The Louisiana Supreme Court Celebrates Bicentennial

The Louisiana Supreme Court celebrated 200 years of service today as the justices presided over Bicentennial Ceremonies honoring their legal heritage dating back to March 1st 1813.

The ceremonies took place in the Louisiana Supreme Court courtroom, decorated to recreate the 1913 centennial celebration, which took place 100 years ago.

Chief Justice Bernette Johnson says,

“In celebrating the bicentennial of the Louisiana Supreme Court we celebrate the rule of law, our history, and our state. Accordingly, today we look at how the Court, guided by law, has taken shape over the past century and since the centennial celebration in 1913".

Topics for the Bicentennial Ceremonies included:

• A Walk Through The Streets Of New Orleans At The Time of The Court's Foundation
• The Civilian Aspects Of Louisiana Law
• The Role Of The Louisiana Supreme Court In The Early Civil Right Movement
• The History Of The Louisiana Supreme Court

The celebration also included a short play presented by the International High School of New Orleans called, "An Uncommon Birth-Shaping Louisiana’s Legal Tradition for Statehood."

Chair of the Court Bicentennial Committee, Justic Greg Guidry, says,

"In recognition of this momentous occasion, the Court felt it was symbolically appropriate throughout the past year to return to former homes of the Louisiana Supreme Court. In May we held oral argument in the Cabildo, the court’s New Orleans home in the late 1800's. In October we “rode the circuit,” or held court, in Natchitoches, another former court venue. Going forward, we will keep the celebration in the forefront by featuring a Bicentennial page on the Louisiana Supreme Court web site, www.lasc.org for those interested in learning more about the history of this court.”