Terms Used In Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure 4917

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Clerk of court: An officer appointed by the court to work with the chief judge in overseeing the court's administration, especially to assist in managing the flow of cases through the court and to maintain court records.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Pleadings: Written statements of the parties in a civil case of their positions. In the federal courts, the principal pleadings are the complaint and the answer.

A.  A party or his attorney may state the claim, exceptions, defenses, or other pleas orally to the justice of the peace or the clerk of court.  No written pleadings shall be required.

B.  A party may file written pleadings if he so desires, but additional fees resulting from written pleadings not required shall not be imposed upon the party cast as costs of court.

C.  A defendant shall include in his answer, whether oral or in writing, all of the exceptions upon which he intends to rely.

Acts 1986, No. 156, §1.