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# Court Watch NOLA

Transparency. Accountability. Transformative Justice.

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [CWN Statement on 701 Releases](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2022/02/05/cwn-statement-on-701-releases/) - February 5, 2022 In our 15 years in operation, we have compiled and reviewed thousands of pages of data on our city’s crime rates, arrest rates, and rates of incarceration. Objective analysis is the backbone of our organization. For our community to create the criminal legal system we need, it is imperative that we examine
- [Prison Phone Companies Are Recording Attorney-Client Calls Across the US](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2021/12/17/prison-phone-companies-are-recording-attorney-client-calls-across-the-us/) - Securus’ audits in New York, however, revealed more than 100 Brooklyn defense attorney phone numbers did not wind up on the do-not-record list despite requests for privacy. Defense attorneys in Maine, California, and Texas have raised similar objections, and some private defense attorneys have waited for over a year to end up on a jail’s
- [CWN Updates 2012 Report](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/02/04/cwn-updates-2012-report/) - CWN revised the subpoena start time for Section C listed on pages 21-22 of its 2012 Report from 8:30 to 9:00 A.M. The original report was based on information from the Clerk of Criminal Court's office, which CWN has recently been informed was incorrect. CWN also took this opportunity to clarify on page 12 of
- [Media Buzzing Over CWN's 2013 Report](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/04/15/media-buzzing-over-cwns-2013-report/) - The media is buzzing over the release of Court Watch NOLA’s 2013 Report! The Report – Court Watch NOLA’s most detailed yet – celebrated the organization’s 15,000th volunteer courtroom observation, as well as the significant improvements our volunteers observed in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court in 2013. Read the Executive Summary or the full 2013 Report.
- [Release of New 2014 Report & Data](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2015/10/26/court-watch-nola-releases-new-2014-report-and-data/) - Justice Delayed is Justice Denied. The longer a case takes, the more likely that key evidence and witnesses are lost. Court delays require police to spend more time in court and less time on patrol. For defendants awaiting trial, delays mean an unfair and expensive proposition with taxpayers paying for pretrial incarceration and indigent defendants
- [Check out our new 2015 Data & Statistics Report!](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2016/09/14/check-out-our-new-2015-data-statistics-report/) - Court Watch NOLA is proud to publish its newest report on data and statistics from 2015 provided by multiple criminal justice agencies, including Innocence Project of New Orleans, Louisiana Public Defender Board, Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice Coordination, New Orleans Police Department, Orleans Criminal Court Judicial Administrator, Orleans Parish District Attorney, Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, and
- [2 Notations to 2015 Data & Statistics Report](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2016/09/26/2-notations-to-2015-data-statistics-report/) - Court Watch NOLA has added 2 footnotes to its previously published 2015 Data & Statistics Report to include the following new information: The number of arrests made in New Orleans Police Department First District ("NOPD") includes arrests made at the Orleans Justice Center jail, the New Orleans Police Department Headquarters, and the Orleans Parish Criminal District
- [Court Watch NOLA's 2016 Criminal District Court Report](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2017/04/11/court-watch-nolas-2016-criminal-district-court-report/) - Read about victims of crime who were arrested and incarcerated, evidence presented in criminal trials, demographics of jurors, 1-party sidebar conversations with judges, and much more in our 2016 Criminal District Court Report.
- [Court Watch NOLA's "The State of Magistrate Court" Report](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2017/10/18/court-watch-nolas-the-state-of-magistrate-court-report/) - Please check out Court Watch NOLA's newly released "The State of Magistrate Court" report, in which CWN makes 7 recommendations and 1 commendation regarding the Orleans Magistrate Court.
- [Court Watch NOLA's 2017 Annual Report Now Available](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2018/05/22/court-watch-nolas-2017-annual-report-now-available/) - Click here to read "Orleans Criminal District Court, Magistrate Court, & Municipal Court: 2017 Review."
- [Our 2018 Annual Report is Now Available!](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2019/05/15/our-2018-annual-report-is-now-available/) - Click here to read all about our 2018 findings.
- [2020 Courts in Review Report](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2021/06/11/2020-courts-in-review-report/) - 2020 profoundly impacted our community, challenging each of us uniquely. For the first time in over a century, our country struggled to contain a deadly pandemic, and many of us lost loved ones. In a city known for coming together, we had to stay apart to keep each other safe. Within weeks of our city’s
- [BREAKING: Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Denies Immunity For Cannizzaro](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2020/04/21/breaking-fifth-circuit-court-of-appeals-denies-immunity-for-cannizzaro/) - BREAKING: The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals denied District Attorney Cannizzaro's request for immunity. Defendants argue that creating and issuing the fake subpoenas was protected prosecutorial conduct because it “relate[d] to the core prosecutorial function of preparing evidence and testimony for trial.” But the Supreme Court has squarely rejected this broad interpretation of absolute immunity.
