In a significant development for victims of violent crimes in Louisiana, a new juvenile justice bill was signed into law, providing them with greater access to information and potentially paving the way for criminal justice reform. According to Fox 8, victims expressed satisfaction with the signing, seeing it as a step towards reclaiming control over their situations.
Elisabeth Hansard, a prominent advocate for the Truth and Transparency Criminal Justice System Program, hailed the legislation as a fulfillment of promises made to victims. Her son, Noah Hansard, was left paralyzed after being shot during an armed robbery in New Orleans in August 2022. Noah Hansard emphasized the importance of justice being served and expressed optimism about the direction Louisiana is taking with the new law.
The legislation mandates that minute entries for violent crime cases involving juveniles filed on or after January 1st, 2023, be made accessible through an online public portal. Minute entries encompass various details related to the case, including arrest information, custody, bail details, court proceedings, and decisions. However, certain records, such as medical, mental health, and school-related information, remain protected.
Elisabeth Hansard emphasized the significance of this accessibility, noting that victims often face challenges in obtaining information about the judicial process. For her, providing victims with readily available information is crucial for their healing process.
The law, which comes into effect on April 19, requires regular progress reports to be submitted to the legislature until all clerks of court are fully compliant. Moreover, it extends to adult offenders, requiring district clerks of court to provide electronic access to minute entries for cases filed on or after January 1, 2020.
Looking ahead, the Hansards see this legislation as just the beginning of addressing broader issues within the justice system, including education, truancy, and curfew bills. They hope that by addressing these issues, they can prevent more youths from entering the criminal justice system and ensure that those who do receive the support they need.
Overall, the new law represents a significant step towards transparency and accountability in Louisiana’s criminal justice system, providing victims with vital information and potentially paving the way for further reforms.