Louisiana Criminal Justice & Crime Rates 2026
Incarceration rates, crime statistics, criminal justice reform, and political context in Louisiana for 2026.
683
Incarceration Rate (per 100k)
Yes
Death Penalty
Not Legal
Marijuana Legalization
#5
Violent Crime Rate Rank
Criminal Justice Overview
Louisiana has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world. The state passed Amendment 2 in 2023 requiring unanimous jury verdicts. New Orleans has severe gun violence. The state recently passed major criminal justice rollbacks after earlier reforms.
Key Criminal Justice Data
| Indicator | Status |
|---|---|
| Incarceration Rate (per 100k) | 683 |
| Total Prison Population | 33,000 |
| Violent Crime Rate Rank | #5 nationally |
| Death Penalty | Yes |
| Recreational Marijuana | Not Legal |
| Bail Reform | Traditional |
| Police Reform Legislation | No |
Political Context
Louisiana passed bipartisan criminal justice reforms in 2017 under a Republican governor and Democratic legislature. However, the new Republican governor pushed through rollbacks in 2024, increasing sentences and reversing reforms. Crime is a dominant political issue.