Alexandria lawyer Ed Tarpley laid out his case for why voters should support requiring unanimous jury verdicts in criminal cases. Matt Doyle has the story.
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Looking for a temporary escape from Louisiana city life? State Parks has some good news for those who like to explore the great outdoors, but don’t want to fiddle with setting up a tent.
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The Louisiana Department of Education have announced the most recent recipients of the titles of Teacher and Principal of the Year. Kevin Barnhart has the details.
Cut 3 (27) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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Advocates are ramping up the campaign to convince voters to vote yes to the unanimous jury verdict constitutional amendment on this fall’s ballot. The amendment requires over 50 percent of voters in the fall to back it, and would undo the Jim Crow era legislation that sets up Louisiana as a legal outlier in the American justice system. Alexandria Lawyer Ed Tarpley says the law’s racist roots need to be addressed.
The law was passed during the post-civil war reconstruction era, where critics say the objective was to deprive African Americans of the ability to have a jury of their peers. 48 other states, along with the federal justice system require unanimous juries.
Tarpley says if you read their letters, the founding fathers intent for unanimous juries in the justice system was clear. He says Louisiana’s deviation from that expectation flies in the face of the desires of the men who founded the United States.
Cut 5 (12) “the constitution.”
No major organizations have announced their opposition to the amendment.
During the legislative process, the amendment, brought by New Orleans Senator JP Morrell, drew passionate defenses from legislators on the left and right. Tarpley says that bipartisan passion has carried over to the campaign to persuade voters, and led to some alliances he could have never imagined making.
Tarpley is a part of the Unanimous Juries Coalition, which says it plans to hold events in major cities across the state to raise awareness of the ballot issue.
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Three flood damaged Louisiana State Parks are soon to back in business. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser announced the official reopening of cabins at Lake Bistineau, Lake Fausse Point, and Tickfaw State Parks. Assistant Secretary and Director of Louisiana State Parks Gene Reynolds say the cabins faced substantial damage after the Flood of 2016.
Cut 7 (12) “now they’re ready”
Reynolds says these cabins provide guests the access of Louisiana’s most impressive views.
Each cabin is fully equipped, and Reynolds says they can comfortably fit families of six to eight.
Cut 9 (05) “walking and fishing”
You can now start making reservations for stays beginning Monday, October 22nd. For more information visit LaStateParks.com.
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A Farmerville woman is dead after falling out of a truck and striking the pavement. According to the Union Parish Sheriff Dusty Gates, on Saturday night, 22-year-old Bridget Tucker was pronounced dead at the scene after falling from the vehicle’s window while it traveled around 35-40 miles per hour.
Gates says the driver of the vehicle was arrested.
Cut 11 (07) “…obstruction of justice.”
Gates says alcohol was involved with the incident.
Cut 12 (11) “…hide the alcohol.”
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The Louisiana Department of Education have announced the most recent recipients of the titles of Teacher and Principal of the Year.
The Principle of the Year honor goes to Dr. Eric Davis of Wossman High School in the City of Monroe School District. Davis says he believes the growth in his students is what landed him the award.
Davis says his staff deserves recognition for their efforts.
Spencer Kiper of Elm Grove Middle School in Bossier City picked up the award for Teacher of the Year. Kiper, a STEM teacher, says the surprise of the recognition serves as further motivation for his job.
Cut 15 (07) “…leaders of Louisiana.”
Kiper says his formula to success is putting everything he can into enabling his student with knowledge.