The Pennsylvania Constitution’s Declaration of Rights calls for justice to be administered without “sale, denial or delay.” That mandate shapes the core mission of the courts – delivering fair, timely and accessible justice for all.
Adequate funding with an ongoing commitment to efficiency and the wise and transparent use of public funds allows the mission to be met.
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The Supreme Court is aided by select boards, committees, commissions and councils consisting of more than 180 appointed volunteers — most, but not all, are lawyers and judges.
The panels have a wide range of responsibilities and functions. Some make recommendations to the court for amendments, revisions or simplification of court procedural rules. Others regulate the practice of law, oversee continuing legal education for lawyers and administer funds to assist individuals unable to pay for legal services. Still others advise on keeping the courts free of bias and discrimination and on long-range planning.
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Language Access Coordinators oversee the provision of language access services in their judicial districts in compliance with all applicable laws and the district’s policy. Contact these individuals if you wish to request an interpreter for your case or need assistance obtaining information in your language about court services in that particular district.
Los coordinadores de acceso lingüístico supervisan la provisión de servicios de acceso lingüístico en sus distritos judiciales en conformidad con todas las leyes aplicables y la política del distrito. Comuníquese con estas personas si desea solicitar un intérprete para su caso o si necesita ayuda obteniendo información en su idioma sobre los servicios que ofrece el tribunal en ese distrito en particular.
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Pay court-ordered fines, fees, costs or restitution from the comfort of your own home or office.
The state court system offers an increasingly popular way to safely and securely pay money owed to the Common Pleas and magisterial district courts — PAePay. Using the online feature saves time and adds convenience for citizens and court staff.
Payments may be made using a Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express or ATM card. A non-refundable fee of $2.75 is assessed on each transaction. Those owing money can pay up to $1,000 per transaction.
Attorney fees, appellate court filing fees and parole supervisory costs also can be paid through PAePay.
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Pennsylvania courts recently launched the Android version of PAeDocket – a free app that provides a quick and simple search of court cases or dockets.
Utilizing mobile apps provides a valuable service for the public, including lawyers, law enforcement, consumers, victims and victims’ families.
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The judicial system of Pennsylvania embraces the idea that access to the Courts is a fundamental right of all Pennsylvanians.
Through its long history, the judicial system in Pennsylvania has been, and continues to be, committed to dispensing justice for all Pennsylvanians. Some litigants, for any number of reasons, may find it necessary to represent themselves pro se before the Court.
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Pennsylvania judges are chosen in elections that occur in odd-numbered years. Some judges serve 10-year terms, while others serve for 6 years. Judges must be Pennsylvania residents and U.S. citizens, be at least 21 years-of-age and must retire no later than age 75.
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Pennsylvania court data shows that 20,458 children were under supervision of dependency court in 2015, with 43 percent of those children under court supervision for 12 months or less, and 48 percent placed in kinship care with family or friends or in-home care.
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