Glossary

	Measure	Definition
	Age of Pending Cases	A breakdown of the caseload by the interval of time elapsed from the date of first filing to year’s end.
	Arbitration Appeal	A category for civil cases appealed de novo from an arbitration award.
	Cases Processed	Disposition categories include: Cases Decided by an Arbitration Board - Civil Actions decided by a Board of Arbitrators following an evidentiary hearing. Default Judgments - Judgments entered against a party who failed to defend against a claim that has been brought by another party. Dismissed/Discontinued - A disposition category for cases dismissed or discontinued. Dispositive Motions - Motions seeking a court order that entirely disposes of one or more claims in favor of the moving party without further court proceedings. Jury Trial - A disposition category for cases resolved by the verdict of a jury. Moved to Inactive Status - Cases removed from the pending inventory that have been administratively classified as inactive. Non-Jury Trial - A disposition category for cases resolved by the verdict of a judge. Other - A residual disposition category for cases that cannot be counted in the disposition categories listed. Pa. R.J.A. 230.2 Administrative Review - Civil cases that are terminated due to inactivity after a reasonable period of time, as dictated by rule. Settlements - A disposition category for cases in which litigants reach an agreement resolving the dispute. Transferred/Withdrawn - Transferred - Cases that have been assigned to another jurisdiction. Withdrawn - Cases in which the plaintiff has retracted their filing before the court.
	Cases Transferred In	Civil cases transferred from another jurisdiction.
	Civil Action	A category of civil cases in which an action is brought to enforce, redress or protect private rights.
	Civil Appeals	Cases in which the party filing in the court of common pleas is disputing the decision from an administrative agency. Administrative agencies include the Board of Assessment, the County Board of Elections, the Department of Transportation and the Zoning Board. Cases may be appealed from a Magisterial District Judge or Philadelphia Municipal Court Judge, a board of arbitrators or an administrative agency. Statutory Appeal: Other - A residual case type category of civil appeals; the challenge to an action specifically provided for by statute. Other - A residual case type category for civil appeals that cannot be counted in the listed categories.
	Civil Other	A residual category of civil cases which are not Civil Actions. Included in this category are mandamus, replevin, mortgage foreclosure, etc.
	Contract	Civil cases involving a dispute over an express or implied agreement between two or more parties: Buyer Plaintiff - Cases where a plaintiff/buyer of goods or services brings suit against a defendant/seller of goods or services for failure to either deliver the goods or services or to honor a warranty as promised in an express or implied agreement. Debt Collection: Credit Card - Cases where the plaintiff brings suit against a defendant for failure to pay for the goods or services as promised in either an express or implied credit card agreement/contract. Debt Collection: Other- A residual case type category for debt collection that cannot be counted as an attempt to collect a credit card debt. Employment Dispute: Discrimination - Cases in which the plaintiff/employee alleges that the defendant/employer denied hiring, salary increases, or other forms of advancement based on the employee’s race, gender, national origin, or sexual orientation. Employment Dispute: Other - Cases involving allegations other than discrimination, for instance wrongful termination. Other - A residual case type category for contract cases that cannot be counted in the listed categories, for instance fraud, bad faith.
	Docketed Cases	The number of cases which have been filed in the prothonotary’s office and are intended to be litigated.
	Mass Tort	A civil action case that involves numerous plaintiffs suing one or several defendants for an action arising from negligence on the part of the defendant/defendants. Other - a residual case type category for mass tort cases that cannot be counted in the listed categories.
	Miscellaneous	Civil cases that cannot be counted in the case type categories listed: Common Law/Statutory Arbitration - Common Law Arbitration - Elements of the arbitration process that are governed by common law. Statutory Arbitration - Elements of the arbitration process that are dictated by statute. Declaratory Judgment - Cases in which the plaintiff is seeking a decision from the court deciding the legal rights, duties or status of the parties. Mandamus - Cases in which the plaintiff seeks to force an official to perform an act he/she is legally required to do. The purpose is only to enforce rights already established. Non-Domestic Relations Restraining Order - Cases in which a petition for a restraining order is not the result of a domestic altercation. Cases reported in this category include petitions filed under the Protection from Sexual Violence & Intimidation Act (42 Pa.C.S. §62A). Other - A residual case type category for miscellaneous cases that cannot be counted in the listed categories. Quo Warranto - Cases in which the plaintiff seeks to challenge an individual’s right to hold a public or corporate office. Replevin - Cases in which the plaintiff seeks to recover goods or other property from a defendant who has wrongfully taken or retained them.
	Professional Liability	Malpractice tort cases in which the defendant is alleged to have failed to provide reasonable professional care, attention, or skill to their patient/client thereby causing physical and/or financial harm: Dental - Cases that allege misconduct or negligence by a person in the dental profession acting in their professional capacity. Legal - Cases that allege misconduct or negligence by a person in the legal profession acting in their professional capacity. Medical - Cases that allege misconduct or negligence by a person in the medical profession acting in their professional capacity. Other Professional - Malpractice cases that allege misconduct or negligence by a person other than those previously specified such as accountants and architects.
	Real Property	Civil cases involving disputes over the ownership, use, boundaries, or value of real property. Real property is land and the things attached to it: Ejectment - Cases where the plaintiff brings suit in order to recover possession of land. Eminent Domain - Cases where property is taken by the government and the property owner files suit to halt the action. Ground Rent - Cases is which the plaintiff/landlord seeks to recover rent paid for the use of land. Landlord/Tenant Dispute - Cases where the plaintiff alleges a breach of the lease agreement between a landlord and a tenant, such as eviction. Mortgage Foreclosure: Residential/Commercial - Cases in which a mortgage holder such as a bank or finance company brings suit to take possession of and sell the mortgaged property to satisfy a debt. Other - A residual case type category for real property cases that cannot be counted in the listed categories, such as alleged violations of housing code, mobile park evictions. Partition - Cases where the plaintiff brings suit in order to obtain a court ordered division of jointly owned real property. Quiet Title - Cases in which the plaintiff sues to have the court resolve conflicts over real property.
	Returned to Active	Cases previously deemed “inactive” that are being brought back into the pending inventory.
	Tort	A civil wrong arising from an act or failure to act, independent of a contract, for which an action for personal injury or property damages may be brought: Intentional - Cases in which injury to property or person is alleged to have been willfully done. Malicious Prosecution - Intentionally initiating a legal action that is brought without probable cause. Motor Vehicle - Cases involving personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death resulting from alleged negligence while operating a motor vehicle. Nuisance - Cases which involve activities that are unreasonable, unwarranted or unlawful, such as excess noise, traffic increase, and public disturbances. Other - A residual case type category for tort cases that cannot be counted in the listed categories. Premises Liability - Cases involving claims brought against the owner of real property where the condition of the property is alleged to be the cause of personal injury. Product Liability - Cases involving the alleged responsibility of a vendor or manufacturer of goods to compensate for injury caused by defective merchandise. Slander/Libel/Defamation - Cases alleging harm to the reputation, community standing or livelihood of the plaintiff caused by false or misleading statements made by the defendant.

