This is an unofficial, non-partisan educational resource for understanding Louisiana Justice of the Peace Court. All information is cited to the Louisiana Revised Statutes and applicable codes. This site does not provide legal advice.
Civil Jurisdiction
Small claims up to $5,000, contract disputes, property damage, and civil trial procedure.
Eviction Proceedings
Residential and commercial evictions, grounds, defenses, and summary process rules.
Criminal & Magistrate
Parish-wide magistrate authority, bail, warrants, preliminary examinations, and peace bonds.
Constable
Independently elected peace officer: service of process, writ execution, and law enforcement.
Ministerial Duties
Marriage ceremonies, notarial authority, and transfers of movable property.
JP Office
Qualifications, training, fees, compensation, recusal, and judicial conduct.
Resources
Glossary of terms, frequently asked questions, and statutory sources.
Topics Covered
Comprehensive coverage of Justice Court authority and procedure
Civil Jurisdiction
- Money Claims
- Property Disputes
- Contracts
- Trial Procedure
- Judgments
- Garnishment
- Appeals
Eviction Proceedings
- Grounds for Eviction
- Nonpayment
- Lease Violations
- Defenses
- Security Deposits
- Appeals
Criminal & Magistrate
- Magistrate Authority
- Bail & Bonds
- Search Warrants
- Preliminary Exam
- Peace Bonds
- Litter Violations
Constable
- Service of Process
- Writ Execution
- Fee Schedule
- Deputy Constables
Ministerial Duties
- Marriage Ceremonies
- Notarial Acts
- Title Transfers
JP Office
- Qualifications
- Fees & Costs
- Recusal
- Judicial Conduct