Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration – 2026
How the Pennsylvania judiciary administers itself, 101 rules in twelve chapters, published as 201 Pa. Code. Rule 101 provides that they are cited as 'Pa.R.J.A.' Chapter 1 holds the general provisions, including the procedure for adopting, filing and publishing rules and the principles of construction; Chapter 2 reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities and the courts' language access plans; Chapter 3 the Judicial Council of Pennsylvania; Chapter 5 the Court Administrator and the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts; Chapter 6 the certification and continuing-education requirements for magisterial district judges; Chapter 7 the assignment of judges and judicial leave; Chapter 17 the single rule on a judge appearing as a character witness. Chapter 19, at 19 rules the largest, is the miscellaneous chapter and carries some of the most-consulted provisions here — prompt disposition and termination of inactive cases, broadcasting and photography in the courtroom, prohibited communication with jurists, continuity-of-operations and emergency action plans, court security, and the in forma pauperis application to waive fees and costs. Chapter 21's two surviving rules cover the Orphans' Court Division and proceedings under the Abortion Control Act; Chapter 40 is the uniform rules for court reporting and transcripts; Chapter 51 the custody of exhibits. Chapter 50 has been rescinded in its entirety — all five of its rules — and nine further rules are rescinded or reserved; all fourteen are shown that way.
Browse all 103 rules of the 2026 edition organized by section below. Each rule includes the full text, a plain-English summary, committee notes, amendment history, and cross-references to related rules. Use the search box to find rules by keyword or number.