Opinion ID: 1767112
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: jurisdiction

Text: The juvenile judge declined jurisdiction, noting that while Section 1299.36.3 (quoted in footnote 9) confers jurisdiction upon the juvenile court in proceedings to enforce the provisions of this Part (referring to Part XIX, as adopted by Act 339 of 1982), there was no mandate or prohibition before the court to enforce in the instant proceedings. We conclude that the juvenile judge's interpretation of the legislative conferring of jurisdiction was too restrictive. Juvenile courts shall have jurisdiction as provided by law. La. Const. Art. V, § 18 (1974). In adopting Act 339 of 1982, the Legislature arguably intended to vest the juvenile courts with at least concurrent jurisdiction over proceedings arising under Part XIX. Section 1299.36.3 A may reasonably be construed to apply to judicial proceedings pertaining to rights granted or recognized by the Part. Since Part XIX recognizes the right of the permanently comatose child to have his parents and physician discontinue medical treatment or life support systems under specified circumstances, the juvenile court has jurisdiction to adjudicate proceedings involving the exercise of this right. [11] Moreover, juvenile courts have jurisdiction to adjudicate an action for a declaratory judgment. La.C.J.P. Art. 24(2); La.C. C.P. Art. 1871.