Terms Used In Louisiana Revised Statutes 13:2487.21

  • 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.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.

The criminal jurisdiction of the city court is limited to the trial of offenses committed within its territorial jurisdiction, which are not punishable by imprisonment at hard labor, including the trial of cases involving the violation of any city or parochial ordinance.  

The city judge also may require bonds to keep the peace; issue warrants of arrest, examine, commit and admit to bail and discharge; and hold preliminary examinations in all cases not capital.  

Acts 1964, No. 102, §21.