Federal bench needs another Shreveport judge

July 3, 2009

U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu is a few weeks away from recommending a new federal judge for the Western District of Louisiana.

Regardless of who she names, the judge who ultimately is nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate, should hold court in Shreveport.

And further, we agree with the Shreveport Bar Association's recommendation that the new judge be selected from the area, a jurist who would share the experience and appreciation of the local legal community. Veterans attest to a distinct "small town" character of the local court systems, not to mention the wide number of competent candidates who are available.

Of course, such selections are often very political, based on past relationship and service or future campaign computations. That said there are some very practical reasons for both ideas.

A 6-3 majority of the active and senior status judges in the Western district have recommended Shreveport pick up the additional judgeship. That selection must be ratified by the Judicial Council of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

The vacancy occurred when Judge Tucker Melancon, one of three judges in Lafayette, took senior status in February. Chief Judge Robert James of the Monroe Division said the judges weighed the merits of adding a second judge to either the Shreveport or Lake Charles divisions. Alexandria and Monroe, also have one active judge.

Civil caseloads are steady in both Lake Charles and Shreveport, James said, but can run in cycles. Lake Charles had a surge in litigation following Hurricane Rita but Shreveport can expect more lawsuits from lease disputes related to the Haynesville Shale. Local observers also note a significant increase in criminal cases in the Shreveport division, ranging from white collar to drug-related crimes, but James said such a rise is being seen across the division.

Also looking ahead, Shreveport does have two senior judges who must carry at least 25 percent of the division's caseload, but one or both could retire at any time.

Earlene