Child Dependency Data

	Measure	Definition
	Adjudicated Dependent	If the case is adjudicated dependent, the case becomes part of the Adjudicated Dependent Inventory and continues under court supervision.
	Adjudicated Not Dependent	If the case is adjudicated NOT dependent, the case is closed.
	Cases Processed	A dependency petition is considered processed when an order adjudicating the petition is issued, typically at a permanency placement hearing. The disposition is recorded whether or not the juvenile is adjudicated dependent.
	Court Supervision Terminated	Court supervision of Adjudicated Dependent Cases is terminated when the child achieves permanency. Permanency outcomes include the following: Family Reunification - The child is returned to the parent(s). Includes the CPCMS termination category of reunification. Adoption - The legal and permanent transfer of all parental rights and responsibilities to adoptive parents. Includes CPCMS termination category of adoption. Placement with a Relative or Guardian - The custody of the child is transferred from the natural parent to a relative or caregiver. Both permanent and non-permanent placements are included in this category. Includes CPCMS termination categories of child with guardian, placement with relative, subsidized permanent legal custodian/relative, and permanent placement with relative. Aged Out - The dependent child reaches the age of 18. Includes CPCMS termination category aged out. Other Permanency Outcomes - Includes the CPCMS termination categories of: adjudicated delinquent, death due to natural causes, death due to negligence, emancipation, permanent living arrangement, Family Service Plan completed, permanency plan completed. Other Terminations - Includes CPCMS termination categories: transferred to other jurisdiction, inactive due to warrant, cases withdrawn, cases closed without disposition, as well as categories reserved for administrative closings and data corrections.
	Hearing Officer	This disposition type refers to the number of cases in which disputed issues of fact were heard by a hearing officer in an evidentiary proceeding. Included are single cases with multiple hearings in which there were NO hearings before a judge.
	Judge	This disposition type refers to the number of cases in which disputed issues of fact were heard before a judge in an evidentiary proceeding. Dispositional hearings, review hearings and ancillary petitions are NOT included. Also NOT included are cases initially heard by a master or hearing officer where the judge signs the agreement or order after the matter is resolved by the non-judicial officer.
	New Petitions Filed	A new dependency case (abuse/neglect and status offense) is initiated with the filing of a petition. Included are reopened cases where a new petition has been filed.
	Other (Inbound)	Inbound cases that are transferred from another jurisdiction, cases reopened due to a warrant. Includes CPCMS entries transferred from other jurisdiction, case reopened due to warrant as well as categories reserved for data corrections or administrative actions.
	Other (Outbound)	This disposition type refers to the number of cases not processed by a judge or non-judicial officer. Included are all cases which have been transferred to another jurisdiction, cases in which the manner of adjudication was not recorded, and those cases terminated due to administrative actions and data corrections.
	Pending Adjudication	The pending adjudication inventory includes petitions for dependency that are awaiting adjudication. This inventory of cases is counted separately from adjudicated cases.
	Withdrawn/Dismissed/ Inactive	This disposition type refers to cases withdrawn, dismissed or placed in inactive status due to a warrant.

