Committee on Rules of Evidence

The Committee on Rules of Evidence was created by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to advise and assist the court in prescribing general rules governing all court proceedings in Pennsylvania.

The committee studies and makes recommendations to the court about matters relating to evidence law in the Commonwealth. The committee monitors the practical application of the rules, as well as developments in evidence law in Pennsylvania and in other jurisdictions, reflected in case law and statutory changes that have occurred since the rules' adoption. It also identifies areas in which the rules of evidence should be amended or clarified and continues to review and respond to the questions raised by judges, lawyers and court personnel. 

Established on September 8, 1998, the committee is successor to the Ad Hoc Committee on Evidence, which was appointed by the Supreme Court in 1994 to develop a comprehensive code of evidence for the court's consideration. After an extensive public comment period and subsequent revisions, the Ad Hoc Committee's final proposal was adopted by the Supreme Court on May 8, 1998 as the Pennsylvania Rules of Evidence, effective October 1, 1998.

Committee appointments are typically for six-year terms. In special circumstances the Supreme Court may extend or reduce the term of an appointment. Members of this committee are appointed by the Supreme Court and are knowledgeable about the Pennsylvania Rules of Evidence and possess trial court experience. 

* Click on names or titles to see Appointment Orders with dates of term.