Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams Proposes Legislation to End One-Sided Jury Waivers and Announces Justice Information Committee

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams, joined by veteran attorney Morris Bart, members of the OPDA leadership team, and newly appointed Chief of Trials Joseph Tucker, announced major initiatives designed to strengthen public trust in the criminal legal system and protect fairness in Louisiana courts.

At a press conference, DA Williams unveiled proposed legislation to close a loophole in Louisiana law that allows criminal defendants to unilaterally waive their right to a jury trial without the consent of prosecutors or victims. Louisiana is currently one of the few jurisdictions in the country with this provision, leaving prosecutors and victims with no voice in whether serious cases are heard by a jury of peers or a single judge.

“This legislation is about aligning Louisiana with national best practices, strengthening the integrity of our courts, and ensuring consistency in how justice is administered,” said DA Williams. “Juries exist for a reason. Twelve or six voices are inherently fairer and more balanced than just one. Allowing prosecutors to object to a jury waiver prevents manipulation of the process, protects victims, and ensures confidence in verdicts.”

Key elements of the proposed legislation include:

• Written Consent Requirement – A defendant could not waive their right to a jury trial without the written consent of the District Attorney’s Office.
• Alignment with Federal Law – Mirrors the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, which require defendant waiver, government consent, and court approval for a bench trial.
• Consistency with Other States – Brings Louisiana in line with the vast majority of states, including all neighboring states, which already require prosecutorial consent.
• Protection for Victims and Public Confidence – Prevents defendants from engaging in judge-shopping and ensures community participation in justice.

State Senator Jimmy Harris has agreed to sponsor the measure in the upcoming session. “We fully expect this legislation to gain broad bipartisan support and to pass without issue,” said DA Williams. “It is a common-sense reform that strengthens fairness, transparency, and public safety.”

Justice Information Committee Announced

In addition to the legislative proposal, DA Williams also announced the creation of a Justice Information Committee to increase transparency, collect and share criminal justice data, and provide the public with clearer insight into how the justice system operates.

“The purpose of this committee is simple: to empower citizens with facts, to identify loopholes and challenges that need innovative solutions, and to ensure the public can hold all parts of our justice system accountable,” said DA Williams.

Morris Bart, who has long been an advocate for safer neighborhoods and previously supported the DA’s office during the pandemic backlog, is once again lending his time and expertise to this public safety initiative.

“Mr. Bart stepped up during one of the most difficult times in our city to help us tackle a backlog that threatened public safety,” DA Williams said. “His continued commitment to fairness and accountability in New Orleans is an example of true civic leadership.”

Strengthening the Trials Division

During the press conference, DA Williams also announced Joseph Tucker as the new Chief of the Trials Division. “Chief Tucker brings seasoned leadership and a commitment to justice at the highest level,” Williams said. “His work, alongside our outstanding trial attorneys, ensures that we continue delivering justice for the people of New Orleans.”

Since 2021, the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office has pursued justice both in the courtroom and in the legislature, to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability. Through active engagement at the State Capitol and in the courts, OPDA has consistently fought to strengthen protections for victims, promote public safety, and ensure confidence in New Orleans’ justice system.