Louisiana § RS 15:1188 - Judicial screening and service of process
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 15:1188 — Judicial screening and service of process, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 15:1188. Judicial screening and service of process
A. The court shall review, before docketing if feasible or, in any event, before service on the defendants, a petition in a civil action in which a prisoner seeks redress from a governmental entity or officer or employee of a governmental entity. On review, the court shall identify cognizable claims or dismiss the petition, or any portion of the petition, if the petition is frivolous, is malicious, fails to state a cause of action, seeks monetary relief from a defendant who is immune from such relief, or fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.
B. A court shall not authorize or permit service of a prisoner suit until compliance with both of the following:
(1) The screening required in Subsection A of this Section has been completed.
(2) The provisions of R.S. 15:1186(A)(1), (2), and (3) have been satisfied, if the plaintiff is proceeding in forma pauperis.
C. The clerk shall not have a prisoner suit served until specifically ordered to do so by the court as provided in Subsection B of this Section, and then the suit shall be served only upon those defendants specifically ordered by the court to be served.
Acts 1997, No. 731, §1, eff. July 9, 1997; Acts 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 110, §1, eff. May 5, 1998; Acts 2001, No. 801, §1, eff. June 26, 2001; Acts 2025, No. 253, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 15:1188
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 15:1188 cover?
Section RS 15:1188 ("Judicial screening and service of process") 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 15:1188?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 15:1188" (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 15:1188 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.