List of people executed in Louisiana (pre-1972)

This list documents individuals executed by the state of Louisiana prior to the Furman v. Georgia Supreme Court decision in 1972, which effectively placed a moratorium on capital punishment in the United States. These executions occurred primarily through hanging and electrocution.

Louisiana utilized both parish-level (county) and state-level execution processes. Many executions, particularly in the earlier years, were carried out by local authorities within the respective parishes. As time progressed, the state assumed greater control over the process, with the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola becoming the primary location for executions.

The executions listed typically followed convictions for capital crimes, most commonly murder, but also included convictions for rape and other offenses, particularly in the early to mid-20th century. The racial demographics of those executed reflect the historical racial disparities within the Louisiana justice system. African Americans were disproportionately represented among those subjected to capital punishment.

Official records related to these executions can be found in various archives, including those maintained by the Louisiana Department of Corrections, the Louisiana State Archives, and parish courthouses. However, complete and consistent documentation can be challenging to locate, and some records may be incomplete or missing.

Information regarding the specific crimes, dates of execution, and methods used can vary depending on the source and the completeness of historical records. Further research may be required to fully understand the circumstances surrounding each individual case. The list itself is a complex and sensitive historical record that highlights the state's use of capital punishment during this period.