News Summary
A federal judge in New Orleans has granted class action status to lawsuits claiming that Louisiana’s correctional system routinely overdetains inmates. The ruling allows thousands of former inmates to join the case, shedding light on systemic failures that have reportedly led to thousands of inmates being held past their release dates. While the state intends to appeal, advocates see the decision as a potential turning point for reform in the prison system.
New Orleans, Louisiana – A federal judge has granted class action status to lawsuits alleging that Louisiana routinely keeps inmates in prison beyond their release dates. This ruling allows thousands of former inmates to potentially join the case, thereby shining a light on a persistent issue within the state’s Department of Public Safety & Corrections. The lawsuits, filed under the names Giroir v. LeBlanc and Humphrey v. LeBlanc, contend that the Department has been aware of this problem for at least a decade but has failed to take adequate action to rectify it.
The judge’s ruling marks a significant step towards accountability in the state’s correctional system, although it is important to note that he has not yet made a decision in favor of the plaintiffs. According to William Most, an attorney involved in the case, the ruling represents a pivotal moment for hopes of reforming the system. However, state officials, including Attorney General Liz Murrill, have indicated plans to appeal the ruling. They contend that the information in the lawsuits is outdated and maintain that improvements have already been made regarding inmate release timelines.
Overview of the Cases
The two cases at the heart of this ruling bring light to different aspects of the overdetention issue. The Humphrey case targets individuals who have been eligible for release since April 16, 2019, while the Giroir case includes current and future inmates who may encounter similar overdetention situations. Both lawsuits cite significant overdetention periods resulting from delays in release date calculations, which involve a complex system requiring the coordination of multiple entities, including sheriffs and clerks of court.
Systemic Failures and Financial Impacts
According to the lawsuits, overdetention arises from systemic failures within the state’s correctional procedures. Inmates are often reported to serve longer than their sentences due to bureaucratic delays, negatively impacting their lives and imposing substantial costs on the state. A report released in 2023 by the Department of Justice revealed that between January and April 2022, 1,108 inmates were held beyond their mandated release dates, costing Louisiana about $2.5 million annually. Moreover, previous findings indicated that inmates could be held an average of 29 days too long, with overdetention issues identified as far back as 2012.
State Measures and Skepticism
In response to these issues, Louisiana has initiated some efforts to address overdetention. This includes the establishment of an electronic portal for submitting release documents and reforms related to good time credit laws. Despite these modifications, there remains a level of skepticism among advocates about the effectiveness of these measures in ensuring timely releases for inmates. Recent legislation has mandated electronically submitted data from sheriffs concerning inmates’ release calculations, but critics claim that this can complicate litigation for overdetention claims.
Calls for Justice and Legislative Barriers
As the legal proceedings continue, advocates are calling for compensation for individuals who have been overdetained. Yet, the introduction of new legislative barriers may obstruct the process for affected inmates seeking justice. The court’s decision to grant class action status may enable a larger number of individuals to hold the state accountable, but the appeals and ongoing debates surrounding the issue illustrate the complexity of reforming Louisiana’s correctional practices.
The judge’s decision on September 22 reflects not only the legal battles ahead but also highlights a significant ethical concern within the state’s corrections system, impacting countless individuals who deserve timely justice.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CNN: Louisiana Inmates DOJ Lawsuit
- Wikipedia: Louisiana Correctional System
- NOLA: Louisiana Overdetention Problem
- Google Search: Louisiana prison overdetention
- USA Today: Justice Department Louisiana
- Google Scholar: Louisiana inmate overdetention
- New York Times: Louisiana Prison Overdetention
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Prison
- Corrections1: DOJ Sues LA DOC
- Google News: Louisiana inmate lawsuit
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
