tureaud_Portrait.jpg" style="display:block;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;" width="350" /></td></tr></tbody></table>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2013 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; MARCH 1, 2013</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court celebrated 200 years of service today as Louisiana&rsquo;s highest court. In honor of this occasion, the justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court presided over Bicentennial Ceremonies commemorating its legal heritage which dates back to March 1, 1813. The ceremonies took place in the Louisiana Supreme Court courtroom, decorated to recreate the 1913 centennial celebration, which took place 100 years ago. Lieutenant Governor Jay Dardenne served as the ceremony emcee.<br /><br />&ldquo;In celebrating the bicentennial of the Louisiana Supreme Court we celebrate the rule of law, our history, and our state. Accordingly, today we look at how the Court, guided by law, has taken shape over the past century and since the centennial celebration in 1913,&rdquo; Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson said.<br /><br />Justice Greg G. Guidry chaired the Court Bicentennial Committee which selected topics for the Bicentennial Ceremonies including: <em>A Walk Through the Streets of New Orleans at the Time of the Court&rsquo;s Foundation; The Civilian Aspects of Louisiana Law; The Role of the Louisiana Supreme Court in the Early Civil Rights Movement;</em> and <em>The History of the Louisiana Supreme Court</em>. Additionally, there will be a short play presented by the International High School of New Orleans entitled An Uncommon Birth-Shaping Louisiana&rsquo;s Legal Tradition for Statehood.<br /><br />The Bicentennial Ceremonies today are the culmination of a year of court events highlighting the bicentennial. According to Justice Guidry,&rdquo; In recognition of this momentous occasion, the Court felt it was symbolically appropriate throughout the past year to return to former homes of the Louisiana Supreme Court. In May we held oral argument in the Cabildo, the court&rsquo;s New Orleans home in the late 1800's. In October we &ldquo;rode the circuit,&rdquo; or held court, in Natchitoches, another former court venue. Going forward, we will keep the celebration in the forefront by featuring a Bicentennial page on the Louisiana Supreme Court web site (www.lasc.org) for those interested in learning more about the history of this court.&rdquo;<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2012 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;MAY 7, 2012</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court heard oral arguments today in the Cabildo&rsquo;s Sala Capitular, the court&rsquo;s home from 1853 -1910. The temporary change in venue commemorated two important dates in the state&rsquo;s legal history, the bicentennial of Louisiana&rsquo;s statehood and the establishment of the Louisiana Supreme Court in 1813, as well as Law Day 2012.</p><p align="left">&ldquo;Today&rsquo;s sitting in the Cabildo marks the beginning of our commemoration of the Bicentennial of the first sitting of the Louisiana Supreme Court. Several events are scheduled during the upcoming year, culminating in a ceremony at the Royal Street courthouse on March 1, 2013, exactly 200 years after the Louisiana Supreme Court first convened. Today is the first time the Court has sat in the Cabildo since 1910. The justices and I are proud to be a part of this historic occasion,&rdquo; Chief Justice Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball said.</p><p align="left">After 30 years of being housed in the Presbytere, the Cabildo became the site of the Louisiana Supreme Court---particularly the Sala Capitular which served as the courtroom. The Cabildo was the court&rsquo;s home at the time New Orleans was designated the sole location of the Supreme Court in 1894. Prior to this, Supreme Court cases were heard in either New Orleans or Opelousas. Five justices sat on the Louisiana Supreme Court bench at that time rather than seven justices who sit on the Supreme Court bench today.</p><p align="left">Several landmark cases were heard in the Sala Capitular including: the Myra Clark Gaines cases which focused on a women&rsquo;s property rights and inheritance issues and remains the longest continuous litigation in U.S. history; the Slaughter House cases which involved the rights of private butchers to operate their trade; and, Plessy v. Ferguson, the civil rights case where Homer Plessy challenged the legality of racially separated railroad cars. The 1896 Plessy decision established the controversial &ldquo;separate but equal&rdquo; doctrine which remained in effect until 1954 when it was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas.</p><p align="left">A criminal case and a civil case were presented for oral argument during the Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s return to the Cabildo today.</p><p align="left"><a href="http://youtu.be/Qx0Qqipiczk"><strong>Louisiana Supreme Court Bicentennial Observance at the Cabildo</strong></a>&nbsp;(video link)</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2011 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; February 17, 2011</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Chief Justice Catherine D. "Kitty" Kimball announced today that the Louisiana Supreme Court has kicked off a new program, the Louisiana Judicial Leadership Institute (LJLI), and has selected the inaugural class of 36 judges who will participate in the year-long program. Co-Chairs and also participants of the Institute will be Chief Justice Kimball and Justice Greg G. Guidry.</p><p align="left">According to Chief Justice Kimball, "The purpose of the LJLI, as envisioned by the Louisiana Supreme Court, is to serve as an organizational enrichment tool to assist in developing leadership skills, to increase awareness of leadership and management issues and challenges, and to provide a network of court leaders across the state who are actively involved in improving leadership skills and court operations.</p><p align="left">All full-time Louisiana appellate and district court judges were invited to apply to participate in the inaugural 2011 class. The Institute will consist of five sessions from March to November, 2011, and will take place in cities across the state, including New Orleans, Alexandria, Lake Charles, and Baton Rouge.</p><p align="left">According to Justice Guidry, "The response to the Institute was overwhelming and we received numerous, qualified applications. We could not accept all the interested applicants because small classes are essential to the Institute experience. We anticipate that the LJLI will be an annual program and we look forward to many more judges participating in an Institute class over the coming years."</p><p align="left">Harold Suire, President of Baton Rouge-based Education, Research and Information Services, Inc., has been selected to direct the LJLI. He has founded and facilitated leadership programs throughout Louisiana and the United States, and has presented in Asia and Europe.</p><p align="left">The Louisiana Judicial Leadership Institute Class of 2011 includes: 22nd Judicial District Court (JDC) Judge Dawn Amacker; 32nd JDC Judge Randy Bethancourt; 15th JDC Judge Marilyn Castle; 5th Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Susan Chehardy; 16th JDC Judge John Conery; 26th JDC Judge Jeff Cox; 22nd JDC Judge William Crain; 1st JDC Judge Scott Crichton; 14th JDC Judge Lilynn Cutrer; Orleans Juvenile Court Judge Mark Doherty; 18th JDC Judge William Dupont; 5th Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Marion Edwards; 4th JDC Judge Daniel Ellender; Orleans Juvenile Court Judge Tracey Flemings-Davillier; Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Greg Guidry; 9th JDC Judge Donald T. Johnson; Chief Justice Catherine Kimball; Orleans Civil District Court Judge Madeleine Landrieu; 17th JDC Judge Walter Lanier, III; 29th JDC Judge Lauren Lemmon; 24th JDC Judge Hans Liljeberg; 4th Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Terri Love; 4th JDC Judge C. Wendell Manning; 19th JDC Judge Anthony Marabella, Jr.; 24th JDC Judge John Molaison, Jr.; 28th JDC Judge J. Christopher Peters; 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Jimmie Peters; 21st JDC Judge Brenda Bedsole Ricks; 14th JDC Judge David Ritchie; 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux; 4th Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Max Tobias, Jr.; 1st Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Jewel Welch, Jr.; Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Laurie White; 5th Circuit Court of Appeal of Judge Fredericka Wicker; 3rd JDC Judge Cynthia Woodard; and East Baton Rouge Family Court Judge Lisa Woodruff-White.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2010 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; february 22, 2010</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Chief Justice Catherine Kimball was released Friday from the Neuromedical Rehabilitation Hospital in Baton Rouge after receiving several weeks of in-patient post-stroke rehabilitation therapy. Chief Justice Kimball suffered an ischemic stroke on January 10, 2010. She continues to progress in her recovery, and will now undergo several weeks of continued post-stroke rehabilitation therapy on an out-patient basis.</p><p align="left">The Kimball family greatly appreciates everyone's concern and prayers. In particular, Chief Justice Kimball and her family wish to express their gratitude to the doctors and staff of the Neuromedical Rehabilitation Hospital in Baton Rouge.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2009 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; february 26, 2009</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Eleven of Louisiana&rsquo;s 47 Drug Court Programs were awarded certificates by the Louisiana Supreme Court during the 11th Annual Louisiana Association of Drug Court Professionals Conference held in New Orleans last week. Certificates signed by Chief Justice Catherine D. Kimball were presented to the following Drug Court Programs in recognition of ten years of service and commitment to their drug court clients, clients&rsquo; families, and the citizens of the parishes they serve: 4th JDC Adult Drug Court Program (Ouachita and Morehouse Parishes); 9th JDC Adult Drug Court Program (Rapides Parish);15th JDC Adult Drug Court (Lafayette Parish);16th JDC Adult Drug Court Program (Iberia Parish); 16th JDC Adult Drug Court Program (St. Mary Parish);19th JDC Adult Drug Court Program (East Baton Rouge Parish); 21st JDC Adult Drug Court Program (Livingston, St. Helena, and Tangipahoa Parishes); 22nd JDC Adult Drug Court Program (St. Tammany and Washington Parishes); 24th JDC Adult Drug Court Program (Jefferson Parish); Jefferson Parish Juvenile Drug Court Program; and the Orleans Parish Adult Drug Court Program.</p><p align="left">The Conference was co-sponsored by the Louisiana Supreme Court Drug Court Office which currently supports 47 local drug court programs statewide. These 47 programs provide judicial oversight and treatment to over 3,000 adult and juvenile drug court clients each month.</p><p align="left">&ldquo;Judges, district attorneys, public defenders, treatment providers, and others around the State are helping to change the lives of individuals and families who suffer from drug and alcohol addiction,&rdquo; said Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball, &ldquo;and in doing so, they are changing communities. We are very grateful for the support we receive from our federal and state partners who make it possible for our courts to do this critical work.&rdquo;</p><p align="left">During the Conference, Judge Keith Comeaux, who serves as both the adult and juvenile drug court judge in the 16th Judicial District- St. Mary Parish, was awarded the prestigious Jake Hadley Award for his dedication and outstanding service to the drug court field.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2008 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>mARCH 26, 2008</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The Louisiana Supreme Court adopted a Court Rule today which enacts financial disclosure provisions for state court judges and which is consistent with and comparable to those provisions adopted by the state legislature earlier this year for legislators and other public officials.&nbsp;<a href="/rules/orders/2008/Rule_XXXIX_Financial_Disclosure.pdf">The newly adopted Louisiana Supreme Court Rule XXXIX, Part N. entitled &ldquo;Financial Disclosure by Judges&rdquo;</a>, will become effective January 1, 2009.</p><p align="left">Secondly, in furtherance of the Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s oversight over the state judiciary, the Court considered the need to amend the Code of Judicial Conduct and, upon review, substantially revised Canon 6 relative to the restrictions on the receipt and reporting of gifts by judges. The revisions incorporate portions of Louisiana statutory law applicable to other public officials as well as the American Bar Association&rsquo;s Model Code of Judicial Conduct.&nbsp;<a href="/rules/orders/2008/Canon_6_ORDER.pdf">The revised Canon 6</a>&nbsp;is also to become effective January 1, 2009.</p><p align="left">The new rule and revised Canon are posted on the Louisiana Supreme Court web site:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lasc.org/">www.lasc.org</a>.</p><p align="center">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2007 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2588<br /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>march 20, 2007</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. announced today that he has signed an Order for the Louisiana Supreme Court increasing the annual disciplinary fee assessment paid by lawyers. The assessment will be increased by $35 beginning in Fiscal Year 2007-2008 (July 1-June 30) and by an additional $35 in Fiscal Year 2009-2010. Presently, attorneys with three or more years of experience pay an annual assessment of $165; attorneys with less than three years experience pay $100.</p><p align="left">The disciplinary fee assessment supports the operations of the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board. The Court established the Board in 1990, when it promulgated the Rules for Lawyer Disciplinary Enforcement. The Louisiana Rules for Lawyer Disciplinary Enforcement are patterned after model rules recommended by the American Bar Association, and establish one permanent, statewide agency to administer the lawyer discipline and disability system.</p><p align="left">The Court&rsquo;s action follows its consideration of recommendations made by an Ad Hoc Committee formed to study the workload and finances of the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board. The Ad Hoc Committee, which is composed of Court nominees and nominees of the Louisiana State Bar Association, recommended the fee increase adopted by the Court. The disciplinary fee assessment was last increased in Fiscal Year 1999-2000.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2006 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD&nbsp;<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>June 29, 2006</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. announced today&nbsp;<a href="/rules/orders/2006/TEMP_EMERGENCY_PRO_BONO_CRIMINAL_ASSISTANCE_RULE.pdf" target="_blank">the Court&rsquo;s adoption of an Emergency Pro Bono Criminal Legal Assistance Rule for Orleans Parish</a>. The new rule was recommended by Frank X. Neuner, Jr., Immediate Past President of the Louisiana State Bar Association. The rule will allow qualified out-of-state attorneys, working under the supervision of Louisiana-licensed attorneys, to assist in the representation of indigent defendants if the criminal charge arises out of or relates to an act which is alleged to have occurred in Orleans Parish. The services of the approved out-of-state attorney must be requested by the Orleans Parish Indigent Defender Board or its Chief Indigent Defender.</p><p>According to Chief Justice Calogero, &ldquo;The problems faced by indigent defendants in procuring representation following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina has been well documented. The Court is hopeful this new rule provides relief to the over-burdened Orleans Parish indigent defender system.&rdquo;</p><p><a href="/rules/orders/2006/TEMP_EMERGENCY_PRO_BONO_CRIMINAL_ASSISTANCE_RULE.pdf" target="_blank">The Emergency Pro Bono Criminal Legal Assistance Rule</a>&nbsp;is the third pro bono legal assistance rule adopted by the Court at the request of the Bar Association. In October, 2005,&nbsp;<a href="/court_closure_orders/katrina_orders/Order-ProBono.pdf" target="_blank">the Court enacted its original Emergency Pro Bono Civil Legal Assistance Rule</a>. The rule allows qualified out-of-state lawyers to provide limited pro bono legal assistance concerning issues arising out of Hurricanes Katrina or Rita and their aftermath. This rule generally allows qualified attorneys to provide legal assistance over the telephone to victims of the hurricanes. Thereafter, in early 2006, the Court passed a&nbsp;<a href="/court_closure_orders/katrina_orders/Suppemergencyprobonocivillegalassistancerule.pdf" target="_blank">Supplemental Emergency Pro Bono Civil Legal Assistance Rule</a>&nbsp;that allows qualified, non-admitted lawyers to provide limited in-court civil representation to poor clients under the close supervision of Louisiana lawyers affiliated with six Louisiana legal service providers/pro bono organizations. Out-of-state attorneys who wish to provide pro bono legal services pursuant to any of these rules must first apply and have their qualifications reviewed by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel.</p><p>The original Pro Bono Civil Legal Assistance Rule&nbsp;<a href="/court_closure_orders/katrina_orders/Emergency_pro_bono_civil_legal_assistance_ext.pdf" target="_blank">terminates at the end of August</a>. The Supplemental Emergency Pro Bono Civil Legal Assistance Rule terminates on January 19, 2007. The new, third Emergency Pro Bono Criminal Legal Assistance Rule for Orleans Parish is effective through June 15, 2007.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2005 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD&nbsp;<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER<br />(504) 310-2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>march 18, 2005</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">State Representatives Tom McVea and Donald Ray Kennard joined 19th Judicial District Court (JDC) Judge Anthony J. Marabella, Jr., today for a graduation ceremony of 12 participants of the 19th Judicial District Drug Court Treatment Program. The ceremony took place in Judge Marabella's courtroom in the 19th JDC courthouse where Louisiana Supreme</p><p align="left">Court Justice Catherine D. "Kitty" Kimball addressed the graduates and their families.</p><p align="left">In addition to commending the graduates for their diligence and dedication to the Drug Court Program, Justice Kimball said, "Drug courts are doing great things for the people of the State of Louisiana. These programs provide beneficial treatment to those offenders with substance abuse problems while, at the same time, providing tax payers with a less expensive method of treating these offenders. Statistics indicate that the cost of drug court treatment is less than half the cost of incarceration of those same offenders for the same period of time. The Louisiana Supreme Court Drug Court Office is proud to take part in this growing and successful force in modern jurisprudence which means a new beginning for so many."</p><p align="justify">Judge Marabella added, "Since our program began operations in 1999, there have been a total of 177 Drug Court Program graduates. We are proud of our 63% retention rate and our low recidivism numbers. Our graduates complete a comprehensive four-phase program which includes (1) pretreatment stabilization and engagement, (2) cognitive restructuring, (3) relapse prevention, and (4) transition/aftercare. Additionally, they must meet stiff graduation criteria in order to get to where these graduates are today."</p><p align="justify">Graduation criteria include:</p><ul><li>Obtaining gainful, consistent employment or sufficient involvement in a vocational/academic program</li><li>Attaining an acceptable level of sobriety with no positive drug test for six consecutive months</li><li>Completing required number of community service hours</li><li>Paying all program fees and fines in full</li><li>Maintaining consistent attendance at all court appearances and treatment appointments</li><li>Demonstrating an understanding of personal problems of addiction, criminal behavior and relapse prevention in a written graduation application</li><li>Maintaining a stable living arrangement and healthy interpersonal relationships</li><li>Possessing a definitive aftercare plan which may include 12-step meetings, mental health, outpatient counseling or group attendance at a former contract residential program</li><li>Fulfilling goals as stated in the individual treatment plan</li><li>Fulfilling conditions of Deferred Prosecution Agreement.</li></ul><p>Prior to the Drug Court Program graduation ceremony, Representatives McVea and Kennard participated in a Drug Court Ride-Along at the 19th JDC. The Drug Court Ride-Along Program gives legislators a chance to "sit on the bench" with the drug court judge to see first-hand the volume and complexity of the work performed by courts in their district. More than 80 Drug Court Ride-Alongs are scheduled to take place throughout the State between February and May 2005.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2004 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>march 31, 2004</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Attorney Christopher J. Bruno has been appointed, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judge pro tempore of Division "C" of Orleans Parish Civil District Court, according to Justice Bernette J. Johnson.</p><p>Bruno will fill the vacancy created by the election of Judge Roland L. Belsome to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal. Bruno will serve April 1, 2004 through October 31, 2004, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner.</p><p>Bruno received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and his law degree from Tulane University School of Law. He has been a partner in the law firm Bruno &amp; Bruno since 1989 where his practice has been exclusively civil law cases. He is admitted to practice in all Louisiana state courts and in the United States District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Louisiana.</p><p>A member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association, the American Lawyers Association, the New Orleans Bar Association and the St. Thomas More Society, Bruno is also a New Orleans Bar Foundation Pierre Derbigny Fellow.&nbsp;</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2003 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>april 23, 2003</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left"><a href="/About/Biography?p=John_L._Weimer">Justice John L. Weimer</a>&nbsp;announced today, in recognition of Law Day, May 1 st , the Louisiana Supreme Court has issued a&nbsp;<a href="/press_room/press_releases/2003/2003LawDayResolution.PDF">resolution</a>&nbsp;urging all Louisiana state judges to dedicate the month of May 2003 to reaching out to schools to provide students with an opportunity to learn about the law, the role of a judge, and the court system from members of the judiciary. A copy of the resolution is available on the Court's web site at&nbsp;<em><a href="http://www.lasc.org/">www.lasc.org&nbsp;</a></em>.</p><p>Law Day was established in 1957 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to strengthen our heritage of liberty, justice and equality under the law. Three years later Congress designated May 1 st as the official date for celebrating Law Day in the United States.</p><p>The resolution, states in part that "all judges have a unique ability to educate young people about our legal system." On this 46 th anniversary of Law Day, it further stresses the importance of Louisiana judges engaging in "law-related education in the form of opening their courtrooms to students or going into classrooms to teach" as a means to highlight the occasion and to deepen respect and understanding of the law.</p><p>A similar resolution adopted by the Louisiana District Court Judges Association encouraged every district court judge to volunteer one hour during the month of May to law-related education.</p><p>Any teacher or principal interested in coordinating a Law Day presentation with a judge contact the Louisiana Supreme Court Community Relations Department at (504) 599-0319.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2002 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>april 26, 2002</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">One hundred third grade students from Bissonet Elementary School participated in a program sponsored by the Louisiana Supreme Court today designed to teach the youngsters about the role of the Supreme Court and give them a "behind the scenes" view of the Court's day-to-day operations.</p><p>"In recognition of Law Day, May 1 st , the Louisiana Supreme Court issued a resolution urging all Louisiana state judges to dedicate the month of May 2002 to reaching out to schools to provide students with an opportunity to learn about the law, the role of a judge, and the court system from members of the judiciary. Today we are kicking-off the 45 th anniversary of Law Day by opening the courthouse doors of the Louisiana Supreme Court," said Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr.</p><p>Chief Justice Calogero advised the group on how to prepare themselves for a career as a judge and he discussed the important daily decisions judges make which ultimately effect the lives of all Louisiana citizens. Thereafter, the students toured the Louisiana State Law Library which is housed in the Supreme Court and where they were read&nbsp;<em>"Marshall the Courthouse Mouse;"&nbsp;</em>visited the Clerk of Court's Office to see and hear about the volume and kinds of cases which come to the Supreme Court; sat on the bench as "Supreme Court justices" and tackled decision-making problems concerning the No Vehicles in the Park law in the fictional town of Beautifica; and finally, they were informed about the serious nature of courthouse protection and safety by the Chief of Court Security for the Louisiana Supreme Court.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2001 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>April 10, 2001</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="center"><strong>2001 STATE OF THE JUDICIARY ADDRESS&nbsp;<br />TO THE JOINT SESSION OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE&nbsp;<br />OF THE LOUISIANA LEGISLATURE</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>by PASCAL F. CALOGERO, JR.</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>CHIEF JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Tuesday, April 10, 2001, 3:00 p.m., House Chamber</strong></p><p>Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, members of the House and Senate, colleagues, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen:</p><p>Good afternoon. On behalf of the Louisiana Supreme Court, thank you once again for this opportunity to speak to you on the state of the judiciary. I sincerely appreciate the courtesies shown by the President, the Speaker, and all of you for scheduling this address and for being here today.</p><p>I am joined today by other members of the Supreme Court, including Justice Kitty Kimball, who is next in line to serve as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Other members of the Court present today are Justice Jeff Victory from Shreveport, Justice Chet Traylor from Winnsboro, and Justice Jeannette Knoll from Marksville. Justice Harry Lemmon, who is not here today, has announced his retirement effective May 16, 2001, ending 21 years of distinguished service on the Supreme Court. Justice Bernette Johnson from New Orleans could not be with us today because she is in Atlanta receiving an honorary doctorate degree from Spelman College.</p><p>Since I last spoke to you, we bid a fond farewell to Justice Walter Marcus, Jr. of New Orleans who retired in September 2000 after 27-1/2 years on the Supreme Court. We were also saddened by the loss of retired Supreme Court Justice Pike Hall of Shreveport who died in November 1999. The Second Circuit Court of Appeal courthouse was renamed recently in his honor.