Louisiana § RS 15:284 - Facility dogs; use in court; procedure
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 15:284 — Facility dogs; use in court; procedure, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 15:284. Facility dogs; use in court; procedure
A. The court shall allow a witness who is either under eighteen years of age or who has a developmental disability as defined in R.S. 28:451.2 to have a facility dog, if available, accompany them while testifying in court.
B. The court may allow any witness who does not meet the criteria provided for in Subsection A of this Section to have a facility dog, if available, accompany them while testifying in court.
C. A party seeking the use of a facility dog must file a notice with the court that includes the certification of the dog, the name of the person or entity who certified the dog, and evidence that the dog is insured.
D. To ensure that the presence of a facility dog does not influence the jury or is not a reflection on the truthfulness of any testimony that is offered by the victim or witness, the court shall instruct the jury on the role of the facility dog and that the facility dog is a trained animal.
E. For the purposes of this Section, "facility dog" means a dog that is certified and a graduate of an assistance dog organization that is accredited by Assistance Dogs International or a similar internationally recognized organization whose main purpose is to grant accreditation to assistance dog organizations based on standards of excellence in all areas of assistance dog acquisition, training, and placement. A "facility dog" is one that is specially trained to provide emotional support to witnesses testifying in judicial proceedings without causing a distraction during the proceedings.
F. This Section may be referred to and may be cited as "Duvall's Law".
Acts 2018, No. 503, §1; Acts 2020, No. 16, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 15:284
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 15:284 cover?
Section RS 15:284 ("Facility dogs; use in court; procedure") 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 15:284?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 15:284" (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 15:284 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.