---
title: "John Saunders | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/john-saunders-7453"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# John Saunders

Louisiana Court of Appeal · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Louisiana Court of Appeal
- State: Louisiana
- Role: Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-06-30

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- Since 2016, Saunders has been Deputy High Court Judge in the Court of Appeal Criminal Division, Commissioner in Jersey, and President of the Court of Appeal for St Helena and the Falkland Islands
- Judge, Louisiana Court of Appeal, 2010-present
- Circuit Judge · Third Circuit Court of Appeal · 1993 · 2021
- 2014–2016 – Presiding Judge of the South Eastern Circuit and Judge in charge of the terrorist case list, managing all early‐stage terrorism cases
- 2011 riots – Sentenced Darrel Desuze to eight years for manslaughter of Richard Mannington Bowes and his mother to 18 months for perverting the course of justice
- 2004 – Appointed a full‐time circuit judge and Recorder of Birmingham
- Trial Judge, Municipal Court of California, County of Los Angeles, 1966-1984
- Called to the Bar in 1972 and worked as a prosecutor for the Department of Health and Social Security in the 1980s

### Education

- Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College — B.A.
- Louisiana State University — J.D.
- Louisiana State University — B.S.

### Additional information

- He was Vice Chairman of the Parole Board of England and Wales (2016–2020)
- Elections 2012 Saunders was re-elected after running unopposed in 2012
- He became Queen’s Counsel in 1991 and held the role of a Recorder (part‐time judge) from 1990 to 2004
- State Senator · 1976 · 1992
- Private practice · Mamou with Don Soileau · 1968 · 1976
- J.D. — LSU Law Center — 1968
- He has also delivered judicial training on terrorism trials and criminal law in Africa, Trinidad, Mexico, and Europe.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### electronic or photographic presentation of evidence

Scope: statewide

Louisiana trial judges may authorize electronic or photographic means for presenting evidence, preserving the record, counsel use, or judicial-administration purposes.

Evidence excerpt: A trial judge may authorize ... the use of electronic or photographic means for the presentation of evidence

[Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct, Canon 3A(9)](https://www.lasc.org/Court_Rules?p=CJC)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### broadcast recording photography

Scope: statewide

Louisiana judges generally prohibit broadcasting, televising, recording, or photographing courtroom proceedings unless a Canon 3A(9) exception applies.

Evidence excerpt: a judge shall prohibit broadcasting, televising, recording, or taking photographs in the courtroom

[Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct, Canon 3A(9)](https://www.lasc.org/Court_Rules?p=CJC)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### appellate extended media coverage

Scope: statewide

Louisiana appellate courts may permit extended media coverage in public appellate proceedings, subject to the authority of the court and presiding judge or panel.

Evidence excerpt: An appellate court may permit broadcasting, televising, recording, and taking photographs of public judicial proceedings

[Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct, Canon 3A(9)](https://www.lasc.org/Court_Rules?p=CJC)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7453/john-saunders/)
- [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7453/john-saunders/)
- [Louisiana Court of Appeal current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7453/john-saunders/)
- [Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct, Canon 3A(9)](https://www.lasc.org/Court_Rules?p=CJC)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7453/john-saunders/)
- [John Saunders - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/John_Saunders)

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