Terms Used In Louisiana Revised Statutes 13:1446

  • Arrest: Taking physical custody of a person by lawful authority.
  • Bail: Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody (usually in the form of money) to secure his/her appearance on the day and time appointed.
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.

A.  The parish court shall have criminal jurisdiction over all violations of state law and parish or municipal ordinances committed within its territorial jurisdiction which are punishable by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars or by imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both.  This jurisdiction shall be concurrent with any jurisdiction conferred by law upon the district court.  

B.  As to all other violations of state law or of a parish or municipal ordinance, the parish court shall have the power to issue warrants of arrest, to examine, commit, admit to bail and discharge, and to hold preliminary examinations in all cases not capital.  

Added by Acts 1979, No. 328, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1980; Acts 1989, No. 61, §1, eff. June 16, 1989.