News

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Announces Changes on the Rules of Evidence Committee

September 24, 2003

HARRISBURG, September 24, 2003 — The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania today announced the reappointment of three members to the Rules of Evidence Committee and other organizational changes. The court reappointed Patrick J. O’Connor, Esq. and Bernard W. Smalley, Esq., both of Philadelphia, to new three-year terms, beginning October 1, 2003. The Hon. Richard A. Lewis, Dauphin County Common Pleas Court judge, also was reappointed to a new three-year term, beginning October 1, and redesignated committee vice-chair. The Rules of Evidence Committee was created in 1994 to develop proposed comprehensive rules of evidence, which was adopted by the Supreme Court four years later. Since then the committee has monitored the practical application of the new rules and further developments in evidence law through case law and statutory changes. The committee also is responsible for reviewing and responding to various questions raised by judges, lawyers and other court personnel. The committee consists of 10 members who serve regular terms of three years each. There is a two-term limit on each member. For more information about the Rules of Evidence Committee and other court committees, see the Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Site at: www.courts.state.pa.us