A. A party desiring to recuse a judge of a district court shall file a written motion therefor assigning the ground for recusal under Article151. This motion shall be filed no later than thirty days after discovery of the facts constituting the ground upon which the motion is based, but in all cases prior to the scheduling of the matter for trial. In the event that the facts constituting the ground upon which the motion to recuse is based occur after the matter is scheduled for trial or the party moving for recusal could not, in the exercise of due diligence, have discovered such facts, the motion to recuse shall be filed immediately after such facts occur or are discovered. B. If the motion to recuse sets forth a ground for recusal under Article151, not later than seven days after the judge's receipt of the motion from the clerk of court, the judge shall either recuse himself or make a written request to the supreme court for the appointment of an ad hoc judge as provided in Article155. C. If the motion to recuse is not timely filed in accordance with Paragraph A of this Article or fails to set forth a ground for recusal under Article151, the judge may deny the motion without the appointment of an ad hoc judge or a hearing but shall provide written reasons for the denial.
Art. 154.Procedure For Recusal of District Court Judge
Title I. Courts · Chapter 3. Recusal of Judges · Last amended 2022 · Last verified July 30, 2026
In one sentenceArticle 154 sets the procedure for moving to recuse a district court judge — a written motion filed within thirty days of discovering the grounds and before trial is set, followed by the judge's choice, within seven days, to recuse or request an ad hoc judge, unless the motion is untimely or fails to state a ground.
Full Text of Art. 154
Amendment History
Amended by Acts 2022, No. 38, §1, eff. 8/1/2022. Amended by Acts 2021, No. 143, §1, eff. 8/1/2021.
Plain-English Summary
A party who wants to recuse a district court judge has to move fast and in writing. Article 154 requires the motion to be filed within thirty days of discovering the facts supporting a ground for recusal under Article 151, and in every case before the matter is scheduled for trial. If the facts arise, or are discovered, after the trial date is set, the party must file immediately rather than waiting.
Once a proper motion lands, the clock shifts to the judge. Within seven days of receiving it from the clerk of court, the judge must either recuse voluntarily or make a written request to the supreme court to appoint an ad hoc judge to hear the motion, as Article 155 describes. The judge doesn't get to sit on a valid motion indefinitely.
Not every motion gets that far. If the motion is filed late under Paragraph A, or doesn't set out a ground for recusal under Article 151, the judge can deny it outright — without a hearing and without asking for an ad hoc judge — but has to explain the denial in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a motion to recuse a district judge?
Generally thirty days from discovering the facts supporting the ground for recusal, and in every case before the matter is scheduled for trial, unless the facts arise or are discovered later, in which case the motion must be filed immediately.
What must the judge do after receiving a recusal motion?
Within seven days of receiving the motion from the clerk of court, the judge must either recuse voluntarily or make a written request to the supreme court for an ad hoc judge to hear the motion.
Can a judge deny a motion to recuse without a hearing?
Yes, if the motion was filed late or doesn't set out a ground for recusal under Article 151. The judge can deny it without appointing an ad hoc judge or holding a hearing, but must give written reasons.
What happens if I discover the basis for recusal after trial has already been scheduled?
Article 154 requires the motion to be filed immediately once those facts occur or are discovered, rather than following the general thirty-day rule that applies before a trial date is set.
Source & verification. Article text is reproduced verbatim from
the vLex (Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure, 2026 Edition). Enacted by the Louisiana Legislature.
Last verified July 30, 2026.
· Official source
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