Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal
The Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal is one of the five circuit courts of appeal in Louisiana. It handles appeals in criminal court cases.[1]
The First Circuit Court of Appeal consists of 12 sitting judges and has jurisdiction over 16 parishes in the southeastern part of the state. It covers the parishes of: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Lafourche, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana.[2]
The court meets at 1600 North Third Street in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.[3]
- Published opinions of the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal can be found here.
| Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal | |||
 | |||
| Court information | |||
| Judges: | 12 | ||
| Founded: | 1879 | ||
| Salary: | Associates: $182,007[4] | ||
| Judicial selection | |||
| Method: | Partisan election of judges | ||
| Term: | 10 years | ||
Judges
| Judge | Tenure | Appointed By |
|---|---|---|
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December 8, 2012 - Present |
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January 1, 2019 - Present |
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January 1, 2023 - Present |
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December 27, 2023 - Present |
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October 5, 2002 - Present |
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2017 - Present |
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2020 - Present |
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January 1, 2025 - Present |
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January 1, 2021 - Present |
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January 1, 2023 - Present |
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March 19, 2025 - Present |
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January 1, 2025 - Present |
Districts
District 1
The parishes of Ascension, Assumption, Iberville, Lafourche, Pointe Coupee, St. Mary, Terrebonne and West Baton Rouge shall compose the first district of the First Circuit.[5]
The first district is further divided into two election sections.
Election section one is composed of Ascension Parish, Assumption Parish, Iberville Parish, Pointe Coupee Parish and West Baton Rouge Parish.
Election section two is composed of Lafourche Parish, St. Mary Parish and Terrebonne Parish.[5]
District 2
District 2 consists of the parish of East Baton Rouge.[6]
District 3
District 3 consists of the parishes of East Feliciana, Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington and West Feliciana.[7]
Judicial selection
- See also: Judicial selection in Louisiana
The 53 justices on the Louisiana Circuit Courts of Appeal are elected in partisan elections. Justices serve 10-year terms and must run for re-election if they wish to continue serving on the court.[8]
Qualifications
To serve on this court, a judge must be:
- licensed to practice law in the state for at least ten years;
- a resident of the district representing for at least one year;
- under the age of 70 at the time of election (judges who turn 70 in office may serve until their term expires)[8][9]
Chief justice
The chief justice is the justice on the court with the most seniority. When he or she retires, the justice with the next most seniority becomes chief justice.[8]
Vacancies
Per Article V of the Louisiana Constitution, midterm vacancies are to be temporarily filled by the supreme court. Within one year of the opening, a special election (called by the governor, preferably on the date of a preexisting gubernatorial or congressional election) is to be held. If the supreme court has appointed a successor, that appointee may not run for the seat in the special election. The justice elected at the special election will serve the remainder of the unexpired term.[8][10][11][12]
Salary
In 2024, the associate judges of the court received a salary of $182,007, according to the National Center for State Courts.[13]
Elections
- For details about Louisiana's judicial elections, visit the Louisiana judicial elections page.
2025
A special election was held in 2025 to replace John Guidry (D) on the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal. The seat was up for partisan election on May 3, 2025. A primary was scheduled for March 29, 2025. The filing deadline was January 31, 2025.
Candidates and results
1st Circuit, 2nd Dist., Subdist. 2, Div. D
Louisiana elections use the majority-vote system. All candidates compete in the same primary, and a candidate can win the election outright by receiving more than 50 percent of the vote. If no candidate does, the top two vote recipients from the primary advance to the general election, regardless of their partisan affiliation.
Nonpartisan primary election
The primary election was canceled. Wilson Fields (D) won the election without appearing on the ballot.
2024
The terms of nine Louisiana intermediate appellate court judges expired on December 31, 2024. The nine seats were up for partisan election on December 7, 2024. The primary was November 5, 2024. The filing deadline was July 19, 2024.
One seat on the First Circuit Court of Appeal was up for election on April 27, 2024. A special election primary was scheduled for March 23, 2024. The filing deadline was December 15, 2023.[14]
Judges with expiring terms
- This is a list of the judges who were required to stand for partisan election in 2024 in order to remain on the bench. Judges could choose not to stand for election.
