reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 7 - Jurisdiction of Appellate Courts › Section 726 - Extraordinary jurisdiction

§ 726. Extraordinary jurisdiction.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Supreme Court may, on its own motion or upon petition of any party, in any matter pending before any court or magisterial district judge of this Commonwealth involving an issue of immediate public importance, assume plenary jurisdiction of such matter at any stage thereof and enter a final order or otherwise cause right and justice to be done.
(Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days)
2004 Amendment.
See section 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to construction of law.
Saved from Suspension.
Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure for District Justices No. 1082, as amended April 25, 1979, provided that section 726 shall not be deemed suspended or affected. Rules 1001 through 1082 relate to appellate proceedings with respect to judgments and other decisions of district justices in civil matters. Act 207 of 2004 changed justices of the peace to magisterial district judges. Rule 1082 can now be found in the Rules of Conduct, Office Standards and Civil Procedure for Magisterial District Judges.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 7 - Jurisdiction of Appellate Courts › Section 727 - Special tribunal

§ 727. Special tribunal.
(a) General rule.--
A justice seeking review of a decision of the Court of Judicial Discipline pursuant to section 18 of Article V of the Constitution of Pennsylvania shall so notify the Court of Judicial Discipline.
(b) Establishment.--
Upon receipt of notice under subsection (a), the Court of Judicial Discipline shall notify the Secretary of the Commonwealth who shall set a date within 20 days for the selection of the special tribunal as set forth in section 18 of Article V of the Constitution of Pennsylvania. At the time and place fixed, the Secretary of the Commonwealth, in a manner consistent with any applicable general rules, shall publicly select by lot seven names from the members of the Superior Court and the Commonwealth Court in regular active duty, except judges then serving on the Court of Judicial Discipline or the Judicial Conduct Board.
(c) Vacancies.--
A vacancy on the special tribunal shall be filled for the unexpired term in the manner provided under subsection (b).
(d) Powers and duties.--
The special tribunal shall review the decision of the Court of Judicial Discipline as provided in section 18 of Article V of the Constitution of Pennsylvania. There shall be no right of appeal or other form of review from the special tribunal.
(July 2, 1993, P.L.395, No.56, eff. Aug. 16, 1993)
1993 Amendment.
Act 56 added section 727.
Suspension by Court Rule.
Section 727 was suspended by Rule No. 7 of Pennsylvania Rules Governing Appeals from the Court of Judicial Discipline, adopted May 24, 1994, insofar as it is inconsistent with Rules 1 through 11.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 7 - Jurisdiction of Appellate Courts › Section 741 - Original jurisdiction

§ 741. Original jurisdiction.
The Superior Court shall have no original jurisdiction, except in cases of mandamus and prohibition to courts of inferior jurisdiction where such relief is ancillary to matters within its appellate jurisdiction, and except that it, or any judge thereof, shall have full power and authority when and as often as there may be occasion, to issue writs of habeas corpus under like conditions returnable to the said court.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 7 - Jurisdiction of Appellate Courts › Section 742 - Appeals from courts of common pleas

§ 742. Appeals from courts of common pleas.
The Superior Court shall have exclusive appellate jurisdiction of all appeals from final orders of the courts of common pleas, regardless of the nature of the controversy or the amount involved, except such classes of appeals as are by any provision of this chapter within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court or the Commonwealth Court.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 7 - Jurisdiction of Appellate Courts › Section 743 - Commerce court program

§ 743. Commerce court program.
(a) Appeals.--
The Superior Court may establish from available funds a commerce court program that shall have specialized jurisdiction. In a commerce court program established under this section, the specialized jurisdiction of appeals relating to the following matters may be vested in the program:
(1) The internal affairs, governance, dissolution, liquidation, rights or obligations between or among owners and liability or indemnity of managers of business corporations, partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, professional associations, business trusts, joint ventures or other business enterprises, including any actions involving the interpretation of the rights or obligations under the organic law, articles of incorporation, bylaws or agreements governing these enterprises.
(2) Disputes between or among two or more business enterprises relating to a transaction, business relationship or contract.
(b) Rules.--
The court may adopt rules for the administration of the program established under this section. The rules may not be inconsistent with this section or any rule established by the Supreme Court.
(c) Jurisdiction.--
Nothing under this section shall be construed to affect the jurisdiction of an appellate court as provided by law other than this section.
(Nov. 3, 2020, P.L.1090, No.111, eff. 60 days)
2020 Amendment.
Act 111 added section 743.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 7 - Jurisdiction of Appellate Courts › Section 763 - Direct appeals from government agencies

