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Commonwealth Court to Hold Special Session in City of Reading

News Article

September 09, 2013

The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania will hold a special session on Sept. 13 in Reading, where a three-judge panel is scheduled to hear cases of local and statewide interest, President Judge Dan Pellegrini has announced.

Judges Robert Simpson, Mary Hannah Leavitt and Patricia McCullough will hear oral arguments in nine cases following a joint ceremonial session with the Berks County Court of Common Pleas set for 9 a.m. in Courtroom 5A at the county courthouse.

“Events like this are designed to enhance access and promote confidence in the courts by providing a firsthand opportunity for Pennsylvanians to witness their judicial system in action,” President Judge Pellegrini said. “Hopefully, this will inspire some students who plan to be in attendance, to pursue a career in the law or public service or both.”

The session is being planned with the county Court of Common Pleas and the Berks County Bar Association. In conjunction with the special session, the county bar will sponsor a continuing legal education program for lawyers on Pennsylvania’s Right-To-Know Law featuring, among other presenters, Judges Simpson and Brobson.

Commonwealth Court has nine regular argument sessions per year – in Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Special sessions occasionally are held outside the regular venues to bring the workings of the court to more Pennsylvanians.

The gathering in Reading is the first special session since November 2012 when the court sat in Erie.

“This will be a very special opportunity for Berks County residents to see and hear how cases are adjudicated at the intermediate appellate court level,” Berks County President Judge Paul Yatron said. “We are pleased at this opportunity to allow our citizens to observe these proceedings in person and honored that the Commonwealth Court chose our county.”

 

Berks County special session argument list 

 

Media contact: Art Heinz

(717) 231-3317