Louisiana Senate Bill SB331

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/10
• Refer: 3/29/10
• Report Pass: 5/12/10

Caption

Prohibit the district attorney and assistant district attorneys, of the sixteenth judicial district, from being able to perform "private practice work" for local governments that are represented by the district attorney's office. (8/15/10)

Impact

Upon enactment, SB331 will amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to establish clear boundaries between the public duties of district attorneys and any private legal work they wish to pursue. This change seeks to foster integrity and public trust in legal representation by ensuring that district attorneys do not have dual loyalties when serving their community. The bill enforces a stricter ethical standard meant to preserve the impartiality and independence of the district attorney's office.

Summary

Senate Bill 331 aims to address ethical concerns regarding the actions of district attorneys and their assistants in the sixteenth judicial district of Louisiana. The bill explicitly prohibits these legal professionals from engaging in private practice that involves representation or assistance to local governmental entities served by their office. This legislation is designed to eliminate potential conflicts of interest that could arise when public attorneys represent private interests simultaneously.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB331 appears to be generally favorable among those who advocate for legal ethics and the integrity of public service. Supporters argue that it is crucial for district attorneys to solely focus on their public responsibilities without any competing interests that could compromise their judgment. On the other hand, some legal professionals may feel that this restriction limits their ability to serve their community in dual roles, potentially stifling their professional opportunities.

Contention

Debate over SB331 may arise concerning the practicality of enforcing this prohibition and the broad implications it may have on the availability of legal services for local governments. Critics could argue that this limitation could hinder smaller governments that rely on the expertise and private practice of local attorneys, potentially complicating their legal representation needs. Nevertheless, proponents emphasize that the bill protects the public interest and upholds ethical standards in the practice of law.