§ 763. Direct appeals from government agencies.
(a) General rule.--
Except as provided in subsection (c), the Commonwealth Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction of appeals from final orders of government agencies in the following cases:
(1) All appeals from Commonwealth agencies under Subchapter A of Chapter 7 of Title 2 (relating to judicial review of Commonwealth agency action) or otherwise and including appeals from the Board of Claims, the Environmental Hearing Board, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the Unemployment Compensation Board of Review and from any other Commonwealth agency having Statewide jurisdiction.
(2) All appeals jurisdiction of which is vested in the Commonwealth Court by any statute hereafter enacted.
(b) Awards of arbitrators.--
The Commonwealth Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction of all petitions for review of an award of arbitrators appointed in conformity with statute to arbitrate a dispute between the Commonwealth and an employee of the Commonwealth. The petition for review shall be deemed an appeal from a government unit for the purposes of section 723 (relating to appeals from Commonwealth Court) and Chapter 55 (relating to limitation of time).
(c) Exceptions.--
The Commonwealth Court shall not have jurisdiction of such classes of appeals from government agencies as are:
(1) By section 725 (relating to direct appeals from constitutional and judicial agencies) within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
(2) By section 933 (relating to appeals from government agencies) within the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of common pleas.
(Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days; May 15, 1998, P.L.358, No.57, eff. 180 days)
1998 Amendment.
Act 57 amended subsec. (a).
Cross References.
Section 763 is referred to in section 1204 of Title 4 (Amusements); section 8533.1 of Title 24 (Education); section 8157 of Title 35 (Health and Safety); section 2309 of Title 58 (Oil and Gas); sections 531, 1725 of Title 62 (Procurement); section 5953.1 of Title 71 (State Government); sections 1553, 1554, 1556 of Title 75 (Vehicles).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 7 - Jurisdiction of Appellate Courts › Section 764 - Election contests and other matters

§ 764. Election contests and other matters.
The Commonwealth Court shall have exclusive original jurisdiction of:
(1) Contested nominations and elections of the second class under the act of June 3, 1937 (P.L.1333, No.320), known as the "Pennsylvania Election Code."
(2) All matters arising in the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth relating to Statewide office, except nomination and election contests within the jurisdiction of another tribunal.
(Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days)
1978 Amendment.
Act 53 added section 764.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 9 - Organization and Jurisdiction of Courts of Common Pleas › Extra - Chapter Notes

Enactment.
Chapter 9 was added July 9, 1976, P.L.586, No.142, effective 60 days from the date
            of final enactment of the act of April 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53.
Cross References.
Chapter 9 is referred to in section 102 of this title.
Enactment.
Subchapter E was added April 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, effective in 60 days.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 9 - Organization and Jurisdiction of Courts of Common Pleas › Section 912 - Powers of courts of common pleas

§ 912. Powers of courts of common pleas.
Every court of common pleas shall have power to issue, under its judicial seal, every lawful writ and process to or to be served or enforced by system and related personnel as such courts have been heretofore authorized by law or usage to issue. Every judge of a court of common pleas shall have all the powers of a judge or magisterial district judge of the minor judiciary.
(Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days)
2004 Amendment.
See section 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to construction of law.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 9 - Organization and Jurisdiction of Courts of Common Pleas › Section 913 - Seats of courts

§ 913. Seats of courts.
The regular sessions of each court of common pleas shall be held at the county seat of each county comprising the judicial district and elsewhere as prescribed by general rule or rule of court.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 9 - Organization and Jurisdiction of Courts of Common Pleas › Section 914 - Reimbursement for common pleas court costs

§ 914. Reimbursement for common pleas court costs.
For the purposes of reimbursement for common pleas court judge authorized positions, no county shall receive less than 77.5% of the actual reimbursement for court costs provided to them from funds appropriated for the fiscal year July 1, 1980, to June 30, 1981.
(Dec. 20, 2000, P.L.742, No.105, eff. 60 days)
2000 Amendment.
Act 105 added section 914.
Cross References.
Section 914 is referred to in section 915 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 9 - Organization and Jurisdiction of Courts of Common Pleas › Section 915 - Proportional reduction