</p><p>This is my fourth "State of the Judiciary" address. I look forward to speaking to you every two years. My regularly-scheduled remarks represent a relatively new tradition, although prior to 1996, Chief Justices have occasionally addressed this august body. I believe our presence here serves a dual purpose of updating you on the performance of the state judiciary while serving as a reminder of the functions and nature of our respective branches of government. My own experience and that of the other Justices is an appreciation and deep respect of your role in our state government. This bicameral legislature is inferior only to the Constitution of Louisiana as adopted by the people of our state.</p><p>As legislators, you pass the laws for our state. Under the state Constitution, we are required to respect, interpret, and apply those laws, and on occasion, to determine whether that legislation comports with our state and federal constitutions.</p><p>Yesterday marked my 11th year as your Chief Justice, and I thank each of you for your courtesy and your friendship. I also would like to thank all of you and Governor Foster for your assistance and cooperation during the past two years.</p><p>I especially commend you for providing the funds to complete the renovation of 400 Royal Street. I promise that this precious landmark will become one of the great jewels in this state's rich treasury of historic buildings, and a fitting symbol for justice in Louisiana.</p><p>I also thank the legislature, especially the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, for working with the Supreme Court and the judiciary to develop the Judicial Budget and Performance Accountability Act of 1999. Because of this Act, the judiciary is now using strategic planning, performance auditing, and other tools to direct its future and to encourage continuous improvement.</p><p>I also wish to thank the legislature in advance for its consideration at this session of the need for higher levels of judicial pay. Judges' advocacy of a judicial pay raise may sound to some as rather self-serving. However, do remember that if the people of this state want a fair, impartial, and independent judiciary, adequate judicial pay is certainly a necessary component of the overall effort to achieve these objectives.</p><p>As you know, as Chief Justice I have strived to improve communications between our two branches of government. I think we've been successful in this regard, more recently with the Justices' biannual visit to this Chamber, distribution of our quarterly&nbsp;<em>Court Column&nbsp;</em>newsletter, and our district court Judicial Ride-alongs in which I know many of you have participated. Last fall, we expanded this program to include a Supreme Court Ridealong for state legislators. We were delighted that about 50 of you came to the Supreme Court, visited with us for a morning of informational presentations, took a tour to see firsthand the progress of the renovations of the Courthouse at 400 Royal Street, and sat in on our regularly-scheduled afternoon oral arguments. Thank you to everyone who made the trip to our Court and participated in the Ridealong. We received some excellent feedback on this program, and we hope to present it again at a future date to give new legislators (and new Justices) the opportunity to participate.</p><p>I hope you also continue to find useful the input of our Judicial Council into relevant legislation, such as bills to create new judgeships. As you know, each year the Judicial Council's Committee to Evaluate Requests for New Judgeships sends to each legislator and each court a list of criteria for creating new judgeships. The Judicial Council only approves and recommends to you the creation of a new judgeship after a team, composed of judges and staff, visits the judicial district, analyzes case-loads and other factors, and concludes that a new judgeship is warranted, based on the requisite criteria. Recommendations of the Judicial Council are supportable with statistics and are not made lightly. Thank you for respecting the recommendations of the Judicial Council and for upholding the integrity of the process.</p><p>Over the past two years, I believe Louisiana's judiciary has accomplished many positive things, as you will see in the publications that have been placed at your desks. These reports show that the judiciary has worked diligently to improve its performance in many different areas. One of the longstanding goals of the Supreme Court has been to reduce the number of attorney disciplinary infractions. Through the Court's "Committee to Study Permanent Disbarment", co-chaired by Justice Kitty Kimball and Justice Jeannette T. Knoll, the Court's "Committee to Prevent Lawyer Misconduct", chaired by Justice Chet D. Traylor, and the Court's "&nbsp;<em>Ad Hoc&nbsp;</em>Committee to Study Potential Changes in the Admission and Practice of Law", chaired by Justice Kitty Kimball, we are pursuing a variety of avenues to improve the quality of the legal profession.</p><p>In my opinion, a potentially far reaching reform initiative recently undertaken by the Supreme Court for our elected judiciary was the formation of a "Committee to Study the Creation of a Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee." This Study Committee was charged with studying and making recommendations to the Court on the benefits and feasibility of establishing a permanent Oversight Committee, which would serve, for the judicial candidate, as a resource and as a deterrent. The Oversight Committee would act as a resource by educating the judicial candidates on such matters as the Code of Judicial Conduct, answering ethical questions which arise during an election on an expedited basis, and reviewing actual or proposed campaign conduct and advertisements. The Oversight Committee would also hopefully deter unethical conduct by soliciting from each candidate a pledge of ethical campaign conduct, and also by reviewing complaints and taking action where appropriate. It is our hope that this Oversight Committee might help in restoring and maintaining ethical conduct in judicial campaigns.</p><p>I'd like to personally thank Senator Jay Dardenne and Representative Arthur Morrell for serving on the Study Committee, which completed its work this past Friday. I am pleased to report that the Study Committee will soon recommend to the Court the creation of a permanent Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee. The Study Committee made several other distinct recommendations, and its report will be subject to consideration by the Supreme Court conference in the very near future.</p><p>While I appreciate the chance to recount some of our accomplishments, my primary purpose in addressing you today is to ask your assistance on a very important issue - the need to re-envision, restructure, and reform the juvenile justice system of this state. Improved education and more effective juvenile justice are two keys for ensuring the future of this state. I commend the Governor and the Legislature for their initiatives to improve the state's educational system, especially the recent effort to provide higher pay for teachers. Now I think it is time for all three branches to examine the issue of the current state of our juvenile justice system and to take bold steps to improve it.</p><p>In addressing this issue, I will not elaborate on the many problems affecting juvenile courts - for example, the low level of operating and capital funding, the unavailability of effective secured detention, the lack of alternative sanctions, and the lack of treatment services for children and families. Let me begin instead by sharing with you my vision of what I believe is not only possible, but imperative as well.</p><p>I envision a revitalized juvenile justice system to be built upon a resolute, over-arching commitment by Louisiana's leaders and its people to truly put children first above other priorities, especially those children who are at risk of abuse and neglect, educational failure, societal maladjustment, and chronic criminal activity.</p><p>I envision a juvenile justice system that emphasizes prevention, assessment, early intervention, treatment, rehabilitation, and the proper development of civic values, learning competencies, and life-coping skills in children, rather than simply punishment, and, where punishment is an appropriate and necessary remedy, a system that ensures swift and effective justice.</p><p>I envision a new juvenile justice system built upon the comprehensive strategy advocated by the federal government that provides a framework for assessing and treating all children who come under its jurisdiction, including those who are abused and neglected, those who are status offenders, and those who are serious, violent, and chronic delinquent offenders.</p><p>The new system should recognize the link between child abuse and neglect and the potential for later social maladjustment and possible criminal activity. It should address the needs of abused and neglected children in a comprehensive manner from the moment they enter the system until the time they are firmly re-united with their birth families, or securely placed with their adoptive families, or reasonably adjusted to be on their own after they "age-out" of the system.</p><p>For those children who are status offenders, traffic offenders, and delinquent offenders, the new system should provide a continuum of high-quality, integrated services and graduated sanctions, including prevention, assessment, early intervention, secured detention, alternative sanctions, long-term services for treating substance abuse, mental disorders, and other disorders affecting children and their families. The system should link traditional juvenile justice elements with elements from the health, mental health, substance abuse, educational, child welfare, and community-based systems. The system should also insist and ensure that there is meaningful communication, collaboration, and data sharing among all juvenile justice agencies.</p><p>This new juvenile justice system should ensure that juvenile courts are adequately housed and funded to fulfill their rehabilitative mission.</p><p>This ideal juvenile justice system should consistently operate from a knowledge base that incorporates the best tools for planning and managing the implementation of the comprehensive strategy. The system should provide accurate, up-to-date information on the quality, timeliness, and effectiveness of all juvenile justice processes and results, including the effectiveness of each strategy in the continuum of services, including the range of progressive sanctions. The system should not act blindly in the vague hope of positive results but should use the best science to ensure that good things will result so that success can be institutionalized and failure eliminated. The system should, therefore, be totally accountable to the public and to you, the guardians of the public's purse.</p><p>Through such a comprehensive approach, I envision a reformed juvenile justice system that is not blind but knowledgeable in its application of services and sanctions, a system that is tough but not mindless, and a system whose cost-effectiveness can be measured accurately and whose expectations are firmly and unrelentingly in favor of the rehabilitation of children.</p><p>If you agree with at least part of my vision, the question I wish to pose to you today is: how do we -- the three branches of state government - along with local government, and our society as a whole -- come together to develop and implement a common vision? Many judges in this state, including myself, believe that increased state funding for our financially-strapped juvenile courts should be a major part of the reform and restructuring of the juvenile justice system. However, I realize the legislature's difficulty in jumping into that issue without carefully analyzing the costs and benefits and also without looking at the entire system. And so, let me suggest the following approach as a starting point. I request that, at this session, you establish a joint legislative study committee or a commission to envision practical ways to reform and restructure the juvenile justice system of our state. It is time that we all examine the mission and financing of our juvenile courts as well as the availability of effective secured detention facilities and services, the availability of effective alternative sanctions, and the availability of treatment services. In this endeavor, I stand ready to commit the judiciary to participate meaningfully in this process. I offer the benefits of our staff, the wisdom of our judges, and access to the best judicial think tanks and resources in the nation.</p><p>CONCLUSION&nbsp;<br />An improved juvenile justice system is, in my opinion, the state's best strategy for preventing and reducing serious crime. We all know, intuitively and from research, that the abuse and neglect of children is a major contributing factor in the development of delinquency and that delinquency is a major contributor to adult crime. For these reasons alone, we need to look carefully at this issue and to act. So let us begin. Once again, I thank you for opening your chamber to us today, for your attention to my remarks, and for your unfailing devotion to the people of Louisiana.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2018 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: ROBERT GUNN </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2592 </p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; APRIL 20, 2018</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson will make the State of the Judiciary address before a joint session of the legislature on Monday, April 23, 2018, at 2:00 PM. All Justices of the Supreme Court will be in attendance for the address which will take place in the chambers of the House of Representatives.<br /></p><p>The first State of the Judiciary address by a Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice to the Legislature was in 1997, and this will be Chief Justice Johnson&rsquo;s third State of the Judiciary address since becoming Chief Justice in 2013. The speech will be live-streamed from the Legislature&rsquo;s website at www.legis.la.gov.<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#2e6da4" border="1" bordercolor="#000063" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#337ab7" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2017 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2590 </p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table border="1" bordercolor="#FFEBC6" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color:#F7EBC6;" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; APRIL 3, 2017 </strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court announced today 24th Judicial District (JDC) Judge John J. Molaison, Jr. and citizen Sibal S. Holt have been appointed as members of the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana. The Judiciary Commission is a nine-member constitutional body, empowered to review allegations of judicial misconduct and to recommend to the Supreme Court that a judge be sanctioned when misconduct is proven by clear and convincing evidence.<br /><br />Judge Molaison received his undergraduate degree from Loyola University New Orleans in1983 and his law degree from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in 1986. He has served as a judge of the 24th JDC since 2007. Prior to his election to the 24th JDC, from 1986 to 2007, he held several positions in the Jefferson Parish District Attorney&rsquo;s Office including: Executive Assistant District Attorney, Supervisor of Parish Courts, Felony Trial Assistant District Attorney, Felony Screening Assistant District Attorney and Research and Appeals District Attorney. During this time he also was a partner in the law firms of John Molaison, Jr. &amp; Associates 2005 - 2007 and Molaison &amp; LeBlanc 1988 - 2005. He currently serves as president of the Louisiana District Judges Association. Judge Molaison was appointed by the Supreme Court to the Judiciary Commission to serve as a judge member for a four-year term commencing April 2, 2017, succeeding 15th Judicial District Court Judge Jules D. Edwards, III, who has completed a four year term on the Commission<br /><br />Sibal S. Holt is the former president of the Louisiana AFL- CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations). She was the first African-American woman in the nation to be elected president of a state labor federation. Upon retiring from the labor movement, Holt became a licensed commercial general contractor and established S. Holt Construction Co., LLC becoming the first African-American female general contractor in Rapides Parish. Currently, she is co-owner of the We Care Residential Therapeutic Home, a facility which houses young men with limited cognitive skills and extreme behaviors. Holt has been a community leader throughout her life including: serving as past-president of the Capital City American Red Cross and Volunteer Baton Rouge, a member of the Louisiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Board, and a member of the Louisiana Workers Compensation Corporation. Holt was appointed to the Judiciary Commission by the Louisiana District Judges Association to serve as a citizen member for a four-year term commencing March 22, 2017, succeeding John Baldwin of Covington, Louisiana, who recently completed a four-year term.</p><br /><table><tbody style=""><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:50%;text-align:center;"><img alt="24th JDC Judge John Molaison" src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2017%2Fimages%2FJudge_Molaison.jpg" style="display:block;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;" width="300" /></td><td style="width:50%;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom;"><img alt="Sibal S. Holt" src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2017%2Fimages%2FSibal_S_Holt.jpg" style="display:block;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;" width="300" /></td></tr><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:50%;text-align:center;">24th JDC Judge John Molaison</td><td style="width:50%;text-align:center;">Sibal S. Holt</td></tr></tbody></table>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2016 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; FEBRUARY 3, 2016</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Attorney Thad Toups of Thibodaux was administered the oath of office by Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John Weimer today who swore-in Toups as president of the Louisiana Association of Drug Court Professionals (LADCP). Toups has been an integral member of the drug court team in Lafourche Parish for many years. LADCP is a statewide organization which partners with the Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s Drug Court Office to provide training opportunities to Louisiana Drug Court Professionals and to promote and encourage the use of best practices in drug courts.<br /><br />&ldquo;In addition to being a respected Assistant District Attorney in Lafourche Parish, Thad Toups is recognized nationally and locally as a leader in substance abuse education, prevention and treatment. In 2011 he received the National DWI Court Leadership Award from the National Association of Drug Court Professionals and he is a founding member of the LADCP,&rdquo; Weimer said.<br /><br />Toups received his undergraduate degree from Nicholls State University in 1973 and his law degree from LSU Law School in 1976. He has served over 32 years as an Assistant District Attorney for Lafourche Parish and the 17th Judicial Distirct, having prosecuted one fourth of all criminal cases in Lafourche Parish from 1983&ndash;2000. Additionally, Toups headed the drug education and prevention programs of the District Attorney&rsquo;s Office including: the Drug Court Treatment Division and the Domino Effect Program, an instructional program on alcohol and drug abuse for high school seniors.<br /><br />According to Justice Weimer, Louisiana&rsquo;s drug courts are also a true point of pride. There are currently 50 drug court programs in 42 parishes which operate under the auspices of the Louisiana Supreme Court, with 40 programs in operation for 10 years or longer. The benefits of this alternative to incarceration includes a reduction in crime and recidivism, as well as being cost-effective &mdash; every $1.00 invested in drug court programs returns an average of $3.36 in benefits of avoided justice system costs.<br /><br />&ldquo;The 30 adult drug courts, 17 juvenile drug courts and 3 family preservation drug courts keep Louisiana judges busy,&rdquo; Weimer added, &ldquo;as judges preside over these courts in addition to their regular dockets with no additional compensation.&rdquo; More than 11,500 clients have graduated from the Louisiana drug court program since its inception in 2001.<br /><br />For more information about the LADCP contact, Lars Levy at 985.518.1279. For more information about the Louisiana Supreme Court Drug Court Program contact, Kerry Lentini at 504.568.2025.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><table><tbody><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:50%;"><img alt="Thad Toups, Chief Justice Bernette J. Johnson, Justice John L. Weimer" src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2016%2Fimages%2FToups-Johnson-Weimer.jpg" style="display:block;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;" width="300" /></td><td style="width:50%;"><img alt="Justice John L. Weimer, Thad Toups" src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2016%2Fimages%2FToups-Weimer.jpg" style="display:block;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;" width="300" /></td></tr><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:50%;text-align:center;">Thad Toups, Chief Justice Bernette J. Johnson, Justice John L. Weimer<br /></td><td style="width:50%;text-align:center;">Justice John L. Weimer, Thad Toups</td></tr></tbody></table><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2015 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; JUNE 1, 2015</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Law Library of Louisiana Director Georgia Chadwick has been awarded the Bethany J. Ochal Award for Distinguished Service by the State, Court and County Special Interest Section of the American Association of Law Libraries.<br /><br />According to Maryruth Storer, Chair of the State, Court, County Law Libraries, &ldquo;The Ochal award is presented to a member who has made a significant contribution to law librarianship and who is nearing the end of their library career. Criteria for receiving this award include service to the profession of law librarianship, contributions to legal research, teaching and outreach efforts and recognition by members of the legal community.&rdquo;<br /><br />Chadwick received her undergraduate degree from Newcomb College in 1976 and Master of Arts degree in Librarianship from the University of Denver in 1978. Her first professional position in 1978 was as reference librarian at the Law Library of Louisiana which is housed in the Louisiana Supreme Court courthouse. She has worked at two law school libraries, University of Texas in Austin and Southern Methodist University, and over the past 20 years she has worked at the Law Library of Louisiana. Chadwick has been the Director of the Law Library of Louisiana for the past seven years.<br /><br />On behalf of the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson noted, &ldquo;Georgia works tirelessly to promote the Law Library to all patrons, from self-represented litigants to judges. The justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court are most grateful for all of her work which benefits courts and law libraries everywhere.&rdquo;<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /></p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2014 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; MARCH 10, 2014</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson announced today that in recognition of March being designated National Women&rsquo;s History Month, the Louisiana Supreme Court invites citizens to visit the Supreme Court Museum exhibit honoring women in law.<br /><br />This year National Women&rsquo;s History Month theme is <em>Celebrating Women of Character, Courage, and Commitment</em>. Throughout the month of March the Women in Law exhibit will be open to the public Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. The Supreme Court Museum is located on the First Floor of the 400 Royal Street Courthouse in New Orleans.<br /><br />According to Chief Justice Johnson, &ldquo;National Women&rsquo;s History Month 2014 provides an excellent opportunity to honor women and their accomplishments. The Supreme Court exhibit features a time line of the history of women in law and underscores the often unrecognized determination and tenacity of those who were pioneers in the field. Their lives and their work will inspire girls and women to achieve their full potential and will encourage boys and men to respect the importance of women&rsquo;s experience. It is my hope that citizens of all walks of life and ages will visit the Women in Law exhibit this month.&rdquo;<br /><br />The exhibit made its debut during the Annual National Association of Women Judges Conference in October 2013 when over 300 national and international women judges convened in New Orleans. In addition to the historical time line, the exhibit also includes displays which honor and celebrate all of the Louisiana women judges currently serving the state and federal judiciary.<br /><br />For more information about the Women in Law exhibit or for information regarding Supreme Court tours contact the Community Relations Department at 504.310.2588.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /><br /></p>&nbsp;&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2013 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; FEBRUARY 28, 2013</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson celebrated her investiture as Chief Justice today in a public ceremony which took place on the steps of the Louisiana Supreme Court. She is the 25th chief justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court and the first African-American chief justice of the court since its establishment in 1813.<br /><br />Marc Morial, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Urban League noted the historical significance of the occasion, &ldquo;This is a great day in Louisiana that has been long in coming. I am excited to take part in this event where the highest court in the State of Louisiana, on the eve of its 200th birthday, turns another important page in history. We gather to honor the achievements of Bernette Johnson and to also bear witness to the once unimaginable becoming the order of the day...the investiture of the first African-American Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court.&rdquo;<br /><br />Chief Justice Johnson&rsquo;s judicial career began in 1984 when she was elected to the Civil District Court of New Orleans, and was the first woman to hold that office. She was re-elected, without opposition, in 1990 and was elected Chief Judge by her colleagues in 1994. Chief Justice Johnson was elected to serve on the Louisiana Supreme Court in 1994, and was re-elected, without opposition, in 2000 and 2010. She represents the Seventh Supreme Court District which includes Orleans and Jefferson Parishes.<br /><br />U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Chief Judge Carl Stewart administered the ceremonial oath of office which was followed by a 17 gun salute presented by the 1-141st Field Artillery Battalion of the Washington Artillery of New Orleans. Chief Justice Johnson took her official oath of office February 1, 2013 in a courtroom ceremony.<br /><br />A number of state and local public officials took part in honoring Chief Justice Johnson including: U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu; Louisiana Attorney General James "Buddy" Caldwell; State Senator Edwin Murray; State Representative Katrina Jackson; State Representative Walter Leger and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. Also participating in the historic ceremony were representatives from several professional organizations: John Page, President, National Bar Association; Judge Joan V. Churchill, National Association of Women Judges; John Musser, IV, President, Louisiana Bar Association; and R. Patrick Vance, Past-President, New Orleans Bar Association. Judge Ivan Lemelle, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, and Judge Edwin Lombard represented the judiciary.