Louisiana Supreme Court Appoints Ad Hoc Judge for Liz Murrill Case

The Louisiana Supreme Court appointed retired judge Robert Chaisson on July 9, 2026, to oversee criminal proceedings against Liz Murrill. The appointment follows a mass recusal by all 12 judges of the New Orleans Criminal Court, a process initiated by District Judge Angel Harris. Harris cited potential impartiality issues because the Attorney General's office prosecutes numerous cases in her courtroom.

Murrill faces 16 felony counts of malfeasance in office and public intimidation. The charges stem from letters she sent in May to New Orleans officials regarding a clerk of court decision, in which she cited laws allowing for the removal of officials, including the mayor and district attorney. These actions followed city council resolutions Murrill claimed violated state law.

The legal process has faced significant hurdles. The Louisiana Supreme Court previously granted a stay and vacated Murrill's arrest warrant, with some legal experts suggesting the indictment was irregular because it was returned in closed court. Governor Jeff Landry has ordered the Louisiana State Police to investigate the grand jury process and pledged to pardon Murrill if she is convicted. Mayor Helena Moreno has called for cooperation between city, state, and federal authorities as the case progresses under the newly appointed ad hoc judge.