News
2009
List by Year
Supreme Court Revokes Toole's Pay and Benefits
HARRISBURG, December 30, 2009 - The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania today terminated the salary and benefits of Luzerne County Judge Michael T. Toole following Toole's guilty plea to criminal charges in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania....December 29
Rules Adopted for Court Operations in Emergencies
HARRISBURG, December 28, 2009 - The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania today adopted a set of rules for maintaining court operations in a pandemic, natural disaster or other public emergency....December 27
Juvenile Justice Panel Sets Hearings in Wilkes-Barre
HARRISBURG, December 3, 2009 - The Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice which is investigating failures in the juvenile justice system in Luzerne County will hold hearings on Monday and Tuesday, December 7 and 8, in Wilkes-Barre....December 02
Supreme Court Removes Judge Toole from Office
HARRISBURG, December 3, 2009 - The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania today relieved Luzerne County Judge Michael T. Toole of all judicial and administrative responsibilities and barred him from taking further action in any case or legal proceeding....December 02
State Supreme Court to Host First Annual Children’s SummitDependency Court Judges, Children and Youth OfficialsCollaborate to Help Dependent Children
HARRISBURG, November 18, 2009 – On Thursday, November 19 beginning at 1p.m. in the Pittsburgh Omni William Penn, the State Supreme Court will host Pennsylvania’s First Annual Children’s Roundtable Summit where county dependency court judges, and children and youth service professionals will collaborate with national experts to develop county specific plans to help abused and neglected children. Your coverage is invited....November 17
Interbranch Commission on Juvenile JusticeTo Hold Public Hearings in Wilkes-Barre
HARRISBURG, November 5, 2009 - The Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice which is investigating failures in the juvenile justice system in Luzerne County will hold hearings on Monday and Tuesday, November 9 and 10, in Wilkes-Barre....November 04
PA Supreme Court Justice GreenspanElected to the American Law Institute
HARRISBURG, Oct. 16, 2009 — Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Jane Cutler Greenspan has been elected to membership in the prestigious American Law Institute....October 16
Commission on Juvenile Justice Sets Public Hearings
HARRISBURG, October 13, 2009 - On October 14, beginning at 9 a.m. in the Judicial Council Room of the Pennsylvania Judicial Center (PJC), 601 Commonwealth Ave., Harrisburg, the Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice, which is investigating failures in the juvenile justice system in Luzerne County, will hold its first hearing. Your coverage is invited. The hearing is expected to last through the afternoon. Please note: There will be limited...October 13
Commission on Juvenile Justice Sets Public Hearings
HARRISBURG, October 9, 2009 - On October 14, beginning at 9 a.m. in the Judicial Council Room of the Pennsylvania Judicial Center (PJC), 601 Commonwealth Ave., Harrisburg, the Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice, which is investigating failures in the juvenile justice system in Luzerne County, will hold its first hearing. Your coverage is invited....October 09
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Announces Changes to Lawyers Trust Account Board
HARRISBURG, Oct. 1, 2009 — The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania today announced the appointment of Bryan S. Neft, Esq., to the Interest on Lawyers Trust Account (IOLTA) Board....October 01
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Makes Reappointments; Designates Officers on Civil Procedural Rules Committee
HARRISBURG, Sept. 9, 2008 — The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania today announced the reappointments of three members of the Civil Procedural Rules Committee....September 09
Supreme Court Initiative to Improve Lives of Dependent Children Shows Early Progress
HARRISBURG, August 26, 2009 – On Thursday, August 27 at 11:40 am in Room 60, EWing of the State Capitol Building, Sandra Moore, Administrator of the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts’ Office of Children & Families in the Court is scheduled to testify before the State House Committee on Children and Youth regarding the Supreme Court’s statewide initiative to improve the lives of dependent children....August 26
Chief Justice Names Members of Juvenile Justice Commission
HARRISBURG, August 10, 2009 - Chief Justice Ronald D. Castille today named the chairman and three members of the Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice which is being created to investigate circumstances that led to corruption in the juvenile court of Luzerne County....August 10