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2012 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;APRIL 18, 2012</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Chief Justice Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball announced today, in recognition of Law Day &mdash; May 1st, the Louisiana Supreme Court issued&nbsp;<strong><a href="/press_room/press_releases/2012/2012_Law_Day_Resolution.pdf">a resolution</a></strong>&nbsp;urging all Louisiana state court judges to dedicate the month of May 2012 to reaching out to schools to provide students with an opportunity to learn about the law, the role of judges, and the court system from members of the judiciary.</p><p align="left">According to Justice John Weimer, who recently spoke to a class of 4th grade students at St. Charles Elementary School in Thibodaux, Louisiana, &ldquo;Judges are helpful in teaching students about the role of the judiciary in our democracy. Judges can also teach the rights afforded to citizens, the responsibilities that accompany those rights, and the consequences of inappropriate behavior. It is important for judges to educate as well as adjudicate.&rdquo;</p><p align="left">Law Day was established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to strengthen our heritage of liberty, justice, and equality under the law. In 1961, Congress issued a joint resolution designating May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day. Every president since then has issued a Law Day proclamation on May 1 to celebrate the nation&rsquo;s commitment to the rule of law.</p><p align="left">In honor of this 54th anniversary of Law Day,&nbsp;<a href="/press_room/press_releases/2012/2012_Law_Day_Resolution.pdf"><strong>the Louisiana Supreme Court resolution</strong></a>&nbsp;states, &ldquo;all judges have a unique ability to educate young people about our legal system and respect for the law,&rdquo; and stresses the importance of Louisiana judges engaging in law-related education by opening their courtrooms to students or going to classrooms to teach.</p><p align="left">Any teacher or principal interested in coordinating a Law Day presentation with a local judge, contact the Louisiana Supreme Court Community Relations Department at 504.310.2590.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2011 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;January 31, 2011</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The judges of the Court of Appeal, Fourth Circuit, State of Louisiana announced today that a panel of judges will &ldquo;ride the circuit&rdquo; to hold court in a location outside of the court&rsquo;s usual venue at 410 Royal Street in the New Orleans French Quarter. On Thursday, February 3, 2011, at 10:00 a.m., Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal Judges Dennis Bagneris, Sr., Terri Love, and Max Tobias, Jr. will hear oral arguments of the official court docket of cases at the Justice Revius O. Ortique, Jr. Mock Trial Center on the campus of Dillard University. The Fourth Circuit has jurisdiction over civil and criminal appeals originating from the trial courts of Orleans, Plaquemines, and St. Bernard Parishes.</p><p align="left">The goal of this event is to provide students and area citizens with a snapshot of the volume, variety, and complexity of the court&rsquo;s caseload by bringing the court to them. &ldquo;Justice Ortique was a judicial trailblazer, civil rights activist, and mentor to many judges and we are honored to hold oral argument at a location that recognizes his contributions to Louisiana law and public service,&rdquo; stated Judge Love.</p><p align="left">Now deceased, Justice Ortique was the first African-American elected to serve on the Louisiana Supreme Court. He was elected in 1992 and served until 1994. As an attorney and a judge, he engaged in many landmark decisions. The Justice Revius O. Ortique, Jr. Mock Trial Center grew out of Dillard University&rsquo;s commitment to undergraduate students who seek careers in law, government service, criminal justice, social work, public policy, and environmental justice. The Center&rsquo;s activities are uniquely focused on Justice Ortique&rsquo;s archival papers, his endowed chair in political science and social justice, pre-law scholarships and the Annual Law and Society Lecture.</p><p align="left">The public is invited to attend the oral arguments at the Dillard University Justice Revius O. Ortique, Jr. Mock Trial Center. For more information, contact Danielle Schott, Clerk of Court, at (504) 412-6000.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2010 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; january 19, 2010</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Chief Justice Catherine Kimball continues to progress in her recovery from a stroke she suffered last Sunday, January 10, 2010. After being released from ICU last Wednesday, and spending a short time in a private room, Chief Justice Kimball was discharged from Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge on Friday. She was admitted to a Rehabilitation Hospital to begin post-stroke therapy, and her condition improves daily.</p><p align="left">The Kimball family is very thankful for everyone's concern and prayers. In particular, Chief Justice Kimball and her family wish to express their gratitude for the life-saving actions of Acadian Ambulance, and her doctors and their teams at Our Lady of the Lake, especially Dr. Keith Hodge, Dr. Jon Olson, Dr. Dwayne Anderson and Dr. Scott Shuber. They also wish to thank the Our Lady of the Lake team for the excellent care throughout her stay, with special thanks to John Paul Funes with the Our Lady of the Lake Foundation.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2009 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; february 18, 2009</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Chief Justice Catherine D. Kimball&nbsp;<a href="/rules/orders/2009/ROPC_Revised.pdf">announced today that the Court&rsquo;s recently-adopted amendments to the Rules of Professional Conduct pertaining to lawyer advertising will become effective on October 1, 2009</a>, rather than April 1, 2009, as previously announced.</p><p align="left">The Court adopted the new rules following a lengthy study conducted by the Louisiana State Bar Association, recommendations of the LSBA House of Delegates, and further study by a Court Committee chaired by Chief Justice Catherine D. Kimball. These processes were triggered by a 2006 Senate Concurrent Resolution finding that lawyer advertising in the state has become undignified and poses a threat to the way the public perceives lawyers in this state. The new rules resulting from these processes balance the right of lawyers to truthfully advertise legal services with the need to improve the existing rules in order to preserve the integrity of the legal profession, to protect the public from unethical and potentially misleading forms of lawyer advertising, and to prevent erosion of the public&rsquo;s confidence and trust in the judicial system.</p><p align="left">The Court has decided to defer implementation of the new rules until October 1, 2009, in order to allow the LSBA and the Court to further study certain rules in light of the constitutional challenges that have been raised.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2008 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>fEBRUARY 25, 2008</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left"><a href="/press_room/press_releases/2008/2008-04.pdf">Louisiana Supreme Court Information Technology Department received a 2007 Global Excellence Award for Excellence in Business Process Management (BPM) and workflow implementation</a></p><p align="center">&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2007 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2588<br /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>march 5, 2007</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">John C. Welborn, Jr. has been assigned, by Order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as Justice of the Peace pro tempore for the Parish of East Baton Rouge, Justice of the Peace Ward Three, District One to fill the vacancy that exists because of the resignation of Justice of the Peace Clifton R. &ldquo;Clif&rdquo; Richardson, according to Justice Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball.</p><p align="left">A Baton Rouge native, Welborn attended L.S.U. before joining the Baton Rouge Police Department in 1975. A career of more than 25 years in law enforcement followed with Welborn retiring as the Assistant Director of the City of Baton Rouge Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control in 2004. Welborn received the National Liquor Law Associations 2003 Award for Law Enforcement Officer of the year. He is a Notary Public and became a certified paralegal in 1991.</p><p align="left">Welborn will serve as Justice of the Peace Ward Three, District One, for the Parish of East Baton Rouge, effective March 5, 2007 through September 5, 2007, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner, at which time the appointment terminates.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2006 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD&nbsp;<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>April 11, 2006</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Seven Louisiana judges and one mediator were recently recognized by Lawdragon, a national publication which featured 500 leading judges in America.</p><p>According to the quarterly magazine, &ldquo;Our guide to the 500 best public and private judges in the United States includes federal and state judges at every level. In capturing excellence, it is a snapshot of the men and women who reflect the very best of the public and private bench.&rdquo;</p><p>State court judges included in the 500 were: Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr.; Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John Weimer; Orleans Criminal Court Chief Judge Calvin Johnson; and Orleans Juvenile Court Judges Ernestine Gray and Mark Doherty. Federal judges named in the guide were U.S. District Court Judges Stanwood R. Duval, Jr. and Sarah S. Vance, both of whom are based in New Orleans. Additionally John W. Perry of Baton Rouge was named in the guide as a leading mediator in the private sector realm of alternative dispute resolution.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2005 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD&nbsp;<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER<br />(504) 310-2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>march 8, 2005</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. announced the promulgation of changes to&nbsp;<a href="/rules/orders/2005/ROPC5.5_8.5.pdf">Rules 5.5 and 8.5</a> of the Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct, as well as the adoption of a new&nbsp;<a href="/rules/orders/2005/RuleXVII14inhouse.pdf">"in-house counsel" rule</a>.&nbsp;The Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct regulate the ethical conduct of lawyers. The changes to the Rules of Professional Conduct, which were recommended by the Louisiana State Bar Association and its Multijurisdictional Practice Committee:</p><ul><li>provide limited exceptions to the unauthorized practice of law prohibitions in recognition of the realities of modern day law practices;</li><li>clarify which state's rules apply when a lawyer's conduct crosses jurisdictional boundaries;</li><li>clarify the lawyer disciplinary authority of the Supreme Court of Louisiana; and</li><li>allow lawyers admitted in other jurisdictions to provide certain legal services exclusively to their employer, provided these lawyers obtain a limited license pursuant to the new in-house counsel rule.</li></ul><p>The in-house counsel rule establishes a process for non-admitted lawyers who are employed by corporate or associational clients to receive a limited license to allow them to perform legal work for their employers. However, the rule does not allow in-house counsel to make appearances in court as lawyers.</p><p>The rule changes become effective on April 1st . However, lawyers who are subject to the in-house counsel rule will have until July 1st to submit their applications.</p><p>In-house lawyers who are governed by the new in-house counsel rule should contact Denise Leeper, Administrator of the Committee on Bar Admissions, in order to obtain an application and related materials.&nbsp;</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2004 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>february 19, 2004</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Catherine D. "Kitty" Kimball was presented the Alton E. "Jake" Hadley Award from the Louisiana Association of Drug Court Professionals today at an awards ceremony taking place during the 2004 Louisiana Drug Court Conference, in New Orleans February 18-20, 2004.</p><p>In accepting the award Justice Kimball said, "Drug courts are doing great things for the people of the state of Louisiana. They encourage educational and personal betterment of participants whose lives have been stalled by the addictions they face. The Louisiana Supreme Court Drug Court Office is proud to take part in this growing and successful force in modern jurisprudence which means a new beginning for so many."</p><p>The Alton E. "Jake" Hadley Award was created in 2000 to honor former Department of Health and Hospitals' Office for Addictive Disorders Assistant Secretary Jake Hadley for his outstanding contributions to the drug courts in Louisiana. Hadley was instrumental in the early stages of development and implementation of the Louisiana drug court system. He was the first recipient of the award.</p><p>Justice Kimball received both her undergraduate and law degrees from Louisiana State University. From 1982-1992 she served as a judge of the 18th Judicial District Court and held the position of Chief Judge during her last three years there. In 1992, Justice Kimball became the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court, the state's highest court, and was re-elected in 1998 without opposition. During her years at the Supreme Court, Justice Kimball has been involved in the administrative aspects of the judicial system and participates in court programs addressing domestic violence, criminal justice information systems, juvenile justice reform, families in need of services in addition to drug courts.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2003 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>april 15, 2003</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="center"><strong>2003 STATE OF THE JUDICIARY ADDRESS&nbsp;<br />TO THE JOINT SESSION OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE&nbsp;<br />OF THE LOUISIANA LEGISLATURE&nbsp;<br />by PASCAL F. CALOGERO, JR.&nbsp;<br />CHIEF JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA&nbsp;<br />Tuesday, April 15, 2003, 1:30 p.m., House Chamber</strong></p><p><strong>Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, members of the House and Senate, colleagues, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen:</strong></p><p>Good afternoon. On behalf of the Louisiana Supreme Court, thank you for this opportunity to speak to you on the state of the judiciary. It is an honor to appear before you once again. I sincerely appreciate the courtesies shown by the President, the Speaker, and all of you for scheduling this address and for being here today.</p><p>I am joined today by other members of the Supreme Court, including Justice Kitty Kimball, who is next in line to serve as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Other members of the Court present today are Justice Jeffrey P. Victory from Shreveport, Justice Jeannette Theriot Knoll from Marksville, and our newest Justice, John L. Weimer, from Thibodaux. Unfortunately, Justice Bernette Johnson from New Orleans and Justice Chet Traylor from Winnsboro were unable to attend.</p><p>This is my fifth "State of the Judiciary" address. I look forward to speaking to you every two years. My regularly-scheduled remarks represent a relatively new tradition, although prior to 1996, Chief Justices occasionally addressed this esteemed body. I believe our presence here serves a dual purpose of updating you on the performance of the state judiciary while serving as a reminder of the functions and nature of our respective branches of government.</p><p>My own experience and that of the other Justices is an appreciation and deep respect of your role in our state government. This bicameral legislature is inferior only to the Constitution of Louisiana as adopted by the people of our state. As legislators, you pass the laws for our state. Under the state Constitution, we are required to respect, interpret, and apply those laws, and on occasion, to determine whether a law that you pass comports with our state and federal constitutions.</p><p>Last week I marked my 13th year as your Chief Justice, and I thank each of you for your courtesy and your friendship over the years, and for the respect you accord the Supreme Court and its Justices. I also would like to thank all of you and Governor Mike Foster for your assistance and cooperation.</p><p>I especially commend you for providing the funds to complete the renovation of 400 Royal Street to house the Supreme Court and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal. I promise that this precious landmark will become one of the great jewels in this state's rich treasury of historic buildings, and a fitting symbol for justice in Louisiana.</p><p>Since I last spoke to you, we bade a fond farewell to Justice Harry T. Lemmon of Luling who retired in May 2001 after 21 years of distinguished service on the Court. John L. Weimer was elected in the fall of 2001 to succeed Justice Lemmon and to complete his unfinished term. In the fall of 2002, Justice Weimer was re-elected from the Sixth Supreme Court District to a full ten year term. We were also saddened by the loss of retired Supreme Court Chief Justice John A. Dixon, Jr. of Shreveport who died just last month.</p><p>Much has occurred both in the world and in the state judiciary since I last appeared before this body. We all experienced the horror and the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The historic courthouse in Pointe-a-la-Hache was destroyed in a tragic fire. Tropical Storm Isidore and Hurricane Lili disrupted court dockets and courthouses throughout the state. Every district judgeship was up for election in the fall of 2002, and we welcomed many fresh faces to the bench. The Supreme Court traveled from one end of the state - Nicholls State University in Thibodaux - to the other end, University of Louisiana at Monroe - for oral arguments, and several Canadian judges from Quebec traveled to New Orleans to participate in our annual Fall Judges Conference last year. In response to your request that funding for state drug courts be channeled through the Supreme Court, we created a Supreme Court Drug Court office which is responsible for the disbursement of state funds to district courts that are operating drug courts with the goal of sustaining and improving the operation of the drug court. I am pleased to report that this effort is proving quite successful.</p><p>In 2001, the Court also completed its work on the issue of permanent disbarment of attorneys. Months of study and deliberation culminated in the issuance of an Order codifying the Court's ability to disbar an attorney permanently in the most egregious cases and to ban him or her from applying for readmission. Another long-standing and much debated issue which came to fruition since we last met was the adoption of uniform Court Rules for the district courts throughout the state with appendices which respect some necessary local situations. These Court Rules for civil and criminal proceedings have been in effect since April 1, 2002. And in a continued effort to be accessible and "user friendly" to attorneys and the public, the Supreme Court launched a redesigned website which can be found at www.lasc.org and I invite you to visit our site.</p><p>The fall 2002 judgeship elections saw the newly created Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee in action throughout the state. In response to a request by the Oversight Committee, 216 incumbent judges and judicial candidates signed a Campaign Conduct Acknowledgment form, in which they acknowledged that they had read, understood and were bound by the judicial campaign ethical provisions of the Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct. The Oversight Committee also conducted six comprehensive and lengthy educational presentations statewide which focused on the restrictions on judicial campaign activities enumerated in the Code of Judicial Conduct.</p><p>During the fall judicial elections, the Oversight Committee received 32 complaints concerning judicial campaign conduct, and issued one public statement. The 15 member Oversight Committee, chaired by New Orleans attorney Harry Hardin, worked tirelessly and did an exceptional job. In my view, the general tenor of this year's judicial campaigns was much improved over past campaigns, and I look forward to the continuing involvement of the Oversight Committee in future judicial campaigns.</p><p>The Supreme Court has also continued to comply with the Judicial Budget and Performance Accountability Act of 1999. We have completed Strategic Plans at all court levels, and each year we submit an Operational Plan to you. Also, each year, we issue a State of Judicial Performance report, which is entitled "Justice at Work". And since passage of the Act, we have conducted four successive annual Performance Audits, including review of state courts' compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act; review of state courts' compliance with the Adoption and Safe Families Act; review of our Attorney Disciplinary system; and the most recent audit, a review of the Court's Judicial College.</p><p>Despite these examples of progress in the state judiciary, we have also seen some missteps. Some say our state judiciary, much like our society in general, has recently witnessed untoward events. Over the last two years, five members of the judiciary have been suspended from their offices, two on an interim basis. One judge was removed from office, while another recently pleaded guilty to criminal charges. The number of judicial discipline cases has the Judiciary Commission working overtime. Some commentators and pundits will, no doubt, make much of these facts to argue that our system is broken and needs to be fixed. My view is just the reverse. I believe that the increased number of prosecutions in the judicial discipline system, as well as the bar discipline system, demonstrate that both systems are working quite well. These systems are staffed with highly competent administrators and highly dedicated judge, attorney and lay volunteers who have more than proven to be up to the challenges presented recently.</p><p>About a decade ago, we first started using the terms "professionalism" and "civility", and there seemed to be an outcry that the legal profession was no longer either civilized or professional. The litany was that the legal profession, once held in such high esteem, had fallen below the rank, in reputation, of a used car salesman. However, over the past ten years, because of the work of both the bench and bar, I have seen a dramatic increase in attention and dedication to the improvement of our legal profession from within. This commitment has been directly proportionate to the growing increase in numbers in our ranks. Today we have approximately 20,000 attorneys in Louisiana, which is up from 18,000 only a few years ago. The legal profession, in spite of the jokes and aspersions cast upon it, continues to be an attractive profession. Surely college students and others considering law school are well aware of the significant proliferation of lawyers. But perhaps they believe the truism that "there are never enough good lawyers."</p><p>And so they enter this profession today from all walks of life -- rich, poor, young, old, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, etc. The legal profession is no longer a reflection of the privileged and educated upperclass. Rather, it has become reflective of the society that we live in. As the ranks of the legal profession have become more open and diverse, so too have the ranks of the judiciary. Take our Supreme Court. We are a Court of seven members, four male justices, three female justices, one African-American, Democrats and Republicans (although I will refrain from noting how many of each), with an age spread spanning almost 1/4 of a century from myself as the oldest to our newest elected Justice, John Weimer, who, at 48, is the youngest. I am encouraged by this growing diversity in the state judiciary, and I believe this diversity is good for the system and for the public in general.</p><p>Turning now to another matter,&nbsp;I would like to thank you, the Legislature, and the Governor for accepting my request two years ago for "all three branches to examine the issue of the current state of our juvenile justice system and to take bold steps to improve it." Your immediate action and commitment to this endeavor was impressive and of great credit to this body, and in a recent resolution adopted by the Supreme Court, we officially and unanimously acknowledged and commended the Louisiana Legislature for creation of the Joint Legislative Juvenile Justice Commission and its Advisory Board.</p><p>I want to thank the 12-member legislative Commission who served with such diligence and dedication: Rep. Mitchell J. Landrieu, Chair; Senator Donald R. Cravins, Vice - Chair; Senators Diana E. Bajoie, Charles D. Jones, Arthur J. Lentini, Willie Landry Mount, and Michael J. Michot; and Representatives Willie Hunter, Jr., Billy Montgomery, Charles A. Riddle, III, Daniel R. Martiny, and not the least, especially in enthusiasm for this project, Diane G. Winston. I would also like to thank the Advisory Board, the Planning Team, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation for developing and recommending what is, in my opinion, a comprehensive and sound approach to the reform that I and many others had hoped for.</p><p>I would also like to recognize and thank Justice Kitty Kimball who traveled with a delegation from Louisiana to review the Missouri correctional system and who has dedicated much time and energy in promoting the improvement of our juvenile justice system.</p><p>I also want to thank the following organizations for their advice and support throughout the project: the National Conference of State Legislators; the American Bar Association; the Juvenile Corrections Program of the LSU Health Sciences Center; the LSU Office of Social Service Research and Development; the universities comprising the Research Team; the National Center for Juvenile Justice; and the Child Welfare League of America. I would also like, globally, to thank the groups, too numerous to mention, who have already endorsed the recommendations of the Juvenile Justice Commission.</p><p>Finally, I want to thank the hundreds of other organizations and individuals who participated in the public hearings, completed the survey forms, or contributed materials to the Commission. I know that this information has been extremely helpful.</p><p>On the basis of the excellent work of the Commission and all those participating in the Commission's process, you now have before you an Omnibus Juvenile Justice Reform Bill, an Omnibus Juvenile Justice Reform Resolution, and other affiliated legislation. I am informed by the Commission's chair and by others that a remarkable consensus has been reached on the need for reform and on the general vision, goals, and strategies proposed by the Commission in this legislation. Whatever disagreements remain, I am told, are primarily over means and not ends and over the timing of implementation. Let us hope that this analysis is true.</p><p>I wish to speak to you today on this issue, not as a spokesperson for the Supreme Court, not even as a Justice, but as a concerned citizen and parent who has been deeply involved in the judicial and legal process for many years - a concerned citizen and parent who is horrified by gang shootings and murders in our schools, and who sees reform of our juvenile justice system as perhaps preventing such future violence by ensuring that juveniles in the system do not just bide their time there waiting for their release and learning how to become hardened criminals.