The Pennsylvania Court system - ACBA

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.

Supreme Court

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.

PA. Supreme Court Justices

Commonwealth Court

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.

Superior Court

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.

Court of Common Pleas

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.

District Magistrates or District Justices

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.