The Louisiana Supreme Court has temporarily suspended proceedings in the criminal case against State Attorney General Liz Murrill. This decision, announced on Friday, follows Murrill’s indictment on charges of threatening officials’ employment in New Orleans.
The halt was prompted by procedural errors identified by the state’s highest court, including reports of a journalist being restrained and prevented from covering the grand jury proceedings.
This pause in the case provides Murrill, a Republican, with an opportunity to seek case dismissal. Her statement on Friday highlighted concerns over the case being politically motivated, describing it as a “political witch hunt.”
Indictment Under Scrutiny
The indictment, consisting of 16 charges, was brought against Murrill, who is noted as the first female attorney general in the state. The charges include intimidation and malfeasance, but the Supreme Court has pointed out significant issues with the indictment.
Justice Jay McCallum, a Republican, highlighted in a court filing that the indictment “appears to turn the law on its head,” citing procedural irregularities. Furthermore, the court identified potential conflicts of interest involving special prosecutor Laurie White, who is being defended by the attorney general’s office in a separate sexual harassment case.
The court also noted that the intimidation charge requires threats to be unlawful or involve harm, which was not clearly substantiated in this case.
The Supreme Court believes that Murrill has a strong chance of having the charges dismissed and expressed concern about the potential harm if the case proceeds.
The stay was supported by four Republican justices and one Democrat, while another Democrat and an independent dissented. Justice John Guidry, a Democrat, criticized the rapid resolution, advocating for due process and equal protection without preferential treatment.
Political Tensions and Legal Challenges
The case emerges from a contentious political environment in Louisiana. The state recently eliminated the position of the New Orleans criminal court clerk, consolidating it with another clerk position. This move followed the election of Calvin Duncan, whose previous murder conviction was overturned, to the now-abolished role.
Despite Duncan’s listing on the National Registry of Exonerations, Murrill and other Republican officials have not recognized his exoneration. The court raised concerns about a conflict of interest, noting that White had previously represented Duncan.
Murrill’s correspondence with New Orleans city council and Mayor Helena Moreno warned of potential consequences for supporting an unauthorized officeholder, following a council decision to hold a special election that could have reinstated Duncan in a different capacity.
Murrill defended her actions as part of her official duties. After her indictment, Governor Jeff Landry, a Republican, declared his intention to pardon her and called for an investigation into the grand jury procedures. He described the indictment as “a political witch hunt” and thanked the Supreme Court for intervening.