- [5th Circuit Court of Appeals decision issued against fraudulent subpoenas](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2020/04/21/5th-circuit-court-of-appeals-decision-issued-against-fraudulent-subpoenas/) - The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision denying Cannizzaro's appeal for creating fraudulent subpoenas. Please read the appeals decision here. 4.21.20 Singleton v. Cannizzaro Fifth Circuit Opinion
- [Part Time Coordinator for New Orleans 2020 Criminal Justice Reform Platform](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2019/08/28/part-time-coordinator-for-new-orleans-2020-criminal-justice-reform-platform/) - Description The 2020 Criminal Justice Reform Platform (2020 CJRC) is looking for a Part-Time Coordinator to operate in the capacity of a grassroots organizer and support the work of a part-time moderator. The Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating a community engagement coalition for the purpose of issuing a 2020 Criminal Justice Reform Platform and
- [CWN statement about the Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2018/10/30/cwn-statement-about-the-pittsburgh-synogogue-shooting/) - "While the synagogue shooting occurred in Pittsburgh and not New Orleans, the truth is that it could happen in any of our communities. Just like the act of hatred that occurred in the African-American church in Charleston and the nightclub in Orlando, the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting was an act of hatred that should be punished
- [Stand up for victims' rights!](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2017/03/08/stand-up-for-victims-rights/) - Check out Executive Director Simone Levine and Advisory Board Member Patti Lapeyre's editorial piece in The Advocate.
- [Observing New Orleans Municipal Court](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2016/12/06/observing-new-orleans-municipal-court/) - Click to view Court Watch NOLA's Municipal Court data sheet.
- [It's #GivingTuesday](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2016/11/29/its-givingtuesday-2/) - We at Court Watch NOLA are immensely grateful for contributions to support our cause: ensuring direct accountability, transparency, and fairness in Orleans Criminal Courts. Please consider helping Court Watch NOLA this ‪holiday season by any of three ways: 1) BECOME a volunteer court watcher by signing up here; 2) DONATE by clicking the PayPal donation button on
- [Court Watch NOLA began monitoring Municipal Court Nov. 21st](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2016/11/23/court-watch-nola-began-monitoring-municipal-court-nov-21st/)
- [EDUCATE YOURSELF VOTERS! Watch the Youtube clip of our Judicial Forum.](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2016/10/15/educate-yourself-voters-watch-the-youtube-clip-of-our-judicial-forum/) - You missed our Judicial Forum on October 13th? No worries, watch the candidates for Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, Section D and the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, debate the issues on the video recording of our Judicial forum here .
- [Judicial Candidate Forum October 13, 2016 6:30 - 8:30 PM](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2016/10/04/judicial-candidate-forum-october-13-2016-630-830-pm/)
- [Court Watch NOLA Entering Magistrate Court](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2016/05/16/were-so-excited-to-enter-magistrate-court/) - Since 2007, Court Watch NOLA has monitored Orleans Parish Criminal District Court. As of this morning, May 16, 2016, Court Watch NOLA is officially adding the Orleans Parish Magistrate Court to its list of courts monitored. Check out our new Magistrate Court data sheet to learn the topics for which court watchers will be collecting data. Follow
- [People Are Talking About Our 2015 Annual Report](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2016/05/03/people-are-talking-about-our-2015-annual-report/) - Court Watch NOLA released its 2015 Annual Report this morning, and it's already causing a stir! Feel free to also check out our quick write-up, and sign our online petition to get criminal evidence out of the courthouse basement. Check out what Ken Daly and Jarvis DeBerry of Nola.com have to say about it. Also check out
- [Be Part of the Movement!](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2016/05/03/be-part-of-the-movement/) - Join Court Watch NOLA's online petition to remove criminal case evidence from the basement of the Orleans Criminal District Court!
- [GiveNOLA Day is finally here! May 3, 2016](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2016/04/20/givenola-day-may-3-2016/) - Hosted by the Greater New Orleans Foundation, GiveNOLA Day is the community’s one-day, online giving event to inspire people to give generously to the nonprofit organizations that are making our region stronger, creating a thriving community for all. And COURT WATCH NOLA is participating. Every dollar donated from midnight to midnight on May 3rd will
- [New Year, New Data!](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2016/01/01/new-year-new-data-2/) - Court Watch NOLA is ringing in the New Year with a 2016 data sheet which our trained court watchers will use to monitor the Orleans Criminal District Court. We welcome feedback or questions from any stakeholders of the Orleans Parish criminal justice system, including the general public, judges, district attorneys, defense attorneys, court personnel, sheriff deputies,
- [It's #GivingTuesday!](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2015/12/01/its-givingtuesday/) - We at Court Watch NOLA are immensely grateful for contributions to support our cause: ensuring direct accountability, transparency, and fairness in Orleans Criminal Courts. Please consider helping Court Watch NOLA this ‪holiday season by any of three ways: 1) BECOME a volunteer court watcher by signing up here; 2) DONATE by clicking the PayPal donation button on
- [WBOK Guest Appearances](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2015/11/06/wbok-guest-appearances/) - Court Watch NOLA had a wonderful time making two recent guest appearances on WBOK 1230 AM radio shows! On October 27, 2015, we appeared on the Grapevine Radio Show with host Grayland. Click here to listen in. We appear at about the 7:00 minute of the clip. On November 6, 2015, we had the additional pleasure of
- [Safer Inmate Transport Underway in Criminal District Court](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2015/10/23/safer-inmate-transport-underway-in-criminal-district-court/) - Court Watch NOLA is hopeful that the reopening of the docks will allow for safer transportation of prisoners into the Orleans Criminal District Court. Executive Director Simone Levine relayed a concern expressed by some court personnel and judges to Fox 8 News. For more information, click here.
