News

Pennsylvania Supreme Court holds Historic Session at Historic Site

September 13, 2011

HARRISBURG— For the first time, a session of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court will be televised for viewing by millions of people who simply tune into the Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN) at 7 p.m. tonight. Adding to the historical significance of the first televised session is the fact that today’s proceeding was held in historic Old City Hall in Philadelphia – the first time the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has sat in that room in more than two centuries The historic setting was chosen in commemoration of Constitution Day, which is officially Sept.17, but is celebrated with activities throughout the week. ?The historic nature of today’s proceedings is not lost on this Court,? Chief Justice Ronald D. Castille said. ?We are pleased to open our courtroom to the people of Pennsylvania so they can see, hear and learn how the cases we hear affect their lives. To do so in a courtroom that hasn’t been used by our Court since 1802 makes the moment even more meaningful.? In August, the Chief Justice announced that the Supreme Court had reached an agreement with PCN allowing its proceedings to be televised. PCN has operated successful videotaping programs in both the Commonwealth Court and Superior Court along with a successful test run in the Supreme Court. Today’s oral arguments before the Chief Justice and his six colleague justices ranged from cases about prescription drug liability; the state’s Open Records Act; and aviation law. PCN plans to air today’s proceedings at 7 p.m. this evening, starting with a brief overview by Chief Justice Castille about what people can expect to see when they watch the proceedings. At 6 p.m., PCN will air a one-hour interview with the Chief Justice. ### EDITORS’ NOTE: There will be a satellite feed of today’s proceedings. The coordinates are provided in a separate video feed advisory issued this morning. The feed will include an interview with the Chief Justice about what viewers can expect to see, the types of cases the Supreme Court hears and some historical information about the Court. A still photograph of the Court at the beginning of today’s historic proceeding will be posted on the Court’s website at www.PACourts.us at the Media tab, 2011 press releases, before noon today. Media contact: AOPC, Amy Kelchner, 717-231-3328 (office) 717-329-9382 (cell) www.PACourts.us