Criminal

	Measure	Definition
	Age of Pending Cases	A breakdown of the active criminal caseload by the interval of time elapsed from the date of first filing or re-filing to the last day of the year. Age does not include lower court time elapsed from complaint or arrest until filing at the common pleas level.
	Begin Pending	Active cases awaiting adjudication at the start of the reporting period, or the first day of the year.
	Cases Available for Processing	The sum of Begin Pending plus New Cases Filed plus Reopened Cases for the calendar year.
	Cases Awaiting Sentencing	Refers to those cases in which a guilty verdict has been rendered or a guilty plea accepted, but for which the penalty has not yet been imposed.
	Cases Processed	To count as processed; a case must have been Adjudicated or Closed during the reporting period. These cases are then categorized by disposition type and include: Diversionary Disposition - A disposition category for cases in which the defendant is accepted into a state or county ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition) program, which is a pre-trial diversionary program similar to probation. Upon successful completion of all conditions of the program, the defendant may petition the court to dismiss the charges. If an ARD is unsuccessful the case will reappear in the active caseload as a Refiled/Reopened Case. Guilty Plea - A disposition category for cases in which the defendant admits having committed an offense for which he is charged, or admits to a lesser felony, misdemeanor or summary offense. Inactive - A disposition category for cases in which the defendant is not available for processing, including defendants declared fugitive, those with a pre-adjudicatory warrant, and those in the custody of another jurisdiction. Jury Trial - A disposition category for cases adjudicated following the verdict of a jury. Non-Jury Trial - A disposition category for cases adjudicated by the verdict of a judge. Other - Includes cases that were processed with any disposition that is not counted in any other category. These can include specific dispositions such as Defendant Deceased or Case Transferred, but also cases that are Uncategorized, i.e. there is a change in status from Active to Adjudicated or Closed but there is no associated final disposition recorded on the case. Withdrawn/Dismissed (quashed, nolle prosequi, etc.) - Withdrawn - Cases in which the charges against the defendant have been retracted. Dismissed - Cases in which the jurisdiction of the court is terminated by the court. Nol Pros/Nolle Prosequi - A formal notice on the record that the prosecution will not proceed with the case that has been accepted by the court.
	End Pending	The sum of Cases Available for Disposition less Cases Processed for the calendar year. This is the total number of cases awaiting disposition at the end of the year.
	New Cases	A new criminal action is initiated with a Misdemeanor or Felony case held for or waived to common pleas court after a preliminary hearing. The unit of count is the OTN (Offense Tracking Number). Misdemeanor - A statutory class of crime generally less serious than a felony offense and punishable by a fine, a jail term not to exceed five years, or both. Felony - A crime, typically involving violence, regarded as more serious than a misdemeanor and punishable by imprisonment.
	Refiled/Reopened Cases	Cases that were previously closed or inactive and became active during the reporting period. Included are cases that are re-filed, cases with a pre-adjudicatory warrant returned, cases previously disposed as a diversionary disposition but ARD was unsuccessful, or a guilty plea was withdrawn.

Custody/Partial Custody/Visitation

	Measure	Definition
	Cases Processed	A case is considered processed when a final order is entered.
	Judge	This disposition type refers to the number of cases in which disputed issues of fact were heard by a judge in an evidentiary proceeding. NOT included are those cases signed by a judge in which the agreement was reached by a hearing officer, mediator, or conciliator.
	New Cases Filed	A new custody/partial custody/visitation case is initiated with the filing of a complaint. The unit of count is the petition and NOT the number of children listed on the petition. Included are petitions to modify existing custody or visitation orders. NOT included are petitions for special relief or emergency petitions.
	Non-Judicial Order	This disposition type refers to the number of cases processed or disposed by a mediator, conciliator, hearing officer, master or other domestic relations personnel.
	Other	This disposition type refers to the number of cases not processed by a judge or non-judicial officer. Included are all cases which have been transferred, withdrawn, discontinued, Pa.R.J.A. 1901 dismissals, and stipulations by the parties in which there was NO mediation, conciliation, or hearing before a hearing officer, master or judge.