§ 915. Proportional reduction.
Notwithstanding the provisions of section 914 (relating to reimbursement for common pleas court costs), in the event that the total county court reimbursement qualifying for payment for any calendar year exceeds the amount appropriated by the General Assembly for such purpose, the Court Administrator of Pennsylvania shall proportionally reduce the amount of reimbursement for every county so that the total of all reimbursements does not exceed the amount appropriated.
(July 17, 2007, P.L.123, No.37, eff. 60 days)
2007 Amendment.
Act 37 added section 915.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 9 - Organization and Jurisdiction of Courts of Common Pleas › Section 916.1 - Commerce courts

§ 916.1. Commerce courts.
(a) Establishment.--
The court of common pleas of a judicial district may establish from available funds a commerce court that shall have specialized jurisdiction. In a court of common pleas that has established a commerce court under this section, the exclusive jurisdiction of cases relating to the following matters may be vested in the commerce court:
(1) The internal affairs, governance, dissolution, liquidation, rights or obligations between or among owners and liability or indemnity of managers of business corporations, partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, professional associations, business trusts, joint ventures or other business enterprises, including any actions involving the interpretation of the rights or obligations under the organic law, articles of incorporation, bylaws or agreements governing these enterprises.
(2) Disputes between or among two or more business enterprises relating to a transaction, business relationship or contract.
(b) Rules.--
The court may adopt local rules for the administration of commerce courts established under this section. The local rules may not be inconsistent with this section or any rule established by the Supreme Court.
(c) Statewide commerce courts coordinator.--
To the extent that funds are available, the Supreme Court may appoint a Statewide commerce courts coordinator. The coordinator may:
(1) Encourage and assist in the establishment of commerce courts in each judicial district.
(2) Develop model guidelines for the administration of commerce courts and their related services.
(3) Establish procedures for monitoring commerce courts and for evaluating the effectiveness of commerce courts.
(d) Advisory committee.--
The Supreme Court may establish, from available funds, an interdisciplinary and interbranch advisory committee to advise and assist the Statewide commerce courts coordinator in monitoring and administrating commerce courts Statewide.
(Nov. 3, 2020, P.L.1090, No.111, eff. 60 days)
2020 Amendment.
Act 111 added section 916.1.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 9 - Organization and Jurisdiction of Courts of Common Pleas › Section 931 - Original jurisdiction and venue

§ 931. Original jurisdiction and venue.
(a) General rule.--
Except where exclusive original jurisdiction of an action or proceeding is by statute or by general rule adopted pursuant to section 503 (relating to reassignment of matters) vested in another court of this Commonwealth, the courts of common pleas shall have unlimited original jurisdiction of all actions and proceedings, including all actions and proceedings heretofore cognizable by law or usage in the courts of common pleas.
(b) Concurrent and exclusive jurisdiction.--
The jurisdiction of the courts of common pleas under this section shall be exclusive except with respect to actions and proceedings concurrent jurisdiction of which is by statute or by general rule adopted pursuant to section 503 vested in another court of this Commonwealth or in the magisterial district judges.
(c) Venue and process.--
Except as provided by section 5101.1 (relating to venue in medical professional liability actions) and Subchapter B of Chapter 85 (relating to actions against Commonwealth parties), the venue of a court of common pleas concerning matters over which jurisdiction is conferred by this section shall be as prescribed by general rule. The process of the court shall extend beyond the territorial limits of the judicial district to the extent prescribed by general rule. Except as otherwise prescribed by general rule, in a proceeding to enforce an order of a government agency the process of the court shall extend throughout this Commonwealth.
(Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days; Sept. 28, 1978, P.L.788, No.152, eff. imd.; Oct. 5, 1980, P.L.693, No.142, eff. 60 days; Oct. 17, 2002, P.L.880, No.127, eff. 60 days; Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days)
2004 Amendment.
Act 207 amended subsec. (b). See sections 28 and 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to applicability and construction of law.
2002 Amendment.
Act 127 amended subsec. (c). Section 5 of Act 127 provided that the amendment of subsec. (c) shall apply to all medical professional liability actions filed on or after the effective date of section 5.
1980 Amendment.
Act 142 added present section 931 and repealed former section 931 relating to the same subject matter.
Cross References.
Section 931 is referred to in section 7796 of Title 20 (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 9 - Organization and Jurisdiction of Courts of Common Pleas › Section 932 - Appeals from minor judiciary