</p><p>It is now decision time in Louisiana. And the whole nation is watching to see whether we will truly deliver comprehensive juvenile justice reform.</p><p>There are those who may recommend that you enact only cosmetic changes this session and not tackle the full scope of reform. There are those who may ask you to postpone consideration of the entire package until the next session. And there are those who may recommend delays in the implementation of the reform until further studies or pilot programs are completed. But I am here to urge you to support the reform bills and resolution this session essentially as presented.</p><p>The success of the entire reform effort rests upon the adoption of two key recommendations. These key recommendations, in my opinion, are first, the establishment of a Department of Children, Youth and Families, which will ensure greater coordination, communication and collaboration among those who deal with the needs of children, youth and families. A single Department will facilitate a more effective system of delivering services to our juveniles through a single point of entry and decentralization of service delivery through community-based, school-based and regionally based organizations. A single Department will also save money by eliminating redundancies. Such savings can be reinvested into local and regional treatment programs. Further, a single Department can concentrate on developing a more appropriate culture and system for implementing all reforms relating to youth corrections.</p><p>The second recommendation of the reform effort is to begin the process of developing a balanced juvenile correctional system as quickly as possible. A balanced system will place more money into initiatives at the front end, such as prevention and early intervention, rather than back-end services such as secure detention. It will also place considerable resources into sanctions for juvenile delinquency that are more effective and less expensive than incarceration. Finally, a balanced juvenile correctional system will use smaller secure detention facilities located in local areas for local youth with a continuum of services for rehabilitating offenders.</p><p>We need to reduce juvenile incarceration rapidly, providing for those offenders who can be moved to more effective and less expensive alternatives, and reinvesting the savings into prevention, early intervention, and other alternative sanctions, as an abundance of national research recommends, until we have achieved the right balance of services and sanctions.</p><p>Failure to enact these two critical recommendations - establishment of a single Department of Children, Youth, and Families and development of a balanced juvenile correctional system - will, in my opinion, significantly reduce the effectiveness of all other of the Commission's recommendations and will constitute a failure to achieve reform in this session.</p><p>Some may say that more time is needed to study these issues. But the Commission has already spent two years doing just that. It has conducted 21 public hearings in which more than 2,000 people participated. It has surveyed more than 500 people on the principles of the comprehensive strategy. It has also received advice and information from some of the best national think tanks in the nation as well as from local university researchers. And, from what I have read and understand, the Commission has built into its recommendations more than enough time for planning and studying these issues during the process of implementing them.</p><p>Others may say that these reforms are too comprehensive to address during an election year and that we should wait to consider these issues at the next session with a new governor. But what better time is there to debate and decide this issue? We have momentum, consensus, media and popular support, and national attention. Furthermore, the people of Louisiana have waited long enough. The reform will take years to achieve. But let us not delay its beginning. The time to begin is right now and the place to begin is right here.</p><p>The purpose of a judicial system is justice. I have been part of the judicial system as a justice for 30 years and I can say with conviction that we are not doing justice by our children, or for our society at large, because the juvenile justice system is terribly flawed. It must be changed. It should be changed now.</p><p><strong>CONCLUSION&nbsp;<br /></strong>In conclusion, let me again say what an honor and privilege it is to be before you today. I would be remiss if I did not mention the employees of all of our state courts, their relatives, and the employees, relatives and friends of you, the members of the Legislature, who are at this moment fighting in a distant land to promote, protect and preserve the freedoms and democracy that we enjoy, and which give us the opportunity to be here today, participating so actively in our state government. On behalf of the state judiciary, thank you to our soldiers, especially our Louisiana sons and daughters. May all of you return safely home soon. And thank you, the dedicated members of our state Legislature, for opening your chamber to us today, for your attention to my remarks, and for your unfailing devotion to the people of Louisiana.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2002 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>april 25, 2002</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal Judges Patricia R. Murray and Terri F. Love, Co-Chairs for the 2002 "Do The Write Thing Challenge" New Orleans Campaign to Stop Violence, hosted a recognition ceremony today at the Louisiana Supreme Court honoring 77 New Orleans Public School finalists whose award-winning essays, poems and lyrics answered the question, "What can I do to stop the violence in my life?" The students were chosen as finalists from seventh and eighth grade New Orleans public school students who responded to the 2002 "Do The Write Thing Challenge."</p><p>Since its inception eight years ago, the "Do The Write Thing Challenge" has prompted over 30,000 students from cities, such as, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Hartford, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., to think about their role in society and to realize that they have a responsibility and the power to change their environment.</p><p>" 'Do The Write Thing' identifies and rewards promising inner city New Orleans youth who have faced and coped with violent adversity in their lives. By taking time to consider what an individual can do, and then to put their thoughts in written words, each student acknowledges that they can make positive lifetime choices and that these choices can affect not only themselves but their neighborhoods and cities," Judge Murray said.</p><p>Judge Love added, "The National Campaign To Stop Violence is a coalition of organizations inspired by the words of these students. The coalition hopes that the words and passion of these students will motivate adults in New Orleans and around the country to respond to the young peoples' personal commitment to seek solutions to violence."</p><p>Louisiana State Representative Cedric Richmond, District 101, joined the judges in congratulating the students, giving special recognition to Sheldon Bridges from P.A. Capdeau Junior High School and Keith Nailor from Martin Luther King, Jr. School for Science and Technology, who were selected as the 2001 National finalists; and to Derrell Randolph from Livingston Middle School and Ashley Harrison from Francis W. Gregory Junior High School, who were selected as 2002 National Finalists.</p><p>Organizations participating in the National Campaign to Stop Violence include the Council of Great City Schools, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, the Young Astronaut Council, the National Guard Bureau and the Greater Washington Urban League.</p><p>Funding for the "Do The Write Thing Challenge" has been provided by the Kuwait-America Foundation, in appreciation for the United States' leadership in the Gulf War, and the United States Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.</p><p>For more information about the 2002 "Do The Write Thing Challenge" New Orleans Campaign to Stop Violence&nbsp;<a name="BM_1_"></a>Judge Patricia R. Murray at (504) 592-0945 or Judge Terri F. Love at (504) 592-0921.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2001 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599-0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>march 29, 2001</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Justice Harry Lemmon has announced that he will retire from the Supreme Court of Louisiana, effective May 16, 2001, after twenty-one years of service on the court.</p><p>Justice Lemmon graduated with honors from Loyola University School of Law and practiced law in St. Charles Parish. He was elected to the Court of Appeal, Fourth Circuit, in 1970, and to the Supreme Court in 1980, and reelected twice without opposition.</p><p>For over twenty years, Justice Lemmon has been the Chair of the Board of Governors of the Louisiana Judicial College, which provides continuing legal education for all Louisiana judges in seminars, bench books, newsletters and other publications. He served as a adjunct professor of law at Loyola Law School and has taught courses at Louisiana State University Law Center and Tulane School of Law. He has served on the Visiting Committee for Loyola Law School, and has been named to the L.S.U. Law Center Hall of Fame and an honorary member of the Order of the Coif. He has delivered lectures to judges, lawyers and students in Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Colorado, Michigan, Canada, France and Greece.</p><p>Co-author of the Louisiana Civil Law Treatise on Civil Procedure, Justice Lemmon has also served on the Civil Procedure, Criminal Procedure, Community Property, and Conflict of Laws Committees of the Louisiana State Law Institute, an organization of law professors, judges and lawyers that makes recommendations to the Legislature on revisions of the laws.</p><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2018 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: JUDY BOUDREAUX</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; APRIL, 17 2018</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="left">NEW ORLEANS -- Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson hosted Port-au-Prince Bar Association B&acirc;tonnier Stanley Gaston, April 3, at the Louisiana Supreme Court building. Dona K. Renegar, President, Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA), joined a delegation of expat Haitian New Orleans business and cultural leaders, Warren Perrin and representatives from the Francophone Section of the LSBA, and Chief Judge Carl E. Stewart of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to commemorate the partnership between the Congr&egrave;s of International Conference of Bar Associations of Common L&eacute;gal Traditions (CIB) and the LSBA.</p><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Gaston initiated the collaboration to activate the LSBA&rsquo;s membership with the CIB. Citing shared French history and the need to generate diversity within the CIB, Gaston said with the assistance of an interpreter, &ldquo;We will strengthen the association with active LSBA members.&rdquo;</p><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">&ldquo;The connection between Haiti and Louisiana cannot be overstated,&rdquo; said Chief Justice Johnson. &ldquo;The Haitian Revolution influenced American history. Who if anyone can imagine America without the Louisiana Purchase? The trajectory of this country changed, and Louisiana&rsquo;s cultural identity was fortified. Here we are, a little over two hundred years later, Haiti&rsquo;s influence will reinvigorate the Francophone Section of the LSBA, while strengthening and diversifying the CIB.&rdquo;</p><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The delegation toured the Supreme Court building including a visit to the rare books collection. Gaston had particular interest in&nbsp;Trait&eacute; d&rsquo;&eacute;conomie politique et de commerce des colonies,&nbsp;1804 Code Civil Fran&ccedil;ais,&nbsp;De la l&eacute;gislation et de l&rsquo;administration des colonies&nbsp;and&nbsp;M&eacute;moire historique et politique sur la Louisiane&nbsp;texts.</p><p>&ldquo;As a former French colony we are very interested in knowing what people thought about what happened to enslaved people. We&rsquo;ve never seen original books that illustrate our shared judicial traditions. We don&rsquo;t have historic material to conduct research in Haiti. We are very interested in studying the texts and sharing the information,&rdquo; Gaston said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&ldquo;Our historic ties to Haiti, with emphasis on the Revolution and the migration from Haiti to Louisiana is unique, and is the basis for cultivating a strong relationship with Port-au-Prince. While we have an eye on moving forward, it is always good to know whence we came. Most importantly, the partnership will help to preserve our Louisiana French-speaking heritage,&rdquo; said Renegar.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&ldquo;I appreciated the opportunity to join Chief Justice Bernette J. Johnson and other colleagues from the Louisiana Bench and Bar in welcoming to Louisiana, B&acirc;tonnier Stanley Gaston and other representatives from the Congr&egrave;s of International Conference of Bar Associations,&rdquo; Chief Judge Stewart said. &ldquo;Our state and federal commitments to the Rule of Law fit perfectly with the collaborations that our guests are affirming. I look forward to future occasions where we can work mutually toward common goals.&rdquo;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Gaston who was elected unanimously to his position in 2015, will direct the efforts of the partnership for one year. More than fifty members of the Francophone Section of the LSBA will meet for a conference with the CIB in New Orleans this year.</p><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p><table border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="5" width="114"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="100"><img alt="Portrait of Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson on view in the Louisiana Supreme Court Museum painted by Haitian artist Ulrick Jean-Pierre" height="333" src="/press_room/press_releases/2018/images/CJ%20Johnson%20Portrait.jpg" width="400" /></td><td width="100"><img alt="Attorney Louis Koerner, Dona K. Renegar, Jacques Miguel Sanon, Stanley Gaston, Warren Perrin & Attorney Katherine Wells" height="250" src="/press_room/press_releases/2018/images/Delegation.jpg" width="400" /></td></tr><tr valign="top"><td><div align="left">Portrait of Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson on view in the Louisiana Supreme Court Museum painted by Haitian artist Ulrick Jean-Pierre</div></td><td>Attorney Louis Koerner, Dona K. Renegar, Jacques Miguel Sanon, Stanley Gaston, Warren Perrin &amp; Attorney Katherine Wells</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td><div align="center"><img alt="Chief Judge Carl E. Stewart and Haitian artist Ulrick Jean-Pierre" height="550" src="/press_room/press_releases/2018/images/Judge%20Stewart.jpg" width="400" /></div></td><td><img alt="Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, the honoree Stanley Gaston, LSBA President Dona K. Renegar" height="540" src="/press_room/press_releases/2018/images/Stanley%20Gaston.jpg" width="400" /></td></tr><tr valign="top"><td>Chief Judge Carl E. Stewart and Haitian artist Ulrick Jean-Pierre</td><td>Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, the honoree Stanley Gaston, LSBA President Dona K. Renegar</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td><img alt="Standing left to right: Warren Perrin, Mary Perrin, Law Library Director Miriam Childs, Louis Koerner, Jean Guy Celestin; seated Emeline Desse & Fenelle Guillame" height="333" src="/press_room/press_releases/2018/images/Rare%20Books.jpg" width="400" /></td><td><img alt="LSBA Francophone Section Chair Warren Perrin presents a copy of his book Acadie Then and Now: A People's History" height="300" src="/press_room/press_releases/2018/images/Warren%20Perrin.jpg" width="400" /></td></tr><tr valign="top"><td><p>Standing left to right: Warren Perrin, Mary Perrin, Law Library Director Miriam Childs, Louis Koerner, Jean Guy Celestin; seated Emeline Desse &amp; Fenelle Guillame</p></td><td>LSBA Francophone Section Chair Warren Perrin presents a copy of his book Acadie Then and Now: A People's History</td></tr></tbody></table><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<h3>STATE TASK FORCE RELEASES PLAN TO SHED LOUISIANA&rsquo;S&nbsp;#1 IMPRISONMENT RANKING</h3><h4>Recommendations would protect public safety, save $305 million over next decade</h4><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://www.lasc.org/press_room/press_releases/2017/Reinvestment_Task_Force_PR_2017_03.pdf">http://www.lasc.org/press_room/press_releases/2017/Reinvestment_Task_Force_PR_2017_03.pdf</a></p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2016 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; JANUARY 14, 2016</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Retired Judge Joe Bleich has been assigned, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judge <em>pro tempore</em> of the Second Circuit Court of Appeal to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge James E. Stewart, Sr. on September 6, 2015. He will serve for the period of January 14, 2016 through April 30, 2016 or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner.<br /><br />Bleich received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana Tech University and his law degree from Louisiana State University Law School. From 1982&ndash;1996, Bleich served as a district court judge for the Third Judicial District Court representing Lincoln and Union Parishes. In 1996, he was elected Associate Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court. Since his retirement from the judiciary in 1997, Bleich has practiced law as a principal of the law firm Bleich &amp; Bleich and has served as a <em>pro tempore</em> judge in various district courts.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p><table><tbody><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:100%;"><img alt="Retired Judge Joe Bleich" src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2016%2Fimages%2FJoeBleichColor001-Web.jpg" style="display:block;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;" width="250" /></td></tr><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:100%;text-align:center;">Retired Judge Joe Bleich</td></tr></tbody></table>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2015 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; APRIL 16, 2015</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson was presented the 2015 Diversity Leadership Award today by the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Litigation during the Diversity Leadership &amp; John Minor Wisdom Awards Luncheon held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Orleans.<br /><br />&ldquo;The Diversity Leadership Award recognizes individuals or entities who have demonstrated a commitment to promoting full and equal participation in the legal community through encouragement and inclusion of women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and/or persons of differing sexual orientations and gender identities. Chief Justice Johnson is well-deserving of this recognition,&rdquo; said Nancy Scott Degan, Chair, ABA Section of Litigation.<br /><br />A graduate of Spelman College in 1964, Chief Justice Johnson was one of the first African-America women to attend the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University (LSU), where she received her law degree in 1969. Chief Justice Johnson&rsquo;s judicial career began in 1984 when she became the first woman elected to serve on the Civil District Court in New Orleans. In 1994, she was elected to serve on the Louisiana Supreme Court and was re-elected without opposition in 2000 and 2010. She attained another &ldquo;first&rdquo; on February 1, 2013 when she was sworn-in as Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, making her the first African-American Chief Justice. In May of 2013, Chief Justice Johnson was inducted as an honorary member of LSU Law Center&rsquo;s local chapter of the Order of the Coif and she delivered the Commencement Address at Southern University as well as her alma mater, LSU Law Center.<br /><br />Chief Justice Johnson has long been an advocate for social justice and civil rights. She worked as a community organizer with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Legal Defense &amp; Educational Fund, and worked for the U.S. Department of Justice&rsquo;s Civil Rights Division. Following law school, she became the Managing Attorney of the New Orleans Legal Assistance Corporation (NOLAC), where she provided legal services to clients in socio-economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Additionally, she practiced in federal, state and juvenile courts advancing the rights of children, the poor, the elderly and the disenfranchised.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2014 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD</p><p>PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER<br />(504) 310 - 2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; MARCH 6, 2014</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson has appointed Associate Justice Marcus R. Clark as Chair of the Judicial Budgetary Control Board. His service will conclude December 31, 2016. The Judicial Budgetary Control Board governs the expenditure of all funds appropriated by the legislature to the judiciary. It was established in 1977 and is composed of thirteen members who serve three year terms.<br /><br />Other board members include: the chief justice of the supreme court; the chief judge of each court of appeal; a district court judge selected by the Louisiana District Court Judges Association; two other district court judges; a judge from Orleans Parish Criminal Court; a judge of a separate juvenile or family court; and the judicial administrator of the supreme court.<br /><br />The Judicial Budgetary Control Board oversees the expenditure of funds to each court, council, commission or board, whether created by state rule, statute or otherwise; to the Law Library of Louisiana; to the Louisiana Judicial College and to any and all judicial officers, employees and service agencies. Prior to each session of the legislature the Board presents a proposed unified budget request for the judicial branch to the Louisiana Supreme Court for approval. The Louisiana Supreme Court, acting under its inherent and administrative authority, then presents the unified budget request on behalf of the judicial branch to the legislature.<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2013 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; FEBRUARY 18, 2013</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div>&nbsp; <p>Friday, March 1, 2013, the Louisiana Supreme Court will celebrate 200 years of service as Louisiana&rsquo;s highest court. In honor of this occasion, the justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court will preside over Bicentennial Ceremonies commemorating its legal heritage which dates back to 1813. The ceremonies will take place in the Louisiana Supreme Court courtroom, 400 Royal Street, at 11:00 A.M., and are the culmination of a year of court events highlighting the bicentennial.<br /><br />According to Chief Justice Bernette J. Johnson, &ldquo;The bicentennial of the Louisiana Supreme Court will be a celebration of the rule of law, our history, and our state. Accordingly this event will look at how the Court, guided by law, has taken shape over the past century and since the centennial celebration in 1913.&rdquo;<br /><br />Justice Greg G. Guidry chaired the Court Bicentennial Committee which selected topics for the Bicentennial Ceremonies including: <em>A Walk Through the Streets of New Orleans at the Time of the Court&rsquo;s Foundation; The Civilian Aspects of Louisiana Law; The Role of the Louisiana Supreme Court in the Early Civil Rights Movement</em>; and <em>The History of the Louisiana Supreme Court</em>. Additionally, there will be a short play presented by the International High School of New Orleans entitled <em>An Uncommon Birth-Shaping Louisiana&rsquo;s Legal Tradition for Statehood</em>.<br /><br />The Bicentennial Ceremonies are free and open to the public. One hour of CLE accreditation will be available for Louisiana attorneys.<br /><br />For more information about the Louisiana Supreme Court Bicentennial Ceremonies contact Valerie Willard at 504.310.2590.&nbsp;<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2012 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;APRIL 18, 2012</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Chief Justice Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball announced today that she will retire from the Louisiana Supreme Court in January 2013, after 20 years of service on the court. Elected in November 1992 from the Fifth Supreme Court District, she became the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court. In January 2009, she was sworn in as Chief Justice, making her the first woman Chief Justice in Louisiana.</p><p align="left">In a message to Louisiana Supreme Court employees Chief Justice Kimball stated, &ldquo;As of January, I will have served as a Louisiana judge for 30 years, as a Supreme Court justice for 20 years, and as Chief Justice for four years. After serving the state of Louisiana for so many years, it is time for me to spend some quality time with my family.&rdquo;</p><p align="left">Prior to her service on the Louisiana Supreme Court, Chief Justice Kimball served as a district court judge in the 18th Judicial District for ten years, including two years as Chief Judge.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2011 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;January 31, 2011</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Retired Judge Hillary J. Crain has been assigned, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore</em>&nbsp;to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal, Division A, to fill the vacancy created by the death of Chief Judge Edward A, Dufresne, Jr. on December 7, 2010. He will serve for the period of February 1, 2011 through August 1, 2011, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner. Judge Crain will take over the position from retired Judge Robert L. Lobrano who was assigned to fill the vacancy through January 31, 2011.</p><p align="left">Judge Crain served from 1968 -1982 as a judge of the 22nd Judicial District Court, representing St. Tammany and Washington Parishes. In 1982, he was elected to the First Circuit Court of Appeal where he served until his retirement in 1994.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2010 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; january 13, 2010</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">After successful surgery to remove a blockage which caused a stroke Sunday, Chief Justice Catherine Kimball's condition continues to improve rapidly. She has been released from ICU and is expected to be moved to a private room later today. As with any surgical procedure, rest is of the utmost importance, and so the family is still limiting visitation to family members. Contrary to recent press reports, there are no known remaining blockages, and Chief Justice Kimball is talking extensively with her family and her doctors. The family continues to thank everyone for their concerns and prayers.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2009 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; february 5, 2009</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Chief Justice Catherine D. Kimball has appointed three new members to serve on the Judicial Budgetary Control Board. The Judicial Budgetary Control Board governs the expenditure of all funds appropriated by the legislature to the judiciary. It was established in 1977 and is composed of thirteen members who serve three year terms.