Overview
- The Louisiana Supreme Court issued a 4–3 ruling on Friday, July 31, 2026, that upheld Act 748 and vacated a July 14 preliminary injunction that had blocked enforcement of the law.
- Under the ruling, Criminal District Judges John Fuller, Simone Levine and Rhonda Goode‑Douglas will lose their seats when the law takes effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
- The court's majority said Article 32 of the 1974 constitution carved an exception allowing lawmakers to change Orleans Parish’s court structure by ordinary statute rather than requiring a two‑thirds legislative supermajority.
- Three justices dissented, arguing the decision needlessly treats Orleans Parish differently and noting Act 748 fell short of a two‑thirds vote in both chambers, a safeguard they said protects judicial independence.
- The ruling clears the way for scheduled judicial qualifying and elections, a move the attorney general said restores certainty, while critics warn the change could reduce court capacity, increase caseloads and alter local representation in New Orleans courts.