§ 932. Appeals from minor judiciary.
Except as otherwise prescribed by any general rule adopted pursuant to section 503 (relating to reassignment of matters), each court of common pleas shall have exclusive jurisdiction of appeals from final orders of the minor judiciary established within the judicial district.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 9 - Organization and Jurisdiction of Courts of Common Pleas › Section 934 - Writs of certiorari

§ 934. Writs of certiorari.
Unless and until changed by general rule, the judges of the courts of common pleas, within their respective judicial districts, shall have power, in addition to the right of appeal under section 9 of Article V of the Constitution of Pennsylvania, to issue writs of certiorari to the minor judiciary.
Cross References.
Section 934 is referred to in section 102 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 9 - Organization and Jurisdiction of Courts of Common Pleas › Section 951 - Court divisions

§ 951. Court divisions.
(a) Philadelphia County.--
The Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County shall have the following divisions:
(1) Trial division.
(2) Orphans' court division.
(3) Family court division.
(b) Allegheny County.--
The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County shall have the following divisions:
(1) Civil division.
(2) Criminal division.
(3) Orphans' court division.
(4) Family division.
(c) Other separate orphans' court divisions.--
The courts of common pleas of Beaver, Berks, Bucks, Cambria, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Erie, Fayette, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lehigh, Luzerne, Montgomery, Schuylkill, Washington, Westmoreland and York counties shall each have a separate orphans' court division.
(d) Judicial districts having no separate orphans' court division.--
In each judicial district having no separate orphans' court division, there shall be an orphans' court division composed of the court of common pleas of that judicial district.
(e) Change in size of divisions.--
The number of judges constituting a division may be increased or reduced by order of the governing authority.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 9 - Organization and Jurisdiction of Courts of Common Pleas › Section 952 - Status of court divisions

§ 952. Status of court divisions.
The divisions of a court of common pleas are administrative units composed of those judges of the court responsible for the transaction of specified classes of the business of the court. In a court of common pleas having two or more divisions each division of the court is vested with the full jurisdiction of the whole court, but the business of the court may be allocated among the divisions of the court by or pursuant to general rules.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 9 - Organization and Jurisdiction of Courts of Common Pleas › Section 953 - Administrative judges of divisions

§ 953. Administrative judges of divisions.
Each division of a court of common pleas shall have an administrative judge who shall assist the president judge of the court in supervising and administering the business of the court and shall be responsible to him.
(Dec. 20, 1982, P.L.1409, No.326, eff. 60 days)
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 9 - Organization and Jurisdiction of Courts of Common Pleas › Section 961 - Domestic relations section

§ 961. Domestic relations section.
Each court of common pleas shall have a domestic relations section, which shall consist of such probation officers and other staff of the court as shall be assigned thereto.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 11 - Community and Municipal Courts › Extra - Chapter Notes

Enactment.
Chapter 11 was added July 9, 1976, P.L.586, No.142, effective 60 days from the date
            of final enactment of the act of April 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53.
Cross References.
Subchapter C is referred to in section 102 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 11 - Community and Municipal Courts › Section 1101 - Community courts

§ 1101. Community courts.
(a) General rule.--
There shall be one community court for each judicial district of this Commonwealth which has elected to establish and which has not elected to discontinue such a court in the manner provided in this subchapter. The community court shall be a court not of record and shall consist of a number of judges determined by dividing the total population of the judicial district as determined by the last officially reported decennial or special Federal census by 75,000. In any judicial district where the aforesaid division results in a remainder greater than 40,000, the judicial district shall be entitled to an additional community court judge. In no event shall any judicial district have less than two community court judges.
(b) Single county districts.--
In single county judicial districts the community court of the district shall be known as the "Community Court of (the respective) County."
(c) Multicounty districts.--
In multicounty judicial districts the community court of the district shall be known as the "Community Court of the (respective) Judicial District."
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 11 - Community and Municipal Courts › Section 1103 - Powers of community courts

§ 1103. Powers of community courts.
Every judge of a community court shall have all the powers of a judge of the municipal court or traffic court, or of a magisterial district judge, as the case may be.
(Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days)
2004 Amendment.
See section 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to construction of law.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 11 - Community and Municipal Courts › Section 1104 - Seats of courts

§ 1104. Seats of courts.
The regular sessions of each community court shall be held at such location within the judicial district as may be approved by the president judge of the court of common pleas of the judicial district in compliance with general rules.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 11 - Community and Municipal Courts › Section 1105 - Jurisdiction and venue