First Circuit Court of Appeal
■ Tess Percy Stromberg
■ Jewel Welch
■ Wayne Chutz
■ Allison H. Penzato
Second Circuit Court of Appeal
Third Circuit Court of Appeal
■ D. Kent Savoie
■ Candyce Perret
Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal
2023
Two Louisiana intermediate appellate court judges retired in 2023. The two seats were up for partisan special election on November 18, 2023. A special primary was scheduled for October 14, 2023.[15][16] Both the primary election and general election were not needed after only one candidate filed for each seat on the ballot. [15][16]
Candidates and election results
Fifth Circuit First District
Section 1, Division F: Hans Liljeberg's seat
General election candidates
The general election was canceled.
Primary candidates
This primary was canceled and this candidate was elected:
- Scott Schlegel (Republican Party) ✔
Fifth Circuit Third District
Division A: Robert A. Chaisson's seat
General election candidates
The general election was canceled.
Primary candidates
This primary was canceled and this candidate was elected:
- Timothy Marcel (Democratic Party) ✔
Vacancies
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal District 1
Hans J. Liljeberg (R) created a vacancy when he retired effective February 28, 2023.[15]
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal District 3
Robert A. Chaisson (D) created a vacancy when he resigned effective December 31, 2023.[16]
2022
The terms of 21 Louisiana intermediate appellate court judges expired on December 31, 2022. The 21 seats were up for partisan election on December 10, 2022. A primary was scheduled for November 8, 2022.
Two seats on the Louisiana Circuit Courts of Appeal were also up in a special general election on April 30, 2022. The primary was scheduled for March 26, 2022.[17][18]
Candidates and election results
First Circuit First District
Division B: Theriot's seat
General election candidates
The general election was canceled.
Primary candidates
This primary was canceled and this candidate was elected:
- Mitch Theriot (Incumbent) (Republican Party) ✔
Division D: Guidry-Whipple vacancy
General election candidates
The general election was canceled.
Primary candidates
- Tanner Magee (Republican Party)
- Steve Miller (Republican Party) ✔
First Circuit Second District
Subdist. 1, Division B: McDonald vacancy
General election candidates
- Donald Johnson (Democratic Party)
- Hunter Greene (Republican Party) ✔
Primary candidates
- Hunter Greene (Republican Party) ✔
- Beau Higginbotham (Republican Party)
- Donald Johnson (Democratic Party) ✔
First Circuit Third District
Division B: McClendon's seat
General election candidates
The general election was canceled.
Primary candidates
This primary was canceled and this candidate was elected:
- Page McClendon (Incumbent) (Republican Party) ✔
Division D: Wolfe's seat
General election candidates
The general election was canceled.
Primary candidates
This primary was canceled and this candidate was elected:
- Elizabeth Wolfe (Incumbent) (Republican Party) ✔
Second Circuit First District
Elec. Sect. 1C: Hunter's seat
General election candidates
The general election was canceled.
Primary candidates
This primary was canceled and this candidate was elected:
- Marcus Hunter (Incumbent) (Democratic Party) ✔
Elec. Sect. 2B: Moore vacancy
General election candidates
The general election was canceled.
Primary candidates
This primary was canceled and this candidate was elected:
- Daniel Ellender (Republican Party) ✔
Second Circuit Third District
Elec. Sect. 2B: Pitman's seat
General election candidates
The general election was canceled.
Primary candidates
This primary was canceled and this candidate was elected:
- Frances Pitman (Incumbent) (Republican Party) ✔
Elec. Sec. 2C: Garrett vacancy (special election)
General election candidates
The general election was canceled.
Primary candidates
- Craig Marcotte (Republican Party) ✔
- Erin Leigh Waddell Garrett (Republican Party)
Third Circuit First District
Division A: Pickett's seat
General election candidates
The general election was canceled.
Primary candidates
This primary was canceled and this candidate was elected:
- Elizabeth A. Pickett (Incumbent) (Independent) ✔
Third Circuit Second District
Elec. Sect. 2B: Ezell vacancy
General election candidates
The general election was canceled.
Primary candidates
- H. Guy Bradberry (Republican Party) ✔
- Clayton Davis (Republican Party)
Third Circuit Third District
Elec. Sec. 1C: Ortego's seat
Regular election
General election candidates
The general election was canceled.
Primary candidates
This primary was canceled and this candidate was elected:
- Gary J. Ortego (Incumbent) (Republican Party) ✔
Special election
General election candidates
The general election was canceled.
Primary candidates
This primary was canceled and this candidate was elected:
- Gary J. Ortego (Republican Party) ✔
Elec. Sect. 2D: Cooks vacancy
General election candidates
The general election was canceled.
