Louisiana § RS 24:4 - Contempt of the legislature; penalties
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 24:4 — Contempt of the legislature; penalties, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 24:4. Contempt of the legislature; penalties
A. Whenever the legislature or either house of the legislature, or whenever any committee of either house or any joint committee of both houses or any sub-committee of any such committee, which committee, joint committee or sub-committee has been specifically and expressly granted the subpoena power, has summoned any person as a witness to give testimony or to produce papers or other evidence upon any matter under inquiry before such house, committee, joint committee or sub-committee, such person shall be guilty of contempt of the legislature if he or she
(1) willfully defaults by failing to appear or to produce papers or other evidence, as ordered, or
(2) having appeared, refuses to take the oath or affirmation of a witness, or
(3) having appeared, refuses to answer any question pertinent to the question under inquiry.
B. Whoever is found guilty of contempt of the legislature under the provisions of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
C. The provisions of R.S. 24:4 through R.S. 24:6 are hereby declared to be supplemental to the powers of the legislature and of the senate and of the house of representatives to punish for contempt, and the legislature hereby reserves to itself and to the senate and to the house of representatives all inherent and all constitutional powers to punish for contempt.
Added by Acts 1963, No. 51, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 24:4
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 24:4 cover?
Section RS 24:4 ("Contempt of the legislature; penalties") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 24:4?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 24:4" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 24:4 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.