On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Nola.com reported that a controversy over judicial discipline in Louisiana has intensified following the resignation of a former state Supreme Court justice from the Judiciary Commission. The resignation occurred amidst accusations that the commission has failed to adequately hold judges accountable for misconduct.

The former justice, Chet Traylor, voiced his concerns in a letter to Governor Jeff Landry, stating his belief that he served no purpose on the commission. Traylor highlighted a lack of transparency in judicial discipline and alleged that complaints against judges often go unaddressed. He emphasized the need for judges to be accountable, as their actions significantly influence public perception of the government.

Traylor’s departure has fueled a broader movement advocating for stronger oversight of the judiciary, supported by lawmakers, Governor Landry, and some judges. This push for accountability has even impacted the race for a Supreme Court seat. 22nd JDC Judge Billy Burris, a candidate for the seat, has publicly echoed Traylor’s concerns, promising to bring transparency to the judicial process. Burris is running against First Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Blair Downing Edwards for the seat vacated by Justice Will Crain.

Governor Landry had previously urged the Louisiana Legislature to enact legislation aimed at reinforcing judicial accountability. One of the more contentious proposals comes from State Senator Jay Morris, who is proposing a constitutional amendment, Senate Bill 123, that would empower the governor to remove judges and district attorneys from office, pending a trial and a two-thirds vote from the state Senate. Landry has expressed support for the measure. In 2024, Morris successfully sponsored a constitutional amendment that enabled the governor, Senate president, and House speaker to appoint five new Judiciary Commission members.

Over the past year and a half, Louisiana has seen several high-profile cases of judges accused of misconduct or incompetence. Attorney General Liz Murrill requested the Judiciary Commission investigate the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court judges’ handling of teens in electronic monitoring programs. In one instance, Malik Cornelius failed to comply with his monitoring program for months leading up to the killing of Jacob Carter, a tourist in New Orleans. Carter’s family filed a complaint against the judge who assigned Cornelius’ ankle monitor, but it was dismissed.

Traylor also referenced another judge who, despite multiple instances of misconduct, received what he described as a lenient “eight-month paid vacation.” This statement alluded to 19th JDC Judge Eboni Johnson Rose, who was subject to a months-long investigation by the Judiciary Commission. The investigation revealed that two convictions were overturned due to errors in her courtroom. The Supreme Court approved a deal in which Johnson Rose accepted an unpaid, two-month suspension.

In December, the Supreme Court removed 19th JDC Judge Tiffany Foxworth-Roberts from the bench for lying about her military service while campaigning for office. She was also accused of a fraudulent burglary insurance claim.

While critics argue that the judicial discipline system is failing, some former judges defend the commission, asserting that it has become more transparent in recent years. Ed Walters, who served on the panel between 2017 and 2021, stated that he found no wrongdoing by the commission during his tenure.

Changes were made in 2020 to make the judicial discipline process more open by allowing cases to become public once the Judiciary Commission files a notice of hearing against a judge. Still, complaints against judges remain confidential in their early stages, and the Supreme Court has maintained rules that complainants, judges, and witnesses are not supposed to discuss them unless the investigation leads to a notice of hearing against a judge.

 

 

Source: Nola.com