The Unique Governing Structure of Louisiana | Bill of Rights Institute

Guiding QuestionWhat is the civil law system? And why is Louisiana the only state to use it?OverviewLouisiana 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 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?ResourcesHandout A: Napoleonic Code Graphic OrganizerHandout B: What is the Difference Between Common Law and Civil Law? Graphic OrganizerNapoleonic Code ReadingWhat is the Difference Between Common Law and Civil Law? ReadingEngage:Have students read the article...