§ 1105. Jurisdiction and venue.
(a) General rule.--
Except as otherwise prescribed by any general rule adopted pursuant to section 503 (relating to reassignment of matters) each community court shall have the jurisdiction which under law was exercised by the municipal court or traffic court or by magisterial district judges, as the case may be, within the judicial district.
(b) Venue and process.--
The venue of a community court concerning matters over which jurisdiction is conferred by subsection (a) shall be as prescribed by general rule. The process of the court shall extend beyond the territorial limits of the judicial district to the extent prescribed by general rule.
(Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days)
2004 Amendment.
Act 207 amended subsec. (a). See section 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to construction of law.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 11 - Community and Municipal Courts › Section 1106 - Lien of judgments

§ 1106. Lien of judgments.
A judgment of a community court shall not operate as a lien on real property until a transcript of the record showing a final judgment in the community court has been filed in the manner prescribed by general rules in the office of the clerk of the court of common pleas of the county where the property is situated, or in the office of the clerk of the branch of the court of common pleas embracing such county. After such entry the judgment shall, from the date of such entry, be a lien upon real property to the same extent that judgment recovered in the court of common pleas is a lien. No such transcript shall be filed until after 30 days after the entry of final judgment by the community court. No execution against real estate shall issue out of the community court.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 11 - Community and Municipal Courts › Section 1124 - Lien of judgments

§ 1124. Lien of judgments.
Judgment recovered in the Philadelphia Municipal Court shall be a lien upon property in the same manner and to the same extent that judgment recovered in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County is a lien. All such judgments shall be indexed in the judgment index or indices of Philadelphia County in the same manner as judgments of the court of common pleas are indexed.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 11 - Community and Municipal Courts › Section 1125 - Substitute arraignment court magistrates

§ 1125. Substitute arraignment court magistrates.
The President Judge of the Philadelphia Municipal Court may appoint qualified attorneys who are court employees to act as substitute arraignment court magistrates during an emergency upon a written finding by the president judge that an emergency exists.
(Apr. 13, 1988, P.L.336, No.47, eff. imd.; Oct. 9, 2008, P.L.1352, No.98, eff. 60 days)
2008 Amendment.
Section 10 of Act 98 provided that nothing in Act 98 shall be construed or deemed to provide arraignment court magistrates with retirement benefits or rights different from those available to bail commissioners immediately prior to the effective date of Act 98.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 11 - Community and Municipal Courts › Section 1126 - Masters

§ 1126. Masters.
The President Judge of the Philadelphia Municipal Court may appoint attorneys who are members of the Pennsylvania Bar to serve as masters in proceedings under 23 Pa.C.S. Ch. 61 (relating to protection from abuse).
(Dec. 19, 1990, P.L.1240, No.206, eff. 90 days)
1990 Amendment.
Act 206 added section 1126.
Cross References.
Section 1126 is referred to in section 62A03 of this title; section 6102 of Title 23 (Domestic Relations).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 11 - Community and Municipal Courts › Section 1127 - Hearing officers

§ 1127. Hearing officers.
(a) Appointment.--
The President Judge of the Philadelphia Municipal Court may appoint hearing officers in proceedings under section 1123(a)(9) (relating to jurisdiction and venue).
(b) Code of conduct.--
The Supreme Court shall promulgate a code of conduct to govern the conduct of hearing officers and provide for regular audits of the conduct of hearing officers.
(c) Qualifications.--
A hearing officer must:
(1) be an attorney at law; or
(2) prior to assuming office, complete a course of training and instruction in the duties of the office and pass an examination.
(June 19, 2013, P.L.55, No.17, eff. imd.)
2013 Amendment.
Act 17 added section 1127.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 11 - Community and Municipal Courts › Section 1141 - Pittsburgh Magistrates Court

§ 1141. Pittsburgh Magistrates Court.
The Pittsburgh Magistrates Court shall be a court not of record and shall consist of such a number of judges, not less than five nor more than eight, as shall be specified by ordinance of the City of Pittsburgh. The magistrates court shall be the police magistrates authorized to be continued in existence by section 21, Schedule to Article V of the Constitution of Pennsylvania adopted April 23, 1968. Judges of the Pittsburgh Magistrates Court shall be deemed magisterial district judges for the purposes of Chapter 33 (relating to discipline, removal and retirement of judicial officers).
(Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days)
2004 Amendment.
See section 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to construction of law.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 11 - Community and Municipal Courts › Section 1143 - Jurisdiction and venue

