Louisiana public defender board to investigate firings of top public defenders

In defiance of Landry, public defender board votes to investigate layoffs

Louisiana attorneys who run public defender offices have accused a state official of violating their free speech rights. (Getty Images)The Louisiana Public Defender Oversight Board voted Wednesday to review layoff notices given to five chief public defenders, despite a request from Gov. Jeff Landry to hold off on taking that action.  Christopher Walters, Landry’s deputy executive counsel, asked the board to pause its decision until after Landry …

Louisiana public defender board to investigate firings of top public defenders

A committee will investigate the firings of five chief public defenders who claim the state terminated their employment without just cause — and in violation of their First Amendment right to freedom of speech.