</p><p align="left">Judge Pamela Baker has been appointed to serve on behalf of East Baton Rouge Family Court. She will serve from January 5, 2009 through January 4, 2012. Other board members include: the chief justice of the supreme court; an associate justice of the supreme court designated by the chief justice, who shall be the chairman; the chief judge of each court of appeal; a district court judge selected by the Louisiana District Court Judges Association; a judge of Orleans Parish Criminal Court; two other district court judges; a judge of a separate juvenile or family court; and the judicial administrator of the supreme court.</p><p align="left">Also appointed were Justice John Weimer as the board chairman and Orleans Parish Criminal Court Judge Frank A. Marullo.</p><p align="left">The Judicial Budgetary Control Board oversees the expenditure of funds to each court, council, commission or board, whether created by state rule, statute or otherwise; to the Law Library of Louisiana; to the Louisiana Judicial College and to any and all judicial officers, employees and service agencies. Prior to each session of the legislature the board presents a proposed unified budget request for the judicial branch to the Louisiana Supreme Court for its approval. The Louisiana Supreme Court, acting under its inherent and administrative authority, then presents the unified budget request on behalf of the judicial branch to the legislature. </p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2008 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>Frebruary 1, 2008</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Attorney Byron C. Williams has been appointed by Order of the Louisiana Supreme Court as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore</em>&nbsp;of Division &ldquo;E,&rdquo; Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, according to Supreme Court Justice Bernette J. Johnson. Williams will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Calvin Johnson. He will serve from February 1, 2008 through July 31, 2008, or until the vacancy is filled by an election, whichever occurs sooner.</p><p align="left">Williams received his undergraduate degree from the University of Montana in 1978. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from Tulane University School of Law in 1987 after studying at the University of Nebraska School of Law as a CLEO (Council on Legal Educational Opportunity) Scholar.</p><p align="left">Following law school, Williams served as a law clerk for United States Magistrate Judge Louis Moore, Jr. at the United State District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana and then later served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the U.S. Attorney&rsquo;s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana. Williams is currently a Senior Assistant District Attorney for the Orleans Parish District Attorney&rsquo;s Office, having previously served there as the Chief of the Economic Crime Division and the Chief of the Screening Division.</p><p align="left">A frequent guest lecturer, Williams has presented before the United States Attorney&rsquo;s Office National Advocacy Center, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Louisiana District Attorney&rsquo;s Association.</p><p align="left">His civic involvement includes serving as the Past National Treasurer for the National Black Prosecutors Association, as a member of the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, and as the Past National Board Member for St. Jude&rsquo;s Ranch for Children in Boulder City, Nevada.&nbsp;</p><p align="center">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2007 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2588<br /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>February 28, 2007</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. and Justice Bernette J. Johnson joined the family and friends of retired Justice Revius O. Ortique, Jr. today for a ceremony unveiling a portrait of Justice Ortique. This portrait will be hung in the Louisiana Supreme Court Building alongside a historical array of portraits of former justices dating back to the early 1800's. Justice Ortique was the first African-American elected to sit on the bench of the state&rsquo;s highest court.</p><p>&ldquo;I had the great privilege of serving with Revius during his tenure on the Louisiana Supreme Court and I learned much from my colleague not just about the law and being a jurist, but about people. First and foremost, he was always concerned about people. The unveiling of the portrait of Justice Revius O. Ortique, Jr. is a fitting tribute to a living legend who has contributed so much to the legal profession and to our community &rdquo; said Chief Justice Calogero.</p><p>A native of New Orleans, the life of Revius O. Ortique, Jr. is marked by nearly 50 years of personal and professional achievement. According to Justice Johnson, &ldquo;This year Justice Ortique will celebrate his 83rd birthday and over these 83 years he has held many titles: &lsquo;Justice,&rsquo; &lsquo;Your Honor,&rsquo; &lsquo;The Honorable U.S. Alternate Representative to the United Nations,&rsquo; &lsquo;Mr. Chairman,&rsquo; and &lsquo;Esquire&rsquo;, but the title I think fits him best is &lsquo;a man of many firsts.&rsquo; &rdquo;</p><p>After attending New Orleans public and parochial schools, Justice Ortique received his B.A. degree in Sociology from Dillard University in 1947, his M.A. degree from the University of Indiana in 1949, and his J.D. from Southern University Law Center in 1956.</p><p>Justice Ortique, the lawyer, began his legal career in 1956 as a private practitioner with primarily an estate practice. In these early years while struggling to keep his practice afloat, he also participated as co-counsel in many landmark civil rights cases. Within a few years he had distinguished himself as a lawyer and was elected President of two prominent African-American professional associations, the Southwest Bar Association and the Louis A. Martinet Society.</p><p>On a national level, Justice Ortique served two terms as President of the National Bar Association (NBA) and during this time joined with leaders of the American Bar Association in developing the Legal Services Program of the Office of Economic Opportunity. He remained on the NBA&rsquo;s Advisory Council from 1964 until 1971.</p><p>Among his many professional &ldquo;firsts,&rdquo; Justice Ortique was the first African-American lawyer elected to the House of Delegates of the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA). His work with the LSBA&rsquo;s Legal Aid Committee provided a foundation for many years as a model for&nbsp;<em>pro bono</em>&nbsp;lawyering. In 1986 he received the &ldquo;Lifetime Achievement Award&rdquo; from the LSBA for his accomplishments in&nbsp;<em>pro bono</em>&nbsp;legal services.</p><p>Justice Ortique was first appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court as a judge pro tempore of Orleans Parish Civil District Court in 1978. The following year the citizens of New Orleans elected him as a judge of the same court where he served for two terms. Ultimately, he was elected by his fellow jurists as Chief Judge of the Orleans Parish Civil District Court. Ortique served in this capacity until he was elected to sit on the bench of the Louisiana Supreme Court in 1992. He retired from the Louisiana Supreme Court in 1994 upon his reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.</p><p>He served five full terms as President of the Urban League of Greater New Orleans. For more than 30 years he has been an advocate for public schools in the New Orleans area, and was elected President of the Community Relations Council serving as &ldquo;chief negotiator&rdquo; for peaceful desegregation of lunch counters, hotels and other public facilities when these tough negotiations were undertaken in New Orleans.</p><p>Justice Ortique was chosen by four U.S. Presidents to serve in a variety of capacities. He has also served on several Boards and Commissions, too numerous to mention. He has been presented with many honors including: the &ldquo;Martin Luther King Lifetime Achievement Award&rdquo; presented by the Consortium of Loyola, Tulane and Xavier Universities; an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Campbell College; an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of Indiana; and Honorary Doctor of Laws from Loyola University, just to name a few.</p><p>The photo portrait, taken by Jim Thorns, will hang outside the Louisiana Supreme Court Fourth Floor courtroom.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2006 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD&nbsp;<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>April 5, 2006</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. announced today the Court&rsquo;s promulgation of amendments to the lawyer discipline rules, and to the Rules of Professional Conduct, to provide for trust account overdraft notification. Trust account overdraft notification rules are designed to reduce occasions in which client funds are misappropriated by attorneys. The Court&rsquo;s action follows the passage of complementary legislation (2005 La. Acts 249) which facilitates overdraft notification, and which recognizes the rulemaking authority of the Supreme Court of Louisiana in this area. Also, the Louisiana State Bar Association has supported the implementation of trust account overdraft notification through the promulgation of Court rules and legislation.</p><p>Pursuant to the new rules, lawyers and law firms will be required to notify the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) of all accounts in which client funds are held. Lawyers and law firms that hold client funds are to confect agreements with the banks which hold the client funds. The agreements will allow the banks to notify the Office of Disciplinary Counsel of overdrafts on the trust accounts.<sup><em>1&nbsp;</em></sup></p><p>By requiring that the lawyer discipline agency be notified of overdrafts on client trust accounts, the rule changes function as an &ldquo;early-warning&rdquo; system that a lawyer is having a problem with his/her trust account. Early notification of overdrawn trust accounts may serve to prevent future misappropriations of client trust account funds.</p><p>The intent of the rules is not to discipline or unduly burden lawyers for occasional, inadvertent mistakes. In this regard, the 2005 legislation which facilitates overdraft notification provides that notification is not to be provided to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel when the overdraft has been caused by bank-imposed charges to the account. Furthermore, Chief Disciplinary Counsel Charles Plattsmier has authored an overdraft notification protocol which provides that no formal disciplinary investigation will be opened if the ODC&rsquo;s Screening Department is able to determine that the overdraft incident was a one-time occurrence attributable to simple inadvertence or employee mistake.</p><p>The overdraft notification rule changes become effective on April 15, 2006. However, since the 2005 complementary legislation does not become effective until six months following this Court&rsquo;s adoption of final rules on the subject, initial attorney-bank agreements which authorize trust account overdraft notification are to become effective on November 1, 2006 and thereafter.</p><p>The Court is hopeful that this new client protection mechanism is effective in reducing the number of occasions in which client funds are misappropriated.</p><hr /><p><sup><em>1&nbsp;</em></sup>The Office of Disciplinary Counsel investigates and prosecutes complaints alleging lawyer misconduct.</p><p align="justify">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2005 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD&nbsp;<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER (LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT)<br />(504) 310-2590<br />or&nbsp;<br />RENE ABADIE (SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY)&nbsp;<br />(985) 549-2341</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>february 22, 2005</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="center"><strong>STATE SUPREME COURT TO SIT&nbsp;</strong><strong>AT</strong><br /><strong>SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY IN HAMMOND</strong></p><p>Southeastern Louisiana University will be the site March 3 where the Louisiana Supreme Court will hold court in Hammond as part of an ongoing effort to educate and inform students and the general public about the work of the Court. The Court will convene for sessions beginning at 9:30 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. in the Vonnie Borden Theater auditorium located in D Vickers Hall.&nbsp;<a href="/press_room/press_releases/2005/2005-03a.pdf" target="_blank">It will hear oral arguments on four pending cases.</a></p><p>The sessions will be open to groups of area high schools, Southeastern faculty and students, and to the general public on a space-available basis. Plans are in the works to offer closed circuit viewing in other classroom locations in the building if the audience exceeds the seating available in the theater.</p><p>Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. and Southeastern President Dr. Randy Moffett jointly announced the convening of the Louisiana Supreme Court at Southeastern.</p><p>Chief Justice Calogero said, "For several years, the Supreme Court has been periodically holding court in parishes other than Orleans Parish, where the Court is located in the historic French Quarter. The goal is to provide area citizens with a snapshot of the volume, variety and complexity of the Court's caseload by bringing the Louisiana Supreme Court to them."</p><p>"This is a wonderful educational opportunity for area high school students-as well as Southeastern students and faculty-to witness our state's highest court in action," Moffett said. "At Southeastern we emphasize and involve our students in as many real-world experiences as possible, and we have hosted the First Circuit Court of Appeal on several occasions. The work of the Supreme Court, however, is something few people get to see. We applaud Chief Justice Calogero and his fellow justices for bringing the Court's work to the public sector and especially for making this available for our students."</p><p>Chief Justice Calogero was elected to the Louisiana Supreme Court in 1972 and took his first oath as Associate Justice on January 10, 1973 to serve a two-year unexpired term. He was re-elected in 1974 to a fourteen-year term on the Court. He was re-elected again in 1988 and in 1998. Chief Justice Calogero's district, the First Supreme Court District, includes the parishes of Jefferson, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington and parts of Orleans.</p><p>Chief Justice Calogero was sworn in as Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court on April 9, 1990. As Chief Justice, he serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Louisiana Court System, Chairman of the Judicial Ethics Committee, the Judicial Council and the Human Resources Committee, and as a member of the Conference of Chief Justices. In December 1994, he was appointed by the U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist to the Advisory Committee on Appellate Rules of the Judicial Conference of the United States, and, in 1995 he commenced serving on the National Center for State Courts Time on Appeal Advisory Committee. In 1997, he was elected to the Board of Directors of the Conference of Chief Justices.</p><p>As Chief Justice, he also stewarded the restoration of the Court's former Courthouse and return of the Louisiana Supreme Court to 400 Royal Street. The Louisiana Supreme Court moved to its newly restored quarters in May of 2004.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2004 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="margin-bottom:0;text-transform:uppercase;text-align:left;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER<br />(504) 599-0319<br />or&nbsp;<br or&nbsp;<br="" />Lynn Stewart<br />Centenary News Service<br />(318) 869-5120</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>FEbruary 13, 2004</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="center"><strong>STATE SUPREME COURT TO SIT AT CENTENARY COLLEGE IN SHREVEPORT</strong></p><p align="justify">Centenary College will be the site March 1 where the Louisiana Supreme Court will hold court in Shreveport as part of an ongoing effort to educate and inform students and the general public about the work of the Court. The Court will convene for sessions beginning at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Marjorie Lyons Playhouse theatre auditorium. It will hear oral arguments on six pending cases.</p><p align="justify">The sessions will be open to groups of Caddo and Bossier Parish high school students, Centenary faculty and students, and to the public on a space-available basis. Plans are in the works to offer closed circuit viewing at another location on campus if the audience exceeds the seating available in the theatre.</p><p align="justify">Justice Jeff Victory of Shreveport, who is an alumnus of Centenary, and President Kenneth L. Schwab jointly announced the convening of the Court at Centenary. "We are pleased and honored that the state Supreme Court will hold sessions at Centenary," Schwab said. "The last time they were here in this part of the state was in the 1980s, also on our campus. This program allows our students and our local citizens an opportunity they wouldn't otherwise have - to view our state's highest court at work."</p><p align="justify">Justice Victory said, "For several years, the Supreme Court has been periodically holding court in parishes other than Orleans Parish, where the Court is located. The goal is to provide area citizens with a snapshot of the volume, variety and complexity of the Court's caseload by bringing the Louisiana Supreme Court to them."</p><p>Following the afternoon session, the Shreveport Bar Association will host a reception for the justices and their staff, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the Cambridge Club.</p><p>Justice Victory, who has served in all levels of the Louisiana judiciary, joined the Louisiana Supreme Court on Jan. 1, 1995. Before that, he was elected to the 2 nd Circuit Court of Appeal, serving there beginning in 1991. He also formerly served in the 1 st Judicial District Court of Caddo Parish for nine years. A native of Shreveport, Justice Victory earned a B.A. degree in history and government from Centenary in 1967 and his juris doctorate from Tulane University Law School in 1971.</p><p>He chairs the Board of Governors of the Louisiana Judicial College, which provides continuing judicial education to all state judges. In addition, he serves on the state Supreme Court's Internal Audit Committee and lectures regularly about ethics issues.</p><p>For further information about the Louisiana Supreme Court visit to Centenary, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lasc.org/">www.lasc.org&nbsp;</a>or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.centenary.edu/">www.centenary.edu&nbsp;</a>.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2003 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319</p><p align="left">or<br />VERONIKA AVERY <br />(318) 342-5444<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>april 7, 2003</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="justify">The Lousiana Supreme Court heard oral arguments on five pending cases today at the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM). Six justices held proceedings at ULM as part of an ongoing effort by the Court to educate and to inform students and the general public about the work of the Court.</p><p align="justify">"For over 15 years, holding court in venues other than the Supreme Court courthouse has been a tradition of the Court. The goal is to provide citizens with a snapshot of the volume, variety and complexity of the Court's caseload by bringing the Louisiana Supreme Court to them," said Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr.</p><p align="justify">Prior to oral arguments, Justice Chet D. Traylor, a 1969 graduate of Northeast Louisiana State University, now known as ULM, welcomed the high school and university students in attendance in ULM's Brown Auditorium. Justice Traylor was elected in 1996 to the Fourth Supreme Court District which includes Monroe.</p><p align="justify">According to Justice Traylor,"The Supreme Court's decision to hold court at ULM is an historic and momentous event for the people of northeast Louisiana. The last time the Supreme Court sat in Monroe was June 1894. The people of Louisiana need to know that this is their Supreme Court. This is a rare opportunity to see the Supreme Court in action and the decision-making process which affects all of our lives."</p><p align="justify">"It is an honor to have had state law decided on our campus today. The Supreme Court's coming to Monroe is beneficial to the education of the students at ULM and throughout Northeast Louisiana." said ULM President, Dr. James Cofer.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2002 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>april 22, 2002</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr, announced today that the Louisiana Supreme Court has appointed the 15 members who will sit on the newly established Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee. According to Chief Justice Calogero, "The purpose of the committee is to serve as a resource for judicial candidates, to assist in educating judges and attorneys running for judicial office about the Code of Judicial Conduct, and to help deter impermissible judicial campaign conduct."</p><p>The Committee is comprised of lawyers, retired judges, and citizens who are neither lawyers nor judges. The initial appointments of Committee members are for staggered terms; thereafter, members are appointed for four year terms of office.</p><p>The Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee members are: Father M. Jeffery Bayhi; Herbert A. Cade; Dr. Christopher Cenac; Barry Erwin; Dr. Norman Francis; Harry S. Hardin, III; Retired Judge Graydon K. Kitchens, Jr., Committee Chair; Margaret A. "Peggy" LeBlanc; Retired Justice Harry T. Lemmon; Lynn M. Luker; Dr. Romell J. Madison; John B. Scofield; Retired Judge Fred Sexton, Jr.; Retired Judge Melvin A. Shortess; and Christel C. Slaughter, Ph.D.</p><p>For more information, a copy of&nbsp;<a href="/Supreme_Court_Rules?p=RuleXXXV">the rule&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="/court_rules?p=Resolution_JudCam">resolution&nbsp;</a>establishing the Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee is available on the Louisiana Supreme Court web site at&nbsp;<em><a href="http://www.lasc.org/">www.lasc.org&nbsp;</a></em>.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2001 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599-0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>february 28, 2001</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>By order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, the Proposed Rules for district courts drafted by the Court Rules Committee of the Judicial Council and the Court Rules Committee of the Louisiana State Bar Association will be made available to the public for an official comment period of 90 days commencing March 1, 2001 and ending May 31, 2001.</p><p>The Proposed Rules provide substantive rules for proceedings in civil (non-family and non-juvenile) court and in criminal court. Uniform numbering systems are proposed for proceedings in family and juvenile courts. Flexibility is preserved by the liberal use of appendices for rules which by their nature must vary from district to district.</p><p>The Proposed Rules are available on the Louisiana Supreme Court web site at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lasc.org/">www.lasc.org&nbsp;</a>and the Louisiana State Bar Association web site at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lsba.org/">www.lsba.org&nbsp;</a>. Copies of the Proposed Rules may be acquired by contacting Judith Dugar at the Louisiana State Bar Association at (504) 568-5741.</p><p>After the 90-day official comment period, the Court Rules Committees will analyze the comments received and report back to the Supreme Court. Those individuals who have already provided comments to the Committees need not reurge their concerns.</p><p>All comments should be sent to the Court Rules Committee c/o the Louisiana State Bar Association, Attention Ms. Judith Dugar, 601 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130. All comments received pertaining to the draft rules are public information and will be subject to inspection upon request.</p><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2018 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: ROBERT GUNN </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2592 </p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;FEBRUARY 7, 2018</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Louisiana Supreme Court Division of Children and Families Director Alanah Odoms Hebert has been selected by the Presidential Leadership Scholars (PLS) program to participate in a unique leadership development initiative that draws upon the resources of the presidential centers of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson. Hebert is one of 59 Scholars chosen for this program&rsquo;s fourth annual class. The program kicked off in Washington D.C. on February 6th.</p><p align="left">The fourth class was selected after a rigorous application and review process. Scholars were selected based on their leadership growth potential and the strength of their personal leadership projects aimed at improving the civic or social good by addressing a problem or need in a community, profession, or organization. Hebert, who served four years as the deputy general counsel for the Louisiana Supreme Court and liaison for the judicial arm of the state's Justice Reinvestment Initiative (JRI) Task Force, played a key role in Louisiana's historic criminal justice reform. Her PLS project looks to continue those reform efforts as she seeks to build upon the important work of the Annie E. Casey foundation's 'Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative' (JDAI), as she spearheads a judicial training program to provide technical assistance and evidenced-based coaching to judges with juvenile court jurisdiction to reduce incarceration of youth in Louisiana.</p><p align="left">"I'm extremely honored and humbled to have been selected to participate in the Presidential Leadership Scholars program," said Hebert. "With this once in a lifetime opportunity, I hope to shed a national spotlight on the problem of mass incarceration in Louisiana, especially as it pertains to our most vulnerable citizens, our children."</p><p align="left">"That Louisiana may have fewer people in prison in the future is, in large part, due to the incredible efforts of Alanah Odoms Hebert and the Louisiana Justice Reinvestment Task Force," said Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson.<br /></p><p>"Alanah Odoms Hebert has been such an asset to our work reforming the criminal justice system here in Louisiana," said Gov. John Bel Edwards. "She brought valued insight and ideas to the task force responsible for conducting the most comprehensive study of our justice system to date. My team and I are not surprised to learn that she has been granted this wonderful opportunity to participate in the Presidential Leadership Scholars Program."<br /></p><p>Over the course of several months, Scholars will travel to each participating presidential center to learn from former presidents, key former administration officials, and leading academics. They will study and put into practice varying approaches to leadership, develop a network of peers, and exchange ideas with mentors and others who can help them make an impact in their communities. The latest class joins an active network of 181 Scholars who are applying lessons learned through the program to make a difference in their communities in the U.S. and around the world.<br /></p><p>For a full list of 2018 scholars, click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.presidentialleadershipscholars.org/content/2018-class-presidential-leadership-scholars-announced">here</a>&nbsp;or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.presidentialleadershipscholars.org/">www.presidentialleadershipscholars.org</a>.