VI § 2 Cases Subject to Summary Docketing and Oral Arguments

Some cases before the Louisiana Supreme Court get handled through a faster process called summary docketing, which usually includes oral arguments. This rule lists the main types of cases that fall into this category, though the list isn't the only cases that can qualify.

Three main situations trigger this process. First, if the court grants a rehearing on a case it already decided, that case goes on the summary docket. Second, if a court of appeal sends the Supreme Court specific legal questions to answer (called certified questions), those cases also go through this process. Third, the Supreme Court can simply choose to schedule any case for oral arguments on its own.

For people involved in these cases, this means the court has decided your case needs closer attention through spoken arguments in front of the justices, rather than being decided only on written briefs. If your case fits one of these categories, you or your attorney should expect to prepare for and attend an oral argument session.