Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure 5095 – Same; defense of action
Terms Used In Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure 5095
- Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
- Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
- Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Prosecute: To charge someone with a crime. A prosecutor tries a criminal case on behalf of the government.
A. The attorney at law appointed by the court to represent a defendant shall use reasonable diligence to inquire of the defendant, and to determine from other available sources, what defense, if any, the defendant may have, and what evidence is available in support thereof.
B. Except in an executory proceeding, the attorney may except to the petition, shall file an answer or other pleading in time to prevent a default judgment from being rendered, may plead therein any affirmative defense available, may prosecute an appeal from an adverse judgment, and generally has the same duty, responsibility, and authority in defending the action or proceeding as if he had been retained as counsel for the defendant.
Acts 2017, No. 419, §1; Acts 2021, No. 174, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2022.