Primary candidates
- Valerie Gotch Garrett (Democratic Party)
- Ledricka Johnson Thierry (Democratic Party) ✔
Elec. Sect. 3E: Conery vacancy
General election candidates
The general election was canceled.
Primary candidates
This primary was canceled and this candidate was elected:
- Wilbur Stiles (Republican Party) ✔
Fourth Circuit At-large
McKay vacancy
General election candidates
The general election was canceled.
Primary candidates
- Joseph Cao (Republican Party)
- Karen K. Herman (Democratic Party) ✔
- Marie Williams (Democratic Party)
Did not make the ballot:
Fourth Circuit First District
Division A: Lombard vacancy
General election candidates
The general election was canceled.
Primary candidates
This primary was canceled and this candidate was elected:
- Nakisha Ervin-Knott (Democratic Party) ✔
Division B: Chase's seat
General election candidates
The general election was canceled.
Primary candidates
This primary was canceled and this candidate was elected:
- Tiffany Gautier Chase (Incumbent) (Democratic Party) ✔
Division D: Woods vacancy (special election)
General election candidates
The general election was canceled.
Primary candidates
This primary was canceled and this candidate was elected:
- Rachael Johnson (Democratic Party) ✔
Division H: Jenkins' seat
General election candidates
The general election was canceled.
Primary candidates
This primary was canceled and this candidate was elected:
- Sandra Cabrina Jenkins (Incumbent) (Democratic Party) ✔
Fifth Circuit First District
Election Section 1, Div. D: Chehardy's seat
General election candidates
The general election was canceled.
Primary candidates
This primary was canceled and this candidate was elected:
- Susan M. Chehardy (Incumbent) (Republican Party) ✔
Election Section 1, Div. E: Windhorst's seat
General election candidates
The general election was canceled.
Primary candidates
This primary was canceled and this candidate was elected:
- Stephen J. Windhorst (Incumbent) (Republican Party) ✔
Election Section 1, Div. F: Lilijeberg's seat
General election candidates
The general election was canceled.
Primary candidates
This primary was canceled and this candidate was elected:
- Hans J. Liljeberg (Incumbent) (Republican Party) ✔
Election Section 1, Div. G: Molaison's seat
General election candidates
The general election was canceled.
Primary candidates
This primary was canceled and this candidate was elected:
- John J. Molaison Jr. (Incumbent) (Republican Party) ✔
Fifth Circuit Third District
Division A: Chaisson's seat
General election candidates
The general election was canceled.
Primary candidates
This primary was canceled and this candidate was elected:
- Robert A. Chaisson (Incumbent) (Democratic Party) ✔
Judges not on the ballot
First Circuit Court of Appeals
- Vanessa Guidry-Whipple (First District, Division D)
- J. Michael McDonald (Second District, Division B)
Second Circuit Court of Appeals
- Milton Moore (First District, Section 2B)
- Jeanette Garrett (Third District, Section 2C)
Third Circuit Court of Appeals
- Billy Ezell (Second District, Section 2B)
- John Saunders (Third District, Section 1C)
- Sylvia Cooks (Third District, Section 2D)
- John Conery (Third District, Section 3E)
Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals
- James McKay (At-large)
- Edwin Lombard (First District, Division A)
- Regina Bartholomew Woods (First District, Division D)
2020
- Main article: Louisiana intermediate appellate court elections, 2020
Judges with expiring terms
■ John Guidry
■ Toni M. Higginbotham
2017
- Main article: Louisiana judicial elections, 2017
Third District, Division C
Judge Ernest Drake retired in 2016. Allison H. Penzato (R) was the only candidate to file for election to the open seat. She was declared elected, unopposed, at the time of filing in January 2017.
