Louisiana § RS 33:381.1 - Election or appointment of marshal
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 33:381.1 — Election or appointment of marshal, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 33:381.1. Election or appointment of marshal
The marshal who is the chief of police in such municipalities shall be elected at large, provided that, notwithstanding any other provisions of law to the contrary, a majority of the qualified electors voting therein may, at a special election called by the board of aldermen for that purpose, authorize the mayor to thereafter appoint a marshal with the approval of the board of aldermen. Such special election shall be called only upon the presentation of a petition, directed to the board of aldermen and signed by at least twenty-five percent of the qualified electors of the municipality. Once such an election has been called and held, no further or other election on the same question shall be held for at least four years.
If the people of any municipality vote to authorize the mayor to appoint the marshal, the first such appointment shall be made at the end of the term of the marshal in office at the time the election was held unless at that time the office of marshal is vacant or the incumbent is an appointed official.
Upon the expiration of at least four years after the effective date of any such determination that the marshal shall be an appointed rather than an elected official the people of any such municipality may determine that said official shall be elective, but only in the same manner and through the same petition and election procedure as hereinabove set forth.
Added by Acts 1970, No. 647, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 33:381.1
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 33:381.1 cover?
Section RS 33:381.1 ("Election or appointment of marshal") 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 33:381.1?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 33:381.1" (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 33:381.1 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.