Erin Leigh Waddell Garrett is a Caddo Parish district judge. She is also a candidate for an open seat on the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

At the Krewe of Justinian Grand Ball, she had numerous political signs for her Second Circuit campaign at many tables at the ball.

The Justinian Krewe is a committee of the Shreveport Bar Association, which has a federal tax exemption. A basic rule for this exemption is NO political activity by that organization.

The Shreveport Bar Association issued the following press release on Wednesday, Jan. 26:

"The Krewe of Justinian Grand Bal was held on Friday, Jan. 21, 2022, at the Horseshoe Riverdome. Campaign-oriented signs were displayed on the tables of a krewe member who is also a candidate in a current race for the Court of Appeal.

"The Krewe of Justinian is a committee of the Shreveport Bar Association, which is a not-for-profit professional organization. Funds raised by the Krewe are donated to the Shreveport Bar Foundation to fund pro bono legal services for persons in need. The Shreveport Bar Association and the Krewe of Justinian do not sponsor or endorse political candidates. The use of campaign materials at the Justinian Bal was not authorized or approved by the Krewe of Justinian or the Shreveport Bar Association and is contrary to the policies and practices of those organizations. The signs were not an endorsement of any candidate by the Krewe or the Shreveport Bar Association. An Amendment to the By-Laws of the Krewe of Justinian will be presented at the Annual Meeting to prohibit any campaign activity or the display of any campaign material at any future Krewe of Justinian event.

"Donald Armand, Jr. President

"Shreveport Bar Association

"Jimmy Franklin, Captain

"Krewe of Justinian"