La High Court Requires Domestic Violence Training for Judges

By: Ark-La-Tex Staff Writer

In a decisive effort to enhance the judicial system’s response to domestic violence, the Louisiana Supreme Court has issued an order mandating all state judges to complete a trauma-informed domestic violence training session every two years. The order went into effect immediately upon announcement.  

Judges training will consist of a minimum one hour long domestic violence session to be integrated into the existing 12.5 hours of annual continuing judicial education. Judges will be required to complete the training beginning January 1 of the year following election to judicial office.  Sessions will be conducted by the Louisiana Judicial College and the Louisiana Protective Order Registry, ensuring judges receive updated methodologies and best practices.

According to Chief Justice John L. Weimer, the aim is to empower judges with the latest knowledge on domestic violence, including:

• Trauma-informed courtroom practices
• Issuing and handling protective orders
• Managing sensitive cases involving children and vulnerable families
• Utilizing evidence-based approaches to avoid re-traumatization

“While judges must remain neutral arbiters of the facts and the law, we also must be cognizant of the painful toll of domestic violence and trauma in our communities,” said Chief Justice Weimer.

Bottom Line

Louisiana’s Supreme Court has taken a proactive step toward improving its justice system’s handling of domestic violence by embedding trauma-informed training into judges’ professional development. This move acknowledges the intricate realities of such cases and underscores the judiciary’s responsibility to protect victims with sensitivity and insight.