Judicial Administration

Led by the Chief Justice of Pennsylvania, the Supreme Court supervises and administers Pennsylvania’s judicial branch of government.

To assist it, the Supreme Court appoints the court administrator of Pennsylvania, a position established in Pennsylvania’s Constitution. The court administrator is responsible for the prompt and proper disposition of the business of all courts and leads the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC). A detailed list of the court administrator’s and AOPC’s responsibilities may be found in the Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration 501-506. With principal offices in Harrisburg and Philadelphia, significant responsibilities of the AOPC include:

• Ensuring accessible and safe courts for all citizens
• Recommending court system improvements and program innovations directly or collaboratively
• Representing the court system to citizens, at all government levels, and with the media and providing all with reliable information
• Reviewing operations, providing policy guidance and assisting 60 president judges and district court administrators in local court management
• Developing and maintaining information technology, such as case, financial and administrative management systems
• Providing legal services and, when appropriate, legal representation to system personnel
• Managing administrative functions, including finance and human resources
• Conducting statewide continuing education programs for judges and staff

The court administrator of Pennsylvania is assisted by the deputy court administrator, the assistant court administrator and various administrative directors.