§ 1143. Jurisdiction and venue.
(a) General rule.--
Except as otherwise prescribed by any general rule adopted pursuant to section 503 (relating to reassignment of matters) the Pittsburgh Magistrates Court shall have jurisdiction of all of the following matters:
(1) Criminal complaints accusing any person of the commission of any felony or misdemeanor, where such felony or misdemeanor has been committed within the corporate limits of the City of Pittsburgh, and to issue warrants for the arrest of such person so accused, administer oaths and hold preliminary hearings in all such cases, and commit to jail, or bind over for trial or discharge such accused person, as the evidence produced at such hearing may warrant. The court shall have power to admit to bail as prescribed by general rules.
(2) Arrests upon view, or upon complaint made and warrant issued, by the police of the City of Pittsburgh, of persons who may be found engaged in or be charged with drunkenness, disorderly conduct, selling liquor contrary to law, maintaining a disorderly house or bawdy house, lewd, indecent or lascivious behavior on the streets or elsewhere, gambling, creating riots or disturbances, vagrants, beggars, prostitutes, disturbers of the public peace, known or reputed pickpockets, burglars, thieves, watch stuffers, cheating, swindling, persons who abuse their families, and suspicious persons who can give no reasonable account of themselves, or violating any of the laws or ordinances of such city.
(3) Civil claims for the recovery of fines and penalties imposed by any ordinance of the City of Pittsburgh, or by any ordinance or regulation relating to housing and health administered and enforced by a county health department where a violation takes place in such city, and cases of summary conviction arising under the laws and ordinances of or applicable to such city and under the laws, ordinances, rules and regulations relating to housing and health administered and enforced by a county department of health where a violation takes place in such city, with full power to hear the said cases, administer oaths or affirmations therein, decide the same, enforce the penalty, collect the fine or commit to prison as the case may be according to the provisions of the law and ordinances applicable thereto.
(4) Matters within the jurisdiction of the court when sitting as the Traffic Court of Pittsburgh.
(b) Venue and process.--
The venue of the Pittsburgh Magistrates Court concerning matters over which jurisdiction is conferred by subsection (a) shall be as prescribed by general rule. The process of the court shall extend beyond the territorial limits of the City of Pittsburgh to the extent prescribed by general rule.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 11 - Community and Municipal Courts › Section 1144 - Lien of judgment

§ 1144. Lien of judgment.
A judgment of the Pittsburgh Magistrates Court shall not operate as a lien on real property until a transcript of the record showing a final judgment of the Pittsburgh Magistrates Court has been filed in the manner prescribed by general rules in the office of the prothonotary of Allegheny County. After entry of the judgment, the judgment shall, from the date of its entry, be a lien upon real property to the same extent that judgment recovered in the court of common pleas is a lien. No transcript of the record shall be filed until 30 days after the entry of final judgment by the Pittsburgh Magistrates Court. No execution against real estate shall be issued by the Pittsburgh Magistrates Court.
(Dec. 21, 1988, P.L.1862, No.179, eff. 60 days)
1988 Amendment.
Act 179 added section 1144. Section 3 of Act 179 provided that section 1144 shall apply to final judgments entered by the Pittsburgh Magistrates Court on or after the effective date of Act 179.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 13 - Traffic Courts › Extra - Chapter Notes

Enactment.
Chapter 13 was added July 9, 1976, P.L.586, No.142, effective 60 days from the date
            of final enactment of the act of April 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53.
Cross References.
Chapter 13 is referred to in section 5505 of Title 53 (Municipalities Generally).
Enactment.
Subchapter D was added November 26, 1978, P.L.1264, No.301, effective immediately.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 13 - Traffic Courts › Section 1301 - Seats of traffic courts

§ 1301. Seats of traffic courts.
The regular sessions of a traffic court shall be held at such locations within the political subdivision for which the court is established as may be approved in compliance with general rules by the president judge of the court of common pleas of the judicial district embracing such political subdivision.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 13 - Traffic Courts › Section 1302 - Jurisdiction and venue

