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.

Judicial Pyramid

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.

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PA. Supreme Court Justices

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.

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Judges

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.

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Judges

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.

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Judges

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.

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Judges