Lawmakers spar over rights of defendants to waive jury trials

By: Wesley Muller

Outlets: Louisiana Illuminator

Published: April 23, 2026

Words: 741

Last Updated: 3 months, 1 week ago

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Fierce debate this week in the Louisiana Legislature over a criminal defendant’s right to waive their right to a jury trial led to accusations of “tyranny” with some lawmaker-lawyers questioning the constitutionality of a proposal that has the backing of the attorney general.

The debate stemmed from House Bill 310, sponsored by Rep. Josh Carlson, R-Lafayette, that would reassign criminal cases to a different judge when a defendant declines a jury trial unless the …

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