The citizens of Orleans Parish deserve a judicial system that is impartial, transparent, and committed to protecting the constitutional rights of every parent and, above all, the safety and well-being of every child. Unfortunately, many families have expressed serious concerns regarding the handling of domestic relations, custody, and protective order proceedings before Judge Lakeisha N. Jefferson.

Numerous litigants have reported feeling that they were denied meaningful due process, that critical evidence presented to the court was not given appropriate consideration, and that decisions affecting the lives of children and families appeared inconsistent with the evidence contained in the record. Many parents have described leaving her courtroom believing that the outcome had been predetermined rather than decided through a fair and impartial evaluation of the facts.

Among the most troubling concerns are allegations from multiple families that custody or visitation has, in some cases, been awarded or maintained in favor of individuals accused of abuse or neglect despite evidence presented to the court. Other litigants have reported that allegations involving child abuse, neglect, or family violence were dismissed or not fully addressed, resulting in children being placed in environments they believe are unsafe. These allegations deserve careful and independent review because every child has the right to be protected, and every allegation of abuse should receive full and impartial consideration under the law.

Parents have also raised concerns that protective orders have been issued without sufficient evidentiary support in some cases, while in others, requests for protection were denied despite evidence that petitioners believed demonstrated a legitimate need for judicial intervention. Such inconsistent outcomes undermine confidence in the court’s ability to fairly administer justice.

In addition, numerous litigants have expressed concern regarding the court’s handling of parents with limited financial resources. Families have reported that inability to afford attorneys, child support obligations, or court-ordered financial requirements has resulted in severe consequences that they believe disproportionately impact low-income parents and ultimately harm children by unnecessarily separating families.

Questions have also been raised regarding conflicts of interest and judicial disqualification. Concerned citizens have alleged that matters involving potential conflicts have not always been referred to the Chief Judge for reassignment when required by applicable law and judicial ethics. These concerns, whether ultimately substantiated or not, warrant independent review to preserve public confidence in the judiciary.

Judge Jefferson has reportedly been the subject of numerous judicial complaints filed by members of the public. While the existence of complaints alone does not establish misconduct, the volume of concerns expressed by different litigants over several years reflects a pattern that deserves careful examination by the appropriate oversight authorities.

The judiciary is entrusted with protecting the most fundamental rights recognized under our Constitution, including the right to family integrity, due process of law, and equal protection. Every parent deserves a fair hearing before losing time with their child. Every child deserves a court that prioritizes safety over expediency. Every litigant deserves confidence that decisions are based solely on the law and the evidence—not on influence, financial resources, or any appearance of favoritism.

We respectfully call upon the Louisiana Supreme Court, the Louisiana Judiciary Commission, and all appropriate oversight authorities to conduct a comprehensive and independent review of Judge Lakeisha N. Jefferson’s courtroom practices, judicial conduct, adherence to due process requirements, management of conflicts of interest, and handling of family law proceedings affecting the children of Orleans Parish.

The children of New Orleans deserve a court system that protects them. Parents deserve judges who uphold constitutional rights without bias or prejudice. Our community deserves a judiciary that is accountable, impartial, and worthy of the public’s trust.

By signing this petition, you join fellow citizens in calling for transparency, accountability, and meaningful oversight to help restore confidence in the Orleans Parish Family & Domestic courts and ensure that every family receives the fair and impartial justice guaranteed under the law.