Louisiana Supreme Court Halts Case Against Attorney General Liz Murrill

The Louisiana Supreme Court has paused the criminal case against State Attorney General Liz Murrill following her indictment. This came after accusations that she threatened the employment of officials in New Orleans. The highest court in the state noted procedural errors by the local court and special prosecutor during the indictment process. Media reports also highlighted issues, including a journalist being restricted from reporting on the grand jury actions.

The case is now on hold, pending further developments. Murrill, a Republican, plans to seek dismissal of the case, which signifies a division between state Republican officials and the Democratic leadership of New Orleans. Murrill expressed her concerns about the indictment, calling it politically motivated. The Supreme Court identified major flaws in the charges against Murrill. The grand jury’s 16-count indictment accused her of intimidation and misconduct. However, the court found deficiencies in the charges and noted procedural irregularities, as stated by Justice Jay McCallum.

The court raised conflicts of interest concerns surrounding Laurie White, the special prosecutor. White, a former state judge, is currently defended by the attorney general’s office in a separate legal matter. McCallum also highlighted that the charges did not meet the legal standards of intimidation, citing the need for threats to be unlawful or involve harm.

An order from the court indicates Murrill’s potential for a successful dismissal of the case. This order, backed by the court’s Republican justices and one Democrat, suggested that Murrill would endure unnecessary harm if the case continued. Justice John Guidry, a Democrat, dissented, criticizing the expedited manner of the decision.

The roots of this case are in a significant restructuring of the court system in Louisiana. This year, Louisiana combined the role of the New Orleans criminal court clerk with another court function. This policy change followed Calvin Duncan’s election to the criminal clerk office, despite his previously overturned murder conviction.

Murrill and other Republican officials have not accepted Duncan’s exoneration, with the court noting White’s previous representation of Duncan as a potential conflict. Murrill sent a letter to New Orleans officials, warning them of the legal consequences of supporting an unauthorized officeholder, aligning with Duncan’s role.

Following Murrill’s indictment, Governor Jeff Landry, a Republican, expressed intentions to pardon her. He also announced that state police would investigate the grand jury proceedings. On Friday, Landry commended the Supreme Court’s decision and labeled the indictment against Murrill as politically motivated.