Divorce

	Measure	Definition
	Cases Processed	A divorce case is counted as processed when a final decree is issued granting or denying the divorce. Equitable distribution may be ongoing though the petition is counted as disposed.
	Judge	This disposition type refers to the number of cases in which disputed issues of fact were heard by a judge in an evidentiary proceeding. Included are single cases with multiple hearings AT LEAST ONE of which was held before a judge.
	New Cases Filed	A new divorce action is initiated with the filing of a complaint.
	Non-Judicial Order	This disposition type refers to the number of cases in which disputed issues of fact were heard by a master in an evidentiary proceeding. Included are single cases with multiple hearings in which there were NO hearings before a judge.
	Other	This disposition type refers to the number of cases not processed by a judge, or non-judicial officer, or matters which were not uncontested. Included are all cases which have been transferred, withdrawn, discontinued, and Pa.R.J.A. 1901 dismissals.
	Uncontested	This disposition type refers to the number of matters resolved by mediation, conciliation or stipulation. Included are all matters resolved without an Evidentiary hearing, i.e. those in which there was no evidentiary proceeding and the judge signed a final decree.

Juvenile Delinquency

	Measure	Definition
	Adjudicated Delinquent Judge (Formal)	Active cases adjudicated delinquent by a judge following an evidentiary hearing.
	Adjudicated Delinquent Juvenile Court Hearing Officer (Formal)	Active cases adjudicated delinquent by a hearing officer following an evidentiary hearing.
	Alternative Program Revoked	Cases returned to the pending inventory due to the revocation of a juvenile’s participation in an alternative course of relief, as previously approved by a court via motion.
	Begin Pending	Consent Decree - Cases with an active consent decree in place at the beginning of the reporting period (January 1st). Formal Dispositions - Cases previously adjudicated delinquent under court supervision at the beginning of the reporting period (January 1st). Informal Adjustment - Cases with an active informal adjustment at the beginning of the reporting period (January 1st). Pending Disposition - New written allegations and petitions awaiting adjudication at the beginning of the reporting period (January 1st).
	Cases Available for Disposition	The sum of Begin Pending, plus New Cases, and cases returned to active status due to Consent Decree Revoked, Informal Adjustment Program Revoked, Alternative Program Revoked, Warrant Returned, and for an Other reason.
	Cases Disposed	To count as disposed, a case must have been adjudicated, placed in inactive status, or otherwise disposed during the reporting period. These cases are then categorized by disposition type and include: Adjudicated Delinquent Judge - A determination by a judge, following an evidentiary proceeding, that a juvenile has committed a delinquent act and is in need of treatment, supervision, or rehabilitation. Adjudicated Delinquent Juvenile Court Hearing Officer - A determination by a hearing officer, following an evidentiary proceeding, that a juvenile has committed a delinquent act and is in need of treatment, supervision, or rehabilitation. Consent Decree Entered - Cases in which a Consent Decree has been approved by the district attorney and the court, placing a juvenile under the supervision of a probation office under stipulated terms for a period of up to six months. Dismissed/Withdrawn/Transferred - Cases dismissed by a court prior to or following an adjudicatory hearing (does NOT include cases dismissed related to informal adjustment programs); cases withdrawn by an attorney for the Commonwealth; cases transferred to another jurisdiction for adjudication or disposition, following a motion. Transfers are usually to a juveniles' county of residence (if an action is commenced in the court of another county). Informal Adjustment Program Entered - Cases in which a new informal adjustment program has been commenced with a juvenile probation office for a period of up to six months. Other - Cases disposed in a manner outside the criteria of the other dispositional categories. In the first year of automated statewide data, the "Other" disposition category includes some administrative closures necessitated by the migration of data from legacy systems. This category will decrease over time as fewer administrative corrections are needed. Transferred to Criminal Court - Cases originating in juvenile court that are transferred to adult criminal court. Warned and Counseled (Pre-Petition) - Cases in which a juvenile probation officer issues a warning and counsels a juvenile related to alleged delinquent conduct; the case is then closed.
