Justice System

Bobby Gumpright was in the throws of addiction 25 years ago when he fabricated a story that he had been robbed at gunpoint by a Black man. Jermaine Hudson was arrested and convicted by a nonunanimous jury.

Investigators found the Jackson Parish Jail violated state rules 83 times between July and February — almost 12 times more than the state’s second-worst lockup.

Since prisoners challenged conditions on the Farm Line, state officials have implemented policies making them even worse, lawyers contend.

A Louisiana law cedes much of the power of the parole board to an algorithm that bars thousands of prisoners from a shot at early release. Civil rights attorneys say it could disproportionately harm Black people — and may even be unconstitutional.

Since last week, Khalil — a Syrian-born Palestinian and permanent U.S. resident— has been locked up in the Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center, a privately-run immigration lockup with an average daily detainee population of nearly 1,200.

Around 70 mental health professionals and educators in Louisiana have signed a letter urging state lawmakers to vote against a proposed constitutional amendment that could send more young teenagers to adult prisons.

In a special lawmaking session focused on tax policy, Louisiana lawmakers are also quietly moving legislation that could lead to more underage youth being sent to adult prisons.

Louisiana officials expect to put tens of millions of dollars over the next two months into expanding juvenile detention centers that house children and teenagers accused of crimes.

“Having a felony arrest or conviction on your record is like wearing a heavy yoke around your neck," said Aaron Clark-Rizzio, the legal director for the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights.