Court Stops Case Against Liz Murrill

Jul 3, 2026, 16:51
USPolitics
A2

Court Stops Case Against Liz Murrill

法院停止對 Liz Murrill 的起訴

Introduction

The highest court in Louisiana stopped a criminal case against Attorney General Liz Murrill.

路易斯安那州最高法院停止了一起針對總檢察長 Liz Murrill 的刑事案件。

Main Body

Liz Murrill and New Orleans leaders had a big fight about a court office. Murrill said some people should lose their jobs. Because of this, a group called a grand jury accused Murrill of two crimes. They said she acted badly and scared people.

Liz Murrill 與紐奧良的領導人就一個法院辦公室發生激烈爭執。Murrill 表示某些人應該被解雇。因此，一個名為大陪審團的組織指控 Murrill 犯有兩項罪名。他們稱其行為不端並威脅他人。

During the case, a judge closed the courtroom. Police held a reporter and a lawyer. Governor Jeff Landry was angry. He said the trial was not fair. He asked the police to check the grand jury.

在案件審理期間，法官關閉了法庭。警方拘留了一名記者和一名律師。州長 Jeff Landry 表示憤怒，稱審訊不公正，並要求警方調查大陪審團。

The high court now says the case has many problems. The lawyer for the case knew the other people too well. Also, the court says Murrill did not really scare anyone. The court thinks the charges are wrong.

最高法院現在表示該案存在許多問題。負責此案的律師與其他當事人過於熟識。此外，法院表示 Murrill 並未真正威脅任何人。法院認為這些指控是錯誤的。

Conclusion

The case is on hold now. The court may cancel the charges soon.

該案目前暫停，法院可能很快會撤銷指控。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ The "Power" Verbs

In this story, a few simple words do all the work. To reach A2, you need to see how we describe actions and feelings.

1. Action Words (Past) These words tell us what happened. Notice they often end in -ed:

  • Stopped →\rightarrow Ended something.
  • Accused →\rightarrow Said someone did something bad.
  • Closed →\rightarrow Shut the door.
  • Asked →\rightarrow Wanted an answer.

2. Feeling Words (Past) How did the people feel?

  • Angry →\rightarrow *Mad (Governor Landry).n Scared →\rightarrow *Afraid (The people).*n 3. The 'Not' Pattern Look at how the text makes things negative. Just add not after the helper word:
  • Was →\rightarrow Was not fair.
  • Did →\rightarrow Did not scare anyone.

Quick Tip: When you see -ed, you are usually traveling back in time to yesterday or last year!

Vocabulary Learning

criminal (adj.)
relating to a crime
Example:The police are investigating a criminal case.
accused (v.)
said that someone did something wrong
Example:They accused him of stealing the money.
crimes (n.)
actions that are against the law
Example:The man was arrested for several crimes.
courtroom (n.)
the room where a judge and jury hear a case
Example:Everyone must be quiet inside the courtroom.
trial (n.)
a meeting in court to decide if someone is guilty
Example:The trial lasted for three weeks.
charges (n.)
official statements saying someone committed a crime
Example:The police dropped the charges against her.
cancel (v.)
to stop something from happening
Example:The school decided to cancel the game because of rain.
B2

Louisiana Supreme Court Pauses Criminal Case Against Attorney General Liz Murrill

路易斯安那州最高法院暫停對總檢察長 Liz Murrill 的刑事案件

Introduction

The Louisiana Supreme Court has stopped a 16-count criminal case against Attorney General Liz Murrill, which was originally started by a grand jury in New Orleans.

路易斯安那州最高法院已停止一起針對總檢察長 Liz Murrill 的 16 項刑事指控案件，該案最初由新奧爾良的大陪審團發起。

Main Body

The legal problem began after the government changed how the Orleans Parish criminal court clerk's office is organized. This change removed the position held by Calvin Duncan. Attorney General Murrill warned New Orleans officials, including Mayor Helena Moreno, that supporting an unauthorized official could lead to their removal under state laws. As a result, a grand jury charged Murrill with misconduct and intimidation, setting her bail at $400,000.

法律問題始於政府更改奧爾良教區刑事法院書記處的組織方式。這次變動撤銷了 Calvin Duncan 所擔任的職位。總檢察長 Murrill 警告新奧爾良官員（包括市長 Helena Moreno），支持一名未經授權的官員可能會導致他們根據州法被撤職。結果，大陪審團指控 Murrill 濫用職權與恐嚇，將其保釋金定為 40 萬美元。

Tensions grew when Judge Leon Roche closed the courtroom to the public, which led to the detention of a journalist and a lawyer. The court claimed this was necessary to protect the identity of the grand jurors, whereas the media argued that the law requires open court proceedings. Governor Jeff Landry criticized the process as unfair and ordered the State Police to investigate the grand jury's actions, promising to pardon Murrill quickly.

當法官 Leon Roche 關閉法庭禁止公眾進入後，緊張局勢升溫，導致一名記者和一名律師被拘留。法院聲稱這樣做是為了保護大陪審團員的身份，而媒體則主張法律要求法庭程序必須公開。州長 Jeff Landry 批評該過程不公平，並命令州警調查大陪審團的行為，承諾會盡快赦免 Murrill。

In its decision to pause the case, the Louisiana Supreme Court found serious procedural mistakes and possible conflicts of interest. For example, the court noted that the special prosecutor, Laurie White, had previously worked for Calvin Duncan. Furthermore, the court stated that the intimidation charges might not meet the legal definition of making unlawful threats. Consequently, the court believes it is very likely that the charges against Murrill will be dismissed.

在決定暫停案件的裁決中，路易斯安那州最高法院發現了嚴重的程序錯誤及可能的利益衝突。例如，法院指出特別檢察官 Laurie White 此前曾為 Calvin Duncan 工作。此外，法院表示恐嚇指控可能不符合法律對「作出非法威脅」的定義。因此，法院認為 Murrill 面臨的指控極有可能被撤銷。

Conclusion

The criminal case is currently on hold while the court considers further requests to remove certain officials and the possible dismissal of all charges.

在法院考慮進一步撤換某些官員以及可能撤銷所有指控的請求期間，該刑事案件目前處於暫停狀態。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ The 'Logic Connector' Jump

To move from A2 (simple sentences) to B2 (fluid arguments), you must stop using and, but, because for everything. Look at how this article connects complex ideas. This is the secret to sounding professional.

🛠️ The B2 Toolset: Transition Words

Instead of basic words, use these Logical Bridges found in the text:

  • "As a result" →\rightarrow Use this instead of so.

    • A2: She was late, so she missed the bus.
    • B2: She was late; as a result, she missed the bus.

  • "Whereas" →\rightarrow Use this to show a direct contrast between two people/ideas in one sentence.

    • A2: The court wanted privacy. The media wanted open doors.
    • B2: The court wanted privacy, whereas the media argued for open proceedings.

  • "Furthermore" →\rightarrow Use this to add a second, stronger point. It's like also, but for formal writing.

    • A2: The food was bad. Also, it was expensive.
    • B2: The food was mediocre; furthermore, it was overpriced.

  • "Consequently" →\rightarrow Use this to show a final, logical conclusion.

    • A2: He didn't study, so he failed.
    • B2: He failed to prepare; consequently, he failed the exam.

💡 Pro Tip for the Transition

Stop thinking in 'dots' (Sentence. Sentence. Sentence.) and start thinking in 'chains'.

The B2 Formula: [Fact A] + [Logical Bridge] + [Fact B]

Example from the text: "The court noted that the prosecutor worked for Duncan; furthermore, the charges might not meet the legal definition."

Challenge your brain: Next time you want to say 'but', try 'whereas'. Next time you want to say 'so', try 'consequently'.