§ 1302. Jurisdiction and venue.
(a) General rule.--
Except as set forth in subsection (a.1) or as otherwise prescribed by any general rule adopted pursuant to section 503 (relating to reassignment of matters), each traffic court shall have jurisdiction of all prosecutions for summary offenses arising under:
(1) Title 75 (relating to vehicles).
(2) Any ordinance of any political subdivision enacted pursuant to Title 75.
(a.1) Traffic Court of Philadelphia.--
(Expired).
(b) Concurrent and exclusive jurisdiction.--
The jurisdiction of a traffic court under this section shall be exclusive of the courts of common pleas and magisterial district judges, except that such jurisdiction shall be concurrent with the magisterial district judges whenever the traffic court is closed.
(c) Venue and process.--
The venue of a traffic court concerning matters over which jurisdiction is conferred by this section shall be as prescribed by general rule. The process of the court shall extend beyond the territorial limits of the political subdivision for which it is established to the extent prescribed by general rule.
(Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days; Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days; June 19, 2013, P.L.55, No.17, eff. imd.)
2018 Expiration.
Subsection (a.1) expired January 1, 2018. See Act 17 of 2013.
2013
Amendment
.
Act 17 amended subsec. (a) intro. par. and added subsec. (a.1).
2004 Amendment.
Act 207 amended subsec. (b). See section 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to construction of law.
1978 Amendment.
Act 53 amended subsec. (a).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 13 - Traffic Courts › Section 1303 - Signatures and dockets

§ 1303. Signatures and dockets.
Facsimile signatures of traffic court judges may be used for all purposes in lieu of their original signatures, except on affidavits for warrants of arrest and on the docket of the traffic court. Traffic court dockets shall contain a record of the disposition of every case and where a fine and costs are imposed shall record the amount of said fine and the amount of costs. The docket shall in all cases, where a summons has been issued, as to each case, be signed by the judge making the disposition or in his name by the clerk of the traffic court.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 13 - Traffic Courts › Section 1331 - Traffic Court of Pittsburgh

§ 1331. Traffic Court of Pittsburgh.
The Traffic Court of Pittsburgh shall be a court not of record and shall be held by such of the judges of the Pittsburgh Magistrates Court as shall be assigned thereto by the Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh, one of whom shall be designated by the mayor as the presiding magistrate of the traffic court. The court is established for the City of Pittsburgh.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 13 - Traffic Courts › Section 1332 - Operations of traffic court

§ 1332. Operations of traffic court.
The presiding magistrate shall preside over and supervise the work of the Traffic Court of Pittsburgh. In the absence of the presiding magistrate designated by the mayor, the judge then temporarily presiding shall have such supervision. The traffic court shall be open for the transaction of business at such times as shall be designated by ordinance of the City of Pittsburgh or prescribed by general rule.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 13 - Traffic Courts › Section 1341 - Third class city traffic courts authorized

§ 1341. Third class city traffic courts authorized.
Any city of the third class may establish by ordinance a traffic court which shall be a court not of record. The court shall be held by such of the magisterial district judges of the city as shall be designated by the president judge of the court of common pleas upon petition by the city. If established, the court shall be for the city so establishing it.
(Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days)
2004 Amendment.
See section 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to construction of law.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 13 - Traffic Courts › Section 1342 - Operations of optional traffic courts

§ 1342. Operations of optional traffic courts.
The magisterial district judge designated by the president judge shall preside over and supervise the work of the traffic court. The traffic court shall be open for business at such times as shall be designated by city ordinance or prescribed by general rule.
(Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days)
2004 Amendment.
See section 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to construction of law.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 15 - Magisterial District Judges › Extra - Chapter Notes

Enactment.
Chapter 15 was added July 9, 1976, P.L.586, No.142, effective 60 days from the date
            of final enactment of the act of April 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 15 - Magisterial District Judges › Section 1501 - Definitions

§ 1501. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter shall have, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the meanings given to them in this section:
"Court."
The Supreme Court or the court of common pleas of each judicial district under the direction of the Supreme Court.
"Political subdivision."
Any municipality except the City and County of Philadelphia.
"Population."
The number of persons residing within a political subdivision or part thereof as determined by the then current Federal decennial or Federal special census.
"Population density."
The number of persons residing within a political subdivision or part thereof as determined by dividing such number by the land area expressed in square miles as determined in the official publication of the Bureau of Statistics of the Department of Commerce.
References in Text.
The Department of Commerce, referred to in the def. of "population density," was renamed the Department of Community and Economic Development by Act 58 of 1996.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 15 - Magisterial District Judges › Section 1502 - Classification of districts