- [Radio Interview with Executive Director Simone Levine](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2015/10/14/radio-interview-with-executive-director-simone-levine/) - Court Watch Nola's Executive Director Simone Levine speaks out about the importance of monitoring the criminal court system on WHIV LP 102.3 FM's JAC Radio Hour. Adrienne Wheeler of the Justice & Accountability Center of Louisiana and Simone Levine discuss CWN's history, initiatives for the near future, and how to become involved. "Court watchers are New
- [Court Watch NOLA Has Hired A New Program Coordinator](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2015/09/29/court-watch-nola-has-hired-a-new-program-coordinator/) - September has been a busy month for Court Watch NOLA. Among the many changes, attorney Veronica Lam was hired for the newly created position of Program Coordinator. Veronica has worked and volunteered in prosecutorial, defense, and nonprofit offices across the U.S. before joining the CWN family. As Program Coordinator, Veronica is responsible for the day-to-day operations of CWN and
- [You Can Support Us Through AmazonSmile](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2015/09/18/you-can-support-us-through-amazonsmile/) - Do you use Amazon.com to make online purchases? AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Court Watch NOLA! Simply sign into your account through https://smile.amazon.com/ch/33-1190644, and you can support us every time you make a purchase!
- [Court Watch NOLA hires a new Executive Director](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2015/08/19/court-watch-nola-hires-a-new-executive-director/) - Court Watch NOLA hired a new executive director in August 2015. Simone Levine is a lawyer who has served as both a prosecutor and a public defender before coming to Court Watch NOLA. She came to Court Watch NOLA right after serving as the Deputy Police Monitor of New Orleans in the Office of the
- [Support CWN on May 5 / GiveNOLA Day](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2015/04/30/support-cwn-on-may-5-givenola-day/) - Friends and Supporters, Over 100 Court Watch NOLA volunteers observed over 1000 mornings of court last year, showing our public servants and elected officials that New Orleanians from all walks of life want an accountable, efficient and respectful criminal justice system. Their observations led to two groundbreaking reports, which showed that while Criminal District Court
- [CWN Welcomes Sheriff Gusman to Spring Volunteer Meeting](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2015/04/06/cwn-welcomes-sheriff-gusman-to-spring-volunteer-meeting/) - Court Watch NOLA welcomed Sheriff Marlin Gusman to our community volunteer meeting today. Sheriff Gusman discussed the new jail facility, how to make the criminal courthouse even more secure, and the importance of re-entry programs that help soon-to-be-released incarcerated persons successfully transition to civilian life. Our thanks to Sheriff Gusman and his deputies for their
- [Nuremberg Courtroom 600: Where World War II Ended [Guest Post]](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2015/02/24/nuremberg-courtroom-600-where-world-war-ii-ended-guest-post/) - By Eugene B. Kordahl[1] Why Visit Courtroom 600? Why would a Court Watcher be interested in visiting the famous Nuremberg Palace of Justice's courtroom 600? Because it was here that, after World War II ended, Nazi war criminals were brought to justice in dramatic trials held by Allied military tribunals. 13 major trials of alleged
- [Is N.O. Still "Among the Worst" for Brady Violations?](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2015/02/20/is-n-o-still-among-the-worst-for-brady-violations/) - The New York Times recently cited New Orleans (under a previous D.A.) as "among the worst" when it comes to prosecutors refusing to share case evidence with defendants. And the news that the trial of Trung Le, who is accused of the 2014 Bourbon Street shooting, will be delayed because the state won't share its
- [CWN Celebrates Its Community Volunteers](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2015/01/22/cwn-celebrates-its-community-volunteers/) - Court Watch NOLA celebrated our amazing community volunteers last night with a skyline view, a four-foot poboy, and a party! Our community volunteers observed 435 days of court in 2014, more than a 10% increase over 2013. So thank you to our volunteers for their hard work, and to our Board of Directors for throwing
- [CWN Welcomes Judge Williams to Criminal District Court](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2015/01/05/cwn-welcomes-judge-williams-to-criminal-district-court/) - Congratulations to Judge Byron Williams, Criminal District Court Section G, who took the bench for the first time this morning. As the newest CDC Judge, he'll be presiding over one of the attic courtrooms (with Sections A, F, and L also playing a game of musical chairs). Judge Williams was apparently eager to get started,
- [2014 Awards Reception Photo Gallery](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2015/01/01/2014-awards-reception-photo-gallery/) - Thanks to everybody who joined Court Watch NOLA at our first major fundraising event last fall, at which we honored H. Merritt Lane, III and Matt Wisdom with the inaugural Lynne and Jerome Goldman Criminal Justice Reform Awards. Former U.S. Attorney Jim Letten and District Attorney Cannizzaro spoke at the event, which raised funds to
