§ 13:621.24.2 — Twenty-Fourth Judicial District; Online Judge Pilot Program

Louisiana § 13:621.24.2

• Jurisdiction: Louisiana
• Title 13: Courts and Judicial Procedure

Text

§621.24.2. Twenty-Fourth Judicial District; Online Judge Pilot Program
A. In an effort to improve access to justice and create a more efficient and effective
justice system, the Twenty-Fourth Judicial District Court, by rule adopted by a majority of
the judges sitting en banc, may establish the Online Judge Pilot Program. Each division of
court, now in existence or subsequently created, is authorized to establish a process to handle
any preliminary matter exclusively online.
B. Pursuant to the inherent judicial power of the court, the court may order the
parties to any civil case to participate in the program. Any party who wishes to opt out of
the program shall file a written motion to opt out within ten days after service of the order,
which may be granted ex parte. If no party opts out, all parties shall participate in the
program unless a party has been exempted by the court due to an undue hardship. An undue
hardship exists when a party cannot access the online system or participate in the program
without substantial difficulty or expense as determined by the court.
C. In an effort to expedite litigation, oral arguments shall be waived and all motions
and exceptions shall be referred to the program, unless the court determines that oral
arguments or witness testimony is necessary. Written argument may take place through the
program in an asynchronous manner within a time frame specified by the court. The court
may also designate a character limit depending upon the complexity of the issue. The court
may consider only those documents filed in support of or in opposition to the subject motion
and shall consider any documents to which no objection is made. Any objection to a
document shall be raised in a timely filed opposition or reply memorandum. The court shall
consider all objections prior to rendering judgment. The court shall specifically state in
writing which documents, if any, it held to be inadmissible or declined to consider. The
parties may present and offer additional evidence if oral arguments are permitted or witness
testimony is necessary.
D. All messages related to a hearing held through the program shall be considered
part of the court record and may be used for any purpose after having been certified by the
court reporter. Any issue discussed through the program during the pretrial conference may
not be used as evidence in any judicial or administrative proceeding.
E. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, every pleading subsequent
to the original petition, including a pleading or order that sets a court date, shall be served
by transmitting an electronic copy to all parties through the program established by the court.
F. This Section shall be null and void on and after August 1, 2025.

Legislative History

Acts 2021, No. 409, §1.