§ 1502. Classification of districts.
(a) Second class counties.--
The classes of magisterial districts in judicial districts coextensive with counties of the second class shall be determined as follows:
(1) Magisterial districts of the first class shall have a population density of more than 5,000 persons per square mile and a population of not less than 65,000 persons.
(2) Magisterial districts of the second class shall have a population density of more than 500 persons per square mile and a population of between 22,500 and 65,000 persons.
(3) Magisterial districts of the third class shall have a population density of more than 200 persons per square mile and a population of between 12,000 and 22,500 persons.
(4) Magisterial districts of the fourth class shall have a population density of more than 70 persons per square mile and a population of between 7,500 and 12,000 persons.
(5) Magisterial districts of the fifth class shall have a population density of less than 70 persons per square mile and a population of between 4,000 and 7,500 persons.
(b) Other counties.--
The classes of magisterial districts in judicial districts not coextensive with counties of the first class or counties of the second class shall be determined as follows:
(1) Magisterial districts of the first class shall have a population density of more than 1,000 persons per square mile and a population of not less than 15,000 persons.
(2) Magisterial districts of the second class shall have a population density of more than 400 persons per square mile and a population of not less than 4,000 persons.
(3) Magisterial districts of the third class shall have a population density of less than 400 persons per square mile and a population of not less than 4,000 persons.
(4) Magisterial districts of the fourth class shall have a population density of less than 400 persons per square mile and a population of between 2,000 and 4,000 persons. The number of magisterial districts of the fourth class within a judicial district shall not be increased.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 15 - Magisterial District Judges › Section 1503 - Reestablishment of districts

§ 1503. Reestablishment of districts.
(a) General rule.--
In each year following that in which the Federal decennial census is officially reported as required by Federal law the court shall reestablish the number, boundaries and classes of magisterial districts within each judicial district except:
(1) The first judicial district.
(2) Any judicial district where a community court has been established and not discontinued.
The number, boundaries and classes of magisterial districts within each judicial district may be revised from time to time as required for the efficient administration of justice within each magisterial district.
(b) Discontinuance of community court.--
The court upon the discontinuance of a community court shall establish the number, boundaries and classes of magisterial districts within the judicial district embracing such discontinued community court. Such action shall be completed prior to the first Monday of January of the odd-numbered year next following the primary election at which the discontinuance of the community court is approved.
(c) Standards for establishment of magisterial districts.--
In the case of a political subdivision containing within its boundaries two or more magisterial districts, the court shall divide the political subdivision into magisterial districts as nearly equal as possible in population and area, and the court may presume that the population density of each part of a political subdivision is the same population density as for the whole political subdivision. The court in establishing the number and boundaries of magisterial districts shall not subdivide political subdivisions unless either:
(1) the political subdivision contains two or more noncontiguous parts; or
(2) the political subdivision contains within its boundaries two or more magisterial districts, in which case wards or other election districts of the political subdivision shall not be subdivided.
(d) Compensation of magisterial district judge.--
When a magisterial district is reestablished the compensation of a magisterial district judge serving therein shall not be diminished for any reason during the magisterial district judge's term or during any term to which the magisterial district judge is reelected while serving in such reestablished district.
(Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days; Dec. 5, 1980, P.L.1104, No.189, eff. imd.; Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days)
2004 Amendment.
Act 207 amended subsec. (d). See section 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to construction of law.
1978 Amendment.
Act 53 amended subsec. (a).
Cross References.
Section 1503 is referred to in sections 1102, 3152 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 15 - Magisterial District Judges › Section 1511 - Magisterial district judges

§ 1511. Magisterial district judges.
There shall be one magisterial district judge in each magisterial district.
(Aug. 11, 2009, P.L.147, No.33, eff. 60 days)
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 15 - Magisterial District Judges › Section 1512 - Seal

§ 1512. Seal.
Each magisterial district shall have a seal, which shall be in the custody of the magisterial district judge elected or appointed for such district. The official acts of the magisterial district judge shall be authenticated therewith. There shall be engraved on the seal such inscription as may be specified by general rule. A facsimile or preprinted seal may be used for all purposes in lieu of the original seal.
(June 28, 2002, P.L.518, No.86, eff. 60 days; Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days)
2004 Amendment.
See section 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to construction of law.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE › Chapter 15 - Magisterial District Judges › Section 1513 - Powers of magisterial district judges

§ 1513. Powers of magisterial district judges.
Every magisterial district judge shall have power to issue every lawful process to or to be served or enforced by system and related personnel and to make such lawful orders as his official business may require. A magisterial district judge may take affidavits and acknowledgments outside his magisterial district but within this Commonwealth.
(Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days)
2004 Amendment.
See section 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to construction of law.