- [A Remarkable Year](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/12/17/a-remarkable-year/) - Friends and Supporters, None of us want to return to the time when local government was ignored, unaccountable, and often ineffective. Fortunately, since 2007 Court Watch NOLA’s vigilance has made New Orleans’ criminal courts more timely, professional, and efficient. The courtroom presence of CWN’s dedicated volunteers forces judges to start court on time, encourages professionalism,
- [Judicial Runoffs on Saturday, Dec. 6!](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/12/04/judicial-election-runoffs-on-saturday-dec-6/) - Saturday is election day, so don't forget to vote! In addition to the U.S. Senate and Public Service Commission races, Orleans Parish will vote on two judicial races. So now's the time to do your research: Janet Ahern and Monique Barial are facing off for a family court judgeship, while Freddie Charbonnet and Desiree Cook-Calvin
- [Criminal Justice Budgeting Season: Something's Gotta Give](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/11/13/criminal-justice-budgeting-season-somethings-gotta-give/) - It's everybody's favorite time of year - when criminal justice leaders hope that the Mayor and City Council will leave a blank check in each of their stockings. Now that the city budget has stabilized after years of deficits, virtually every single criminal justice agency is begging for more money than the Mayor is proposing.
- [CWN Welcomes D.A.'s Office Supervisor Mark Burton and Community Volunteers to Fall Meeting](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/11/11/cwn-welcomes-d-a-s-office-supervisor-mark-burton-and-community-volunteers-to-fall-meeting/)
- [Criminal District Court Election Results](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/11/06/criminal-district-court-election-results/) - Congratulations to Judge Marullo on his re-election, and to Judge-Elect Williams on his win in the November 4 election. While the courts cleared the way for Judge Marullo to run for re-election despite the constitution's mandatory judicial retirement age, whether he can actually take office is an open question. Judge-Elect Williams, meanwhile, will take over the Section
- [Make An Educated Choice on Election Day](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/10/23/get-informed-before-you-vote/) - Every election, tens of thousands of registered New Orleanians fail to vote in judicial elections. Some are focused on the top of the ticket, and some don’t feel educated enough about judicial candidates. Fortunately, Court Watch NOLA is here to provide you with the resources you need to make an educated decision. So check these
- [Get Informed on 10/22 at the Judicial Candidates Forum!](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/10/17/get-informed-on-1022-at-the-judicial-candidates-forum/) - Get informed before you vote! Court Watch NOLA and other community organizations are presenting a judicial candidates forum on Wednesday, October 22 from 6:30 - 8:00 pm at Touro Synagogue. Lee Zurik will be moderating the forum and WYES will be webcasting it. Virtually all of the juvenile and criminal court candidates will be attending
- [What Makes a Good Judge?](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/10/13/what-makes-a-good-judge/) - This is the question that voters, attorneys, judges, and legal scholars have been asking for years. And it is an especially important question to ask before voting in a judicial election. While the study of judicial effectiveness is as much an art as a science, Court Watch NOLA has a suggested answer to that question
- [CWN Releases New Report](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/10/07/cwn-releases-new-report/) - Thanks to your support, Court Watch NOLA is shaking things up! This morning we released our newest report, titled Fair, Functional & Friendly: Citizen Suggestions for Making Orleans Parish Criminal District Court More User-Friendly and Procedurally Fair for Witnesses, Families, and the General Public. This Report expands beyond our usual investigation into efficiency and transparency.
- [Learn More About Criminal Court Candidates](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/10/03/1032/) - Learn more about the candidates for Criminal District Court judgeships by checking out WYES' recent candidate interviews. The interview topics include timeliness, efficiency, accountability, and transparency, all subjects near and dear to Court Watch NOLA's heart. You can also learn more about incumbent Judges by checking out CWN's new "Elected Officials" pages (via the menu
- [Court News: Ain't Misbehavin'?](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/09/25/court-news-aint-misbehavin/) - Court Watch NOLA's court news roundup includes lots of alleged misbehavior this week. Congratulations to District Attorney Cannizzaro, who was re-elected after the Supreme Court ruled that his challenger was ineligible to run because he failed to show that he timely filed his recent tax returns. And the race for Section D got crazier when WDSU
- [Probable Cause and the Courts](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/09/19/1024/) - Did the NOPD have probable cause to arrest the alleged shooter of officer Jonathan Smith for another, earlier shooting? This nola.com article is a great primer on what "probable cause" really means, what the police need to show to meet the "PC" standard, and how Judges can hold the police accountable for meeting this standard.
