The Pennsylvania Court system
For information about the Federal Court, click
here.
Note to students: Although sometimes verdicts in a case in one
Court are appealed to a higher Court, more often the case is only
heard in the appropriate Court.
Click in the area below to find information about that particular
level.
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- Supreme Court
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The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in the state. The seven-member court:
• Hears discretionary appeals from the Superior Court and Commonwealth courts.
• Hears direct appeals from the Courts of Common Pleas in cases specified by statute, including all death-penalty cases and direct appeals from Commonwealth Court in its original jurisdiction.
• May hear a case from any level in certain circumstances.
Website
PA. Supreme Court Justices
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- Commonwealth Court
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The Commonwealth Court hears:
• Original civil cases brought by and against the Commonwealth.
• Appeals from decisions by state agencies and from Courts
of Common Pleas involving the Commonwealth and local agencies.
Website
Judges
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- Superior Court
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The Pennsylvania Superior Court hears:
• Criminal and certain civil appeals from the Courts of Common Pleas.
• Appeal from Courts of Common Pleas on matters involving children and families.
Website
Judges
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- Court of Common Pleas
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The Court of Common Pleas hears:
• All major criminal and civil cases.
• Appeals from the District Magistrates or District Justices
in civil, criminal, and traffic matters.
Most matters involving children and families.
Website
Judges
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- District Magistrates or District Justices
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The District Magistrates or District Justices hear:
• Less serious, non-jury criminal, civil, and all traffic cases.
• Matters pertaining to bail.
• Whether serious criminal cases, such as murder, should go to the Court of Common Pleas.
Website
Judges
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