Louisiana § RS 28:59 - Commitment of prisoners
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 28:59 — Commitment of prisoners, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 28:59. Commitment of prisoners
A. Any person found not guilty by reason of insanity by a criminal court may be ordered to the proper institution in accordance with Code of Criminal Procedure Article 654 et seq.
B. Any person who is determined to lack the capacity to proceed, who will not attain the capacity to proceed with his trial in the foreseeable future, and who is not a danger to himself or others, shall be discharged in accordance with Code of Criminal Procedure Article 648 et seq. However, this release is without prejudice to any right the state may have to institute civil commitment proceedings pursuant to R.S. 28:53 or 54. Furthermore, this person may be held in a treatment facility for a reasonable time period pending the judicial commitment hearing. If judicial commitment proceedings are necessary, they shall be instituted pursuant to Code of Criminal Procedure Article 648(B)(3) after a determination that the person will not attain the capacity to proceed with his trial.
C. Any person serving a sentence who develops a mental illness may be committed to the proper institution in the manner provided for judicial commitment by the district court of the place of incarceration and contradictorily with the director or administrator of the place of incarceration or with the sheriff of that parish. The period of commitment shall be credited against the sentence imposed by the court.
D. The department shall designate treatment facilities for the care of clients who have a mental illness committed in accordance with this Section.
Amended by Acts 1974, No. 294, §1; Acts 1977, No. 714, §1; Acts 1978, No. 782, §1, eff. July 17, 1978; Acts 1987, No. 928, §2, eff. July 20, 1987; Acts 1990, No. 489, §1; Acts 2017, No. 369, §2; Acts 2017, No. 370, §1, eff. June 23, 2017.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 28:59
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 28:59 cover?
Section RS 28:59 ("Commitment of prisoners") 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 28:59?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 28:59" (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 28:59 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.