On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Nola.com reported that the Louisiana Supreme Court heard arguments regarding alleged misconduct by Judge Donald “Chick” Foret of the 24th Judicial District Courthouse in Gretna. Foret, aged 71, admitted to multiple instances of using profanity during his six-year term and has agreed to a public censure proposed by the Louisiana Judiciary Commission to address ethics charges stemming from his behavior.
The central issue before the Supreme Court was whether Foret should have voluntarily recused himself from a civil case involving nursing home owner Bob Dean, linked to a mismanaged evacuation during Hurricane Ida that resulted in fatalities. Foret’s use of strong language was evident in this case, including derogatory remarks about a local attorney, Jason Baer, who was not involved in the Dean matter. During a conference with attorneys, Foret referred to Baer as a “piece of sh\*\*t” and questioned another lawyer’s association with him.
Foret maintained he could remain impartial in the Dean case but faced scrutiny from justices who believed he should have stepped aside due to his expressed doubts about his fairness. After Dean’s legal team moved for his recusal, Foret requested the Supreme Court appoint an ad hoc judge. Although the appointed judge allowed Foret to continue, a state appeals court later removed him from the case.
Michelle Beaty, special counsel for the Judiciary Commission, argued that Foret’s actions created a clear basis for questioning his impartiality, asserting he disrupted the proceedings and should have recognized the need to recuse himself. In contrast, Foret’s attorney, Gus Fritchie, contended that Foret acted appropriately by disclosing his feelings about Baer and referring the recusal motion to an outside judge. Fritchie warned that deeming a failure to self-recuse as an ethical violation could set a problematic precedent.
Justices expressed concerns about Foret’s conduct. Justice John Michael Guidry emphasized that judges must make definitive recusal decisions, while Justice Piper Griffin noted the expectation for judges to recognize inappropriate actions. Justice Jay McCallum questioned whether Foret acknowledged his missteps, cautioning that the court could impose stricter discipline than the proposed censure. Justice Jefferson Hughes highlighted that the issue was not Foret’s disclosure but the unprofessional manner in which it was expressed.
Foret, who assumed his judicial role in 2021, is barred from seeking re-election due to his age. He did not address the court during the hearing, but previously told the Judiciary Commission he was imperfect, attributing his language to an old-school upbringing. The commission determined he violated eight judicial canons through various outbursts, including swearing at a criminal clerk during a trial and directing profanity at an attorney in a civil case.
Fritchie issued a statement post-hearing, noting Foret’s relief that the three-year litigation was nearing resolution. He highlighted the Office of Special Counsel’s acknowledgment of Foret’s dedication and efforts to remain fair, emphasizing that the incidents occurred three years prior. Foret has sought guidance from a priest and a retired judge to address his conduct.
Source: Nola.com
