The state's business community is eager to implement judicial-review measures following a summit hosted by the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI), Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch (LLAW) and other special-interest groups.
At the January luncheon, LABI emphasized the need for more transparency in judicial matters, as the current system allows for what they believe to be far too much interference and influence from trial attorneys. According to Truth Out, LABI will be reintroducing their judicial review practice that has been dead since the late 90s when the group’s efforts received criticism from the media.
LABI commented on the reinstatement of their long-retired practice and what it will do for the business community of Louisiana.
Lauren Chauvin, LABI Director of Civil Justice Reform
| Courtesy of LABI
“The creation of this program is a call to engage,” Lauren Chauvin, LABI Director of Civil Justice Reform told Louisiana Record. “Members of the judiciary are responding to the voices they hear, and it is crucial for them to hear the voice of the business community as well.”
LABI will be using judicial ratings, as well as reviews of rulings made by judges that will impact the business community. The group hopes that through providing digestible reviews of actions taken by the judicial powers, business owners and residents will be able to see what is happening behind closed doors.
“Business owners can no longer sit on the sidelines, they have to get involved and take control of the narrative to make holistic changes to Louisiana’s judicial climate for the betterment of the entire state,” Chauvin said.
LABI’s push comes at the same time as the Trump administration’s assignments of pro-business judges in the 5th Circuit Court, which covers Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. LABI’s efforts will also include lobbying state legislators for laws that will make it more difficult to sue corporations, a growing trend in recent years.