Penn State University Libraries - Law -- Pennsylvania Courts

The long and distinguished Pennsylvania court system history can be traced to the colonial period. Like the federal court system, it is hierarchical in nature with courts ranging from those overseen by local magistrates to the final court of appeals, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. This system is referred to as the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System.

• The Common Pleas Court is the primary trial court in Pennsylvania

• Intermediate Appeals Courts:

  • Superior Court — hears appeals for the majority of criminal and civil cases

  • Commonwealth Court — hears appeals, and sometimes is the trial court for cases in which a state or local government agency is a party

• Supreme Court of Pennsylvania — the final court of appeal in Pennsylvania. Hears cases primarily appealed from the Superior and Commonwealth Courts.

For more information about the Pennsylvania judicial system visit the Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Courts website and watch their Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System video.