<br /></p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><table border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="5" width="114"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="100"><img alt="Director, Division of Children and Families Alanah Odoms Hebert" height="372" src="/press_room/press_releases/2018/images/2018_Alanah_Odoms_Hebert.jpg" width="225" /></td></tr><tr valign="top"><td><div align="center">Alanah Odoms Hebert</div><div></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#337ab7" border="1" bordercolor="#000063" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#337ab7" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2017 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table border="1" bordercolor="#FFEBC6" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color:#F7EBC6;" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; FEBRUARY 1, 2017 </strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Louisiana Twenty-Fourth Judicial District Court (JDC) Judge Scott Schlegel has been selected by the Presidential Leadership Scholars program to participate in a unique leadership development initiative that draws upon the resources of the presidential centers of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H. W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson. Judge Schlegel is one of 60 Scholars chosen for the program&rsquo;s third annual class. The program kicks off in Washington, D.C. on February 7th.<br /><br />&ldquo;This is an outstanding honor! Judge Schelgel will focus on his Re-entry Court efforts and will shine a light on the wonderful work that is being done to provide opportunities to ex-offenders here in Louisiana,&rdquo; Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Johnson said.<br /><br />The third class was selected after rigorous application and review process. Scholars were selected based on their leadership growth potential and the strength of their personal leadership projects aimed at improving the civic or social good by addressing a problem or need in a community, profession, or organization.<br /><br />Over the course of several months, Scholars will travel to each participating presidential center to learn from former presidents, key administration officials, and leading academics. They will study and put into practice varying approaches to leadership, develop a network of peers, and exchange ideas with mentors and others who can help them make an impact in their communities. The latest class joins the alumni network of 121 Scholars in the program. They include individuals from diverse backgrounds, coming from a variety of sectors, including private, public, non-profit, military, and academia.<br /><br />Judge Schlegel was elected as judge of Division D, 24th JDC effective May 2013 to complete an unexpired term, and was re-elected unopposed to a new term in November 2014. He earned his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University in 1999 and his law degree from Loyola University School of Law, graduating cum laude, in 2004.</p><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="104"><tbody><tr style="" valign="top"><td width="100"><img alt="24th JDC Judge Scott Schlegel" height="450" hspace="0" src="/press_room/press_releases/2017/images/Photo%20-%20Schlegel.JPG" vspace="0" width="300" /></td></tr><tr valign="top"><td><div align="center">24th JDC Judge Scott Schlegel</div><div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><p align="center">-30- </p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2016 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;JANUARY 12, 2016</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Associate Justice Jeannette Theriot Knoll announced today her intention to retire at the end of this year after 34 years as a jurist.<br /><br />&ldquo;Notwithstanding the constitutional age-limitations for judicial candidacy, I have always said there is a time in life for everything. My time has come to bring my judicial career to an end. Now, in my last judicial year, I am looking forward toward my retirement. It will be with tears of joy, pride and humility that on December 31, 2016, at midnight, I will retire my robe in the great &lsquo;Hall of Justice&rsquo; knowing that I contributed 34 years of jurisprudence that maintained a balance between liberty, justice and order, between unity and diversity, and between individual rights and collective needs. Until that time. I will continue to serve you evenhandedly, courageously, patiently with a clear head, and with strong traces of common sense and kindness.&rdquo;<br /><br />Justice Knoll is one of ten children. She received her undergraduate and law degrees from Loyola University in 1966 and 1969, respectively. She received her Master of Laws degree in the judicial process from the University of Virginia Law School in 1996. From 1972 to 1982, she served as first assistant district attorney for the Twelfth Judicial District Court, Avoyelles Parish. In 1982, Knoll was elected as judge of the Third Circuit Court of Appeal and was reelected in 1993. She took office on the Louisiana Supreme Court on January 1, 1997.<br /><br />Prior to her career in the law, Justice Knoll attended Loyola University School of Music on a voice scholarship and was a guest soloist with the New Orleans Philharmonic Symphony and the New Orleans Summer Pops. She was also the winner of a Metropolitan Opera Association and New Orleans Opera Guild Scholarship to study voice at the Metropolitan Opera under the direction of Maestro Kurt Adler and at Mannes College of Music. She studied in New York City in 1962 and 1963.<br /><br />Justice Knoll has been married to attorney Jerold &ldquo;Eddie&rdquo; Knoll for 49 years, and they are the parents of 5 sons.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><table><tbody><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:100%;"><img alt="Justice Jeannette Theriot Knoll" src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2016%2Fimages%2FKnoll_Jeannette-headshot%202.jpg" style="display:block;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;" width="300" /></td></tr><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:100%;text-align:center;">Justice Jeannette Theriot Knoll</td></tr></tbody></table>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2015 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; APRIL 13, 2015</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson announced today, in recognition of Law Day&mdash;May 1st, the Louisiana Supreme Court issued a resolution urging all Louisiana state court judges to dedicate the month of May 2015 to reaching out to schools to provide students with an opportunity to learn about the law, the role of judges, and the court system from members of the judiciary.<br /><br />Law Day was established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to strengthen our heritage of liberty, justice and equality under the law. In 1961, Congress issued a joint resolution designating May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day. Every president since then has issued a Law Day proclamation on May 1st to celebrate the nation&rsquo;s commitment to the rule of law. The 2015 national Law Day theme is Magna Carta: Symbol of Freedom Under Law.<br /><br />According to the Chief Justice Johnson, &ldquo;During the month of May, the Louisiana Supreme Court will host school students participating in Law Day activities including: mock trials and tours of the Royal Street courthouse which include visits to the Louisiana Supreme Court Museum and the Law Library of Louisiana.&rdquo;<br /><br />On this 57th anniversary of Law Day, the resolution states in part that &ldquo;all judges have a unique ability to educate young people about our legal system and respect for the law.&rdquo; Teachers or principals interested in coordinating a Louisiana Supreme Court tour or a Law Day presentation with a local judge, contact the Louisiana Supreme Court Community Relations Department at 504.310.2590.<br /><br /><strong><a href="/press_room/press_releases/2015/Law_Day_Resolution_2015.pdf">2015 Law Day Resolution</a></strong> (pdf)<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2014 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;FEBRUARY 17, 2014</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson was joined today by justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court, judges of the state and federal judiciary, members of The Supreme Court of Louisiana Historical Society, distinguished members of the legal community, and a host of friends and family in a courtroom ceremony to unveil the official portrait of the Chief Justice. Also in attendance was the portrait artist Ulrick Jean-Pierre. The portrait, commissioned by the Historical Society, will take its place among the permanent collection of portraits of Chief Justices exhibited in the Louisiana Supreme Court Museum located in the Royal Street courthouse.<br /><br />The Historical Society was founded in 1992 to preserve the history of the Louisiana Supreme Court and its influence on the development of Civil Law; and to research, publish, and create items and materials of historical interest regarding the Court.<br /><br />Historical Society Board President, attorney Donna D. Fraiche, began her remarks by introducing the artist, &ldquo;A native of Haiti, Ulrick Jean- Pierre is renown for his creation of Haitian historical paintings. His works interpret the elements of the culture of his native land and the historical characters who helped shape the society. Now a resident of New Orleans, Jean-Pierre continues this tradition in his portrait of Chief Justice Johnson by capturing her essence as a leader in the field of law in Louisiana for over 40 years.&rdquo;<br /><br />This year marks Chief Justice Johnson&rsquo;s 29th year as a member of the Louisiana judiciary, having served as an Orleans Civil District Court judge for 10 years, including a term as Chief Judge, before joining the Supreme Court where she has served the remaining 19 years. She was sworn in as Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court on February 1, 2013. She is the Court&rsquo;s 25th Chief Justice, the second female Chief Justice and the first African-American Chief Justice.<br /><br />Others providing remarks to honor and celebrate the judicial career of Chief Justice Johnson included: attorney Richard Leefe, President, Louisiana State Bar Association; attorney Jack Weiss, Chancellor, Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center; Judge Ivan Lemelle, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana; and attorney Darleen Jacobs. Neyah and Noah Johnson, grand-children of the Chief Justice, opened the ceremony leading the Pledge of Allegiance.<br /><br />Current board members of The Supreme Court of Louisiana Historical Society are: Donna D. Fraiche, Judge Marc Amy, Mathile W. Abramson, Professor Paul R. Baier, Benjamin West Janke, Louis Curet, Rachel Emanuel, Ph.D., Robert Pugh, Jr., Cynthia Dupree, Allen Danos, Jr., Judge James Dennis, retired Judge James Boddie, Jr., Edward &ldquo;Ned Diefenthal, E. Phelps Gay, Dean David Meyer, Dean Mar&iacute;a Pab&oacute;n L&oacute;pez, Chancellor Jack Weiss, Chancellor Freddie Pitcher, Jr, Richard Leefe and Leo Hamilton.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><table><tbody><tr style="height:100%;"><td style="width:50%;text-align:center;"><img alt="Pictured from left to right Artist Ulrick Jean-Pierre, Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, and Donna D. Fraiche" src="/press_room/press_releases/2014/images/Chief_Donna_Ulrick_1edited.jpg" width="400" /></td><td style="width:50%;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;"><img alt="Portrait of Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, painted by artist Ulrick Jean-Pierre" src="/press_room/press_releases/2014/images/Chief_Justice_Johnson_Portrait.jpg" style="display:block;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;" width="350" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2013 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; FEBRUARY 1, 2013</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Bernette J. Johnson took her official oath of office as Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court today. Justice Johnson was sworn-in by her daughter, Rachael D. Johnson, in a brief ceremony, surrounded by her immediate family members, and the legal community.<br /><br />Chief Justice Bernette J. Johnson was elected to serve on the Louisiana Supreme Court in 1994, and was re-elected, without opposition, in 2000 and 2010. She represents the Seventh Supreme Court District, which encompasses Orleans and Jefferson Parishes.<br /><br />Chief Justice Johnson stated, &ldquo;After serving for ten years as a District trial judge, and then as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, I feel well-prepared for the tasks ahead as the chief administrative officer of the judicial system of the state. I am ready to serve, and excited about the challenges of this new position.&rdquo;<br /><br />Chief Justice Johnson&rsquo;s judicial career began in 1984 when she was elected to the Civil District Court of New Orleans, where she was the first female to hold that office. She was re-elected without opposition, in 1990 and was elected Chief Judge by her colleagues in 1994.<br /><br />A public ceremony celebrating the Investiture of Chief Justice Bernette Johnson will take place on Thursday, February 28, 2013, at 12:00 noon on the steps of the Louisiana Supreme Court, located at 400 Royal Street.&nbsp;<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /><br /></p>&nbsp; 
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2012 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;MARCH 29, 2012</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p align="left">The Louisiana Supreme Court announced today that William &ldquo;Bill&rdquo; W. Hall and 4th Judicial District Judge Sharon I. Marchman have been elected Chair and Vice-Chair of the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana, respectively.</p><p align="left">Hall succeeds Carol R. LeBlanc of Lafourche Parish as Chair of the Judiciary Commission. Hall is an attorney in private practice in Jefferson Parish. He received both his undergraduate degree (1971) and law degree (1973) from Louisiana State University. From 1973-1987 Hall was an Assistant District Attorney in Jefferson Parish and from 1980 -2006 he served as Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Louisiana. An active member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, Hall has served in leadership positions on the Committee of Professional Responsibility and is a member of the American Bar Association, the Louisiana Association for Justice, and the Louisiana Defense Counsel Association. In 1992 he served as Chair of the Louisiana Lawyer Disciplinary Board. In 2009 Hall was selected by the Conference of Court of Appeal Judges to serve a four-year term as an attorney member of the Judiciary Commission.</p><p align="left">Judge Marchman succeeds William &ldquo;Bill&rdquo; W. Hall as Vice-Chair of the Judiciary Commission. She received her undergraduate degree (1982) and her law degree (1985) from Louisiana State University. After working as a law clerk at the Second Circuit Court of Appeal, she entered private practice with the Monroe firm of Theus, Grisham, Davis and Leigh where she became a senior partner. In 2000, she was elected to the Fourth Judicial District Court and has served as Chief Judge. Judge Marchman presides over juvenile court as well as adult drug and DWI court for Morehouse and Ouachita Parishes. She also established a juvenile drug court for Ouachita Parish which has become a MacArthur Foundation Models for Change site. Judge Marchman was awarded the Alton E. &ldquo;Jake&rdquo; Hadley Award for outstanding work in drug court, as well as the Louisiana Association of Marriage and Family Therapists Family Advocacy Award and the Monroe Region of the National Association of Social Workers Public Official of the Year Award. In 2009 Judge Marchman was selected by the Louisiana Supreme Court to serve as a judge member of the Judiciary Commission.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2011 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;January 14, 2011</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Chief Justice Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball announced today that the Louisiana Supreme Court is considering changes proposed by the Committee on Bar Admissions that would result in a comprehensive and complete overhaul of the Louisiana Bar Examination. Before further consideration of the proposed changes to the bar examination, the Supreme Court is interested in receiving comments from members of the Bar and the public.</p><p align="left"><a href="/rules/supreme/CALL_FOR_COMMENTS%20-%20BAR_EXAM.pdf"><strong>The Call for Comments</strong></a>&nbsp;is posted on the Louisiana Supreme Court web site at www.lasc.org along with the proposed changes to the Supreme Court Rule XVII, Admission to the Bar of the State of Louisiana; an Executive Summary of the proposals for change; and a PowerPoint presentation entitled Louisiana Bar Examination: Proposals for Change. The Call for Comments will be open for the period from January 15, 2011 - March 15, 2011 and comments should be directed to Lauren McHugh Rocha at the Louisiana Supreme Court by mail or email to lmchugh@lajao.org.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2010 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; january 6, 2010</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Attorney David Chatelain has been appointed by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore</em>&nbsp;on the Third Circuit Court of Appeal according to Justice Jeannette Theriot Knoll.</p><p>Chatelain fills the vacancy created by the death of Judge Michael G. Sullivan. Chatelain will serve from January 4, 2010 to July 4, 2010, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner.</p><p>Chatelain received his B.A. degree from the University of Detroit in 1971 and his J.D. degree from Loyola Law School in 1975. He served as Assistant In-House Counsel for the Bank of New Orleans from 1975-1976 and entered into the private practice of law from 1976-1981. For two years he was Managing Attorney for Central Louisiana Legal Services, Inc. in Marksville, Louisiana. He began as a Research Attorney for Judge Jeannette Theriot Knoll on the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal from 1983-1996, and served as Senior Research Attorney to Justice Knoll on the Supreme Court of Louisiana from 1997-2009. Additionally, Chatelain earned a Masters Degree in Pastoral Ministry from Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans in 1996.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2009 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; february 5, 2009</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Chief Justice Catherine D. Kimball has appointed three new members to serve on the Judicial Budgetary Control Board. The Judicial Budgetary Control Board governs the expenditure of all funds appropriated by the legislature to the judiciary. It was established in 1977 and is composed of thirteen members who serve three year terms.</p><p align="left">Judge Frank A. Marullo has been appointed to serve on behalf of Orleans Parish Criminal Court. He will serve from January 5, 2009 through January 4, 2012. Other board members include: the chief justice of the supreme court; an associate justice of the supreme court designated by the chief justice, who shall be the chairman; the chief judge of each court of appeal; a district court judge selected by the Louisiana District Court Judges Association; two other district court judges; a judge of Orleans Parish Criminal Court; a judge of a separate juvenile or family court; and the judicial administrator of the supreme court. Also appointed were Justice John Weimer as the board chairman and East Baton Rouge Family Court Judge Pamela Baker.</p><p align="left">The Judicial Budgetary Control Board oversees the expenditure of funds to each court, council, commission or board, whether created by state rule, statute or otherwise; to the Law Library of Louisiana; to the Louisiana Judicial College and to any and all judicial officers, employees and service agencies. Prior to each session of the legislature the board presents a proposed unified budget request for the judicial branch to the Louisiana Supreme Court for its approval. The Louisiana Supreme Court, acting under its inherent and administrative authority, then presents the unified budget request on behalf of the judicial branch to the legislature.<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2008 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>Janurary 30, 2008</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Retired U.S. Army General and former Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), General Barry Richard McCaffrey, addressed over 450 drug court professionals in New Orleans today at the 10th Annual Louisiana Association of Drug Court Professionals Training Conference at the Westin New Orleans Canal Place.</p><p align="left">General McCaffrey was joined by the Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP), West Huddleston; NADCP Board Chairman, the Honorable Chuck Simmons; and Ken Robertson from the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in Washington, D.C. Louisiana officials including Roseland Starks; Director, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services and Whalen Gibbs, Assistant Secretary, Department of Public Safety and Corrections also addressed the group.</p><p align="left">The Conference was co-sponsored by the Louisiana Supreme Court Drug Court Office which currently supports 45 local drug court programs statewide. These 45 programs provide judicial oversight and treatment to approximately 2,900 adult and juvenile drug court clients each month.</p><p align="left">&ldquo;Judges, district attorneys, public defenders, treatment providers, and others around the State are helping to change the lives of individuals and families who suffer from drug and alcohol addiction,&rdquo; said Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball, &ldquo;and in doing so, they are changing communities. We are very grateful for the support we receive from our federal and state partners who make it possible for our courts to do this critical work.&rdquo;</p><p align="left">During the Conference, Judge Sharon Ingram Marchman, who serves as both the adult and juvenile drug court judge in the 4th Judicial District in Monroe, Louisiana, was awarded the prestigious Jake Hadley Award for her dedication and outstanding service to the drug court field. Last year&rsquo;s Jake Hadley Award recipient, Jefferson Parish Juvenile Drug Court Judge Ann Murry Keller, presented the award.</p><p align="center">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2007 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2588<br /></p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>January 8, 2007</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Chief Justice Calogero announced today that, beginning in January 2007, the Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s oral arguments will be broadcast live on the Internet through the Court&rsquo;s website. &ldquo;The Court owes a debt of gratitude to Justice Kitty Kimball for her leadership in several recent technological advancements made by the Supreme Court, most notably our ability to now make our oral arguments available to anyone who wishes to watch them from wherever a computer with internet access is located, whether at home, an office or a public library.&rdquo; This live stream of the Court&rsquo;s oral arguments can be accessed by simply clicking on the Icon located on the Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s web site, located at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lasc.org/default.asp"><strong>www.LASC.org</strong></a>.</p><p align="left">According to John T. Olivier, Clerk of Court, and Peter Haas, the Louisiana Supreme Court&rsquo;s Information Technology Director, the stream is provided using a series of three cameras located in the courtroom, which allows for likenesses of the full bench, an individual Justice, and the attorney addressing the Court to be broadcast in real time.</p><p align="left">Oral arguments at the Louisiana Supreme Court are scheduled every six weeks, with the next arguments running Tuesday, January 16 through Friday, January 19, 2007. Usually, there are two sessions of arguments each day, beginning at 9:30 a.m and again at 2:00 p.m (There will be no morning session on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 and no afternoon session on Friday, January 19, 2007.)</p><p align="left">Under the guidance of the Court&rsquo;s Technology Committee, chaired by Justice Kimball, the web stream is just another of several new technology improvements the Louisiana Supreme Court has made recently, making the Court&lsquo;s work more accessible to the public and easier to understand. For example, the Supreme Court maintains an award-winning website, which includes a list serve for the emailing of news and opinion releases.</p><p align="left">According to Justice Kimball, &ldquo;The Louisiana Supreme Court is pleased to be able to facilitate this access to the public and looks forward to additional innovations in technology presently in the works, maintaining the Court&rsquo;s position as one of the most technologically advanced courts in the nation.&rdquo;</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2006 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD&nbsp;<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>January 20, 2006</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="justify">Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. announced today that the Conference of Chief Justices 2007 Mid-Year Meeting will be held in New Orleans. The CCJ's decision to hold its winter meeting in New Orleans in 2007 was the result of a unanimous vote of the membership on January 18th during the 2006 Mid-Year Meeting held at Amelia Island, Florida. New Orleans was originally slotted to host the 2006 Conference of Chief Justices Mid-Year meeting, but Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath made it necessary to find an alternative location for the meeting.</p><p align="justify">"It is a great vote of confidence for the City of New Orleans and our State that the Conference of Chief Justices has elected to entrust our Court to host its annual mid-year meeting. I wish to express my thanks to CCJ President Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard of Indiana for his enthusiastic support of New Orleans' selection as host city for next year's meeting. It has been over eleven years since we last hosted the mid-winter meeting, and I feel confident that the 2007 meeting will be even bigger and better. I am delighted that, by hosting this meeting, the Louisiana Supreme Court will have the opportunity to contribute to the recovery of New Orleans and the affected Southeastern Louisiana parishes. I look forward to greeting my fellow Chief Justices in our recently renovated Louisiana Supreme Court building in the French Quarter, and to ensuring them an enjoyable stay in a revitalized and recovered New Orleans," said Chief Justice Calogero.</p><p align="justify">With a membership consisting of the highest justices, judges or judicial officers of the fifty states, commonwealths and territories of the United States, the Conference of Chief Justices was established over 50 years ago to improve the administration of justice. The Conference accomplishes this mission by facilitating the exchange of information among its members, educating and training its members, promoting the independence and effectiveness of the judiciary, developing and advancing policies of common interest to the members, and by supporting adequate funding and resources for the operation of state courts.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2005 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD&nbsp;<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2588</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>february 1, 2005</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>By order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, James R. Dagate, Michael S. Walsh, Charles C. Beard and Martin Louis Chehotsky have been appointed to the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board, commencing January 1, 2005 and concluding on December 31, 2007. They join reappointed Board members attorneys Wanda Anderson Davis and Louisiana State Bar Associate representative Arlene Knighton to complete the 14 member Board.