The Nation - News from Oct. 9, 1989

Measures to create more black judgeships, including at least one black state Supreme Court position, were among a number of propositions defeated in a Louisiana referendum. Measures benefiting the environment, libraries, jails and highways appear to have won. The defeated propositions would have created new judicial districts, and thus judges, from among predominantly black areas. State Supreme Court judges are elected from districts in Louisiana, and a mostly-black high court district would have been created. Analysts said part of the reason for the rejection of the proposals by voters of all races were “golden parachute” clauses that would have protected incumbent white judges.