PA Supreme Court to Hold Second Phase of Child Dependency Training Sessions13 Additional Counties Join Initiative to Improve Lives of Dependent Children
HARRISBURG, August 3, 2009 – As part of a statewide initiative to improve the lives of dependent children, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania will hold three training sessions in August featuring Kevin Campbell – a nationally known youth permanency expert and creator of Family Finding, a strategy aimed at finding lost or forgotten individuals willing to provide lifelong support for abused and neglected children....August 03
Supreme Court Announces AppointmentTo Appellate Court Procedural Rules Committee
HARRISBURG, July 21, 2009 — The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania today announced the appointment of Robert L. Byer, Esq., to the Appellate Court Procedural Rules Committee....July 21
Supreme Court Announces AppointmentTo Domestic Relations Procedural Rules Committee
HARRISBURG, July 20, 2009 — The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania today announced the appointment of Maria P. Cognetti, Esq., to the Domestic Relations Procedural Rules Committee....July 20
Moves to Pennsylvania Judicial Center phased through summerNew Addresses for Appellate Court Offices and AOPC
HARRISBURG, July 13, 2009 - The Harrisburg filing offices for Pennsylvania's three statewide appellate courts will move, beginning this week, to the new Pennsylvania Judicial Center near the State Capitol...July 13
Luzerne County Cases Affected Options Ordered for Expungement of Juvenile Records
HARRISBURG, July 22, 2009 - The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania today ordered that certain juvenile case records in Luzerne County that currently are subject to an expungement order be preserved under seal pending the outcome of federal civil rights litigation....June 22
Moving to Place Abused Children in Permanent Homes Op-Ed Justice Baer
Most children are “dependent” on their parents for what they need and receive, which is unequivocal love and nurturing as well as all of life’s physical necessities. But the term “dependent child,” as used in the Pennsylvania courts, has tragic meaning: that children are “dependent” on the state for their physical needs and must find love and nurturing where they can....June 17
Supreme Court advances a commitmentNew Principles Aim to Help Abused and Neglected Children
HARRISBURG, June 15, 2009 — The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania today released a mission statement and set of guiding principles aimed at improving the lives of abused and neglected children whose care is entrusted to the child dependency system under the supervision of the courts....June 15
Commonwealth Court Judge Doris A. Smith-Ribner to Retire
HARRISBURG, June 10, 2009 - Commonwealth Court Judge Doris A. Smith- Ribner announced today that she intends to retire from the bench this summer after concluding work currently assigned to her on the court's docket....June 10
Superior Court Judge Maureen Lally-Green to Retire
HARRISBURG, June 8, 2009 – Superior Court Judge Maureen Lally-Green today announced that she will retire from the bench effective July 31, 2009....June 08
PA Supreme Court to Co-sponsor 2009 International ConferenceAimed at Improving Outcomes for Abused and Neglected Children
HARRISBURG, June 2, 2009 — The Pennsylvania Supreme Court will co-sponsor the 2009 American Humane Conference on Family Group Decision Making and Other Family Engagement Approaches at the Westin Convention Center in Pittsburgh on June 3 though June 5. The conference will feature several child welfare experts discussing a variety of practices aimed at improving the outcomes for abused and neglected children....June 02
Luzerne County Juvenile Case Review Begins Phase TwoMore Serious Cases Considered for Possible Expungement
HARRISBURG, May 20, 2009 - The Special Master reviewing a five-year span of potentially tainted Luzerne County juvenile cases has begun the second phase of his work. In this phase, the adjudications of serious misdemeanor and low-level felony cases will be re-examined for potential dismissal and expungement....May 20
Pennsylvania Court System Continues Preparing for Public Health ThreatsJudges Attend Public Health Law Seminar
STATE COLLEGE, PA, May 14, 2009 — Court Administrator of Pennsylvania Zygmont A. Pines today announced that nearly 30 judges throughout the Commonwealth and beyond are attending a public health law and epidemiology seminar as part of ongoing efforts to prepare for public health threats and the unprecedented challenges they would face should a pandemic hit the United States...May 14
Chief Justice Expresses Appreciation to Jurors
HARRISBURG, May 8, 2009 - Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Ronald D. Castille today thanked more than 60,000 citizens who served on juries and thousands more who appeared for jury duty but were not seated for trials across the Commonwealth during the past year....May 08
