A Louisiana case went before the US Supreme Court today challenging non-unanimous jury convictions. Matt Doyle reports the ruling could have wide-ranging impacts on the nation’s legal system.
_____________________________
The latest polling data shows Governor Edwards is likely to enter a run-off with Eddie Rispone. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”
________________________________________
The US Supreme Court heard oral arguments today in a case questioning the constitutionality of non-unanimous jury verdicts. Louisianans voted to require unanimous juries in felony trials last year. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says depending on how the court rules, those convicted on a 10-2 or 11-1 verdict could have their life sentenced thrown out…
Oregon is the only state to not require unanimous jury verdicts in felony trials.
The case being heard involves the non-unanimous murder conviction and life sentencing of Evangelisto Ramos in 2015. Ciolino says a favorable ruling would give inmates like Ramos a second chance.
Only 10 of 12 jurors voted to convict Ramos.
Ciolino says this case has the potential to have a huge impact on the nation’s legal system outside of just unanimous juries.
_________________________________________
New polling data on the governor’s race shows John Bel Edwards at 45 percent, Eddie Rispone at 20 percent, Ralph Abraham at 19 percent, and 14 percent are undecided. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says over 374,000 voters cast ballots in early voting, and the breakdowns show Edwards may not be able to avoid a run-off.
Cut 6 (11) “…for Governor Edwards.”
Couvillon says there is a 30 percent chance of Governor Edwards winning the election without a run-off, but if a run-off happens, it will likely be with Rispone as on the local level polling, Abraham’s support is seeing a decrease since September.
Couvillon calls Abraham’s touting of politician endorsements outdated and a reason he’s fallen into third place.
Cut 8 (09) “…a winning message.”
Just over 12 percent of registered voters cast their ballots with early voting. Election Day is Saturday.
______________________________
State Police has identified the 16-year-old bicyclist killed last night in St. Landry Parish. Trooper Thomas Gossen says Lane Leger of Opelousas was riding his bike after the sun went down without lights on the I-49 North Service Road
Gossen says Leger was hit from behind by a Nissan Altima. He says the driver of the vehicle did not see the bicyclist and is not facing any charges
Gossen says this part of the service road is not lit well and the bicyclist should have had a light on his bicycle and ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable
____________________________
Even without Drew Brees, the Saints look like one of the best teams in the NFL as they are 4-and-1 following a 31-24 win over Tampa Bay on Sunday. The Black and Gold’s defense has been solid and got six more sacks yesterday. Defensive end Cam Jordan says it was fun to see…
Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas continues to show why he was worth the big contract in the offseason as he caught 11 passes for 182 yards. But Thomas says it’s been the defense that has been setting the tone
Linebacker Demario Davis says stopping the run on first down has been the key…