Section 424 – Cause of action as a defense

May 13, 2021 | Civil Procedure, Louisiana

A person who has a right to enforce an obligation also has a right to use his cause of action as a defense.

Except as otherwise provided herein, a prescribed obligation arising under Louisiana law may be used as a defense if it is incidental to, or connected with, the obligation sought to be enforced by the plaintiff. A prescribed cause of action arising under The Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act may not be used as a defense even if it is incidental to, or connected with, the obligation sought to be enforced by the plaintiff.

However, in connection with the enforcement of a negotiable instrument the defense of redhibition may not be used if it has otherwise prescribed.

La. C.P. § 424

Amended by Acts 1976, No. 710, §1; Acts 1977, No. 254, §1.