A new law in Louisiana has been criticized by criminal justice reform advocates and the New Orleans public defender’s office for undoing progress in restricting the release of mug shots for people accused of non-violent crimes. Act 281, signed by Gov. Jeff Landry, repeals a 2022 measure that limited the release of mug shots except in certain instances. This law is part of a series of tough-on-crime laws passed by the state legislature this year, including treating 17-year-old offenders as adults and bringing back the electric chair.
Advocates argue that releasing mug shots violates people’s privacy and can impact their access to housing, jobs, and other necessities. They believe that mug shots perpetuate prejudice and can forever associate individuals with criminality, regardless of the outcome of their case. The law is also criticized for challenging the concept of innocence until proven guilty and putting faith in potentially inaccurate police reports.
Advocates emphasize the impact of mug shots on individuals’ lives, including difficulties in getting records expunged and the long-lasting consequences on employment and housing opportunities. The racial bias in the public display of mug shots is also highlighted as harmful to the community’s well-being.
Overall, the new law’s reversal of previous restrictions on mug shot release is seen as a setback for criminal justice reform efforts in Louisiana. The law’s implications are expected to make it harder for people to recover from false arrests and can have long-term consequences on individuals’ lives and reputations.
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Photo credit lailluminator.com
