Melissa Busch News
Report says police shooting protestors held in 'unconstitutional conditions' in East Baton Rouge Parish Prison
A recently released report details the prison conditions faced by those punished for protesting police over the death of Alton Sterling, a 37-year-old African-American man who was held down and shot to death by Baton Rouge police officers.
Loyola law professors support fight against Trump's attempt to rollback health and safety regulations
Led by legal experts at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, law professors nationwide are challenging President Donald J. Trump’s executive order that directs agencies to forego issuing any new regulations, including health and safety measures, unless they rescind two others.
Anthony Barre heir says music sampling industry crumbles if judge dismisses case against Beyoncé
The heir of a New Orleans comedian and musician filed a memorandum, opposing Beyoncé’s motion to dismiss a copy infringement lawsuit filed for her “Formation” video, noting that the music sampling industry could collapse if the case is thrown out.
Chief Justice Bernette Johnson says war on drugs isn't fiscally conservative
NEW ORLEANS — The Louisiana Supreme Court’s Chief Justice recently blasted her colleagues for upholding an 18-year prison sentence for a man who was convicted of possessing less than an ounce of marijuana, calling the punishment “ridiculous” and fiscally irresponsible.
Three generations of Loyola law graduates to work together at Louisiana firm
When Mary Petruccelli entered Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in 1969, she was one of five females in a class of 80 students.
Pro-Choice advocates applaud federal judge's decision to strike down Louisiana abortion restriction
After a federal judge recently struck down a Louisiana law that required doctors who performed abortions to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals, pro-choice advocates hope lawmakers will switch their focus to real issues that impact the health and wellbeing of their constituents.
'Seems like lawyers who made stupid mistakes,' professor says of fake subpoena practice
NEW ORLEANS – The practice of district attorney offices in Jefferson and Orleans parishes sending out fake subpoenas to reluctant witnesses to get them to talk to prosecutors has probably been done that way for a long time, according to one law professor.
Laundry turns over more than 6,000 pages in document production agreement
BATON ROUGE — Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry and the Indianapolis woman who is suing him for failing to fulfill her document request for more than six months have signed a document production agreement.
Offshore tank barge fleet operator accused of racial discrimination
One current and two former employees are suing a Baton Rouge division of an offshore tank barge fleet operator, alleging they were denied chances for promotions and subjected to racially charged language and treatment by management.
Attorney calls on Louisiana lawyers to do pro bono work
Louisiana is not only one of the poorest state’s in the nation, it is also one of four states that provide zero funding for legal aid.
Death row inmates sue Louisiana officials over solitary confinement policy
Death row inmates at a Louisiana prison filed a class-action suit, claiming Louisiana officials violated their constitutional rights against cruel and unusual punishment by placing them in solitary confinement for long periods of time.
Indiana woman sues Louisiana AG for failing to fulfill open records requests
An Indiana woman has been waiting more than six months for Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry to fulfill her public records requests for information, including his contracts with law firms and his correspondence with gas and oil companies.
Loyola University law program mentors young attorneys who want their own practices
NEW ORLEANS — As the incubator program at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law continues to grow in popularity, the school recently welcomed seven new attorneys into its intensive two-year mentorship and skills program.
Lawsuit abuse, unemployment main topics at roundtable meeting in Gonzales
GONZALES — Attendees of the recent Ascension GOP Roundtable received up-to-date information on lawsuit abuse and how it is being handled on state and federal levels.
Sofia Vergara's frozen embryo case could make history
NEW ORLEANS — Major legal precedent would be set if the former boyfriend of actress Sofia Vergara was granted custody of her frozen embryos.
Fishing guide claims he lost clients after being forced to leave coastal waters
NEW ORLEANS — A longtime Grand Isle fishing guide is suing the sheriff of Lafourche Parish and others who forced him to leave tidal water during a guided paid fishing trip.
Anglo-Dutch Energy asks appeal court to rehear energy royalty lease case
LAKE CHARLES — Anglo-Dutch Energy LLC is requesting a Louisiana appeal court rehear a case that required the independent oil and gas company to pay royalties on the energy it produced from a leased well.
East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court accused of mandating campaign contributions and cash from former employees
BATON ROUGE — A former longtime East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court's Office employee claims he and his colleagues were forced to hand over cash to pay for birthday and Christmas presents for their boss, Clerk of Court Doug Welborn.