DOJ Brings Lawsuit Against Louisiana

The DOJ’s lawsuit against Louisiana sheds light on alleged systemic failures within the state’s prison system.

At a Glance

The DOJ is suing Louisiana for detaining prisoners past their release dates.
A multiyear investigation found a systemic overdetention issue.
More than 25% of inmates have allegedly been held beyond their release dates since 2012.
The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief to resolve ongoing systemic issues.

DOJ Lawsuit Against Louisiana

The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the state of Louisiana, accusing it of detaining inmates beyond their legally mandated release dates. This legal action follows a comprehensive investigation indicating that systemic flaws in Louisiana’s prison system have contributed to these alleged overdetentions. A closer examination reveals that since 2012, over a quarter of inmates have reportedly faced delays in their release, highlighting longstanding issues in Louisiana’s criminal justice system.

The DOJ alleges that in 2022 alone, more than 25% of released inmates served additional time, averaging a 29-day overstay. Such detentions not only infringe on inmates’ constitutional rights but also place financial burdens on the state, reportedly costing Louisiana over $2.5 million annually. Reports indicate inadequate efforts by the state to address these issues, prompting the DOJ to seek injunctive relief.

The suit against the state of Louisiana follows a multiyear investigation into what federal officials say is a pattern of “systemic over-detention” that violates inmates’ rights and costs taxpayers millions of dollars a year.https://t.co/FFClJiexKC

— News4JAX (@wjxt4) December 22, 2024

Louisiana’s Response

Louisiana’s leaders, including Governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill, criticized the lawsuit as politically motivated, asserting it reflects broader disputes with the Biden administration. They argue that significant actions have been taken to uphold the state’s constitutional obligations, although recent audits dispute the adequacy of current processes. Efforts to enhance release protocols include the implementation of a statewide electronic document upload portal.

“This past year, we have taken significant action to keep Louisianans safe and ensure those who commit the crime, also do the time. The State of Louisiana is committed to preserving the constitutional rights of Louisiana citizens,” Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and state Attorney General Liz Murrill said.

Constitutional Concerns

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized the central issue as a constitutional one, asserting that every incarcerated individual’s right to timely release is a fundamental liberty. The DOJ is determined to uphold these rights and intends to demonstrate its case in court. This lawsuit highlights significant concerns over both individual rights and fiscal responsibilities, bringing Louisiana’s prison system into the national spotlight.

“Every person in the United States, whether incarcerated or otherwise, enjoys certain fundamental rights. Foremost among them is the right to individual liberty,” Clarke said.

As the DOJ and the state of Louisiana prepare for legal proceedings, this case may serve as a pivotal moment for addressing overdetention practices and restoring public trust in the legal system. Regardless of its outcome, the lawsuit lays the groundwork for necessary dialogue on reforming prison systems to prevent future constitutional rights violations.