“Are Two Judges Politicizing NOLA’s Civil District Courthouse?”

Does is seem as though the judiciary is becoming more politicized? In the toxic political environment of Washington, D.C., it seems as though federal courts are more about politics and politicians than the law. But could the same be true about local courts in NOLA?

Today, during a widely covered press conference at City Hall announcing an extension of the Essence Festival in New Orleans until at least 2024, two Democrat Civil Court judges, Ellen Hazeur & Nakisha Ervin-Knott, attended the event and posed with Mayor Latoya Cantrell and Governor John Bel Edwards. Not to mention that this event conveniently occurred at the peak of early voting during a highly contentious race between Democrat Governor Edwards and Republican challenger Eddie Rispone.

Although today’s announcement was not necessarily a political one, its timing is during a hotly contested gubernatorial election. Governor Edwards touted the successful extension of the popular music festival in New Orleans as a tangible accomplishment of his administration. Essence Festival is an economic-driver for tourism to the city during the slower summer months. The presence of the two judges standing next to Governor Edwards could be interpreted by some as a tacit political endorsement.

According to Canon 7 of the Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct, a judge shall refrain from inappropriate political and campaign activity. The purpose of separating judges from politics is to ensure “the impartiality, integrity, and independence of the judiciary.”

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