John Sammon News
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Head of Louisiana State Board of Private Security Examiners keeps job after month-long investigation
By a narrow 5-4 vote, Fabian Blache III, executive director of the Louisiana State Board of Private Security Examiners, kept his job April 30 after the board found that accusations against him of favoritism, inappropriate conduct and of damaging agency morale were unsubstantiated.
Law scholar says measure requiring unanimous jury vote for felony convictions in Louisiana is needed
BATON ROUGE — A measure proposed by state Sen. J.P. Morrell (D-New Orleans) that would change the requirement to convict a defendant of a felony to a unanimous jury vote from a nonunanimous vote could lead to the single most important legal reform in the state’s history, a law scholar said.
State court filing seeks to take over Jeanerette finances
The state of Louisiana is moving to appoint a fiscal administrator for the city of Jeanerette after the city repeatedly failed to submit necessary annual audits and for other financial missteps.
LLAW executive director says it's time for lawmakers to fix legal system -- and sky-high insurance rates
BATON ROUGE – Louisiana’s climb to near the highest car insurance rates in the country is a result of a lawsuit happy court system and lawyer gouging as well as too many uninsured drivers, experts say.
Owner of Monroe business accused of tax evasion says he won’t fight state in court
BATON ROUGE – The owner of one of three businesses accused by the Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR) of evading tax payments in a high-profile showcase crackdown said he won’t fight the state in court.
Judge denies environmental groups' records search request in Louisiana pipeline challenge
A 19th Judicial District judge has refused to order an additional records search in the office of Gov. John Bel Edwards in a case brought by activists including environmental group Louisiana Bucket Brigade to stop construction of an oil pipeline.
Longtime Lafayette judge is fondly remembered
LAFAYETTE—He was known as the judge who was “Firm but fair.”
Royal Caribbean not eligible to join Deepwater Horizon oil-spill class action, court rules
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line was denied the right to join a class-action settlement against BP Exploration & Production and BP America Production Co. and BP PLC for an oil spill that began on April 20, 2010, and polluted the Gulf of Mexico.
Lack of accountability, judicial corruption to blame for Louisiana's low legal ranking, reformers say
Legal reform activists say Louisiana is the most frivolous-lawsuit-prone state in the country because it lacks accountability and its judicial system badly needs an overhaul.
Louisiana State Chamber supports school superintendent in standoff with Gov. John Edwards
A now-dismissed lawsuit has pitted Louisiana Gov. John Edwards against Louisiana’s Schools Superintendent John White, with Edwards claiming that White did not follow the proper requirements for keeping his job.
Activists target Louisiana law excluding probationers from voting
Activists say they are working to overturn what they contend is an improper misinterpretation of the Louisiana Constitution that excludes people on probation from voting even though they hold jobs and pay taxes like other state residents.
City of Slidell opts not to challenge federal ruling against proposed panhandling license
The Slidell City Council passed a local ordinance last summer that would have required a license to panhandle after city officials reported there were 70 public complaints about nuisances caused by panhandlers.
Baton Rouge police officers await outcome of state investigation into Alton Sterling shooting
The State of Louisiana is now investigating whether Baton Rouge Police Officers Blane Salamoni and Howie Lake II acted lawfully in the shooting of Alton Sterling on July 5, 2016 after a federal investigation concluded Sterling's civil rights had not been violated.
Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch says reform of asbestos compensation needed
A Louisiana government watchdog activist said she hopes the U.S. Senate will pass legislation that will crack down on attorneys who siphon off of damage claims for people who suffer from work-related asbestos exposure.
Killer of New Orleans Saints football player sues widow
In a bizarre turn of events, the convicted killer of New Orleans Saints football player Will Smith has filed a lawsuit against Smith’s widow, who he wounded with gunfire, seeking damages for lost property, medical injuries, lost wages, mental anguish and emotional distress.