- [CWN's Data Now More User-Friendly](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/08/26/cwns-data-now-more-user-friendly/) - Court Watch NOLA is always trying to make it easier for the public to learn more about our elected officials. Over the past seven years, CWN has collected data and published reports to hold our public servants in the criminal justice system accountable, but we recognize that these lengthy reports are not as user-friendly as
- [The Stage is Set for Criminal Court Elections](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/08/25/the-stage-is-set-for-criminal-court-elections/) - Now that qualifying is over, the stage is set for the fall's election season at Criminal District Court. First, a big congratulations to Chief Judge Willard and Judges Flemings-Davillier, Landrum-Johnson, Pittman, Buras, Herman, Derbigny, Hunter and Zibilich, who have been re-elected without qualified opposition to additional six year terms. Judge Parker chose not to run for
- [CWN Welcomes NOPD Lt. Taylor and Community Volunteers to Summer Meeting](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/08/04/cwn-welcomes-nopd-lt-taylor-and-community-volunteers-to-summer-meeting/)
- [Music to Our Ears - Weekly Court News Round-Up](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/07/31/music-to-our-ears-weekly-court-news-round-up/) - Court Watch NOLA is incredibly gratified for the shout-out from former Tulane President Scott Cowen in last weekend's Wall Street Journal! President Cowen's understanding that Tulane could not thrive unless all of New Orleans was rebuilt and revitalized, and his dedication to that mission, has been inspiring, and makes this mention even more special. In
- [The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Court News This Week](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/07/25/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-of-court-news-this-week/) - We've got some good, some bad, and some ugly in court news this week. The good: Jarvis DeBerry wrote a nice piece on the opportunities that responsible, non-violent offenders are getting through the Re-entry Court run by Judges Hunter and White. And even better: Court Watch NOLA noted a sea change in public perception at
- [Half-Time Stats and the Fourth of July](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/07/16/half-time-stats-and-the-fourth-of-july/) - The Fourth of July is not only a celebration of American history and our shared values, but also marks 2014’s halfway point. And this most recent Independence Day was a great reminder that there is nothing more American than regular citizens working to hold the government accountable. Our Declaration of Independence states that governments “deriv[e]
- [In the News: NOPD, Courthouse Security, Jury Bribery, and Right-Sizing the Courts](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/06/13/in-the-news-nopd-courthouse-security-jury-bribery-and-right-sizing-the-courts/) - Court Watch NOLA has been tracking a lot criminal justice stories in New Orleans this week, including a 30% drop in the murder rate for the first three months of 2014, though the NOPD acknowledged that other violent crimes were up. In bad news for the NOPD, however, a detective was caught writing words in the
- [NOPD in the News This Week](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/05/29/nopd-in-the-news-this-week/) - The New Orleans Police Department has dominated local criminal justice news these past few days. The Inspector General recently asked why the NOPD has so many of its officers in offices and so few on patrol, and also accused the NOPD of misclassifying rape incidents. NPR, on the other hand, published a story about how the NOPD's new body
- [NPR Fines & Fees Series Exposes Criminal Justice Funding Problems in N.O.](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/05/23/npr-fines-fees-series-exposes-criminal-justice-funding-problems-in-n-o/) - Throughout this week, National Public Radio has broadcast stories about how America's 21st century criminal justice system sometimes resembles an 18th century debtor's prison. As Court Watch NOLA volunteers know, defendants pleading guilty in New Orleans are frequently assessed hundreds if not thousands of dollars in fines and fees that they may not ever be
- [Criminal Justice Leaders Praise CWN, 2013 Report](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/05/15/criminal-justice-leaders-praise-cwn-2013-report/) - In April, after fifteen months of hard work by our volunteers, staff, and Board members, Court Watch NOLA published its 2013 Report (Executive Summary)– and we couldn’t be happier with the positive response. Not only did the Report earn unprecedented media coverage, but CWN was gratified that numerous criminal justice leaders praised its findings and heralded
- [Utah Took the Jazz, So Let's Take Their Court Reforms](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/05/08/utah-took-the-jazz-so-lets-take-their-court-reforms/) - Reforming Louisiana courts may seem a daunting task, but if other states can do it, then we can, too. That's why Utah’s 2014 "State of the Judiciary" speech was so important – it highlighted how courts can become more effective by focusing on efficiency, transparency, accountability, and procedural fairness. Efficiency In our 2013 Report, CWN
- [Sentencing for Weed Possession in the News this Week](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/04/24/sentencing-for-weed-possession-in-the-news-this-week/) - There's been a lot of discussion about how severely possession of marijuana should be punished in the courts and the media this week. The Louisiana Supreme Court is considering a case out of Orleans Parish Criminal District Court in which a man was sentenced to 13 years in prison without possibility of parole for possession of
- [CWN Releases 2013 Report, Makes 15,000th Volunteer Observation](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/04/09/cwn-releases-2013-report-makes-15000th-volunteer-observation-2/) - Court Watch NOLA is proud to release its 2013 Report today. This Report is Court Watch NOLA's most detailed yet, exploring the state of New Orleans' Criminal District Court, showcasing the observations of the more than 100 volunteers from all walks of life who watched court for us last year, and making best practices-based recommendations for how to make the criminal
