Louisiana Supreme Court celebrates 200 years

NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana Supreme Court is celebrating its 200th anniversary today, March 1, with a ceremony that began at 11 a.m.

In honor of the occasion the justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court will preside over bicentennial ceremonies commemorating its legal heritage dating back to 1813. Today's events complete a year of court events highlighting the bicentennial.

Chief Justice Bernette J. Johnson said the bicentennial is a time to look back at the history of the court.

“The bicentennial of the Louisiana Supreme Court will be a celebration of the rule of law, our history, and our state. Accordingly, this event will look at how the Court, guided by law, has taken shape over the past century and since the centennial celebration in 1913,” Johnson said.

Topics selected for the ceremonies include: "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 Rights Movement" and "The History of the Louisiana Supreme Court."

The topics were chosenbby the Court's Bicentennial Committee and its chair, Justice Greg G. Guidry.

A short play by the International High School of New Orleans entitled "An Uncommon Birth-Shaping Louisiana’s Legal Tradition for Statehood" will also be presented.

The ceremonies are free and open to the public.

One hour of CLE accreditation will be available for Louisiana attorneys.

For more information about the Louisiana Supreme Court Bicentennial Ceremonies contact Valerie Willard at (504) 310.2590.