LFAA Resources

Review of Studies Regarding the Number of Hours Required to Provide Competent Representation in State Post-Conviction for Capital Cases

The American Bar Association is supporting Louisiana capital defenders in a project to oppose Louisiana's anticipated application for certification under Chapter 154 of Title 28 of the United States Code. Chapter 154 provides expedited procedures and limitations on federal habeas review in states that guarantee death-sentenced prisoners competent counsel and the litigation resources necessary to develop constitutional claims in state proceedings, with certification determined by the U.S. Attorney General. If Louisiana is certified, federal courts will likely be unable to hear or correct serious claims of constitutional error, including ineffective assistance of counsel and racial bias in capital cases. This project reviewed studies done about the number of hours required to provide competent representation in state post-conviction proceedings in capital cases....Read more

Analysis of CA Emergency Protocols

Currently, the incarcerated population does not have clear regulations on emergency protocols should there be a disaster of some sort. For example, during COVID-19, the detention and incarceration facilities were ill-equipped to handle the massive exposure, illness, loss of life, and medical needs of the incarcerated population. The attached memo, chart, and tables provide an overview of laws and regulations regarding emergency protocols in detention & incarceration facilities. ...Read more

Jury Demandability

The right to demand a jury trial is fundamental to U.S. democracy. It provides citizens a voice in the judiciary, educates jurors on the justice system, and provides defendants with access to due process, and produces fairer case outcomes. Restricting a right to demand a jury trial shifts power to prosecutors to force defendants to take plea deals and exposes individuals to lifetime collateral consequences they could have avoided. ...Read more