	Consent Decree Revoked	Cases returned to the pending inventory for further proceedings due to the revocation of a previously court-approved Consent Decree. Consent Decrees are revoked if the juvenile fails to meet the conditions of the program or new allegations have been filed against the juvenile.
	End Pending	Represents the total number of cases awaiting adjudication/disposition at the end of the year. Cases Available for Disposition less Warrant Issued and Cases Disposed for the calendar year.
	Formally Disposed Cases, Court Supervision Terminated	These cases are categorized by court supervision type: Conditions Satisfied - Court supervision is terminated due to a juvenile satisfying imposed conditions of placement and/or probation. Compelling Reasons - Court supervision is terminated early (i.e. prior to completion of all terms/conditions of a dispositional order) upon order of the court following a motion made by any party to the case. Reached Age 21 - Court supervision is terminated due to a juvenile attaining the age of 21 years (loss of court jurisdiction). Other - Cases disposed in a manner outside the criteria of other disposition categories. In the first year of automated statewide data, the "Other" disposition category includes some administrative closures necessitated by the migration of data from legacy systems. This category will decrease over time as fewer administrative corrections are needed. Transfer to Another Juvenile Court - Court supervision transferred to another county.
	Informal Adjustment Program Revoked	Cases returned to the pending inventory due to the revocation of a previously entered informal adjustment arrangement as defined by a juvenile probation office. Informal adjustment programs are revoked due to juvenile non-compliance, violation, or other action(s) in defiance of agreed terms.
	Informally Disposed Cases	The sum of Begin Pending plus New Consent Decree, New Informal Adjustment, Warrant Returned, and Other.
	Informally Disposed Cases Terminated	Informal disposition case termination categories include: Consent Decree Completed - Closed cases in which a juvenile has satisfied all terms and conditions of a Consent Decree or in which the juvenile is discharged by the court from a Consent Decree prior to the end of the specified time period. Consent Decree Revoked - Cases returned to the pending inventory for further proceedings due to the revocation of a previously court-approved Consent Decree. Consent Decrees are revoked if the juvenile fails to meet the conditions of the program or new allegations have been filed against the juvenile. Informal Adjustment Completed - Cases closed (dismissed) upon successful completion of all stipulated terms and conditions of the informal adjustment program. Informal Adjustment Program Revoked - Cases returned to the active inventory due to the revocation (due to juvenile non-compliance, violation, or other action(s) in defiance of agreed terms) of a previously entered informal adjustment arrangement as defined by a juvenile probation office. Other - Cases disposed in a manner outside the criteria of other disposition categories. In the first year of automated statewide data, the "Other" disposition category includes some administrative closures necessitated by the migration of data from legacy systems. This category will decrease over time as fewer administrative corrections are needed.
	New Cases	A new delinquency case is initiated upon the submission of a written allegation to a juvenile probation office (with prior approval by an attorney for the Commonwealth, where required). The unit of count is the docket number assigned by a juvenile probation office.
	New Consent Decree	Active/disposed cases in which a Consent Decree has been approved by the court, placing a juvenile under the supervision of a probation office under stipulated terms.
	New Informal Adjustment	Active/disposed cases in which an informal adjustment program has been commenced with a juvenile probation office.
	Other Inbound (Formal/Informal)	Delinquency cases returned to active court supervision or informal supervision for a reason not otherwise specified.
	Other Inbound (Pending)	A residual category of inbound/active cases that includes cases re-filed, cases transferred from another jurisdiction, cases with a vacated adjudication, and other inbound cases in active status for a reason not otherwise specified.
	Warrant Issued	Cases placed in inactive status due to the issuance of a bench warrant.
	Warrant Returned	Cases returned to the pending, formal supervision or informal supervision inventories due to the service or recall of a bench warrant previously issued against a juvenile respondent.

