News

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Announces Changes on Appellate Court Procedural Rules Committee

June 29, 2001

HARRISBURG, June 29, 2001 — The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania today announced the appointment of a new member, and other organizational changes, to the Appellate Court Procedural Rules Committee. The Hon. Thomas A. Wallitsch, Lehigh County, was newly appointed to the committee for a term of three years, beginning June 30. The following members were reappointed to new three-year terms, beginning June 30: William P. Bresnahan, Esq., and Frederick N. Frank, Esq., both of Allegheny County and Bridget E. Montgomery, Esq., Dauphin County. Superior Court Judge Joseph A. Hudock was designated as vice chairman of the committee, beginning June 30. The Hon. Joseph M. Augello, Luzerne County, is committee chairman. Created in October 1973, the Appellate Court Procedural Rules Committee makes recommendations to the Supreme Court for refining and updating the Rules of Appellate Procedure in light of experience, developing case law and new legislation. Its members each serve three year terms. The committee also responds, when and as appropriate, to inquiries made by lawyers, trial judges and trial court officials. Questions from and suggestions by these parties are often studied in depth by the committee and can result in recommendations for rule changes. Previously known as the Advisory Committee on Appellate Court Rules, the committee got its present name by Supreme Court order on March 31, 1994. Other committee members include: Charles E. Gutshall, Esq., Dauphin County; Sarah V. Hart, Esq., and Andrew M. Ominsky, Esq., both Philadelphia; Dionysios G. Rassias, Esq., Montgomery County; Paul W. Roman, Esq., Allegheny County and the Hon. Cynthia M. Rufe, Bucks County.