- [CWN Expands Mission, Adds Focus on Procedural Fairness](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/03/17/cwn-expands-mission-adds-focus-on-procedural-fairness/) - Court Watch NOLA is proud to announce its new and expanded mission statement: Court Watch NOLA is dedicated to promoting greater efficiency, transparency, and procedural fairness in Louisiana criminal courts through citizen involvement and courtroom observation. CWN’s new focus on procedural fairness – in addition to efficiency and transparency, our traditional areas of concern –
- [Should Children and Teenagers Be Tried as Adults?](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/03/10/should-children-and-teenagers-be-tried-as-adults/) - From the New York Center for Juvenile Justice: "A 16-year old can't vote, serve on a jury, drink, attend an R-rated movie, or get a flu shot without parental consent. But she can be tried as an adult and sent to adult prison." Also check out the very moving video. The situation is even more
- [Tens of Millions at Stake in Judgeships Study](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/02/17/tens-of-millions-at-stake-in-judgeships-study/) - If, as the rumor mill and the Bureau of Governmental Research suggest, the committee examining the number of judgeships in Louisiana is going to hire the National Center for State Courts to do a long, thorough study of the issue, then the question is: why didn't it hire the NCSC to do this years ago?
- [N.O. Comedy Arts Festival to Benefit Court Watch NOLA](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/02/10/n-o-comedy-arts-festival-to-benefit-court-watch-nola/) - This week's New Orleans Comedy Arts Festival will not only be awesome, but will also be benefiting Court Watch NOLA! Comedians from shows like Community, Conan, and Jimmy Kimmel Live will be performing at the La Nuit Comedy Theater and NOLA Brewing Co. Buy a ticket, bring friends, laugh until it hurts, and help Court
- [Chief Judges: Courts Should Embrace Procedural Justice](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/01/17/chief-judges-courts-should-embrace-procedural-justice/) - The national conferences of Chief Judges and Court Administrators recently passed a resolution encouraging all state courts to embrace "procedural justice" (a.k.a. procedural fairness). The resolution states that "extensive research demonstrates that in addition to providing legal due process, it is important also to meet the public's expectations regarding the process in order to increase
- [Does Drop in Trial Numbers Portend a More Efficient Court in 2013?](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2014/01/09/does-drop-in-trial-numbers-portend-a-more-efficient-court-in-2013/) - ICYMI, the Advocate is reporting that in 2013 Tulane & Broad saw the lowest number of jury trials held in years. Just two years ago, by contrast, CWN reported that a huge rise in the number of jury trials was bogging down the court, so hopefully this drop in trials portends a more efficient court
- [National Center for State Courts: Focus on Procedural Justice Reduces Recidivism](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2013/12/29/national-center-for-state-courts-focus-on-procedural-justice-reduces-recidivism/) - More proof that a focus on procedural justice in criminal courts reduces recidivism! Procedural justice (a.k.a. procedural fairness) - if defendants feel like the court process was fair (even if they lose), and feel respected, they are more likely to respect and obey the court - is one of the three principles behind the founding of
- [Improving Misdemeanor Courts in 5 Easy Steps!](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2013/12/26/improving-misdemeanor-courts-in-5-easy-steps/) - The Center for Court Innovation's recent article on improving misdemeanor court practices is a good starting point for reforming New Orleans' own Municipal Court. Step one: EXPAND pretrial services - whereas some Judges and bail bondsmen have suggested abolishing New Orleans Pretrial Services. Other key steps: using more community service punishments rather than expensive and
- [Forward New Orleans Coalition Announces Platform for Progress](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2013/12/17/forward-new-orleans-coalition-announces-platform-for-progress/) - Court Watch NOLA is a proud member of Forward New Orleans, a coalition of civic and business groups dedicated to making our city government better, and that recently published a platform for continued reform efforts. Please read more about FNO and encourage all candidates for municipal office in the upcoming election to pledge to follow this platform
- [Court Approval Rating at 34%](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2013/11/18/court-approval-rating-at-34/) - Only about one-third of New Orleans residents approve of the Judges at Criminal District Court, according to a new report: "The city’s criminal courts are only slightly more popular. A steady 34 percent of survey respondents said they approved of the courts, with no gap at all between black and white residents. Chervenak argued the courts
- [CWN Investigates Top Donors to Judicial Campaigns](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2013/11/14/cwn-investigates-top-donors-to-judicial-campaigns/) - Inspired by recent media reports on campaign finance in Louisiana, Court Watch NOLA just finished publishing a series of Facebook posts researching the top donors to the campaigns of each Criminal District Court Judge... and the results were revealing. By cross-referencing top campaign donors with data gathered by Court Watch NOLA, we found that the
- [CWN Announces Support for Pretrial Services](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2013/11/07/cwn-announces-support-for-pretrial-services/) - Court Watch NOLA, along with dozens of other nonprofit and community groups, recently announced its support for the continuation of the New Orleans Pretrial Services program. This program uses national best practices in an effort to make sure that defendants who pose a risk to public safety are detained awaiting trial and that defendants who
- [Tulane Recognizes CWN](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2013/10/24/tulane-recognizes-cwn/) - A Tulane leadership seminar is using Court Watch NOLA as a case study for how organizations can make change in our community. Thanks to our directors and volunteers for making that change over the past few years, and thanks to Tulane for the recognition!
