When people are arrested in New Orleans, their first stop in the court system is usually a wooden bench facing a magistrate judge or commissioner at the criminal courthouse.
Magistrate court consists of four appointed commissioners empowered to set bonds and sign warrants and detention orders for arrestees, and a single elected judge who can dispose of misdemeanor theft, assault and domestic violence cases. For nearly 50 years, only three have held the judgeship.
On Nov. 3, New Orleans voters will decide if incumbent Juana Marine Lombard retains her seat as magistrate judge for the next six years, or if challenger Chanel Debose supplants her…