Unif. R. La. Cts. App. 2-16.1

Opinions of the Court of Appeal, whether authored or per curiam, shall be formal

opinions or memorandum opinions.

A. A case may be disposed of by formal opinion when at least one of the

following criteria is satisfied. The formal opinion:

(1) establishes a new rule of law or alters or modifies an existing rule;

(2) involves a legal issue of continuing public interest;

(3) criticizes or explains existing law;

(4) applies an established rule of law to a factual situation significantly

different from that in published opinions of the courts of this state;

(5) resolves an apparent conflict of authority; or

(6) constitutes a significant and non-duplicative contribution to legal

literature because it contains:

(a) a historical review of the law;

(b) a review of legislative history; or

(c) a review of conflicting decisions among the courts or other

jurisdictions.

B. Where the panel unanimously agrees that a case does not qualify for

disposition by formal opinion, the case may be disposed of by a concise

memorandum opinion. A memorandum opinion shall succinctly state:

(1) the court from which the appeal comes;

(2) the germane facts, including the ruling of the lower court;

(3) the issues and contentions of the parties when appropriate;

(4) the reasons for the decision;

(5) the judgment of the Court of Appeal; and

(6) a statement that the memorandum opinion is issued in compliance with

Rule 2-16.1(B).