Article 243

In any suit in which the court considers a local investigation to be necessary for the purpose of elucidating any matter in dispute, it may, at the request of one of the parties or on its own motion, inspect local conditions or view items which cannot, or cannot easily, be brought to the court while in session. The court may be accompanied by its clerk.

The order to this effect shall state the place or item to be inspected, specify the time of the visit, the time and place of the view, the period within which the minutes of such action is to be lodged with the court, as well as the hearing designated for the resumption of the case. The minutes shall be signed by the judge and the clerk.

The parties shall be given an opportunity to make comments or submit requests. The minutes shall record whether this requirement has been met. The contents of the comments or requests shall be recorded in the minutes. The court may examine witnesses on the spot.

The court may proceed beyond the area of its territorial jurisdiction for the purpose of exercising the powers granted to it in this article.

Costs of travel and lodging incurred by the court and the clerk shall discretion be chargeable to one or both parties.