Terms Used In Louisiana Constitution Art. 5 Sec. 2

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Habeas corpus: A writ that is usually used to bring a prisoner before the court to determine the legality of his imprisonment. It may also be used to bring a person in custody before the court to give testimony, or to be prosecuted.
  • 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.

Section 2.  A judge may issue writs of habeas corpus and all other needful writs, orders, and process in aid of the jurisdiction of his court.  Exercise of this authority by a judge of the supreme court or of a court of appeal is subject to review by the whole court.  The power to punish for contempt of court shall be limited by law.