In a significant move toward rectifying a long-standing injustice, the Louisiana State Senate Judiciary Committee voted 5-1 on April 29, 2025, to advance Senate Bill 218, authored by Senator Royce Duplessis. The bill seeks to provide a legal pathway for individuals still incarcerated due to non-unanimous jury convictions—a vestige of the Jim Crow era.
Non-unanimous jury verdicts, which allowed convictions with a 10-2 vote, were enshrined in Louisiana law in 1898. This policy was explicitly designed to suppress the influence of Black jurors and ensure convictions of Black defendants. Although the U.S. Supreme Court declared such verdicts unconstitutional in Ramos v. Louisiana (2020), the ruling was not applied retroactively, leaving hundreds imprisoned under these unjust convictions.
Advocates have long highlighted the racial disparities perpetuated by non-unanimous juries. A 2018 investigation by The Advocate found that Black defendants were approximately 30% more likely than white defendants to be convicted by divided juries. In a 2021 article by Big Easy Magazine, we emphasized the importance of jury nullification and the detrimental impact of split juries on marginalized communities.
The Promise of Justice Initiative (PJI), a New Orleans-based nonprofit, has been at the forefront of efforts to challenge these convictions. Hardell Ward, PJI’s Director of Community Impact, stated, “Louisiana is the only state where hundreds of people with non-unanimous jury convictions are still incarcerated. This Senate committee accepted their responsibility to right this wrong and move our state toward long-awaited justice for those convicted by Jim Crow juries.”
Despite the committee’s approval, the bill faces further hurdles as it proceeds to the full Senate. Opposition from entities like the Louisiana District Attorneys Association remains strong. Nevertheless, the bipartisan support in the committee vote signals a growing acknowledgment of the need to address these historical injustices.
To support ongoing efforts, PJI is participating in GiveNOLA Day 2025, a citywide campaign to bolster local nonprofit work. Early giving is already open, and PJI aims to raise funds to continue advocating for those affected by unconstitutional convictions.
As Louisiana confronts its past, the advancement of SB218 represents a crucial step toward justice and reconciliation.
To donate or create a fundraiser for GiveNOLA Day in support of PJI, visit Promise of Justice Initiative’s GiveNOLA page.
