News

Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Debra Todd today joined Lycoming County President Judge Nancy Butts and Judge Ryan Gardner at the Lycoming County Courthouse to celebrate the graduations of participants from the county’s Mental Health Treatment Court and Veterans Treatment Court....

July 08

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, along with the Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners have announced that beginning in July 2028, law school graduates will take a new version of the bar exam in Pennsylvania....

July 03

In Pennsylvania, a drug delivery resulting in death (DDRD) charge, also known as an offense, is issued to a person who intentionally administers, dispenses, delivers, gives, prescribes, sells or distributes any controlled substance, and another person died as a result of using the substance....

June 13

In recognition of the 175th anniversary of the Luzerne County Bar Association, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania today held a special oral argument session in the Luzerne County Courthouse....

May 30

The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts is advising the public to stay vigilant against a recently reported text message scam involving the Pennsylvania court system.

The scam involves text messages that “spoof” or mimic the Pennsylvania Courts and/or Unified Judicial System website. The spoof text advises that “records show that as of today, there is an outstanding traffic ticket” which must be paid via a scam URL....

May 29

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Pennsylvania Courts today released an infographic highlighting data from the state’s mental health courts.

In 2023, 67% of all discharged participants graduated successfully from these treatment programs and among those graduates, there was a 92% increase in employment....

May 16

York County Court of Common Pleas Judge Michael Flannelly has been elected by his colleagues to serve as the next President Judge.

His term will begin in January 2026....

May 13

Recognizing May as National Treatment Court Month, the Pennsylvania Courts today joined with legislators, community partners, treatment court professionals and treatment court program staff and participants from across Pennsylvania to celebrate the success of Pennsylvania’s treatment court program....

May 07

In celebration of Law Day, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Historical Commission is launching a statewide initiative aimed at engaging students in grades K–12 through creative educational activities highlighting the importance of the judicial branch of government....

May 01

In recognition of Sexual Violence Awareness Month in April, the Pennsylvania Courts recently launched a new digital ad campaign to inform the public about the resources available for survivors who seek the courts’ assistance....

May 01

In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty, on behalf of the Supreme Court, provided updates on the Court’s autism initiative....

April 28

In a demonstration of its ongoing efforts to create a more understanding and accommodating court system, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has formally recognized April as Autism Acceptance Month with the issuance of an official citation....

April 21

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court Autism in the Courts Initiative marks its five-year anniversary this month, celebrating its groundbreaking work in improving the court experience for individuals and their families on the autism spectrum....

April 14

Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Debra Todd, on behalf of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, today is holding Governor Josh Shapiro and his family close in thought following the recent arson attack at the governor’s official residence....

April 14

Pennsylvania had over 10,000 offenses reported between 2020 and 2024. New data reveals that people in their 20’s are the most common offenders and violations peak between 10 a.m. and noon. ...

April 04

On Sunday, March 23, the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts Information Technology Department will conclude its biennial disaster recovery exercise....

March 21

The Superior Court of Pennsylvania will hold a two-day special session on Tues., March 25 and Wed., March 26. The first day of the session will be held at Villanova Law School in McGuimm Courtroom #201 (299 N. Spring Mill Rd., Villanova, PA). The second day of the session will be held at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Courtroom A (2 East Airy St., Norristown, PA). Session will convene at 9:30 a.m. both days....

March 21

On Thurs., March 13 at 5 p.m., Judge Jeremiah Zook will oversee the ceremony celebrating the graduation of three participants from Franklin County Drug Treatment Court at the Franklin County Courthouse in the Historic Courtroom.    ...

March 12

The Pennsylvania Commission on Judicial Independence emphatically condemns all threats against and intimidation of judges. Public comments and social media postings that attack judges in visceral and physical terms are contrary to our constitutional system and the rule of law on which our freedoms are based....

March 11

Today at 4:15 p.m., Judge Steven T. O’Neill will oversee the ceremony celebrating the graduation of two participants from Montgomery County Drug Treatment Court at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Courtroom “B”.    ...

March 11

Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Debra Todd, on behalf of the Court, today issued a citation officially recognizing the second week of March as Civic Learning Week in Pennsylvania, underscoring the importance of civics education in fostering an informed and engaged citizenry....

March 11

In recognition of National Women’s History Month, the Pennsylvania Courts today released an infographic looking at the history of women in the Pennsylvania judiciary, as well as those women currently serving....

March 07

The Superior Court of Pennsylvania will hold a special session in the city of Scranton, Lackawanna County, on Tues., March 11 and Wed., March 12, 2025. Session will convene at 9:30 a.m. both days at the Lackawanna County Courthouse, Courtroom #3, 2nd Floor, 200 N. Washington Avenue, Scranton, PA....

March 07

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania will hold oral argument sessions on Tues., March 4 and Wed., March 5, in the Supreme Court courtroom in City Hall....

February 28

On Fri., Feb. 28 at 10 a.m., Judge Thomas M. Caffrey will oversee the ceremony celebrating the graduation of seven participants from Lehigh County Drug Treatment Court at the Lehigh County Courthouse in Courtroom # 2C. ...

February 27

On Wed., Feb. 19 at 11 a.m., Judge Jessica Brewbaker will oversee the graduation of four participants from TOMS Court at the Cumberland County Courthouse in Courtroom #1.

“We are so excited for the 18th commencement ceremony of TOMS Court and our four amazing graduates. We have seen each of them change their lives and become the awesome people they were always meant to be! We look forward to celebrating their successes,” said Judge Brewbaker....

February 18

On Tues., Feb. 18 at 9:30 a.m., President Judge Maria Musti-Cook will oversee the joint ceremony celebrating the graduation of 16 participants from York County Wellness Courts at the Strand Capital, 50 North George Street....

February 14

Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Todd Sponseller celebrated Valentine’s Day by presiding over a series of wedding ceremonies, helping 12 couples tie the knot over the course of the day. ...

February 14

Today, Berks County Magisterial District Judge Eric Taylor is continuing what has become a heartfelt tradition in his Reading courtroom. On Valentines Day, Judge Taylor clears his regular docket and dedicates the entire day to officiating wedding ceremonies....

February 14

In recognition of Black History Month, the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) has released a short video tribute to the Black jurists who have served on Pennsylvania’s appellate courts.

The video, designed as a historical timeline, highlights the achievements and contributions of these trailblazers, recognizing their role in shaping the state’s judicial system....

February 11

Over the past five years, underage drinking offenses statewide totaled 33,714. In Pennsylvania, an underage drinking offense is issued to anyone under the age of 21 who is caught possessing, consuming, transporting, purchasing or attempting to purchase any alcoholic beverage. These numbers do not include driving under the influence offenses....

February 07

President Judge Renée Cohn Jubelirer has announced the appointment of Nolan B. Meeks, Esquire, to serve as Chief Legal Counsel to the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania.  Mr. Meeks’ appointment was effective Jan. 17, 2025. ...

January 23

Pennsylvania Courts are using a new social media campaign to educate Pennsylvanians about the signs and risk factors of the many forms human trafficking can take and the resources available for victims of human trafficking....

January 23

With the start of the new year, Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty and the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts are redoubling their efforts to combat the behavioral health crisis sweeping the nation and impacting Pennsylvanians and their families....

January 15

January is Human-Trafficking Awareness Month and this month’s infographic highlights key court data related to human trafficking. Over the past five years, 1,235 human-trafficking offenses were filed on 366 cases....

January 10