</p><p>The Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board, which was established by the Supreme Court of Louisiana in 1990, is tasked with the responsibility of investigating all allegations of lawyer misconduct and with the responsibility of making recommendations to the Court when discipline is warranted. The agency consists of a statewide board, hearing committees, disciplinary counsel and administrative staff. The new members are:</p><p>Nominated by Justice John Weimer, newly appointed Attorney-at-Large board member James Dagate has practiced law for 26 years, is a certified mediator, serves as an Assistant District Attorney for the 32nd Judicial District Court, and has served as a member and past chairman of the Attorney Disciplinary Hearing Committee. Additionally, he is the past president of the Terrebonne Parish Bar Association. According to Justice Weimer, &ldquo;Dagate has a wide variety of legal experience that comes with serving clients in a small law firm. His honesty and integrity are above reproach. He combines legal knowledge with a practical common sense approach.&rdquo;</p><p>Nominated by Justice Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball, attorney Michael S. Walsh is a member of the Louisiana and Texas Bar Associations. He is the current Chairman of the Criminal Law Section of the Louisiana State Bar Association and is a Past President of the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is a graduate of the Paul M. Hebert Law Center and Louisiana State University.</p><p>Nominated by Justice Jeffrey P. Victory as a Public-at-Large member, Charles C. Beard of Shreveport, Louisiana is a Certified Financial Planner.</p><p>Nominated by Justice Jeannette Knoll as a Public-at-Large member, Martin L. Chehotsky of Lake Charles, Louisiana is a Certified Public Accountant with McElroy, Quirk &amp; Burch and an Adjunct Professor of Accounting and Auditing at McNeese State University.</p><p>The disciplinary board is composed of 14 members who are appointed by the Supreme Court. One member is nominated by the Louisiana State Bar Association each year and must have prior lawyer discipline experience. Of the 14 members, four are members of the general public with diverse backgrounds. Women comprise 25 percent of the Board and one-third are minorities. The term of office for all board members is three years and no board member may serve more than two consecutive terms. None of the members of the Board receive any compensation for their services.</p><p>The new members replace outgoing members James L. Pate of Lafayette, Peter T. Dazzio of Shreveport, Reginald Brown, Sr. of Baton, Rouge, and Jack Whitehead, Jr. of Shreveport, to whom the Court is grateful for their years of service.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2004 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>february 3, 2004</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Attorney John B. "Spike" Scofield has been appointed, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore&nbsp;</em>of the Court of Appeal, Third Circuit, according to Justice Jeannette Theriot Knoll.</p><p>Scofield fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Chief Judge Ned E. Doucet. His appointment follows the assignment of Retired Judge A.J. Planchard to the seat which is effective for the period of January 12, 2004 through March 31, 2004. Scofield will serve April 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner.</p><p>Scofield received both his undergraduate and law degree from Tulane University. He has been in the private practice of law since 1960 and is a partner in the law firm of Scofield, Gerard, Veron, Singletary &amp; Pohorelsky. He is admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court, United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, United States District Courts including the Western, Middle and Eastern Districts of Louisiana and the Eastern District of Texas. Scofield is a member of the American Bar Association and the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) where he has served on numerous committees and as a member of the LSBA House of Delegates for 22 years. Additionally, Scofield was President and Vice-President of the Southwest Louisiana Bar Association, President of the Southwest Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel, and a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. In 1997, Scofield received the Louisiana Bar Foundation's Distinguished Attorney Award for the State of Louisiana and in 1998 he received the LSBA's and Bar Foundation's Curtis R. Boisfontane Trial Advocacy Award. He served as an officer in the United States Army Transportation Corps and the Judge Advocate General Corps.&nbsp;</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2003 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319</p><p align="left">or<br />VERONIKA AVERY <br />(318) 342-5444<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>march 13, 2003</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="center"><strong>STATE SUPREME COURT TO COME TO&nbsp;<br />UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA AT MONROE</strong></p><p align="left">Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Chet D. Traylor and University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) President James Cofer announced today that the Louisiana Supreme Court will hear oral arguments at the University on April 7, 2003. The visit to ULM is part of an ongoing effort by the court system to strengthen partnerships with educators at every level and to teach students about the day-to-day operations of Louisiana&rsquo;s courts.&nbsp;</p><p align="left">According to Justice Traylor, a 1969 graduate of Northeast Louisiana State University, now known as ULM, "The Supreme Court&rsquo;s decision to hold court at the University at Monroe is a historic and momentous event for the people of northeast Louisiana. The last time the Supreme Court sat in Monroe was June 1894. The people of Louisiana need to know that this is their Supreme Court. This event will take the court to the people, and will allow our high school and college students, as well as the community at large, to experience a rare opportunity to see the Supreme Court in action and the decision-making process which affects all of our lives."</p><p align="left">Members of the community, particularly high school and college students, are invited to watch the court proceedings of Louisiana&rsquo;s highest court on ULM&rsquo;s campus. Seating will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.</p><p align="left">For more information on the Louisiana Supreme Court visit to ULM, contact Valerie Willard at (504) 599-0319 or Veronika Avery at (318) 342-5444.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2002 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>april 18, 2002</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">In recognition of Law Day, May 1st , the Louisiana Supreme Court issued a&nbsp;<a href="/press_room/press_releases/2002/resolut2.PDF">resolution&nbsp;</a>urging all Louisiana state judges to dedicate the month of May 2002 to reaching out to schools to provide students with an opportunity to learn about the law, the role of a judge, and the court system from members of the judiciary. A copy of the resolution is available on the Court's web site at&nbsp;<em><a href="http://www.lasc.org/">www.lasc.org&nbsp;</a></em>.</p><p>Law Day was established in 1957 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to strengthen our heritage of liberty, justice and equality under the law. Three years later Congress designated May 1 st as the official date for celebrating Law Day in the United States.</p><p>The resolution states in part that "all judges have a unique ability to educate young people about our legal system." On this 45 th anniversary of Law Day, it further stresses the importance of Louisiana judges engaging in "law-related education in the form of opening their courtrooms to students or going into classrooms to teach" as a means to highlight the occasion and to deepen respect and understanding of the law.</p><p>Any teacher or principal interested in coordinating a Law Day presentation with a judge contact the Louisiana Supreme Court Community Relations Department at (504) 599-0319.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2001 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599-0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>january 10, 2001</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Retired Judge Robert J. Burns has been appointed, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore&nbsp;</em>of the 24 th Judicial District Court (JDC), Jefferson Parish, Division "A," according to Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr.</p><p>Burns will fill the vacancy created by the election of Judge Walter J. Rothschild to the Court of Appeal, Fifth Circuit effective January 7, 2001 through June 30, 2001, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner.</p><p>Burns received his undergraduate and Juris Doctor degrees from Loyola University. He took his first judicial oath of office in 1979 as judge for the 24 th JDC, Division "M" where he served until his retirement in 1996.</p><p>During his 17 years as a judge, Burns served a member of the Board of Governors for the Louisiana Judicial College and a faculty advisor for the National Judicial College. His civic affiliations included: lifetime honorary status by Kiwanis International; President, Dawnbreakers Kiwanis Club of Metairie; and Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana-Mississippi-West Tennessee District of Kiwanis. In 1991, Burns received the Alumnus of the Year award from Brother Martin High School in New Orleans.</p><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2018 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0px;text-align:left;">CONTACT PERSON: ROBERT GUNN </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;text-align:left;">COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0px;text-align:left;">(504) 310 - 2592 </p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left" style="text-align:center;"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td style="text-align:left;" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; JANUARY 31, 2018</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Shreveport City Court Judge Sheva M. Sims was elected as District 6 Director of the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ) at the NAWJ&rsquo;s 39th Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.<br /></p><p>&ldquo;It was an honor to be sworn in as District Director of such an influential organization of dynamic and powerful women judges from throughout the United States,&rdquo; said Judge Sims. &ldquo;I am committed to the goals of the National Association of Women Judges, the promotion and advancement of women jurists and the insistence upon equal access to justice for all members of our society. Thank you to the more than 1,000 NAWJ members for electing me to this exciting, challenging and highly rewarding position.&rdquo;<br /></p><p>Judge Sims received a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Dillard University and a Juris Doctorate Degree from Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, LA. After completing her undergraduate education, Judge Sims worked in education as a high school mathematics teacher in the New Orleans Public School system before attending law school.<br /></p><p>Judge Sims is an active member of various local and national organizations including: the National Bar Association - Board Member, Louisiana Judicial Council - Secretary, Louisiana State Bar Association, in which she served on the Community Action and Lawyers in Transition Committees, Louisiana Bar Foundation&rsquo;s Communication Committee, Louisiana State Bar Association House of Delegates, SBA, BLASB, League of Women Voters, Shreveport Business Association, Louisiana AIDS Advocacy Network, American Judges Association, International Association of Women Judges, National Association of Women Judges and the Supreme Court of Louisiana Historical Society. Judge Sims previously served as President of the Board of Directors for the YWCA of Northwest Louisiana.<br /></p><p>The National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ) is the nation&rsquo;s leading voice for women jurists. Judge Sims has been an active member of NAWJ since 2012. As District 6 Director, Judge Sims will serve the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee for a term of office which began in October, 2017 and extends to October, 2019. Judge Sims succeeds Orleans Civil District Court Judge Bernadette D&rsquo;Souza, who served from 2015-2017.<br /></p><p>For more on the National Association of Women Judges, visit the organization&rsquo;s website at www.nawj.org.<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><table style="width:256px;border-width:2px;border-style:ridge;"><tbody><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:100%;text-align:center;vertical-align:top;padding:2px;margin:2px;"><img alt="Shreveport City Court Judge Sheva M. Sims" height="299" src="/press_room/press_releases/2018/images/Judge%20Sheva%20Sims.jpg" width="250" /></td></tr><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:100%;text-align:center;vertical-align:top;padding:2px;margin:2px;">Judge Sheva M. Sims</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#2e6da4" border="1" bordercolor="#000063" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#337ab7" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2017 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br />or<br />Brian Giandelone, LSU Law Center, (225) 589-5722</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table border="1" bordercolor="#FFEBC6" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color:#F7EBC6;" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; JANUARY 23, 2017 </strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center (LSU Law Center) is the site where the Louisiana Supreme Court held court in Baton Rouge today as part of an ongoing effort to educate and inform students about the work of the Court. The Court heard oral arguments on two pending cases, one civil and one criminal case, in the Robinson Courtroom (Room 201) of the LSU Law Center.<br /><br />Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, who is an alumna of the LSU Law Center, and the Law Center Dean Thomas C. Galligan jointly announced the convening of the Court at LSU.<br /><br />&ldquo;For several years, the Supreme Court has been periodically holding court in parishes other than Orleans Parish where the Court is located. The goal is to provide area citizens with a snapshot of the volume, variety and complexity of the Court&rsquo;s caseload by bringing the Louisiana Supreme Court to them,&rdquo; Chief Justice Johnson said.<br /><br />Dean Galligan added, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s an honor for the LSU Law Center to host the Louisiana Supreme Court. This visit is a tremendous opportunity for LSU Law students to see first hand the state&rsquo;s highest court at work. It is incredibly exciting for us to welcome the Court.&rdquo;<br /><br />The last time the Louisiana Supreme Court sat at LSU Law Center was in 1998.<br /><br />For more information about the Louisiana Supreme Court visit to LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center see <a href="http://www.lasc.org">www.lasc.org</a> or <a href="http://www.lsu.law.edu">www.lsu.law.edu</a>.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 - </p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#2e6da4" border="1" bordercolor="#000063" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#337ab7" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2016 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: ROBERT GUNN </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2592 </p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; JANUARY 6, 2016 </strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana District Judges Association (LDJA) announced today the recent election of new officers for the 2015-2016 term. The officers are as follows:<br /></p><ul><li>President - Judge Marilyn Castle, 15th Judicial District Court;</li><li>First Vice President - Judge John Molaison, 24th Judicial District Court;</li><li>Second Vice President - Judge Wendell Manning, 4th Judicial District Court;</li><li>Secretary - Judge Lisa Woodruff-White, East Baton Rouge Family Court;</li><li>Treasurer - Judge Allison Penzato, 22nd Judicial District Court</li></ul><p>The LDJA is a professional, non-profit corporation established in 1981. All Louisiana district court judges with general jurisdiction and judges of juvenile and family courts are eligible for membership. The mission of the LDJA includes the administration of justice, representation of the interest of judges, and the professional development of its membership to provide the greatest access to fair, just, and responsive trial courts. For more information about the LDJA contact Jennifer Eagan at 504.310.2616.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><table><tbody><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:20%;text-align:center;"><img alt="Judge Marilyn Castle" src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2016%2Fimages%2FJudge_Castle.jpg" width="125" /></td><td style="width:20%;text-align:center;"><img alt="Judge John Molaison" src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2016%2Fimages%2FJudge_Molaison.jpg" width="125" /></td><td style="width:20%;text-align:center;"><img alt="Judge Wendell Manning" src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2016%2Fimages%2FJudge_Manning.jpg" width="125" /></td><td style="width:20%;text-align:center;"><img alt="Judge Lisa Woodruff-White" src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2016%2Fimages%2FJudge_Woodruff-White.jpg" width="125" /></td><td style="width:20%;text-align:center;"><img alt="Judge Allison Penzato" src="/press_room%2Fpress_releases%2F2016%2Fimages%2FJudge_Penzato.jpg" width="125" /></td></tr><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:20%;text-align:center;">Judge Marilyn Castle</td><td style="width:20%;text-align:center;">Judge John Molaison</td><td style="width:20%;text-align:center;">Judge Wendell Manning</td><td style="width:20%;text-align:center;">Judge Lisa Woodruff-White</td><td style="width:20%;text-align:center;">Judge Allison Penzato</td></tr></tbody></table>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2015 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD</div><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2590 </p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; MARCH 31, 2015</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Louisiana Supreme Court announced today that Second Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Felicia Toney Williams, 19th Judicial District Court Judge Timothy E. Kelley, Dr. Michael S. Blue and Carol LeBlanc have been appointed members of the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana.<br /><br />Judge Williams received her undergraduate degree from Southern University in 1977 and her law degree from Southern University Law School in 1980. She has served as a judge of the Second Circuit Court of Appeal in Shreverport since 1993. From September - December, 1994, she was appointed to serve as an Associate Justice pro tempore for the Louisiana Supreme Court. Prior to her election to the Court of Appeal, she was a district judge for the Sixth Judicial District from 1991-1992. She served as Assistant District Attorney for the Sixth Judicial District from 1982-1990. During this time she was also a partner in the law firm of Williams &amp; Williams, APLC. Judge Williams was selected by the Louisiana Supreme Court to serve a four-year term as a judge member of the Judiciary Commission, succeeding Second Circuit Court of Appeal Judge J. Jay Caraway.<br /><br />Judge Kelley received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University in 1976 and his law degree from Louisiana State University Law School in 1983. Prior to being elected judge of the 19th Judicial District Judge Kelley was a law clerk to Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Fred Blanche, Jr., was a partner with the Phelps Dunbar law firm and was managing partner for the Kelley &amp; Guerry law firm. For many years he was a certified arbitrator and mediator for the American Arbitration Association. He is a member of the Louisiana District Judges Association and is a Charter Fellow of the Louisiana Bar Foundation and a Life Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. Judge Kelley was selected by the Louisiana Supreme Court to serve a four-year term as a judge member of the Judiciary Commission, succeeding 19th Judicial District Court Judge Anthony J. Marabella, Jr. <br /><br />Dr. Blue is a graduate of Meharry Medical College School of Medicine and graduated with honors. He completed his residency in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School (South Shore) in 2010, and in 2011 he completed a Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship at Tulane University School of Medicine. Dr. Blue is the former Associate Training Director of the Tulane University School of Medicine Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship, the former Clinical Director of the Secure Forensic Facility at the Eastern Louisiana Mental Health System Forensic Hospital, and the current Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of Visions for Better Health, LLC. Dr. Blue was selected by the Louisiana District Judges Association to serve a four-year term as a citizen member of the Judiciary Commission, succeeding Nannette Smith.<br /><br />Carol LeBlanc served a previous term on the Judiciary Commission which ended in 2013 and also served as Chair of the Commission from 2011-2012. She is Past-President of the Bayou Industrial Group and has served as a member of the Louisiana State Mineral Board, the Louisiana Retirement Development Commission, the Governor&rsquo;s Mansion Foundation, the Lafourche Council on Aging, the Lafourche Chambers of Commerce and the Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District. She has a long history of civic service in Lafourche Parish and in state government. In 2005 she was inducted as an honorary member of the Louisiana Center for Women &amp; Government Hall of Fame at Nicholls State University. Carol LeBlanc was selected by the Louisiana District Judges Association to serve a four-year term as a citizen member of the Judiciary Commission, succeeding Len Ciaravella.<br /><br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 - </p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2014 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE S. WILLARD<br />COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT<br />(504) 310 - 2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; JANUARY 9, 2014</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Attorney Val Patrick Exnicios has been appointed, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judge <em>pro tempore</em> of Orleans Parish Civil District Court, Section &ldquo;H,&rdquo; according to Chief Justice Bernette J. Johnson. Exnicios will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Michael G. Bagneris and will serve from January 13, 2014 through June 30, 2014, or until the vacancy is filled by election, whichever comes sooner.<br /><br />Exnicos received his undergraduate degree from the University of New Orleans in 1986 and his law degree from Loyola University School of Law in 1989. Currently he is a principal in the New Orleans law firm Liska, Exnicios &amp; Nungesser. He is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association where he serves as Chairman of Section Council (2003 - present) and Chairman of the Mass Tort, Class Action &amp; Complex Litigation Section (2008 - present); the New Orleans Bar Association; the Louisiana Association for Justice; and the Federal Bar Association. Additionally, Exnicios served as President of the Louisiana Center for Law &amp; Civic Eduation (2007 - 2009) and as a board member (2006 - present).<br /><br />While practicing law, Exnicios was a Skills Professor (2006) and an Adjunct Professor for Professionalism &amp; Ethics Skills (2003 - 2010) at Loyola University School of Law. He also has been a frequent lecturer of continuing legal education courses on ethics, professionalism and mass tort/class action matters.<br /><br />Exnicios has been the recipient of numerous awards including: the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Inns of Court Professionalism Award; the Louisiana State Bar Association President&rsquo;s Award; CityBusiness Leadership in Law Award; and the Louisiana Attorney General&rsquo;s Award for Community Service.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p></div>
