LA-COURTS

Louisiana v. Turner - Criminal Case Opinion

The Supreme Court of Louisiana reversed and remanded the case of State v. Jarvis Turner. The court addressed whether a defense counsel preventing a defendant from testifying constitutes structural error requiring automatic reversal, distinguishing between direct and collateral review.

Louisiana v. Christopher Cloudie - Supreme Court Opinion Reversed

The Supreme Court of Louisiana reversed a lower court's ruling that permitted an expert witness to provide a diagnosis of child sexual abuse at trial. The case, State of Louisiana v. Christopher Cloudie, involved charges of first-degree rape and aggravated crime against nature.

Esplanade Mall Realty Holdings, LLC v. Joseph P. Lopinto III - Tax Lien Case

The Louisiana Supreme Court reversed and remanded the case of Esplanade Mall Realty Holdings, LLC v. Joseph P. Lopinto III. The court held that ad valorem taxes, interest, and costs are statutory impositions under the law and remanded to the trial court to calculate the redemption price.

State of Louisiana v. Michael Steven White - Convictions Reversed

The Supreme Court of Louisiana reversed the convictions and vacated the sentences of Michael Steven White in docket number 2024-K-00761. The case was remanded for further proceedings. The decision addresses an issue concerning the completeness of verdict forms provided to juries.

Davidson v. Hardy - Paternity Case

The Supreme Court of Louisiana affirmed a lower court's ruling in Sarah Allen Davidson v. Terrance Hardy. The court found that Louisiana Civil Code article 198, as applied, unconstitutionally limits a biological father's interest in parenting his child and violates due process rights. The ruling impacts paternity establishment and custody rights.

Judge Sheva Sims Suspension - Louisiana Supreme Court

The Louisiana Supreme Court has imposed a nine-month suspension without pay on Judge Sheva Sims, reducing the Judiciary Commission's recommendation of a one-year suspension. The disciplinary action stems from multiple violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct and the Louisiana Constitution.

Succession of Laurie Maria Brocato - Louisiana Supreme Court Ruling

The Louisiana Supreme Court affirmed a lower court's decision regarding the validity of an olographic testament in the Succession of Laurie Maria Brocato. The court found a four-page document, written in a notebook and signed by the testator, met the form requirements for an olographic testament under La. C.C. art. 1575.

Supreme Court of Louisiana - Land Use Permit Review

The Supreme Court of Louisiana vacated and rendered a lower court's decision regarding the interpretation of a land use plan for St. James Parish. The ruling clarifies the scope of judicial review for local government land use decisions, emphasizing appropriate discretion for the Parish.

Ike Spears v. William W. Hall - Louisiana Supreme Court Ruling

The Supreme Court of Louisiana reversed a lower court judgment in Ike Spears v. William W. Hall. The court held that the Rules of Professional Conduct apply to attorneys who form joint ventures to provide legal services, regardless of the nomenclature used to describe their relationship.

Alonso v. New Orleans Aviation Board - Motion to Remand Granted

The Louisiana Court of Appeal granted a joint motion to remand in Alonso v. New Orleans Aviation Board. The court vacated the district court's judgment of involuntary dismissal and remanded the case for reconsideration, following a joint request from both parties.