Vocabulary Learning

misconduct (n.)
Unacceptable or improper behavior, especially by a professional or official.
Example:The officer was investigated for professional misconduct after the incident.
intimidation (n.)
The act of frightening someone into doing something or staying silent.
Example:The witness claimed that the defendant used intimidation to prevent her from testifying.
detention (n.)
The act of keeping someone in official custody, often for questioning or as a punishment.
Example:The journalist's brief detention caused a public outcry regarding press freedom.
proceedings (n.)
The official actions or events that take place during a legal case in a court of law.
Example:The judge ensured that the legal proceedings were conducted fairly and openly.
pardon (v.)
To officially forgive someone for a crime and release them from the legal consequences.
Example:The president decided to pardon the prisoner after new evidence emerged.
procedural (adj.)
Relating to the official or established way of doing something, especially in a legal context.
Example:The lawyer argued that a procedural error had occurred during the trial.
dismissed (v.)
To officially end a legal case or charge without a full trial because there is not enough evidence.
Example:The judge dismissed the charges due to a lack of supporting evidence.
C2

Louisiana Supreme Court Imposes Stay on Criminal Proceedings Against Attorney General Liz Murrill

路易斯安那州最高法院暫緩對總檢察長 Liz Murrill 的刑事訴訟

Introduction

The Louisiana Supreme Court has suspended a 16-count criminal indictment against Attorney General Liz Murrill, which had been issued by a New Orleans grand jury.

路易斯安那州最高法院已暫緩一份由紐奧良大陪審團發出、針對總檢察長 Liz Murrill 的 16 項刑事起訴書。

Main Body

The legal conflict originated from a legislative restructuring of the Orleans Parish criminal court clerk's office. This overhaul eliminated the position previously won by Calvin Duncan, an individual whose murder conviction was vacated. Attorney General Murrill had cautioned New Orleans officials, including Mayor Helena Moreno, that support for an unauthorized officeholder could result in their removal under state 'usurper' laws. Consequently, a grand jury indicted Murrill on charges of malfeasance and intimidation, with a bond set at $400,000.

這場法律衝突源於奧爾良教區刑事法院書記處的立法重組。這次改革取消了先前由 Calvin Duncan 贏得的職位，而其原先的謀殺定罪已被撤銷。總檢察長 Murrill 曾警告紐奧良官員（包括市長 Helena Moreno），支持未經授權的職位持有者可能會根據州內的「篡權者」法律而被撤職。因此，大陪審團起訴 Murrill 犯有職務失當與恐嚇罪，保釋金定為 40 萬美元。

Institutional friction intensified during the indictment process. Judge Leon Roche ordered the courtroom sealed, leading to the detention of a journalist and an attorney from WWL Louisiana. The court justified this measure as necessary to protect the anonymity of grand jurors, while media representatives cited First Amendment protections and state laws requiring open court proceedings. Governor Jeff Landry characterized the proceedings as a 'kangaroo court' and initiated a State Police investigation into the grand jury's conduct, while pledging a prompt pardon for Murrill.

在起訴過程中，機構間的摩擦加劇。Leon Roche 法官下令封鎖法庭，導致一名記者與一名來自 WWL Louisiana 的律師被拘留。法院將此措施解釋為保護大陪審員匿名身分的必要手段，而媒體代表則引用第一修正法案的保護以及要求公開法庭程序之州法。州長 Jeff Landry 將該程序形容為「kangaroo court」（不公正審判），並啟動州警調查大陪審團的行為，同時承諾將迅速赦免 Murrill。

In granting the stay, the Louisiana Supreme Court identified significant procedural irregularities and potential conflicts of interest. Specifically, the court noted that special prosecutor Laurie White had previously represented Calvin Duncan and had been defended by the Attorney General's office in separate litigation. Furthermore, the court observed that the intimidation charges may not meet the statutory requirement of involving unlawful threats or bodily harm. The ruling suggests a high probability that Murrill will succeed in a motion to quash the indictment.

