Proposed constitutional change would require prosecutor’s approval to waive jury trials

Sen. Jay Morris has authored an amendment to the Louisiana Constitution that would apply to all felony cases that don’t involve the death penalty as a possible punishment.

By: Greg LaRose

Outlets: Louisiana Illuminator

Published: March 17, 2026

Words: 441

Last Updated: 3 days, 16 hours ago

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If certain criminal defendants want to waive their right to a trial by jury, they will need a prosecutor’s approval under a proposal that took its first step toward the ballot Tuesday.

Opponents of the change say it would put too much power in the hands of district attorneys.

Sen. Jay Morris, R-West Monroe, has authored an amendment to the Louisiana Constitution, Senate Bill 97, that would apply to all felony cases that don’t …

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