All courts shall be open; and every man for an injury done him in his lands, goods, person or reputation shall have remedy by due course of law, without sale, denial or delay. – Pennsylvania Constitution

News

AOPC Publishes Revised Guide to Assist State Trial Judges in Handling Sex Crime Cases

A just-released, third edition Benchbook on Crimes of Sexual Violence in Pennsylvania will help the state’s trial judges comply with newly adopted laws on sex crimes and recommendations regarding sexual offender registration and reporting laws.

“The benchbook is an essential guide for trial judges to fully understand the nuances of sexual crimes and issue sentences that reflect the seriousness of the crime,” said Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Debra Todd. “Judicial education is a crucial element toward ensuring justice for all.”

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News

AOPC seeks input on public access policy for appellate and trial court case records

The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) is seeking comment on a proposed public access policy concerning case records of the appellate and trial courts.

“Balancing the public’s right of access to official records with an individual’s privacy interests is an important public policy issue,” said Court Administrator of Pennsylvania Zygmont A. Pines. “This proposed policy attempts to maintain that balance as it simplifies and unifies the process by which people may access paper records in trial and appellate courts statewide.”

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