Who Will Hear Your Case? A Description of the Pennsylvania Judiciary System
The judiciary system in Pennsylvania is comprised of the magisterial district courts, Courts of Common Pleas (one for each county) and appeal courts. The appeals courts are known as the Commonwealth, Superior and Supreme Courts. The court of general jurisdiction is the Court of Common Pleas (Pa. Const. Art. V §5; 42 Pa. C.S. § 931(a).)
The choice of court to hear any matter of controversy is based on the type of action, the parties involved, and the amount in controversy.
The jurisdiction of the Court of Common Pleas is “unlimited” and considered original (Pa. Const. Art. V. §5; 42 Pa. C.S. § 931(a)). Appeals from the Common Pleas Courts are to appeals courts depending on the nature of the action.
The Pennsylvania Constitution created justices of the peace (Pa. Const. Art V. §7). Today, the justices of the peace are called magisterial district justices. Magisterial courts can hear matters in controversy not to exceed $12,000.00. A hearing is held without a jury and any party unsatisfied with a decision can appeal to the Court of Common Pleas (PCPMDJ 1007).
Attorney Matz is well versed in all court venues of our judicial system. The choice of venue and the process of initiating or defending on a claim can be very complicated, and requires expert legal guidance.
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