路易斯安那州最高法院在准予暫緩執行時，指出存在顯著的程序違規與潛在的利益衝突。具體而言，法院注意到特別檢察官 Laurie White 先前曾代表 Calvin Duncan，且在另一宗訴訟中曾由總檢察長辦公室辯護。此外，法院觀察到恐嚇罪可能不符合涉及非法威脅或身體傷害的法定要求。該裁定顯示 Murrill 申請撤銷起訴書的可能性很高。

Conclusion

The criminal case remains paused pending further motions for recusal and the potential dismissal of charges.

在等待進一步的迴避申請與潛在的撤銷指控之前，該刑事案件目前維持暫停狀態。

Vocabulary Learning

The Architecture of Nominalization and Legal Precision

To transition from B2 to C2, a student must move beyond describing actions and begin constructing states. This text is a masterclass in High-Density Nominalization—the process of turning verbs (actions) into nouns (concepts) to create an objective, authoritative, and detached tone.

◈ The Linguistic Pivot

Observe the shift from a narrative style to a systemic style. A B2 learner might say: "The court suspended the indictment because there were irregularities in the procedure."

The C2 text instead presents: "In granting the stay, the Louisiana Supreme Court identified significant procedural irregularities..."

Why this is C2 mastery:

  1. Compression: "Granting the stay" transforms a complex legal action into a prepositional phrase, allowing the sentence to move immediately to the core analytical finding.
  2. Abstracting the Agent: By using "procedural irregularities" instead of "the people followed the procedure incorrectly," the writer removes personal blame and replaces it with a systemic failure. This is the hallmark of professional academic and legal discourse.

◈ Lexical Nuance: The 'Weight' of Words

C2 proficiency is not about using "big words," but using the precise word that carries the necessary legal or social weight. Consider these specific choices from the text:

  • Vacated: (Not just 'cancelled') Specifically refers to a court rendering a previous judgment void.
  • Usurper: (Not just 'imposter') Carries a historical and political connotation of seizing power illegally.
  • Malfeasance: (Not just 'wrongdoing') A formal term for misconduct in an official public capacity.
  • Quash: (Not just 'stop') The technical term for nullifying a legal proceeding.

◈ Synthesis of 'Institutional Friction'

Note the phrase "Institutional friction intensified." This is a sophisticated use of a metaphor treated as a physical fact. Rather than saying "The government and the court argued more," the author treats the conflict as a mechanical or physical property (friction). This allows the writer to describe a chaotic political situation with a clinical, detached precision, signaling a high level of cognitive control over the English language.

Vocabulary Learning

indictment (n.)
A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime, typically issued by a grand jury.
Example:The grand jury handed down an indictment against the official for fraud.
vacated (v.)
To render a previous court judgment void or null, effectively canceling the legal effect of the ruling.
Example:The appellate court vacated the lower court's decision due to a lack of evidence.
usurper (n.)
A person who takes a position of power or the throne illegally or by force.
Example:The regime labeled the rebel leader a usurper who had no legitimate claim to the presidency.
malfeasance (n.)
Wrongdoing, especially by a public official, involving the breach of trust or a violation of law.
Example:The mayor was investigated for malfeasance after it was discovered he had embezzled city funds.
kangaroo court (n.)
An unofficial court or a legal proceeding that ignores recognized standards of justice and fairness.
Example:The defendant claimed the trial was a kangaroo court designed to ensure a guilty verdict.
irregularities (n.)
Things that are not according to the usual or expected order, rule, or standard; discrepancies in a formal process.
Example:The election was contested after several voting irregularities were reported at the polls.
statutory (adj.)
Decided or required by a written law or statute, rather than by common law or custom.
Example:The judge determined that the defendant's actions did not meet the statutory definition of theft.
quash (v.)
To reject or void, especially by legal procedure, a previous decision, indictment, or subpoena.
Example:The defense attorney filed a motion to quash the subpoena, arguing it was overly broad.
recusal (n.)
The act of a judge or official removing themselves from a case to avoid a conflict of interest.
Example:The judge's recusal was necessary because he was a close friend of the defendant.
Practice All words in a crossword→