2014
| Unopposed | Guy Holdridge (District 1 Division C) |
|---|
| Unopposed | Judge Jewel Welch (Subdistrict 1 Division C) |
|---|
| Unopposed | Wayne Chutz (District 3 Division A) |
|---|
| Unopposed | Judge Ernest Drake (District 3 Division C) |
|---|
2012
| Candidate | Incumbency | Party | Place | Primary Vote | Election Vote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gideon T. Carter III | No | Democratic | 31.09% | 38.5%  | |
| J. Christopher Erny | No | Republican | 1st Dist, Div. B | 19.56% | |
| J. Michael McDonald | No | Republican | 2nd Dist, Div. B | 48.76% | 61.5% |
| Mark Plaisance | No | Republican | 1st Dist, Div. B | 8.26% | |
| Mitch Theriot | No | Republican | 1st District | 33.66% | 53.1% |
| Page McClendon | No | Republican | 3rd Dist, Div. B | 100% | |
| Trudy White | No | 2nd Dist, Div. B | 20.15% | ||
| Vanessa Guidry-Whipple | Yes | Republican | 1st Dist | 100% | |
| William Dupont | No | Democratic | Division D | 38.51% | 46.9% |
| William J. Crain | No | Republican | 3rd Dist, Div D | 100% |
District 1
2008
Division A
There was only one candidate for election to the First Circuit, 1st District, Division A on October 4, 2008. Judge John Pettigrew was the only candidate to qualify for the race and thus won without an election.[19]
2004
Division C
On September 19, 2004, Judge Parro was the only candidate to qualify for the 1st District, Division C seat. As such, he won without an election.[20]
2002
Division B
On October 5, 2002, an election was held to fill the remainder of the term for the First Circuit, 1st District, Division B seat until December 21, 2002. Judge Edward J. "Jimmy" Gaidry was the only candidate to qualify for the race and thus won without an election.[21]
On the same date, October 5, 2002, an election was also held to fill seat for the upcoming 10-year term. Judge Edward J. "Jimmy" Gaidry was also the only candidate to qualify for this race and thus won without an election.[22]
Division D
On October 5, 2002, Judge Guidry-Whipple was the only candidate to qualify for the 1st District, Division D seat. As such, she won without an election.[23]
2001
Division B
Judge Weimer served in this capacity until elected to the Louisiana Supreme Court on November 17, 2001.[24] Judge Watkins was appointed to fill the position until an election could be held.
1998
Division A
| Judge, Court of Appeal -- 1st Circuit, 1st District, Division A Results for Election Date: 10/3/1998[25] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| Jack T. Marionneaux (D) | 32,221 | 49.08% | ||
John T. Pettigrew (D) 
|
33,426 | 50.92% | ||
Division B
1998
There were four candidates to fill the First Circuit, 1st District, Division B seat in the election of April 4, 1998. This race resulted in a run off between Watkins and Weimer.
| Judge, Court of Appeal -- 1st Circuit, 1st District, Division B Results for Election Date: 4/4/1998[26] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| Bernard F. Levy (D) | 4,113 | 13.44% | ||
| Mitchell Theriot (D) | 6,946 | 22.69% | ||
| Louis Watkins (D)
|
8,383 | 27.39% | ||
| John L. Weimer (D)
|
11,168 | 36.48% | ||
The runoff election was held on May 2, 1998. John L. Weimer was elected to the First Circuit court of appeals in May 2 1998.
| Judge, Court of Appeal -- 1st Circuit, 1st District, Division B Results for Election Date: 5/2/1998[27] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| Louis Watkins (D) | 7,863 | 33.29% | ||
| John L. Weimer (D)
|
15,757 | 66.71% | ||
1994
Division C
On October 1, 1994, Judge Parro was the only candidate to qualify for the 1st District, Division C seat. As such, he won without an election.[28]
1993
Division C
The special election on April 3, 1993[29] to fill the unexpired term of 1st Circuit, 1st District, Division C Judge Walter I. Lanier Jr. after he retired in November 1993[30] drew two candidates.
| Judge, Court of Appeal -- 1st Circuit, 1st District, Division C Results for Election Date: 4/3/1993[31] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| Anthony "Tony" Lewis (D) | 15,411 | 33.18% | ||
| Randolph H. "Randy" Parro (D)
|
31,042 | 66.82% | ||
1990
Division D
The election on October 6, 1990 drew two candidates - Guidry-Whipple and Savoie. Judge Guidry-Whipple won.
| Judge, Court of Appeal -- 1st Circuit, 1st District, Division D Results for Election Date: 10/6/1990[32] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| Vanessa Guidry-Whipple (D)
|
69,469 | 53.94% | ||
| Felix H. Savoie, Jr. (D) | 59,324 | 46.06% | ||
1988
There was only one candidate for election to the First Circuit, 1st District, Division A on October 1, 1988. Judge Morris Lottinger, Jr. was the only candidate to qualify for the race and thus won without an election.[33] Judge Lottinger retired in July of 1988.[34] The balance of his term was apparently filled by Judge Remy Chaisson.