Magisterial District Courts

	Measure	Definition
	Active Warrant Status Change	Cases that begin the reporting period with an active warrant and the warrant was returned or cancelled during the reporting period.
	Adjudicated Case Status Change	Cases that were adjudicated prior to the reporting period and had the disposition removed during the reporting period.
	Age of Pending Cases	A breakdown of the active magisterial district judge caseload by the interval of time elapsed from the date the case is filed in the magisterial district judge office to the end of the current year.
	Bankruptcy Status Change	Cases that were in a bankruptcy status prior to the reporting period and had the bankruptcy removed or discharged during the reporting period.
	Cases Disposed	The number of cases in which a magisterial district judge renders a decision, a guilty plea is entered, or some other final decision is made. A case is counted as disposed even though all fines and costs may not have been collected.
	Cases Filed	The number of cases initiated during the year. Initiated by a citation: Traffic and Non-Traffic; Initiated by a complaint: Civil Action, Landlord/Tenant Action and Private Criminal; Initiated by a petition: Emergency Protection From Abuse. The individually numbered docket transcript (OTN) is the unit of count for Criminal Cases.
	Civil	A civil action involving a claim of $12,000 or less.
	Closed Case Status Change	Cases that were in a closed status prior to the reporting period and had the status changed from closed to another status.
	Criminal Case	The set of Felony, Misdemeanor or Escalating Summary charges arising from a single criminal incident. When an incident involves co-defendants, the prosecution of each defendant is counted separately (i.e., only one defendant per case).
	Default Judgment Defendant / Plaintiff	A disposition category for Civil, and Landlord/Tenant, referring to the number of cases in which a judgment was entered for one party because the other party failed to appear.
	Denied	A disposition category for Emergency Protection From Abuse cases, referring to the number of emergency petitions in which an immediate and present danger of abuse to the plaintiff and/or minor children was not found by the magisterial district judge or Philadelphia Municipal Court judge.
	Dismissed	A disposition category referring to the number of cases dismissed or discharged by the magisterial district judge.
	Diversionary Disposition	Includes cases that have been processed by Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD), dismissed by ARD, or dismissed due to participation in a Diversionary program such as Veterans Court.
	Emergency Protection From Abuse	A type of case in which the plaintiff petitions for emergency relief from abuse by the defendant. Immediate and present danger of abuse to the plaintiff and/or minor children constitutes cause for an emergency protection order.
	Felony / Misdemeanor / Escalating Summary	A Felony is a statutory class of crime generally more serious than a misdemeanor; murder of the first degree is also counted with felonies. A Misdemeanor is a statutory class of crime generally more serious than a summary offense and less serious than a felony. The maximum term of imprisonment for a misdemeanor may not exceed five years. For a summary offense, the maximum term of imprisonment may not exceed 90 days. An Escalating Summary is a charge (e.g., retail or library theft) for which the grading as a summary or misdemeanor/felony is determined by the defendant's criminal history.
	Granted	A disposition category for Emergency Protection From Abuse cases, referring to the number of emergency petitions in which an immediate and present danger of abuse to the plaintiff and/or minor children was found by the magisterial district judge or Philadelphia Municipal Court judge.
	Guilty Plea	A disposition category referring to the number of cases in which the defendant admits having committed the offense for which he is charged. For Traffic and Non-Traffic Citations, guilty pleas include defendants submitting payment of fines and costs without pleading guilty on the citation forms.
	Held for Court	A disposition category referring to the number of cases for which a prima facie case was established and the defendant was held for court.
	Landlord/Tenant	Action of landlord/lessor against a tenant/lessee for the recovery of real property. The complaint may include a claim for rent due unpaid. Also, included in this category are defendant claims against the plaintiff arising from occupancy of the premise.
	Non-Traffic Citation	A summary offense in which charges are initiated by a police officer, other than those classified under Traffic Citation.
	Order of Execution	The enforcement of a civil money judgment. The defendant's property is sold to satisfy the judgment.
	Order of Possession	The enforcement of a Landlord/Tenant Action for possession of property.
	Pre-Dispositional Other	Cases that remain in Inactive status at the end of the reporting period for reasons other than warrants. Bankruptcy being the most common reason.
	Pre-Dispositional Warrant	Cases prior to adjudication that began the reporting period in an active status and had a warrant issued that remains active at the close of the reporting period.
	Private Criminal Complaint	A summary offense in which charges are initiated by a private citizen.
	Post-Dispositional Other	Included in this category are cases dismissed due to defendant deceased and cases with a Sent to Common Pleas disposition.
	Settled	A disposition category referring to cases in which the parties resolve the issues of the dispute.
	Traffic Citation	A traffic citation initiates summary proceedings for offenses under the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, or for violations of local parking ordinances not covered by the Vehicle Code.
	Uncategorized	Cases marked closed during the reporting period, but without a final disposition entered, such as cases transferred to other district courts.
	Waiver of Preliminary Hearing	A disposition category referring to cases forwarded to common pleas court after a preliminary hearing has been waived.
	Withdrawn	A disposition category referring to cases in which the prosecutor formally withdraws the charges. For Civil and Landlord/Tenant, a disposition category referring to the number of cases in which the plaintiff withdrew the complaint.

Orphans' Court - Accounts

	Measure	Definition
	Cases Processed	The number of accounts confirmed; a confirmation is a judicial determination that the account is filed in proper order.
	Fiduciary	A person or an institution with a legal responsibility for the money or property of another. The term includes executors, administrators, guardians, and trustees subject to the jurisdiction of the Orphans’ Court Division.
	Judge	This disposition type refers to the number of accounts contested before a judge. A case is considered contested before a judge ONLY if objections are filed.
	New Cases Filed	The number of account statements filed with the Orphans’ Court clerk.
	Non-Judicial Officer	This disposition type refers to the number of accounts heard by a non-judicial officer. Non-judicial officers include masters, auditors and examiners. A matter is only considered contested if objections are filed and presented to a non-judicial officer.
	Other	This disposition type refers to the number of accounts that were neither processed by a judge or non-judicial officer nor uncontested. Included are all cases which have been transferred, discontinued, withdrawn, and deceased respondents.
	Uncontested	This disposition type refers to the number of accounts confirmed by a judge or non-judicial officer in which no objections were filed.

Orphans' Court - Adoptions

	Measure	Definition
	Cases Processed	The number of final decrees either granting or denying the adoption.
	Judge (Contested)	This disposition type refers to the number of adoptions in which disputed issues of fact were heard in an evidentiary proceeding before a judge. A contested adoption can be granted or denied.
	New Cases Filed	Each child listed on a petition for adoption is counted separately as a new case. For example, a petition with three children listed is counted as three new cases filed.
	Other	This disposition type refers to the number of adoptions that were not uncontested or not processed by a judge or non-judicial officer. Included are cases which have been transferred, discontinued, withdrawn, and cases where there is a deceased respondent.
	Uncontested	This disposition type refers to the number of cases in which the parties appear before a judge to provide confirmatory testimony but there were NO disputed issues of fact. An uncontested adoption case can be granted or denied.

