What is the legal definition of “usury” in Louisiana?

The legal definition of “usury” in Louisiana is specifically focused on charging excessive interest on loans. This definition is grounded in Louisiana law, which outlines specific limits on the amount of interest that can be charged on loans. Usury laws aim to protect consumers from predatory lending practices by capping the interest rates to prevent lenders from exploiting borrowers. By setting these legal limits, Louisiana ensures fairness in lending and holds lenders accountable for the rates they impose.

The key aspect of usury is the excessive nature of the interest charged, as it is considered unlawful and often leads to overly burdensome debt for the borrower. Understanding this definition is crucial for both borrowers and lenders in Louisiana, as violations of usury laws can result in penalties or the annulment of the loan agreements involved.