District 2
2010
Division A
The election on 10/2/2010 drew two candidates. Judge Higginbotham won.
| Judge, Court of Appeal -- 1st Circuit, 2nd District, Subdistrict 1, Division A Results for Election Date: 10/2/2010[35] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| Toni Manning Higginbotham (R)
|
30,432 | 55.16% | ||
| "Tim" Kelley (R) | 24,743 | 44.84% | ||
Division D
The election on October 2, 2010 drew two candidates. Judge Guidry won the election.
| Judge, Court of Appeal -- 1st Circuit, 2nd District, Subdistrict 2,Division D Results for Election Date: 10/2/2010[36] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| Wilson Fields (D) | 4,315 | 41.30% | ||
| John Michael Guidry (D)
|
6,132 | 58.70% | ||
2004
Division C
On September 18, 2004, Judge Welch was the only candidate to qualify for the 2nd District, Subdistrict 1, Division C seat. As such, he won without an election.[37]
2002
Division B
On October 4, 2002, Judge McDonald was the only candidate to qualify for the 2nd District, Subdistrict 1, Division B seat. As such, he won without an election.[38]
2000
Division A
The election on 10/7/2000 drew two candidates. Judge Downing won.
| Judge, Court of Appeal -- 1st Circuit, 2nd District, Subdistrict 1, Division A Results for Election Date: 10/7/2000[39] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| "Bob" Downing (D)
|
50,792 | 55.89% | ||
| "Mike" McDonald (R) | 40,092 | 44.11% | ||
Division D
On October 7, 2000, Judge Guidry was the only candidate to qualify for the 2nd District, Subdistrict 2, Division D seat. As such, he won without an election.[40]
1994
Division C
On October 1, 1994, Judge Foil was the only candidate to qualify for the 2nd District, Subdistrict 1, Division C seat. As such, he won without an election.[41]
1992
Division B
On October 3, 1992, Judge "Doug" Gonzales was the only candidate to qualify for the 2nd District, Subdistrict 1, Division B seat. As such, he won without an election.[42]
Division E
On October 3, 1992, Judge Freddie "Fred" Pitcher Jr. was the only candidate to qualify for the 1st District, Division E seat. As such, he won without an election.[43]
District 3
2004
Division A
On September 18, 2004, Judge James E. "Jimmy" Kuhn was the only candidate to qualify for the 3st District, Division A seat. As such, he won without an election.[44]
Division C
The election on September 18, 2004 drew two candidates. Judge Hughes won the election.
| Judge, Court of Appeal -- 1st Circuit, 3rd District, Division C Results for Election Date: 9/18/2004[45] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| Brady M. Fitzsimmons (R) | 39,670 | 48.62% | ||
| Jefferson Davis Hughes (R)
|
41,926 | 51.38% | ||
2002
Division B
The election on October 5, 2002 drew two candidates. Judge McClendon won the election.
| Judge, Court of Appeal -- 1st Circuit, 3rd District, Division B Results for Election Date: 10/5/2002[46] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| Kenneth J. Fogg (D) | 40,889 | 43.82% | ||
| Page McClendon (R)
|
52,417 | 56.18% | ||
Division D
The election on October 5, 2002 drew two candidates. Judge Carter won the election.
| Judge, Court of Appeal -- 1st Circuit, 3rd District, Division D Results for Election Date: 10/5/2002[47] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| Burrell J. Carter (D)
|
50,715 | 55.54% | ||
| Jeffrey A. "Jeff" Jones (R) | 40,594 | 44.46% | ||
1994
Division A
The election on October 1, 1994 drew two candidates. Judge Kuhn won the election.
| Judge, Court of Appeal -- 1st Circuit, 3rd District, Division A Results for Election Date: 10/1/1994[48] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| James E. "Jimmy" Kuhn (D)
|
44,335 | 53.19% | ||
| France W. Watts (D) | 39,019 | 46.81% | ||
Division C
The election on October 1, 1994 drew two candidates. Judge Fitzsimmons won the election.
| Judge, Court of Appeal -- 1st Circuit, 3rd District, Division C Results for Election Date: 10/1/1994[49] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| Edward Deano (D) | 30,038 | 36.49% | ||
| Brady M. Fitzsimmons (R)
|
52,278 | 63.51% | ||
1992
Division B
The election on October 3, 1992 drew two candidates. Judge Fogg won the election.