Supreme Court Begins Expungement Process for JuvenileAdjudications in Luzerne County
HARRISBURG, May 5, 2009 - The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania today issued instructions for qualified individuals to obtain copies of Luzerne County Juvenile Court records prior to the court-approved expungement of those records....May 05
Statement from Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Castille on the Passing of Former Chief Justice Cappy
PHILADELPHIA, May 2, 2009 — It is with deep sorrow that the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania announces the sudden passing of former Chief Justice Ralph J. Cappy....May 02
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Makes Appointmentto Lawyers Fund for Client Security Board
HARRISBURG, April 28, 2009 — The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania today announced the appointment of Edwin H. Beachler, Esq., to the Lawyers Fund for Client Security Board....April 28
Supreme Court Announces Appointment to Domestic Relations Procedural Rules Committee
HARRISBURG, April 17, 2009 — The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania today announced the appointment of David L. Ladov, Esq. to the Domestic Relations Procedural Rules Committee....April 17
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Adopts New Rules Governing Inactive Attorneys
HARRISBURG, April 16, 2009 — The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania today adopted a series of changes regarding the fees, reinstatement and categorization of the Commonwealth’s nearly 27,000 inactive attorneys....April 16
Latest Medical Malpractice Data Shows Stable Decline in Number of New Cases and Verdicts
HARRISBURG, April 9, 2009 – Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Ronald D. Castille today announced the release of state court system data on medical malpractice case filings and verdicts for 2008 that show the declines of previous years in the number of lawsuits filed statewide are stable....April 09
Special Master in Gaming Case Issues Directive
PHILADELPHIA, April 8, 2009 — Judge John W. Herron, the special master appointed by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to settle disputes involving the development of a proposed casino in Philadelphia, has issued his first directive....April 08
State Supreme Court Accepts Scranton Times Case
HARRISBURG, April 7, 2009 – The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania today exercised its King's Bench Power to take control of the case of Thomas A. Joseph et al v. The Scranton Times. The Court ordered an evidentiary hearing to determine whether a new trial in the case is warranted....April 07
Annual Registration Fee for Lawyers to Increase
HARRISBURG, April 2, 2009 - The Pennsylvania Supreme Court today ordered a $25 increase in the annual registration fee for Pennsylvania lawyers, the first such adjustment in eight years. Funds from the increase are to be used for legal aid programs to assist individuals unable to afford legal services....April 02
Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Op-Ed
As leader of the Pennsylvania court system, my top goal is for the citizens of this Commonwealth to trust their judges, and for judges at every level to deserve that trust....April 01
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Announces Lawyers Fund for Client Security Board Actions
HARRISBURG, April 1, 2009 — The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania today announced the reappointment of Robert A. Rovner, Esq., to the Lawyers Fund for Client Security Board....April 01
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania ApprovesExpungement of Juvenile Records in Luzerne County
HARRISBURG, March 26, 2009 — The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania today authorized the expungement of a substantial number of juvenile records involving cases handled over a five-year period by former Judge Mark A. Ciavarella Jr. in Luzerne County....March 26
Supreme Court Orders Judicial Vacancy Removed from Luzerne County Ballot
HARRISBURG, March, 25, 2009 — The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania today remanded the judicial disciplinary matter regarding Judge Ann H. Lokuta, formerly of the Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County, to the Court of Judicial Discipline for further consideration....March 25
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Appoints Special Master for Philadelphia Gaming Case
HARRISBURG, March, 24, 2009 — The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania today appointed a special master to settle disagreements over the development of HSP Gaming’s proposed casino within the City of Philadelphia....March 24
Supreme Court Announces Appointments to Domestic Relations Procedural Rules Committee
