--- title: "David M. Smith | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/david-m-smith-judge-louisiana-15th-judicial-district-court-section-4-division-f-la" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-10-07" --- # David M. Smith Louisiana 15th Judicial District Court · Judge ## Profile - Court: Louisiana 15th Judicial District Court - State: Louisiana - Role: Judge - Service status: active - Last verified: 2026-07-26 ## Summary Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge. ## Biography ### Professional career - Previously magistrate judge in Church Point City and Duson City Court - Judge in the 15th Judicial District Court of Louisiana, which covers Lafayette, Acadia, and Vermilion Parishes - His prior experience as a magistrate judge allowed him to develop a strong understanding of local legal issues and court procedures - Prior to his election, Smith served as a magistrate judge in both Church Point City and Duson City Court, gaining experience in municipal judicial proceedings ### Education - a J.D. from Loyola University New Orleans in 1994. - Bachelor of Science (B.S.) from McNeese State University in 1991 and subsequently received his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Loyola University of New Orleans in 1994. - His academic qualifications include a B.S. from McNeese State University in 1991 ### Additional information - Louisiana Judiciary reports a term ending December 31, 2026. - court: Louisiana 15th Judicial District Court · role: District Judge · start date: 2015 · end date: 2026-12-31 · notes: Section 4 Division F, Acadia Parish, elected 2014, term ends Dec 31 2026. - He was elected to this position in 2014, defeating Mike Goss in the general election with 70 percent of the vote. - David M. Smith won election to Louisiana’s Fifteenth Judicial District Court in 2014. - As a judge in the 15th Judicial District, Smith presides over civil and criminal matters within his jurisdiction. - Smith’s election to the district court marked a significant step in his judicial career, reflecting both his legal expertise and community support. - His educational background provided a foundation for his legal and judicial career - The district has 13 elected judges, one commissioner, and five hearing officers, and Smith is one of the elected judges responsible for adjudicating cases in his division. - His previous judicial work included magistrate service in Church Point City and Duson City courts. ## Before you appear - Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed. - Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance. - Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding. ## Courtroom Rules ### electronic or photographic presentation of evidence Scope: statewide Louisiana trial judges may authorize electronic or photographic means for presenting evidence, preserving the record, counsel use, or judicial-administration purposes. Evidence excerpt: A trial judge may authorize ... the use of electronic or photographic means for the presentation of evidence [Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct, Canon 3A(9)](https://www.lasc.org/Court_Rules?p=CJC) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### broadcast recording photography Scope: statewide Louisiana judges generally prohibit broadcasting, televising, recording, or photographing courtroom proceedings unless a Canon 3A(9) exception applies. Evidence excerpt: a judge shall prohibit broadcasting, televising, recording, or taking photographs in the courtroom [Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct, Canon 3A(9)](https://www.lasc.org/Court_Rules?p=CJC) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### appellate extended media coverage Scope: statewide Louisiana appellate courts may permit extended media coverage in public appellate proceedings, subject to the authority of the court and presiding judge or panel. Evidence excerpt: An appellate court may permit broadcasting, televising, recording, and taking photographs of public judicial proceedings [Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct, Canon 3A(9)](https://www.lasc.org/Court_Rules?p=CJC) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ## Sources - [Official profile](https://www.louisianajudiciary.com/judges/david-m-smith-2/) - [Official roster](https://www.louisianajudiciary.com/judges/david-m-smith-2/) - [Louisiana Judiciary public directory official judicial roster](https://www.louisianajudiciary.com/judges/david-m-smith-2/) - [Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct, Canon 3A(9)](https://www.lasc.org/Court_Rules?p=CJC) - [Supplied Louisiana biography research](https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/david-m-smith-judge-louisiana-15th-judicial-district-court-section-4-division-f-la) - [Supplied Louisiana biography research](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louisiana_district_courts) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/david-m-smith-judge-louisiana-15th-judicial-district-court-section-4-division-f-la", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/david-m-smith-judge-louisiana-15th-judicial-district-court-section-4-division-f-la", "name": "David M. 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