EXHIBIT 23.1

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration
Statements of The Shaw Group Inc.:

Form S-8 No. 333-02666 (dated March 25, 1996)
Form S-3 No. 333-04570 (dated May 3, 1996)
Form S-3 No. 333-30493 (dated July 1, 1997)
Form S-8 No. 333-36315 (dated September 24, 1997)
Form S-3 No. 333-62757 (dated September 2, 1998)
Form S-8 No. 333-87175 (dated September 16, 1999)
Form S-3 No. 333-44542 (dated August 25, 2000)
Form S-3 No. 333-62848 (dated June 12, 2001)
Form S-8 No. 333-62852 (dated June 12, 2001)
Form S-8 No. 333-62856 (dated June 12, 2001)
Form S-3 No. 333-62978 (dated June 14, 2001)
Form S-3 No. 333-84408 (dated March 15, 2002)
Form S-3 No. 333-90058 (dated June 7, 2002)
Form S-4 No. 333-105347 (dated May 21, 2003)
Form S-8 No. 333-105520 (dated May 23, 2003)



of our report dated October 17, 2003 with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of The Shaw Group Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for
the year ended August 31, 2003.

                                                           /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana

October 17, 2003