– Harry Connick Sr., New Orleans Prosecutor Criticized For Overreach, Dies At 97
– Harry Connick Sr., New Orleans Prosecutor Criticized For Abuse of Power, Passes Away At 97.
Harry Connick Sr., a longtime New Orleans prosecutor, passed away at the age of 97 at his home in New Orleans. The news of his death was announced by his son, singer Harry Connick Jr., in a press release.
Harry Connick Sr. was not only known for his career as a prosecutor but also for his nightclub performances in the French Quarter. However, his national reputation as district attorney was marred by controversy. In 2011, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg criticized the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, which Connick Sr. led, for prosecutorial misconduct and incompetence.
Justice Ginsburg found that Connick’s subordinates systematically withheld evidence that could have helped the defense, which violated the Constitution. She stated that Connick had created a problematic situation in Orleans Parish, where violations of the accused’s right to testify were almost inevitable. The court condemned Connick for his cavalier approach and his admission of not keeping up with the law and legal opinions after his election in 1973.
During Connick’s tenure from 1973 to 2003, 32 people were wrongfully convicted and later exonerated, according to the Innocence Project of New Orleans. The organization’s director, Jee Park, stated that in 27 of those cases, there was malpractice on the part of Connick’s assistants. New Orleans had the highest rate of wrongful convictions in the world under Connick’s leadership.
Race played a significant role in these wrongful convictions, with 96% of those wrongly convicted being Black, according to the Innocence Project. Former chief judge of the Orleans Parish Criminal Court, Calvin Johnson, stated that everything happening under Connick’s office was focused on race. The impact of these prosecutions and convictions on New Orleans was devastating, and the city has struggled to recover.
Despite his damaged reputation, Connick seemed to deflect blame in his later years. He questioned whether the legacies of sports legends like Hank Aaron or Babe Ruth should be tarnished by the suppression of facts. He acknowledged imperfections but denied any personal wrongdoing during his time in office.
Born in Mobile, Alabama, in 1926, Connick grew up in New Orleans. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he attended Loyola University and Tulane University, where he earned a law degree. In 1973, he ran for New Orleans prosecutor and won against Jim Garrison, who had gained national attention for his unsuccessful attempt to prove a vast conspiracy in the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
Connick’s tough tactics as prosecutor were rarely questioned until defense attorneys began to scrutinize cases of young Black men sent to death row by his office. One case that drew particular attention was that of John Thompson, who spent 14 years on death row before evidence of his innocence was discovered. Thompson sued the DA’s office and was awarded $14 million, but the verdict was later overturned by the Supreme Court.
Connick is survived by his wife, Londa Jean Connick, his son Harry Connick Jr., his daughter Dr. Suzanna Jamison, and four granddaughters. While some former aides defended him, others who had opposed his actions in court had a more reserved reaction.
In conclusion, Harry Connick Sr.’s legacy is marked by controversy and criticism of his prosecutorial methods. His office’s misconduct and wrongful convictions, particularly affecting the Black community, have left a lasting impact on New Orleans..
1. Harry Connick Sr., New Orleans Prosecutor Criticized For Overreach, Dies At
2. Harry Connick Sr., New Orleans Prosecutor Criticized For Overreach, Passes Away.
