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Practice Areas in Louisiana
Counties in Louisiana
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The Court System in Louisiana
Louisiana operates a distinctive court system that reflects its unique legal heritage, combining elements of both civil law and common law traditions. The state court system has three main levels: trial courts, appellate courts, and the Louisiana Supreme Court. At the trial level, District Courts serve as the primary courts of general jurisdiction, handling serious criminal cases, major civil disputes, family matters, and appeals from lower courts. City Courts and Parish Courts handle smaller matters like traffic violations, misdemeanors, and civil cases under certain dollar amounts. Justice of the Peace Courts address very minor matters and small claims. The intermediate appellate level consists of five Circuit Courts of Appeal, which review decisions from trial courts and are divided geographically across the state. At the top sits the Louisiana Supreme Court, the state highest court, which hears appeals from the circuit courts and has discretionary jurisdiction over most cases. What makes Louisiana truly distinctive is its civil law foundation, inherited from French and Spanish colonial rule, particularly evident in areas like property law, family law, and contracts. While criminal law follows common law principles similar to other states, this civil law influence creates unique legal concepts and procedures not found elsewhere in the United States. This distinctive legal landscape makes working with attorneys familiar with Louisiana specific laws crucial for any legal matter. For official information about Louisiana courts, visit the Louisiana Supreme Court website at lasc.org.
Major Courts in Louisiana
Louisiana major courts serve different regions and handle various types of significant legal matters throughout the state. The Louisiana Supreme Court, located in New Orleans, stands as the highest court in the state with seven justices who hear appeals and have final authority on state constitutional questions and major legal issues. The Orleans Parish Criminal District Court in New Orleans handles all felony criminal cases for Orleans Parish, making it one of the busiest criminal courts in the state. The Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans, also in New Orleans, manages major civil litigation, including complex commercial disputes and significant personal injury cases. The 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge serves East Baton Rouge Parish and handles a high volume of both criminal and civil matters for the capital city area. The Jefferson Parish courts, located in Gretna, include both the 24th Judicial District Court for civil and criminal matters and separate specialized courts that handle the large suburban population of greater New Orleans. The 15th Judicial District Court in Lafayette serves as a major court for the Acadiana region, handling significant cases for Lafayette Parish and surrounding areas. The Caddo Parish District Court in Shreveport manages important legal matters for northwest Louisiana, including both criminal and civil cases. These courts represent the backbone of Louisiana judicial system, processing thousands of cases annually and serving as venues where major legal precedents are established throughout the state.
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