Louisiana § RS 13:5202 - Jurisdiction
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 13:5202 — Jurisdiction, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 13:5202. Jurisdiction
A. A small claims division shall be a court not of record and shall have civil subject matter jurisdiction in cases where the amount in dispute does not exceed five thousand dollars, exclusive of interest, court costs, attorney fees, or penalties, whether provided by agreement or by law, provided that not more than ten parties plaintiff shall be joined in the same action pursuant to Article 463 of the Code of Civil Procedure and that there shall be no class certification pursuant to Articles 591 through 597 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
B. A small claims division shall have authority to grant any appropriate relief, including money damages and equitable relief. Injunctions and restraining orders shall not issue from a small claims division, except to arrest the execution of its own writ. Class actions, summary proceedings, and executory proceedings shall be prohibited.
C. The judges and clerks of the respective courts shall serve as the judges and clerks of the small claims divisions, except that an attorney appointed by the judges may serve as arbitrator as hereinafter provided.
D. Each court may by court rule establish mass filing limitations on all parties filing claims in the small claims divisions.
E. In the City Court of East St. Tammany, the small claims division shall have civil subject matter jurisdiction in cases where the amount in dispute is the same as the amount established for civil jurisdiction in a justice of the peace court, exclusive of interest, court costs, attorney fees, or penalties, whether provided by agreement or by law, provided that not more than ten parties plaintiff shall be joined in the same action pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Article 463, and there shall be no class certification pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Articles 591 through 597.
Added by Acts 1977, No. 710, §1. Amended by Acts 1979, No. 46, §3, eff; Jan. 1, 1980; Acts 1982, No. 286, §1; Acts 1985, No. 298, §1; Acts 1987, No. 256, §1; Acts 1999, No. 312, §1; Acts 2008, No. 195, §1; Acts 2012, No. 209, §1; Acts 2020, No. 205, §1, eff. June 11, 2020.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 13:5202
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 13:5202 cover?
Section RS 13:5202 ("Jurisdiction") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 13:5202?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 13:5202" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 13:5202 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.