Louisiana voters could give DAs more power over defendants who want to waive jury trials

By: Wesley Muller

Outlets: Louisiana Illuminator

Published: May 12, 2026

Words: 403

Last Updated: 2 months, 1 week ago

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Louisiana lawmakers are on track to let voters decide whether prosecutors should have more control over when a criminal defendant can waive their right to a jury trial.

Senate Bill 97, sponsored by Sen. Jay Morris, R-West Monroe, would amend the Louisiana Constitution to require a prosecutor’s consent for a defendant to have a judge decide their guilt or innocence in a felony case that doesn’t involve the death penalty. The bill cleared the …

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