Louisiana Revised Statutes Tit. 13, § 1893. Court reporter; payment of transcript fees

The judge shall appoint a competent court reporter to take the evidence in any case in which it is necessary to do so under the laws applicable to district courts, unless the parties waive the appointment of a reporter. At the request of any party, the judge shall order the transcription of the testimony taken by the court reporter.

Except in pauper causes, the fees of the court reporter in civil cases shall be charged as costs in the litigation, but shall be paid primarily by the plaintiff upon completion of the transcription of the testimony or, on his failure to do so, by the defendant or any other party, and the reporter is not required to file the transcript before payment.