| Judge, Court of Appeal -- 1st Circuit, 3rd District, Division B Results for Election Date: 10/3/1992[50] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| Kenneth J. Fogg (D)
|
35,626 | 60.06% | ||
| Leslie Levet-Waldo (R) | 23,690 | 39.94% | ||
Ethics
The Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct sets forth ethical guidelines and principles for the conduct of judges and judicial candidates in Louisiana. It consists of seven canons:
- Canon 1: A judge shall uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary
- Canon 2: A judge shall avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all activities
- Canon 3: A judge shall perform the duties of office impartially and diligently
- Canon 4: Quasi-Judicial Activities: A judge may engage in quasi-judicial activities to improve the law, the legal system, and the administration of justice
- Canon 5: Extra-Judicial Activities: A judge shall regulate extra-judicial activities to minimize the risk of conflict with judicial duties
- Canon 6: A judge may accept reasonable compensation and expenses for quasi-judicial and extra-judicial activities; a judge may not accept gifts, loans, bequests, benefits, favors or other things of value except under restricted circumstances; a judge must report compensation, gifts, loans, bequests, benefits, favors and other things in some circumstances
- Canon 7: A judge or judicial candidate shall refrain from inappropriate political and campaign activity[51]
The full text of the Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct can be found here.
Removal of judges
Judges in Louisiana may be removed in one of two ways:
- By the Louisiana Supreme Court after recommendation from the Louisiana Judiciary Commission[52]
- By a two-thirds vote of the Louisiana State Senate upon impeachment by the Louisiana House of Representatives
History
Louisiana's intermediate appellate courts were created by the 1879 Louisiana Constitution.[53]
Noteworthy cases
Opinions of the First Circuit Court of Appeals can be accessed here.
| • Court upholds jury verdict in police brutality case (2015) | Click for summary→ | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In 2007, a noise complaint came in to the Baton Rouge Police Department. Officer Nathan Davis was dispatched. He found Brian Townsend at the address where loud music was playing. Townsend was intoxicated and, according to Davis, was noncompliant and had an attitude. Davis tackled Townsend to the ground when he resisted arrest, subsequently injuring Townsend. The tackle was so rough that Townsend allegedly defecated on himself. When he reached the hospital, Townsend was found to have a torn bladder.
Townsend sued, claiming that Davis acted pursuant to his job, during the course and scope of his duties. The East Baton Rouge Parish, however, argued that Davis' actions were not part of his training and, therefore, he was acting outside the scope of his duties in forcibly arresting Townsend as he did. A jury sided with the parish, but did find that Davis used excessive force. The jury awarded Townsend $239,000 in actual damages. He did not receive punitive damages for any pain and suffering. District Judge Todd Hernandez, however, overturned the portion of the jury verdict finding that Davis acted outside the scope of his job. It is that ruling that the parish appealed. The Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal reviewed the case. It issued an opinion in April 2015, finding that the evidence supported overturning the jury finding and the award of damages. Judge Page McClendon wrote for the three-judge panel. She said a reasonable jury had no other option but to find that Davis acted during the course and scope of his duties; he was responding to a complaint in his official capacity.
Davis was fired by the police department and served time on a civil rights violation conviction in this case. Articles: | |||||||
Docket
The docket for the First Circuit court of appeals can be found at this link: Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal, "Docket".
State profile
| Demographic data for Louisiana | ||
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | U.S. | |
| Total population: | 4,668,960 | 316,515,021 |
| Land area (sq mi): | 43,204 | 3,531,905 |
| Race and ethnicity** | ||
| White: | 62.8% | 73.6% |
| Black/African American: | 32.1% | 12.6% |
| Asian: | 1.7% | 5.1% |
| Native American: | 0.6% | 0.8% |
| Pacific Islander: | 0% | 0.2% |
| Two or more: | 1.8% | 3% |
| Hispanic/Latino: | 4.7% | 17.1% |
| Education | ||
| High school graduation rate: | 83.4% | 86.7% |
| College graduation rate: | 22.5% | 29.8% |
| Income | ||
| Median household income: | $45,047 | $53,889 |
| Persons below poverty level: | 23.3% | 11.3% |
| Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2010-2015) Click here for more information on the 2020 census and here for more on its impact on the redistricting process in Louisiana. **Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here. | ||
Presidential voting pattern
- See also: Presidential voting trends in Louisiana
Louisiana voted Republican in all seven presidential elections between 2000 and 2024.