Orphans' Court - Appointment of Guardians

	Measure	Definition
	Cases Processed	The number of orders issued adjudicating pending petitions.
	Fiduciary	A person or an institution with a legal responsibility for the money or property of another. The term includes executors, administrators, guardians, and trustees subject to the jurisdiction of the Orphans’ Court Division.
	Incapacitated Person	An adult whose ability to receive and evaluate information effectively and communicate decisions in any way is impaired to such a significant extent that he or she is partially or totally unable to manage financial resources or meet essential requirements for physical health and safety.
	Judge	This disposition type refers to the number of appointments in which disputed issues of fact were heard by a judge. NOT included are cases in which a judge signed an order, but there were no disputed issues of fact. Also, NOT included are cases in which the parties appeared to provide confirmatory testimony, but there were no disputed issues of fact heard by a judge.
	Other	This disposition type refers to the number of appointments that were not uncontested or not processed by a judge or non-judicial officer. Included are all cases which have been transferred, discontinued, withdrawn, and deceased respondents.
	Uncontested	This disposition type refers to the number of cases for which a judge signed an order but there were no disputed issues of fact heard by a judge.

Orphans' Court - Relinquishments/Terminations

	Measure	Definition
	Cases Processed	The number of final decrees either granting or denying the petition.
	Judge (Contested)	This disposition type refers to the number of relinquishments/terminations in which disputed issues of fact were heard in an evidentiary proceeding by a judge.
	New Cases Filed	The number of petitions filed either to relinquish or to terminate parental rights. Note: Only the petition is counted, regardless of the number of children or the number of parents listed on the petition.
	Other	This disposition type refers to the number of relinquishments/terminations that were not uncontested or not processed by a judge or non-judicial officer. Included are all cases which have been transferred, discontinued, withdrawn, and deceased respondents.
	Uncontested	This disposition type refers to the number of cases in which the parties appear before a judge to provide confirmatory testimony but there were NO disputed issues of fact.

Paternity

	Measure	Definition
	Pending Paternity	The number of cases in which a paternity matter has been filed, but there is no establishment or acknowledgement.
	Paternity Acknowledgements Filed
	During Conference	The alleged father signed the Acknowledgement of Paternity - Waiver of Trial (PE-010) at the initial child support conference.
	Non-Domestic Relations Section	The voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity (AOP) interfaced between the Pennsylvania Child Support Enforcement System (PACSES) and the Paternity Tracking System (PTS) to establish paternity for the child.
	Non-Stipulated (post-genetic test)	The alleged father signed the Acknowledgement of Paternity - Waiver of Trial (PE-010) after genetic tests were conducted and resulted in the alleged father being determined to be the biological father.
	Pre-Trial Conference	The alleged father signed the Acknowledgement of Paternity - Waiver of Trial (PE-010) at a child support conference.
	Paternity Established
	Stipulated by Genetic Tests	The alleged father requested genetic tests and signed a stipulation that if the test results had a 99% or higher probability of paternity, then the alleged father would be stipulated as the biological father of the child.
	Default - Father Failed to Appear	The alleged father failed to appear after being served for either a support conference, hearing, or genetic test, and a default paternity order was entered by the court.
	Adjudication by Court Proceeding	The alleged father was determined to be the biological father of the child through a court proceeding.
	Out of State	Paternity was established in another state, “Out of state only”.

Spousal & Child Support

	Measure	Definition
	Cases Processed	A case is considered processed when a final order is entered.
	Conference/Intake Officer	A type of non-judicial officer who conducts an office conference pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1910.11. A support complaint is considered processed by a conference/intake officer if: 1) an agreement is reached during an office conference and the court approves the agreement; or, 2) no party demands a hearing within 20 days after an office conference.
	Dockets Transferred In/Out	Refers to the number of cases transferred from/to another county or state before a support order is established.
	Hearing Officer	A type of non-judicial officer (an attorney) who conducts a hearing on the record and files an interim order to the court pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1910.12. A support petition is considered processed by a hearing officer if no party files exceptions to any part of the resulting interim order.
	Judge	This disposition type refers to the number of cases in which disputed issues of fact were heard by a judge in an evidentiary proceeding.
	New Cases Filed	A new support case is initiated with the filing of a complaint with the domestic relations section of the Court of Common Pleas. Included are incoming reciprocal cases, petitions for modification or termination, and alimony pendente lite.
	Other	This disposition type refers to the number of cases not processed by a judge or conference/intake officer. Dismissals, withdrawals, stipulations and agreements between the parties are included in Conference/Intake Officer, Hearing Officer, or Judge categories, as appropriate.

