The Unique Legal System of Louisiana

What is the civil law system and why is Louisiana the only state to use it? 

Essential Question  

• What is the civil law system and why is Louisiana the only state to use it?  

Overview  

Louisiana is a blend of cultures. African, English, French, Spanish, Native American, Haitian, and many others all have shaped the state in various ways. This helps give Louisiana some unique characteristics that stand apart in the United States. For example, while almost all states have “counties,” Louisiana has what are called “parishes,” which comes from the French and Spanish Catholic influences in the area. Another unique characteristic of Louisiana is that it is the only state that uses a civil law system—the other 49 use what is called a common law system. What is the civil law system? And, why is Louisiana the only state to use it? 

 

Objectives 

• Students will analyze the historical context that led to the creation of the Napoleonic Code. 
• Students will compare the key features of civil law and common law systems. 
• Students will explain how Louisiana’s history shaped its unique legal system. 

Resources  

• Projector or whiteboard 
• Markers/pens 
• Chart paper or online collaborative tool (like Padlet or digital whiteboard of your choice) 
• Napoleonic Code 
• Common Law 
• Handout: Napoleonic Code vs. Common Law