[G.Mason]

"Doubtful – I was about to post “can you say martial law”?, then decided to check and find out if New Orleans really is under martial law. It seems to be a case of a lot of people blowing smoke. I looked up several sources and they all had the same thing. Some officials say there is, others say there isn’t. It’s obvious that the local commander believes there is."

Nagin the Noggin declares Martial Law

No official letter, just a new release. FWIW

Build their gallows high

[R. Scott]

Mr. Nagin should learn that a press conference does not make it official, any more than screaming at the camera for help makes it official. There has to be an official paper trail.