More Louisiana coverage on Ballotpedia
- Elections in Louisiana
- United States congressional delegations from Louisiana
- Public policy in Louisiana
- Endorsers in Louisiana
- Louisiana fact checks
- More...
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Louisiana Court of Appeal First Circuit
- ↑ Louisiana Court of Appeal First Circuit, "Jurisdiction," accessed September 18, 2015
- ↑ Google Maps, "Location for First Circuit Court"
- ↑ The salary of the chief judge may be higher than an associate judge.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Louisiana State Legislature, "RS 13:312"
- ↑ Louisiana State Legislature, "RS 13:312"
- ↑ Louisiana State Legislature, "RS 13:312"
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 American Judicature Society, "Methods of Judicial Selection: Louisiana; Selection of Judges," archived October 2, 2014
- ↑ NOLA.com, "Lawmakers fail to pass amendment eliminating mandatory retirement age of judges," archived March 9, 2016
- ↑ Louisiana Supreme Court, "Henry Julien v. The Honorable W. Fox McKeithan," accessed May 6, 2014
- ↑ Louisiana Revised Statutes "RS 13:101.1," accessed July 13, 2016
- ↑ Leagle, "Marcelle v. DeCuir," September 21, 1995
- ↑ National Center for State Courts, "2024 Salaries and Rankings," accessed October 7, 2024
- ↑ Louisiana Executive Department, "Proclamation Number 210 JBE 2023," accessed November 21, 2023
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 State of Louisiana, "Proclamation Number 38 JBE 2023," accessed July 21, 2023
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 State of Louisiana, "Proclamation Number 126 JBE 2023," accessed July 21, 2023
- ↑ Office of the Governor, "EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT PROCLAMATION NUMBER 210 JBE 2021," November 9, 2021
- ↑ Office of the Governor, "EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT PROCLAMATION NUMBER 198 JBE 2021," October 18, 2021
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Candidate Inquiry 10/4/2008
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Candidate Inquiry 9/18/2004
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Candidate Inquiry 10/5/2002
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Candidate Inquiry 10/5/2002
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Candidate Inquiry 10/5/2002
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Official Election Results 11/17/2001
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Official Election Results 10/3/1998
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Official Election Results 4/4/1998
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Official Election Results 4/4/1998
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Candidate Inquiry 10/1/1994
- ↑ Area parishes to elect representative, judges : The Advocate
- ↑ Two seek appellate court seat The Advocate April 2, 1993
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Official Election Results 4/3/1993
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Official Election Results 10/6/1990
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Candidate Inquiry 10/1/1988
- ↑ Judges' ethics code silent on leases. The Advocate Nov 22, 1998
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Official Election Results 10/2/2010
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Official Election Results 10/2/2010
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Candidate Inquiry 9/18/2004
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Candidate Inquiry 10/5/2002
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Official Election Results 10/7/2000
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Candidate Inquiry 10/7/2000
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Candidate Inquiry 10/1/1994
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Candidate Inquiry 10/3/1992
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Candidate Inquiry 10/3/1992
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Candidate Inquiry 9/18/2004
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Official Election Results 9/18/1994
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Official Election Results 10/5/2002
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Official Election Results 10/5/2002
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Official Election Results 10/1/1994
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Official Election Results 10/1/1994
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State: Official Election Results 10/3/1992
- ↑ Louisiana Supreme Court, "Code of Judicial Conduct," accessed September 17, 2021
- ↑ Judiciary Commission of Louisiana, "Overview," accessed July 17, 2023
- ↑ Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeal, "History of the Court," accessed August 22, 2014
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ The Advocate, "Appellate court lets stand jury award in alleged police brutality case against former Baton Rouge police officer," April 21, 2015
Federal courts:
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, Western District of Louisiana • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, Western District of Louisiana
State courts:
Louisiana Supreme Court • Louisiana Courts of Appeal • Louisiana District Courts • Louisiana City Courts • Louisiana Family Courts • Louisiana Justice of the Peace Courts • Louisiana Juvenile Courts • Louisiana Mayor’s Courts • Louisiana Municipal Courts • Louisiana Parish Courts • Louisiana Traffic Courts
State resources:
Courts in Louisiana • Louisiana judicial elections • Judicial selection in Louisiana
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