
The Union Parish Police Jury “UPPJ” is required by law to
provide and bear the expense for a suitable building and requisite
furniture for District and Circuit Courts. R.S. 33:4713(A). The Parish
is responsible for security provided in the courthouse; however,
judges are authorized to implement rules of decorum and conduct
within their courtroom and judicial offices. The Parish shall also
provide a good and sufficient courthouse, with rooms for jurors.
R.S. 33:4715. (1)
In its current condition, the courthouse is unfit for public use,
primarily due to its non-functioning air-conditioning system.
The courthouse was built more than 60 years ago from concrete,
cinderblock and non-insulated glass windows. With the exception
of the 911 office and the clerk of courts office on the first floor, both
of which have installed a separate air conditioning system from the
rest of the building, the courthouse is a sweltering heat box with
temperatures reaching into the high 90’s in the courtroom. Combine
that with high humidity and it becomes difficult for a normal person
to breath. The second floor contains two courtrooms, three judges’
chambers and the entire Union Parish based District Attorney’s
staff.