Opinion ID: 1814962
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Lack of Court Authorization

Text: The Louisiana Constitution of 1974 limits the attorney general's authority, which was plenary under the 1921 constitution, [2] to institute, prosecute, or intervene in a criminal proceeding. Except as it otherwise provides, the present constitution gives a district attorney, or his designated assistant, charge of every criminal prosecution in his district. La.Const. art. 5, § 26 (1974). The 1974 constitution does not, however, divest the attorney general of all his powers in criminal cases. Article 4, section 8 of the constitution outlines the following conditions under which the attorney general has authority in criminal proceedings: As necessary for the assertion or protection of any right or interest of the state, the attorney general shall have authority (1) to institute, prosecute, or intervene in any civil action or proceeding; (2) upon the written request of a district attorney, to advise and assist in the prosecution of any criminal case; and (3) for cause, when authorized by the court which would have original jurisdiction and subject to judicial review, (a) to institute, prosecute, or intervene in any criminal action or proceeding, or (b) to supersede any attorney representing the state in any civil or criminal action.