Stray Court Records
Civil and Criminal Courts
This is an artificial collection of original documents that, for one reason or another, became separated from the record series to which they belong. Some are complete suit records or case files that were not refiled by court personnel, while others are fragments, sometimes substantial, that “strayed” from their original locations. In many cases the court of origin’s records are available, and accessible through the finding aids for the individual courts; researchers should consult them for additional information.
Part 1 of the Stray Court Records has been inventoried separately.
Since it would be excessively difficult to refile these documents in their proper locations, we have arranged them by court (when available) and indicated the box and folder number where they are housed. The inventory also includes a brief description of the contents of each file, providing a level of information not available in the summary descriptions of the larger bodies of court records. They offer a good sample of the kinds of information available in the Civil and Criminal Courts collections. Also included is a series of Administrative and Jury Records that provide additional context to the functioning of the courts.
Civil Courts, 1804-1846
Separated records from City Court, Parish Court, Commercial Court, and First Judicial District Court. Also includes records of slave tribunals from Parish Court
View IndexCivil Courts, 1846-1930s
Separated records from First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth District Courts and Civil District Court
View IndexRecords from Unknown Courts, Orleans Parish
Separated Orleans Parish court records and fragments of cases that have no discernable court of origin. Additionally, many are undated.
View IndexCriminal Courts, 1820-1920s
Separated records from various criminal courts. Researchers should consult both this index and the Additional Criminal Courts index.
View IndexAdditional Criminal Court Records
Additional Criminal Court records that were separated from their court of origin. Includes Recorders' Courts, Police Courts, and Justices of the Peace.
Learn MoreNon-Orleans Parish
A random selection of court records from various non-Orleans Parish sources, including other parish courts, Louisiana Supreme Court, federal courts, and courts outside of Louisiana.
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