Civil Code

The Clock of Justice: When Do Louisiana Laws Take Effect?

Published on: October 28, 2025 | By Berniard Law Firm

Understanding When Louisiana Laws Apply: A Guide to Prospective and Retroactive Effects

Imagine you’re involved in a legal matter, and the legislature passes a new law. Does it affect your situation? Or does it only apply moving forward?

The timing of when a law takes effect — and whether it applies to past events — can drastically impact legal outcomes. In Louisiana, this concept is governed by Civil Code Article 6, which establishes when laws apply prospectively (looking forward) or retroactively (looking backward).

When the Law Is Silent: How Louisiana Judges Uphold Justice

Published on: October 28, 2025 | By Berniard Law Firm

The Unforeseen Gaps: Why Laws Can’t Cover Everything

Imagine Louisiana’s laws as a vast, detailed tapestry woven to guide every aspect of daily life. Even so, no legal system — no matter how comprehensive — can anticipate every possible situation.

So, what happens when a dispute arises in court, and no written statute or established custom directly applies?

Legislation vs. Custom: Unpacking the Foundations of Louisiana Law

Published on: October 27, 2025 | By Berniard Law Firm

The Building Blocks of Justice: How Louisiana Laws Are Made

Louisiana’s legal system is unique, drawing heavily from its Civil Code tradition. Unlike many other states that primarily rely on ‘common law’ (judge-made law), our system is rooted in comprehensive written statutes. But where do these rules come from, and how do we interpret them? Understanding the foundational principles of Louisiana law, as laid out in the Louisiana Civil Code, is key to knowing your rights and obligations.

Legislation: The Primary Source of Our Laws (Louisiana Civil Code Article 2)