First Parish Court was created by the Louisiana Legislature in 1962 and has been serving the East Bank of Jefferson Parish continually since that time. Second Parish Court has been serving the West Bank of Jefferson Parish since its creation by the legislature in 1966. These courts were created to serve the ever-expanding population of a growing Jefferson Parish and the problems and conflicts which accompanied that growth, specifically traffic matters, misdemeanors and civil disputes.
For First Parish Court inquiries concerning offenses occurring on the East Bank of Jefferson Parish, please call 504-736-8900.
For Second Parish Court inquiries concerning offenses occurring on the West Bank of Jefferson Parish, please call 504-364-2800.
The Parish Courts are of limited jurisdiction handling civil claims up to $20,000 (effective August 15, 2001), misdemeanors, traffic violations, and violations of Jefferson Parish ordinances. First Parish Court is located in Metairie and its jurisdiction covers offenses and disputes occurring on the East Bank of Jefferson Parish. Second Parish Court is located in Gretna and its jurisdiction covers offenses and disputes occurring on the West Bank of Jefferson Parish and Grand Isle. Each court consists of two judicial divisions as well as a designated traffic court presided over by a court-appointed Traffic Hearing Officer.
For further information regarding the enabling legislation of these two courts, please go to the Louisiana State Legislature web site.
It is the policy of First and Second Parish Courts to make such necessary and reasonable efforts as may be required in order to assist those in need of accommodation to participate in any proceeding and/or visit to the court on any official business. Requests for accommodations and/or interpreter services shall be made to the Court's respective Administrative Office. Any individual aggrieved by the Court's response to an expressed need for an accommodation shall contact the Judicial Administrator of that Court.