Louisiana Supreme Court Halts Attorney General’s Case After Indictment

The Louisiana Supreme Court paused the criminal case against state Attorney General Liz Murrill. This decision came a day after Murrill was indicted for allegedly threatening the jobs of officials in New Orleans. The state’s top court cited procedural errors in the indictment process. Furthermore, there were reports of a journalist being handcuffed and locked out while trying to report on the grand jury’s actions.

For now, the case is on hold. Murrill, a Republican, expressed her intention to seek dismissal of the case. She described the situation as a political attack amidst tensions between Republican state officials and Democrats who control New Orleans.

“I hope this political witch hunt is not a harbinger of things to come,” Murrill stated, “but I fear that it is.”

The Supreme Court found significant flaws in the indictment. The 16-count indictment, presented by a New Orleans grand jury, accused Murrill of intimidation and malfeasance. The court’s statement highlighted procedural errors and potential conflicts of interest involving Laurie White, the special prosecutor and former state judge, who is currently defended by the attorney general’s office against a lawsuit.

The specific charge of intimidation against Murrill was found flawed. The law requires threats to be unlawful or involve bodily harm or death. The court indicated Murrill is likely to succeed in having the case dismissed. Moreover, she would suffer irreparable harm if proceedings continue. The decision was supported by all four Republican justices and one Democrat. The court’s other Democrat and an independent dissented, debating the expedited ruling.

Justice John Guidry, a Democrat, criticized the swift action by his colleagues. He emphasized the need for due process and equal protection under the law, viewing the case as being fast-tracked unduly.

This legal saga stems from a complex political situation in Louisiana. The state recently dissolved the New Orleans criminal court clerk position, consolidating it. This affected Calvin Duncan, who was elected to the criminal clerk office after his murder conviction was vacated. The attorney general, along with other Republicans, has not acknowledged Duncan’s innocence despite his listing on the National Registry of Exonerations. The court pointed out the potential conflict of interest since White previously represented Duncan.

A letter from Murrill to New Orleans officials warned them of losing their jobs if they supported an unauthorized officeholder, referring to the setup of a special election allowing Duncan to contend for the combined clerk role. Murrill asserted she was fulfilling her official duties.

After the indictment, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, a Republican, pledged to pardon Murrill. He also directed state police to investigate the grand jury’s reported irregularities. On Friday, Landry expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court and reiterated that the indictment was a politically motivated action against Murrill.