Despite transparency laws, many New Orleans court officials spend millions behind the public’s back.

“At least $26 million a year – and likely much more – is being spent on judiciary-related offices without the public involvement required by state law, The Lens has determined after a six-month analysis of records involving 11 agencies or offices. The review included five court systems, the Public Defender’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office and the Coroner’s Office.”

Matt Davis reports that despite the law that was enacted in 1981, some, such as the Coroner’s Office, were unaware it even existed.