A basic knowledge of Louisiana courts and judges can be very beneficial if you ever find yourself in the courtroom. All too often individuals and businesses find the need to file a lawsuit, or are at the receiving end of a lawsuit, and their lack of knowledge on how the court system works leaves them lost in the proceedings. Regardless of the circumstances that put you there, it helps to understand the court process and to know a little about the individual overseeing your case.

It’s important to understand that there are multiple courts in Louisiana that oversee different types of cases. Each of these courts have judges that administer the law and case process. When considering Louisiana courts and Louisiana judges, keep the following in mind:

1. There are 42 judicial districts for courts in LA.

2. The Supreme Court and Louisiana Circuit Courts of Appeals only hear appellate cases.

3. Records are available on case filings from bankruptcy courts in Louisiana.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate courts and judges in Louisiana

The 42 judicial district courts in Louisiana, which handle civil and criminal cases, serve one or more parishes. For example, the 23rd Judicial District contains the Ascension, St. James and Assumption parishes. In addition to district courts, Louisiana has five family/juvenile courts, 50 city courts and three parish courts (such as Parish of Orleans). Each Louisiana court has local rules that cases must abide by in addition to state and federal laws.

I recommend: Visit the Louisiana District Judges Association for links to various parish and district court websites. Access contact information on Louisiana judges for the 23rd Judicial District of Louisiana. View the rules for Louisiana District Courts on the Parish of Orleans Civil District Court website.

File an appeal with the Supreme Court and Louisiana Court of Appeals

The Louisiana Supreme Court and Circuit Courts of Appeals hear only appellate cases. The purpose of an appellate court is to review the trial transcript and original evidence of a case to determine if there were any errors in the original case decision. There are no witnesses, jurors or new evidence in a case heard before the Louisiana appellate courts and their decisions are final. There are seven judges in Louisiana Supreme Court. There are five Circuit Courts of Appeals in Louisiana and they each have eight to 12 judges.

I recommend: Visit the Louisiana District Judges Association for a link to each of the five Circuit Courts of Appeals. For further information on the role of the Louisiana Supreme Court, go to the frequently asked questions portion of their website.

Access records from bankruptcy courts in Louisiana

Whether you need to search for a bankruptcy filing on a debtor or determine if bankruptcy is an option for you or your company, the Louisiana Bankruptcy Courts can assist you with both. Three districts make up the Louisiana Bankruptcy court: the eastern, western and middle districts. Each provide information on the basics for bankruptcy filing, contact information for trustees and bankruptcy attorneys and an online search of Louisiana bankruptcy records through the PACER system (Public Access to Court Electronic Records).

I recommend: Obtain bankruptcy court forms and instructions for filing on the US Bankruptcy Court – Western District of Louisiana website. Visit the bankruptcy court records search on the US Bankruptcy Court – Eastern District of Louisiana PACER website (each district provides a similar online search).

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Regardless of how much knowledge you have of courts and judges in LA, you should hire an attorney who specializes in your specific type of case to represent you.