- [NIC Preliminary Findings Mirror CWN Report, Praise Pretrial Services](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2013/10/18/nic-preliminary-findings-match-cwn-report-praise-pretrial-services/) - The National Institute of Corrections' very interesting preliminary findings on our criminal court and pretrial services program were presented to the City Council today. The NIC notes that court decisions are being made in chambers instead of in public view in the courtrooms, and there is "little transparency" in the court process. The NIC went
- [CWN Fall Volunteer Meeting](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2013/09/12/cwn-fall-volunteer-meeting/) - Some of Court Watch NOLA's volunteers recently met with prominent criminal defense attorney Jason Williams to learn more about the courts, talk about their work, and share ideas. Thanks to Jason for joining us!
- [New Report Again Raises the Issue of "Right-Sizing" the Courts](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2013/09/03/new-report-again-raises-the-issue-of-right-sizing-the-courts/) - In our 2012 Report, Court Watch NOLA highlighted that Criminal District Court may have too many judges, and urged a "community conversation" about right-sizing the court system. Now a new report from the Bureau of Governmental Research has ignited that conversation, and put a price tag on the possible excess: the public pays for 13
- [CWN Presents History of Court Watching in St. Tammany](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2013/08/28/cwn-presents-history-of-court-watching-in-st-tammany/) - Court Watch NOLA presented to the St. Tammany League of Women Voters and other north shore citizen groups on August 27, explaining the mission, history and work not only of Court Watch NOLA, but of court monitoring groups across the country. Good luck to our friends on the north shore as they explore forming their
- [CWN Supports the NOPD Consent Decree](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2012/09/01/cwn-supports-the-nopd-consent-decree/) - Court Watch NOLA recently announced its support for portions of the proposed consent decree in U.S. v. City of New Orleans, which could lead to valuable reforms within the New Orleans Police Department.
- [CWN Joins Forces with Delgado](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2012/09/01/cwn-joins-forces-with-delgado/) - We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Delgado Community College’s Criminal Justice Program. Delgado students will now have the option of joining Court Watch NOLA’s other volunteers in observing New Orleans’ criminal courts and working to reform our criminal justice system.
- [Welcome to Court Watch NOLA](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/2012/08/27/hello-world-2/) - Court Watch NOLA is a non-profit organization established in 2007 in an effort to promote efficiency, transparency, and accountability in New Orleans’ criminal justice system. Court Watch NOLA’s many volunteers track hundreds of felony cases, and their daily presence in the courtroom helps identify systemic problems while also sending the message that New Orleanians care about

## Pages

- [Homepage](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/) - At Court Watch NOLA, we’re reforming the criminal court system through civic observation and reporting Get Involved Donate Holding New Orleans’ criminal court system accountable Since 2007, Court Watch NOLA has recruited, trained, and supported volunteers in observing and reporting on whether Orleans Parish Criminal Court judges, prosecutors, public defenders are doing their jobs transparently,
- [Our Team & Board](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/vlam/) - OUR TEAM CWN has a dedicated, passionate team of experienced community leaders. Executive Director Jesse Manley Jesse is a community organizer, political operative, and victim’s rights advocate with a long history of recruiting, training, and mobilizing volunteers. Jesse combines experience from the corporate world, the non-profit sector, and electoral campaigns to empower volunteers with the skills
- [Reports](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/reports/) - REPORTS Every year, Court Watch NOLA consolidates data and information from the courts into a comprehensive report. Most Recent Report View Report Past Reports 2025 View Annual Report 2024 View Annual Report Executive Summary 2021 View Annual Report 2020 View Annual Report 2019 View Annual Report 2018 View Annual Report Executive Summary 2017 View Annual
- [About Us](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/about-us/) - ABOUT US We are a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting transparency, equity and justice through tracking, observing and reporting thousands of criminal court cases a year. Our History Court Watch NOLA was founded in 2007 by the Business Council of New Orleans and the River Region, Common Good, and Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans
- [Homepage #2](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/homepage-2-2/) - Average Bond Top Charges LAST 30 DAYS Average Bond Top Charges LAST 365 DAYS Average Bond Top Charges Data refers to Orleans Parish Magistrate Court In partnership with Tulane University Center for Community-Engaged Artificial Intelligence At Court Watch NOLA, we’re reforming the criminal court system through civic observation and reporting Get Involved Donate Holding New
- [Old Homepage](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/homepage/) - At Court Watch NOLA, we’re reforming the criminal court system through civic observation and reporting Get Involved Donate Holding New Orleans’ criminal court system accountable Since 2007, Court Watch NOLA has recruited, trained, and supported volunteers in observing and reporting on whether Orleans Parish Criminal Court judges, prosecutors, public defenders are doing their jobs transparently,
