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Napoleonic code
Louisiana’s civil laws are heavily influenced by the Napoleonic code.
French civil laws established with consistency under Napoleon and influential in much of the world (in the United States, influential in Louisiana)
The Napoleonic Code was influential in the laws of many nations and of the state of Louisiana which is the only US state whose laws are based upon it rather than upon English Common Law.
The preliminary article of the Code helped establish important aspects of "rule of law" including the requirements that laws be publicized and prospective (rather than secret or retroactive). It also encouraged judges to assure justice in their interpretation of laws rather than imposing the letter of the law when it is unfair.
Louisiana’s civil laws are heavily influenced by the Napoleonic code.
There is such a thing in this State of Louisiana as the Napoleonic code, according to which...
Tennessee Williams -- A Streetcar Named Desire
Stanley: Have you ever heard of the Napoleonic code?
Tennessee Williams -- A Streetcar Named Desire
Stella: No, Stanley, I haven’t heard of the Napoleonic code and if I have, I don’t see what it – Stanley: Let me enlighten you on a point or two, baby.
Tennessee Williams -- A Streetcar Named Desire
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Stanley: In the state of Louisiana we have the Napoleonic code according to which what belongs to the wife belongs to the husband and vice versa.
Tennessee Williams -- A Streetcar Named Desire
I’ll wait till she gets through soaking in a hot tub and then I’ll inquire if she is acquainted with the Napoleonic code.
Tennessee Williams -- A Streetcar Named Desire
It looks to me like you have been swindled, baby, and when you’re swindled under the Napoleonic code I’m swindled too.
Tennessee Williams -- A Streetcar Named Desire
Stanley [becoming somewhat sheepish]: You see, under the Napoleonic code — a man has to take an interest in his wife’s affairs — especially now that she’s going to have a baby.