In a recent meeting of the Senate Judiciary C on September 11, 2025, significant concerns were raised regarding the handling of judge trials in Orleans Parish. A comprehensive review of over 7,100 criminal cases from 2022 to 2024 revealed that two judges were responsible for more than half of the judge trials conducted in the district. This unusual trend has sparked discussions about the implications for the judicial process and the rights of defendants.

The analysis highlighted that out of 125 judge trials, Judge Campbell and Judge Rocher presided over a disproportionate number, with acquittal rates of 79% and 88%, respectively. This raised questions about the fairness and consistency of trial outcomes, as the average acquittal rate for juries in Orleans Parish stood at 43%. The report suggested that defense attorneys may have strategically opted for judge trials, believing they would have a better chance of acquittal compared to jury trials.

The meeting also addressed a response from the judicial administrator, who defended Judge Rocher's high acquittal rate by stating that many cases lacked sufficient evidence for prosecution. This assertion prompted further investigation, leading to a review of trial transcripts, which revealed that the average length of these transcripts was alarmingly short, indicating potentially inadequate proceedings.

The discussions underscored the need for a closer examination of trial practices in Orleans Parish, particularly regarding the distribution of cases among judges and the implications for defendants' rights. As the legislature moves forward, the outcomes of these discussions could lead to reforms aimed at ensuring a more equitable judicial process in Louisiana.