- [Tulane](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/tulane/) - Tulane Undergrad Court Watching Resources Important Steps Fill out availability survey Due Friday at NOON! Submit new form with permanent changes Email with 1-week changes Watch this video about the schedule and assignment process. Check your email for your assignment Schedule goes out Friday evening for following week. This is your assigned day and tentative
- [Students](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/students/) - VOLUNTEER Student Court Watchers and School Partnerships Court Watch NOLA specializes in college, university, and law school partnerships. Court Watch NOLA staff members are active university faculty at multiple Louisiana universities and have 17+ years of university teaching experience. Court Watch NOLA staff can design partnerships programs that range from single-session trainings, practicums, externships, internships,
- [Careers](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/careers/) - Please continue to check back in for future career opportunities! Share Share Tweet Share Love0 APPLY NOW
- [Contact](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/contact/) - CONTACT US We are a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting transparency, equity and justice through tracking, observing and reporting thousands of criminal court cases a year. Send Us A Note If you’d like to get in touch with Court Watch NOLA, please fill out the form and someone from our team will respond to you
- [Donate Cryptocurrency](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/crypto/) - DONATE CRYPTOCURRENCY Court Watch NOLA fights for transparency, accountability, and transformative justice in the New Orleans criminal courts and beyond. Why donate Cryptocurrency to Court Watch NOLA? Your generous support will ensure more community court watchers are actively monitoring our courts. Court Watch NOLA educates and trains hundreds of local volunteers each year to monitor prosecutors,
- [Volunteer](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/volunteer/) - VOLUNTEER Become a Court Watcher If you are interested in becoming a Court Watch volunteer or learning more about the organization, please fill in your information below and we will be in touch! Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Name * First Last Email * Phone Number * Comment or Message
- [News](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/news/) - NEWS Follow the work CWN is doing to fight for transparency, accountability, and justice in New Orleans and beyond. Uncategorized CWN Statement on 701 Releases February 5, 2022 In our 15 years in operation, we have compiled and reviewed thousands of pages of data on… Madeline HicksFebruary 5, 2022 Uncategorized Prison Phone Companies Are Recording
- [Current Court Watchers](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/current-court-watchers/) - PORTAL Listen. Watch. Report. Help us fight for transparency, accountability, and transformative justice in New Orleans. View & search for OPD’s current staff attorneys Criminal District Court Criminal District Court data sheet (2022 version) Enter your 2022 Criminal District Court observations Magistrate Court Magistrate Court data sheet (2022 version) Enter your 2022 Magistrate Court observations
- [In-Court Training](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/in-court-training/) - If this page does not redirect, please click here to go to the Court Watch NOLA In-Court Training schedule form.
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/faq/) - Frequently Asked Questions General Questions I’ve never been in a courtroom before, can I still become a court watcher? I’m afraid my prior experience with the justice system might make me ineligible to court watch, is this the case? Does Court Watch NOLA offer internships? Court Watching How do I get scheduled for a courtroom
- [Schedule](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/schedule/) - If the page does not redirect, please go to https://forms.gle/6KV8GpSL8Mw66vJS8
- [Service Entry Descriptions](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/tls/) - Service Entry Descriptions Please use these descriptions when you enter your hours in the Tulane system. These descriptions are designed to ensure that the service hours you perform for Court Watch NOLA are credited by the Bar. 

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/category/uncategorized/)
- [Advocacy](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/category/advocacy/)
- [Campaign Finance](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/category/campaign-finance/)
- [Community Outreach](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/category/community-outreach/)
- [Delgado](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/category/delgado/)
- [Efficiency](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/category/efficiency/)
- [Media](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/category/media/)
- [misdemeanor](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/category/misdemeanor/)
- [Municipal Court](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/category/municipal-court/)
- [NOPD](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/category/nopd/)
- [Procedural Justice](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/category/procedural-justice/)
- [Recognition](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/category/recognition/)
- [Staff](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/category/staff/)
- [Tulane](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/category/tulane/)
- [Volunteers](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/category/volunteers/)
- [Report](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/category/report/)

## Tags

- [Fundraising](https://www.courtwatchnola.org/tag/fundraising/)