Louisiana jury trial law change heads back to House floor

Louisiana voters could give DAs more power over defendants who want to waive jury trials

The Louisiana Supreme Court building on Royal Street in New Orleans. ( Jarvis DeBerry/Louisiana Illuminator)Louisiana lawmakers are on track to let voters decide whether prosecutors should have more control over when a criminal defendant can waive their right to a jury trial. Senate Bill 97, sponsored by Sen. Jay Morris, R-West Monroe, would amend the Louisiana Constitution to require a prosecutor’s consent for a defendant to have a judge decide…

Louisiana jury trial law change heads back to House floor

Louisiana's jury trial laws may change as Senate Bill 81 and Senate Bill 97 aim to require prosecutors' consent before defendants can waive jury trials.