HARRISBURG, March 23, 2009 — The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania today announced a number of appointments and a new chair on the Domestic Relations Procedural Rules Committee....March 23
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Announces Appointment to Juvenile Court Rules Committee
HARRISBURG, March 20, 2009 — The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania today announced the appointment of Ronald A. Turo, Esq., to the Juvenile Court Procedural Rules Committee....March 20
Supreme Court Asks for Progress Reports from Luzerne
HARRISBURG, March 19, 2009 - Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Ronald D. Castille has asked the president judge of Luzerne County to submit monthly progress reports on improvements being made in the county court system....March 19
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Announces Juvenile Court Rules Committee Changes
HARRISBURG, March 17, 2009 — The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has announced three appointments and officer designations on the Juvenile Court Procedural Rules Committee....March 17
PA Supreme Court to Host a Teacher Institute on the Judiciary Philadelphia Area Teachers to Attend Day of Civics Education
PHILADELPHIA, March 5, 2009 - The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and First Lady of Pennsylvania Judge Marjorie O. Rendell will host a "Teacher Institute on the Judiciary" on Friday March 6, 2009, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. in the chambers of the Supreme Court in Room 456 of City Hall. Media coverage is invited....March 04
Supreme Court Terminates Ciavarella’s Pay and Benefits
HARRISBURG, February 13, 2009 - The Pennsylvania Supreme Court today terminated the salary and benefits of Luzerne County Judge Mark A. Ciavarella Jr. following Ciavarella’s guilty plea to criminal charges in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania....February 12
Supreme Court Names Master for Luzerne Juvenile Cases
HARRISBURG, Feb. 11, 2009 — The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania today appointed a special master to review all cases in which Luzerne County Judge Mark A. Ciavarella Jr. is alleged to have improperly committed juveniles to two detention facilities or to have denied juveniles their constitutional right to counsel....February 10
Supreme Court to Take Luzerne County CaseRarely Used King's Bench Powers to Be Used
HARRISBURG, February 2, 2009 - Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Ronald D. Castille said today the Supreme Court will exercise its King's Bench Powers to address whether Luzerne County juvenile defendants were improperly sentenced to detention. Two Luzerne County judges are accused of having benefitted financially in connection with juvenile sentencing....February 01
Supreme Court Removes Two Luzerne County Judges
HARRISBURG, January 28, 2009 – The Pennsylvania Supreme Court, exercising its supervisory powers, today issued orders removing two Luzerne County judges from service....January 27
PA Supreme Court Appoints New Administrative Judges
Pittsburgh,PA - The Pennsylvania Supreme Court today has appointed new Administrative Judges to the Allegheny County Court's Criminal and Family Divisions....January 22
President Judge Emeritus McEwen to Leave Judicial Independence Panel
HARRISBURG, January 23, 2008 - Superior Court President Judge Emeritus Stephen J. McEwen Jr. has resigned as co-chair of the Judicial Independence Commission, a panel formed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in 2005 to foster better understanding of the courts and to counter unfair attacks on the judiciary....January 22
State Supreme Court Justice Michael Eakin Discusses the Importance of Civics Education on WITF-TV’s Premier Issues PA 2009 Program
HARRISBURG, January 30, 2009 – State Supreme Court Justice Michael Eakin will discuss the importance of civics education and the role of the courts on a segment of WITF-TV’s Premier Issues PA 2009: Government 101 Program....January 19
CASTILLE SWORN IN AS CHIEF JUSTICE Pledges a Nonpartisan, Independent and Progressive Court
PHILADELPHIA, PA., January 14, 2008 - Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Ronald D. Castille took the oath of office today pledging that under his leadership the Supreme Court would press administrative reforms in the courts, stand firmly for judicial independence and seek the respect of citizens, litigants and lawyers for its work as a judicial body....January 13
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Adopts New Rulesto Put Appeals of Children’s Cases on Fast Track
HARRISBURG, Jan. 13, 2009 – The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania today adopted a comprehensive set of rules changes to expedite children’s cases involving dependency, custody, adoption, termination of parental rights and paternity....January 12