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<div align="left"><div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2013 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div align="left"><p>&nbsp;</p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</div><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2590 </p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; JANUARY 31, 2013</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Chief Justice Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball retired today after 20 years of service on the Louisiana Supreme Court bench. She served as an Associate Supreme Court Justice representing the Fifth Supreme Court District from 1992 - 2008. In January 2009, she was sworn in as Chief Justice, making her the first woman chief justice in Louisiana.<br /><br />In a message sent today to members of the state judiciary Chief Justice Kimball said, &ldquo;Today marks my last day as Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with such dedicated and hard-working Judges these past thirty years, and especially the last four years as Chief Justice.&rdquo;<br /><br />Chief Justice Kimball received her law degree from Louisiana State University in 1970. Prior to her service on the Louisiana Supreme Court, Chief Justice Kimball was a district court judge in the 18th Judicial District from 1982 -1992, including two years as Chief Judge. Her legal career also included work as a sole practitioner from 1975 - 1982 and as an assistant district attorney from 1978 - 1982.<br /><br />Chief Justice Kimball served as Chair of the Louisiana Judicial Council; Chair of the Louisiana Integrated Criminal Justice System Policy Board; Chair of the Louisiana Supreme Court Technology Committee; Chair of the Human Resources Committee; board member on the Juvenile Justice Implementation Commission; and member of Louisiana Information Technology Advisory Board. She previously served as Chair of the Louisiana Budgetary Control Board; Chair, Court Committee for Southeast Louisiana Criminal Justice Recovery Task Force; and as a member of the Louisiana Children&rsquo;s Cabinet.<br /><br />The recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, Chief Justice Kimball has been inducted into the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame, and the LSU Alumni Association Hall of Distinction. She was selected as the Outstanding Alumni of the LSU Law Center in 1999, and is an honorary member of Order of the Coif. She was named the 2006 Distinguished Jurist by the Louisiana Bar Foundation, and was inducted into the Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame in 2011.<br /><br />Succeeding Chief Justice Kimball in representing the Fifth Supreme Court District is First Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Jefferson D. Hughes, III. The Fifth Supreme Court District includes: Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Point Coupee, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana Parishes.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p></div>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2012 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT<br />(504) 310 - 2590</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; MARCH 12, 2012</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court joined members of the Supreme Court of Louisiana Historical Society to honor and celebrate the judicial career of Chief Justice Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball. Members of the Kimball family were in attendance for the courtroom ceremony which was highlighted by the unveiling of a portrait of the justice. Also in attendance for the unveiling was the portrait artist Michael Deas. The portrait, commissioned by the Historical Society, will take its place among the permanent exhibit of portraits of Supreme Court Chief Justices displayed in the Louisiana Supreme Court Museum located in the Royal Street courthouse.<br /><br />The Historical Society was founded in 1992 to preserve the history of the Louisiana Supreme Court and its influence on the development of Civil Law; and to research, publish, and create items and materials of historical interest regarding the Court.<br /><br />On behalf of the Historical Society, remarks were provided by the Historical Society Board President, attorney Donna D. Fraiche, &ldquo;The Historical Society is proud to present this vivid portrait by Michael Deas to the Supreme Court. We considered several artists to paint the portrait of Chief Justice Kimball, the first female elected to the Supreme Court bench in 1992 who became the first female Supreme Court Chief Justice in 2009, and chose one of the nation&rsquo;s premier portrait artists, as well as being a local French Quarter resident, Michael Deas.&ldquo;<br /><br />Deas&rsquo; paintings of Theodore Roosevelt, Mark Twain, Franklin Roosevelt, and Thomas Jefferson have graced four covers of Time magazine. He has also painted over 20 postage stamps, including likenesses of Lewis &amp; Clark, Ronald Reagan, Marilyn Monroe, and James Dean to name a few. His Columbia Pictures logo of &ldquo;Torch Lady&rdquo; remains one of the most familiar icons in cinema history.<br /><br />According to Deas, &ldquo;Chief Justice Kimball was utterly delightful to work with. As a sitter, she was both obliging and charismatic, good-natured and possessing an irresistible smile &mdash; a portrait painter&rsquo;s dream come true.&rdquo;<br /><br />This year marks Chief Justice Kimball&rsquo;s 29th year as a member of the Louisiana judiciary, having served on the 18th Judicial District Court for nine years before joining the Supreme Court where she has served the remaining 20 years. She suffered an ischemic stroke in January 2010 and returned in good health to hear oral arguments by December of that same year. She has been married to Clyde Kimball for over 40 years and they have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. Chief Justice Kimball has a lot to smile about.<br /><br />Current board members of the Supreme Court of Louisiana Historical Society are: Donna D. Fraiche; Judge Marc Amy; Professor Paul R. Baier; Benjamin West Janke; Louis Curet; Jimmie Thorns, Jr.; Robert Pugh, Jr.; Cynthia Dupree; Donald Bollinger; Judge James Dennis; Edward &ldquo;Ned&rdquo; Diefenthal; Chancellor Jack Weiss; Dean Maria Pabon Lopez; Chancellor Freddie Pitcher, Jr.; Dean David D. Meyer; James Davidson, III; and Mathile W. Abramson.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</p><table style=""><tbody style=""><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:50%;"><img alt="Portrait of Chief Justice Catherine Kimball" src="/press_room/press_releases/2012/images/Kimball_portrait.jpg" width="250" /></td><td style="width:50%;"><img alt="Portrait unveiling of Chief Justice Catherine Kimball" src="/press_room/press_releases/2012/images/Kimball_portrait_group.jpg" width="350" /></td></tr><tr style="height:50%;"><td style="width:50%;">&nbsp;</td><td style="width:50%;">&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></div>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2011 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2590 </p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; JANUARY 6, 2011</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Chief Justice Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball announced today that the Louisiana Supreme Court has appointed 5 members who will sit on the newly established Committee to Study Plain Civil Jury Instructions.<br /><br />According to the Chief Justice, &ldquo;Instructions that are given to juries in civil trial should be in language that is plain and easy to comprehend so that juries are not confused by complicated legal language. We know that this is a matter the members of the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) are also interested in, and with the assistance of the LSBA leadership, the Louisiana Supreme Court has established this Committee of distinguished and experienced members of the bench and bar to make recommendations on plain civil jury instructions for Supreme Court consideration.&rdquo;<br /><br />H. Alston Johnson, III, a Baton Rouge attorney with the Phelps Dunbar law firm, will serve as the Chairman of the Committee to Study Plain Civil Jury Instructions. Also serving on the committee are: Judge James E. Stewart, Second Circuit Court of Appeal; Judge Rosemary Ledet, Orleans Parish Civil District Court; Judge Guy Holdridge, 23rd Judicial District Court; and, attorney Julie J. Baxter, Rhorer Law Firm.<br /><br />For more information on the Committee to Study Plain Civil Jury Instructions contact Tereze Matta in the Louisiana Supreme Court Judicial Administrator&rsquo;s Office at 504.310.2620.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 - </p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2010 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</div><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT </p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;">(504) 310 - 2590 </p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>&nbsp; JANUARY 24, 2010</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Chief Justice Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball has appointed 4th Judicial District Court Judge Benjamin Jones to serve on the Judicial Budgetary Control Board. The Judicial Budgetary Control Board governs the expenditures of all funds appropriated by the legislature to the judiciary. It was established in 1977 and is composed of 13 members who serve three-year terms.&nbsp;</p><p>Judge Jones will serve a three-year term beginning January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2012. He replaces 24th Judicial District Court Judge Robert M. Murphy who completed his term. Other Judicial Budgetary Control Board members include: the chief justice of the supreme court; an associate justice of the supreme court designated by the chief justice, who shall serve as the chairman; the chief judge of each court of appeal; a district court judge selected by the Louisiana District Court Judges Association; two other district court judges; a judge of Orleans Parish Criminal Court; a judge of a separate juvenile or family court; and the judicial administrator of the supreme court. Associate Justice John Weimer currently serves as the Chairman of the Judicial Budgetary Control Board.<br /></p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -<br /></p></div>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2009 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 310 - 2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>&nbsp; february 5, 2009</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Chief Justice Catherine D. Kimball has appointed three new members to serve on the Judicial Budgetary Control Board. The Judicial Budgetary Control Board governs the expenditure of all funds appropriated by the legislature to the judiciary. It was established in 1977 and is composed of thirteen members who serve three year terms.</p><p align="left">Justice John Weimer has been named to serve as the board chairman. He will serve from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2011. Other board members include: the chief justice of the supreme court; an associate justice of the supreme court designated by the chief justice; the chief judge of each court of appeal; a district court judge selected by the Louisiana District Court Judges Association; two other district court judges; a judge from Orleans Parish criminal court; a judge of a separate juvenile or family court; and the judicial administrator of the supreme court. Also appointed were Orleans Parish Criminal Court Judge Frank A. Marullo and East Baton Rouge Family Court Judge Pamela Baker.</p><p align="left">The Judicial Budgetary Control Board oversees the expenditure of funds to each court, council, commission or board, whether created by state rule, statute or otherwise; to the Law Library of Louisiana; to the Louisiana Judicial College and to any and all judicial officers, employees and service agencies. Prior to each session of the legislature the board presents a proposed unified budget request for the judicial branch to the Louisiana Supreme Court for its approval. The Louisiana Supreme Court, acting under its inherent and administrative authority, then presents the unified budget request on behalf of the judicial branch to the legislature.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2008 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>Janurary 2, 2008</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Attorney Mathile Abramson has been appointed by Order of the Louisiana Supreme Court as judge pro tempore of Division &ldquo;D,&rdquo; Twenty-Third Judicial District, Parishes of Assumption, Ascension, and St. James, according to Supreme Court Justices Catherine D. &ldquo;Kitty&rdquo; Kimball and John Weimer.</p><p align="left">Abramson will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Pegram J. Mire, Jr. She will serve from January 9, 2008 through July 8, 2008, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner.</p><p align="left">Abramson received her undergraduate degree from Sophie Newcomb College at Tulane University in 1962. In 1988 she earned her Juris Doctor degree from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at LSU and joined the law firm of Kean, Miller, Hawthorne, D&rsquo;Armond, McCowan, and Jarman, L.L.P. where she specializes in the areas of litigation and alternative dispute resolution. She is a trained mediator having completed the Arbitration and Mediation course at Harvard University and has served as an arbitrator in the East Baton Rouge City Court and as a mediator for the United States District Court, Middle District of Louisiana.</p><p align="left">A member of the Twenty-Third, Baton Rouge, Louisiana State and the American Bar Associations, Abramson is also a member of the Wex S. Malone American Inn of Court and the Coushatta Indian Tribal Court Bar Association.</p><p align="left">She has served on the Board of Directors of the Baton Rouge Bar Association as Treasurer, Secretary, and President. Abramson&rsquo;s community service has included serving on the Board of Trustees, Paul M. Hebert Law Center; as Chair, Louisiana State Bar Association IOLTA; as a Board Member, Baton Rouge Bar Foundation; and as a Member, Civil Justice Reform Act Committee for the United States District Court, Middle District of Louisiana. Additionally, she has been President, Congregation B&rsquo;Nai Israel; Chair, Legal Division, Professional Division, Capital Area United Way; and a Board Member, Hospice Foundation of Greater Baton Rouge.</p><p align="left">In 1992 and 2005, Abramson received the President&rsquo;s Award from the Baton Rouge Bar Association and in 2007, she was the recipient of the President&rsquo;s Award from the Louisiana Bar Foundation.</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2007 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: TRACY A. BUCCINO<br />(504) 310-2621<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>January 5, 2007</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="center"><strong>ISSUED BY THE LOUISIANA JUDICIAL CAMPAIGN OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE<br />HARRY S. HARDIN, III, CHAIR</strong></p><p>Candidates in the upcoming Spring 2007 judicial elections are urged to contact the Louisiana Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee. The Committee will then send judicial candidates an informational packet, along with a Campaign Conduct Acknowledgment Form, which candidates will be asked to sign and return to the Committee.</p><p>The purpose of the Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee is to serve as a resource for judicial candidates, to assist in educating judges and attorneys running for judicial office about ethical campaign conduct, and to help deter unethical judicial campaign conduct. The Committee is authorized to review and investigate complaints which allege violations of certain provisions of Canon 7 of the Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct. The 15 members of the Committee are appointed by the Supreme Court and include retired judges, lawyers and citizens who are neither lawyers nor judges. For more information about the Committee, please visit <a href="/Judicial_Administrator&#39;s_Office?p=Judicial_Campaign_Oversight">here</a>.</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2006 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD&nbsp;<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2590<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:3px;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>January 5, 2006</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. announced today&nbsp;<a href="/rules/orders/2006/Financialassistancetoclients.pdf">the Supreme Court&rsquo;s adoption of amendments to the Rules of Professional Conduct concerning financial assistance to clients</a>.<sup><em>1</em></sup>&nbsp;The new rule changes place a number of parameters and restraints on lawyers who provide financial assistance to their clients, and thereby promote clarity, consistency and accountability. Chief among the beneficial changes to the rules is the placement of a monetary cap on the amount of interest charges that lawyers may pass on to their clients when lawyers are involved in procuring financial assistance for their clients.</p><p>In a 1976 decision (<em>LSBA v. Edwins</em>), the Supreme Court of Louisiana held that an attorney would not be subject to discipline for providing limited financial assistance to a client in necessitous circumstances. However, questions have arisen over the years regarding the parameters of such humanitarian assistance.</p><p>In a recent case,&nbsp;<em>Chittenden vs. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co.</em>, this Court held that an attorney was not ethically prohibited from entering into an agreement which obligated the client to reimburse the attorney for interest charged on loans used to fund litigation expenses and certain living expenses incurred on the client&rsquo;s behalf. The Supreme Court Committee to Study Financial Assistance to Clients was formed after the&nbsp;<em>Chittenden</em>&nbsp;decision.</p><p>The Committee, which consists of 18 members (including Supreme Court Justices Catherine D. Kimball and Jeannette Theriot Knoll), studied this subject and made a series of recommendations. The Committee did pay particular attention to the issue of the amount of interest which may ethically be passed on to the client when the lawyer is involved in procuring financial assistance for the client. Also, the Committee and the Court twice reviewed comments from the public.</p><p>Other noteworthy changes to the Rules of Professional Conduct adopted this week by the Court include the following.</p><ul><li>The humanitarian rule which allows attorneys to provide limited financial assistance to clients in necessitous circumstances has been retained. However, the provision of such assistance is subject to specific restrictions.</li><li>Prior to providing financial assistance, attorneys are to inform their clients in writing of the terms and conditions under which such financial assistance is made.</li><li>Where a lawyer uses a line of credit or loans obtained from financial institutions to provide financial assistance to a client, the lawyer shall not pass on to the client interest charges, including any fees or other charges attendant to such loans, in an amount exceeding the actual charge by the third-party lender, or ten percentage points above the bank prime loan rate of interest, whichever is less.</li><li>A lawyer who provides a guarantee or security on a loan made in favor of a client may do so only to the extent that the interest charges do not exceed ten percentage points above the bank prime loan rate of interest.</li><li>Lawyers are to make reasonable good faith efforts to procure a favorable interest rate for their clients.</li><li>Lawyers are to procure the client&rsquo;s written consent to the terms and conditions under which any such financial assistance is made.</li><li>A listing of court costs and expenses of litigation which may be advanced on the client&rsquo;s behalf, and a definition of &ldquo;overhead costs&rdquo; which may not be passed on to clients, have been included in the rule changes.</li></ul><p>The new rule changes become effective on April 1, 2006.</p><hr /><p><sup><em>1</em></sup>&nbsp;One Justice dissented from this decision.</p><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2005 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p>CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD&nbsp;<br />PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER&nbsp;<br />(504) 310-2588</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table border="1" bordercolor="#FFEBC6" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color:#F7EBC6;" width="100%"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>January 7, 2005</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>The judges of Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court announced today that Judge Andrea Price Janzen will serve a Chief Judge effective January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2006.</p><p>Judge Janzen was elected to Section "B" of Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court in 1996. Prior to being elected, Janzen had been an Assistant District Attorney in Jefferson Parish since 1982.</p><p>As a prosecutor, Janzen worked in Juvenile Court from 1983 to 1988, where she prosecuted thousands of Child Abuse, Delinquency and Child Support Cases. In 1989, Janzen created the Felony Child Prosecution Unit of the Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office. As Supervisor of that division, she was involved in the prosecution of hundreds of felony cases involving child victims.</p><p>Judge Janzen has served as President of the Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, President of the 5 th Circuit Judges Association, and Vice President of the Fourth and Fifth Circuit Judges Association. She is a member of the National Association of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, the American Judicature Society and the Association of Women Judges. She is an a active member of the Jefferson and Louisiana State Bar Associations.</p><p>Judge Janzen holds a J.D. degree from Loyola University Law School and a B.A. in Drama and Communications from the University of New Orleans. She is married to Dr. William Janzen and they are the parents of two sons, Nicholas and Alex.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2004 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319</p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>january 15, 2004</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Retired Judge A.J. Planchard has been assigned by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court to serve on the Court of Appeal, Third Circuit, according to Justice Jeannette Theriot Knoll. Judge Planchard fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Chief Judge Ned E. Doucet effective January 12, 2004.</p><p>Judge Planchard served on the 14th Judicial District Court for 19 years. He practiced law in Sulphur, Louisiana from 1958 until his election to the bench in 1977. In 1985-1986 he was president of the Louisiana District Judges Association and later served on its Executive Committee. Additionally, he served on the Louisiana Judicial Council, the Budget Control Committee of the Louisiana Supreme Court, the Judicial Evaluation Team for requests for new judgeships, and as a Delegate from the Louisiana District Association in the American Bar Association's Judicial Section.</p><p>Since his retirement in 1996, Judge Planchard has served on numerous judicial assignments for the Louisiana Supreme Court.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2003 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>february 13, 2003</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Retired Judge Robert J. Klees has been assigned, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court, as judge&nbsp;<em>pro tempore&nbsp;</em>of the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court, Section "C", according to Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr.</p><p>Klees will serve for the period of February 13, 2003 through April 13, 2003 or until further orders of the Court because of the interim disqualification of Judge Yvonne Hughes. Hughes, by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court and on recommendation of the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana, was disqualified on February 12, 2003 from exercising any judicial function during the pendency of further proceedings.</p><p>Klees was elected in 1981 and re-elected in 1990 as judge for the 4 th Circuit Court of Appeal where, prior to his retirement in 2000, he served as chief judge.</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2002 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599 - 0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>march 15, 2002</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p align="left">Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. announced today that the Louisiana Supreme Court has established a Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee. With this step, Louisiana joins seven other states ( Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma and South Dakota) with a committee that engages or has engaged in some form of judicial campaign oversight. A copy of the&nbsp;<a href="/court_rules?p=Resolution_JudCam">resolution&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="/Supreme_Court_Rules?p=RuleXXXV">rule</a>&nbsp;establishing the Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee is available on the Louisiana Supreme Court web site at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lasc.org/">www.lasc.org.</a></p><p>According to Chief Justice Calogero, "The purpose of this committee is to serve as a resource for judicial candidates, to assist in educating judges and attorneys running for judicial office about the Canons of Judicial Ethics, and to help deter impermissible judicial campaign conduct. The public will benefit from the creation of a Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee since it will help judges and candidates comply during a campaign with the standards of ethical conduct required by the Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct."</p><p>The Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee will consist of 15 members appointed by the Supreme Court and will be comprised of sitting or retired judges, lawyers and citizens who are neither lawyers nor judges. One of the judge members will be designated by the Supreme Court to chair the work of the Committee.</p><p>One of the Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee's important functions is education, as it will sponsor "how to" seminars and serve as a resource to answer candidates' campaign-related questions. The Committee will not have disciplinary authority as does the Judiciary Commission, a constitutional body empowered to review allegations of judicial misconduct. The Committee will be in a position to respond to complaints and may issue public statements, but only when 2/3 of the members believe clear and convincing evidence has been provided of a violation of the limited Canons of the Code of Judicial Conduct specifically enumerated in the rule.</p><p>The Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee is expected to be organized by mid-April 2002 and to be in place for the 2002 campaign season. The elections for many district court judges, appellate court judges and one supreme court justice are scheduled for this Fall. In April 2000, an&nbsp;<em>Ad Hoc&nbsp;</em>Committee to Study the Creation of a Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee was appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court and was charged with studying and then making recommendations regarding the benefits and feasibility of establishing a permanent committee of this sort. Following a public hearing which invited public comment on the possibility of the Supreme Court's establishing a permanent judicial campaign oversight committee, and after further study, the&nbsp;<em>Ad Hoc&nbsp;</em>committee finalized its recommendations in a report to the Supreme Court in May 2001. The recommendations of the&nbsp;<em>Ad Hoc&nbsp;</em>Committee were posted on the Louisiana Supreme Court web site.</p><p>In closing, Chief Justice Calogero said, "The formation of this committee is not an effort to stop affirmative, aggressive campaigning and legitimate speech encompassed by the First Amendment. Rather, the establishment of a judicial campaign oversight committee will encourage judges to comply with the Canons of the Code of Judicial Conduct, and the committee's formation is a step forward for the judiciary, a step taken in the best interest of the judicial system and of the public."</p><p align="center">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div align="left"><table bgcolor="#428bca" border="1" bordercolor="#357ebd" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#428bca" height="21" valign="middle" width="100%"><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">2001 Press Releases </span></strong></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="16%"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left" style="margin-bottom:0;">CONTACT PERSON: VALERIE WILLARD</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER</p><p align="left" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">(504) 599-0319<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom:0;">&nbsp;</p><div align="left"><table style="background-color:#F7EBC6;cellpadding:0;cellspacing:0;width:100%;"><tbody style=""><tr valign="top"><td style="" width="38%"><span style="color:#212073;text-transform:uppercase;"><strong>january 8, 2001</strong></span></td><td width="62%"><p align="right" style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><span style="color:#212073;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p>Fourth Judicial District Court Judge Benjamin Jones, President of the Louisiana District Judges Association (LDJA), announced today that district judges will dedicate 2001 to creating partnerships with their local elementary, middle and high schools to promote better understanding of the law and the judiciary through the recently adopted "Judges in the Classroom" program. The statewide program involves regular participation by district judges in classroom discussions as well as opens courthouse doors for class visits, mock trials and courtroom presentations.</p><p>"At our annual fall conference, there was overwhelming support among district judges for implementing the 'Judges in the Classroom' program. We are currently in the process of developing a syllabus of materials to assist judge/teacher partners in designing their own lesson plans to fit class levels, topics of interest, and learning objectives," Judge Jones said.</p><p>Implementation of the first phase of the LDJA's "Judges in the Classroom" program is expected during the spring of 2001. In the meantime, the "Judges in the Classroom" Implementation Committee encourages district judges throughout the state to continue to welcome requests to visit local schools and to host courtroom visits as they have done in the past.</p><p>The Implementation Committee members include the 2000-2001 LDJA officers: President - Judge Benjamin Jones, 4 th Judicial District Court; First Vice-President - Judge Durwood Conque. 15 th Judicial District Court; Second Vice-President - Judge Patricia H. Minaldi, 14 th Judicial District Court; Secretary - Judge Michael G. Bagneris, Orleans Civil District Court; and Treasurer - Judge Jerome J. Barbera, III, 17 th Judicial District Court; along with Judge Mary Hotard Becnel, 40 th Judicial District Court and Judge W. Ross Foote, 9 th Judicial District Court.</p><p>For more information about the Louisiana District Judges Association's "Judges in the Classroom" program contact LaKoshia Roberts at (318) 361-2259.</p><p align="left">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;">- 30 -</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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