Problem Solving Courts

	Measure	Definition
	Admissions	A new admission to a problem-solving court is based on the case acceptance date. The unit of count is the participant.
	Discharged By	The number of participants exiting a problem-solving court for the following reasons (unit of count is the participant): Bench Warrant - Issuance of a bench warrant that removes continued eligibility in a problem-solving court. Graduated Successfully - Successful completion of all stipulated terms, conditions, and requirements of a problem-solving court. Other - Administrative closure of a case, death of a participant, or other discharges not otherwise classified. Unsuccessful due to New Offense - Commission* of a criminal offense resulting in removal of continued eligibility in a problem-solving court. Unsuccessful Termination (not due to new offense) - Continued non-compliance with stipulated terms, conditions, and requirements of a problem-solving court. Voluntarily Withdrew - Participant exited a problem-solving court on their own volition.
	Primary Drug of Choice	Primary substance used as self-reported by the participant at intake.
	Age at Screening	Participant age at the time of problem-solving court program screening.
	Months from Admission	Length of time (in months) from the date of admission to the date of discharge.
	* Problem-solving courts vary regarding the triggering event/point in time for an unsuccessful discharge due to a new offense. Most courts will declare an unsuccessful discharge following establishment of a prima facie case at the preliminary hearing, while others will wait until final disposition. In some instances, charges could be merged into an existing/pending problem-solving court setting.

Protection from Abuse

	Measure	Definition
	Cases Processed	A petition is processed when a final order granting or denying the petition is entered by the court, or the petition is dismissed, denied, withdrawn, or otherwise terminated.
	Final Order After Evidentiary Hearing Before a Judge	A final order granting or denying the petition is entered following an evidentiary hearing before a judge.
	Final Order by Stipulation or Agreement Between the Parties	A petition was resolved by stipulation or agreement between the parties regardless of whether or not a hearing was started before the court. Also included in this category are consent agreements.
	New Cases Filed	A new case is a petition filed with the prothonotary during the year, regardless of the number of protected persons listed on the petition. NOT included are indirect criminal contempt actions or ancillary petitions such as petitions to modify, extend or terminate an existing order.
	Other Disposition	A residual disposition category for petitions processed by procedures not specified in the main disposition categories.
	Petitions Requesting Temporary Orders	Of the new petitions filed, the number of plaintiffs requesting a temporary protection order.
	Petition Withdrawn by Plaintiff	A petition is withdrawn by the petitioner prior to or during the hearing.
	Plaintiff Did Not Appear for an Evidentiary Hearing	A petition was terminated because the plaintiff did not attend the scheduled hearing.
	Temporary Orders Denied	Of those plaintiffs requesting a temporary order, the number of requests that were denied.
	Temporary Order Denied After Ex Parte Hearing and No Evidentiary Hearing Scheduled	The petition is terminated due to the denial of a temporary order and no further proceedings are scheduled.
	Temporary Order Dismissed After Evidentiary Hearing and No Final Order Entered	A temporary order was granted, but later dismissed at either the 10-day hearing or following a period where the temporary order was continued; no final order is entered and no further proceedings are scheduled.
	Temporary Orders Granted	Of those plaintiffs requesting a temporary order, the number of requests that were granted.
	Transferred to Another Jurisdiction	A petition was transferred to another jurisdiction for disposition. Active PFA orders transferred to another jurisdiction for enforcement are NOT included.

Money Collected for Fines, Fees, and Restitution & Collection Rates Over Type

	Measure	Definition
	Total Court-Ordered Payments	The sum of all costs/fees, fines, and restitution levied on cases disposed in the selected disposition year and in any subsequent period where assessments were created, adjusted, or cancelled and applied retroactively to the selected disposition year. Adjustments are often made in instances where the defendant has died, the court ruled that a defendant is indigent and not required to pay, a defendant is released from court-ordered supervision and their outstanding assessments were decreased, or court-ordered supervision was extended and a defendant's assessments were increased.
	Payments Made	The amount of money paid to date on the court-ordered payments levied in the selected disposition year.
	Payments Owed	The amount of all court-ordered payments that remain unpaid for the selected disposition year. This is calculated by subtracting 'Payments Made' from 'Total Court-Ordered Payments'.
	Payment Percentage	Indicates how much, per each court-ordered dollar assessed in the selected disposition year, has been paid to date. For example, if the payment percentage for a given disposition year is 45.93%, this indicates that roughly 46 cents has been paid for every dollar assessed that year.
	Disbursement	The distribution of monies collected by the court to other public entities or restitution recipients.
	Costs/Fees	Legally mandated assessments that are enforced on a state or county basis. These include fees for emergency medical services, offender supervision programs, victim witness services, and other public programs and expenditures.
	Fines	Represent monies that a court is statutorily permitted to assess to a defendant based on the conviction of specific offenses.
	Restitution	Represents any court-ordered compensation to a crime victim that is paid by the responsible defendants(s). Restitution is not ordered on every case, but it can represent a significant percentage of the assessed monies on any particular case.