The crier of a court shall attend all sessions thereof; under the direction of the judge shall open and close court at each session, and maintain order and decorum in the court room; and shall perform such other duties as are assigned to him by law, the court, or the sheriff. The crier of a trial court, when requested to do so, shall call all witnesses in the building whose testimony is desired by the court or by a party. When a court has no crier, and there is no deputy sheriff available for such duty, the sheriff shall perform the duties of crier.
Art. 333.Crier
Title I. Courts · Chapter 6. Sheriffs · Amendment history unavailable · Last verified July 30, 2026
In one sentenceArticle 333 requires the court crier to attend every session, open and close court under the judge's direction, keep order and decorum in the courtroom, and call witnesses when requested, and directs the sheriff to perform those duties when a court has no crier and no deputy sheriff is available.
Full Text of Art. 333
Plain-English Summary
The crier is the officer who manages the rhythm and order of a courtroom. Article 333 requires the crier to attend all of a court's sessions, and, under the judge's direction, to open and close court at each session and maintain order and decorum in the courtroom — along with whatever other duties the law, the court, or the sheriff assigns.
At a trial court, the crier also has a practical role in moving a case along: when requested, the crier calls all witnesses in the building whose testimony the court or a party wants, so the proceeding does not stall while someone tracks a witness down.
Not every court has its own crier. When one does not, and no deputy sheriff is available to fill in, Article 333 puts the duty on the sheriff himself, so a session never goes without someone performing the crier's function.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a court crier do?
The crier attends every session, opens and closes court under the judge's direction, keeps order and decorum in the courtroom, and performs other duties assigned by law, the court, or the sheriff.
Can the crier be asked to round up witnesses?
Yes. At a trial court, when requested, the crier calls all witnesses in the building whose testimony the court or a party wants.
What happens if a court has no crier?
If no deputy sheriff is available either, Article 333 requires the sheriff to perform the crier's duties himself.
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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