Former Orleans District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro, 73, has been appointed to the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana, an independent 14-member body that conducts inquiries and investigations into justices and judges of all courts across the state on behalf of the Louisiana Supreme Court.

Appointment and Background

Cannizzaro was appointed by Speaker of the House Phillip DeVillier for a four-year term beginning June 23, 2026. He retired from his position leading the criminal division of the state Attorney General’s office last month.

Cannizzaro joined the Attorney General’s office in 2021 after he decided not to run for re-election as the District Attorney of Orleans Parish. Before his time as District Attorney, Cannizzaro served as an appeals court judge, a criminal court judge, and a prosecutor under former District Attorney Harry Connick.

Reactions to the Appointment

Some advocates for criminal justice reform expressed skepticism about the appointment of Cannizzaro to a body that performs judicial oversight. During his 12-year tenure as the District Attorney, Cannizzaro took an aggressive, tough-on-crime stance, fighting to retain nonunanimous jury convictions, advocating for the arrest and detention of children, and using habitual offender laws to increase sentencing.

Attorney General Liz Murrill applauded the appointment of Cannizzaro to the commission, stating that Cannizzaro has a deep understanding of and respect for the legal process and the system.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.