A lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) accuses Louisiana's prison system of routinely holding inmates for extended periods, sometimes weeks or months, beyond their scheduled release dates. This practice, the DOJ asserts, has been ongoing since at least 2012, affecting over 25% of inmates slated for release. The lawsuit follows a multi-year investigation into what the DOJ terms "systemic overdetention," a violation of inmates' rights that also carries significant financial costs for taxpayers.
The DOJ had previously issued a warning to Louisiana officials last year, indicating potential legal action if the issue wasn't addressed. However, the department contends that the state's efforts to rectify the situation have been insufficient and demonstrate a disregard for inmates' constitutional rights. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized that the right to liberty includes timely release from incarceration, and that unduly extending confinement undermines both individual freedom and public trust in the legal system.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill, both Republicans, have responded by attributing the overdetention problem to what they characterize as "failed criminal justice reforms" implemented by the previous administration. They maintain their commitment to upholding the constitutional rights of Louisiana citizens. Furthermore, they suggest the lawsuit is politically motivated, timed to coincide with the end of President Biden's term, implying that the incoming administration would not have pursued the case.
This lawsuit comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Louisiana's prison system, including Angola, the nation's largest maximum-security prison, with its history as a former slave plantation. Advocates have consistently raised concerns about the conditions within the Louisiana prison system.
