At Brownstone Law, we specialize in appellate litigation, providing dedicated representation to clients navigating Pennsylvania’s appellate court system and federal district courts. Our experienced attorneys are committed to delivering meticulous and effective advocacy to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Pennsylvania Appellate Court System Overview

Pennsylvania’s judicial system is structured as a pyramid, with the Supreme Court at the apex. The appellate courts include:

  • Supreme Court of Pennsylvania: Established in 1684, it is the highest court in the Commonwealth and the oldest appellate court in the nation. The court consists of seven justices elected to 10-year terms, with the longest-serving justice serving as Chief Justice.
  • Superior Court of Pennsylvania: This intermediate appellate court hears appeals from the Courts of Common Pleas in criminal and most civil cases. It comprises 15 judges who also serve 10-year terms.
  • Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania: Also an intermediate appellate court, it specializes in cases involving state agencies and certain civil actions. The court has nine judges elected to 10-year terms.

Caseload and Statistics

In 2022, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court docketed 196 appeals by granted allocatur (discretionary review) and 104 direct appeals. citeturn0search3 The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania provides comprehensive annual caseload statistics, offering insights into the volume and types of cases handled by the appellate courts.

Rules of Appellate Procedure

Appeals in Pennsylvania are governed by the Pennsylvania Rules of Appellate Procedure. These rules outline procedures for filing appeals, including timelines, formatting requirements for briefs, and guidelines for oral arguments. Adherence to these rules is essential for the successful progression of an appeal.

Process for Appealing a Case

  1. Notice of Appeal: File a notice of appeal with the clerk of the trial court within 30 days of the judgment entry being appealed.
  2. Preparation of the Record: Compile the record on appeal, including transcripts and relevant documents, to be submitted to the appellate court.
  3. Briefs: The appellant submits an initial brief outlining legal arguments and alleged errors in the trial court’s decision. The appellee responds with their brief, and the appellant may file a reply brief if necessary.
  4. Oral Argument: In some cases, the court may schedule oral arguments, allowing attorneys to present their positions and answer judges’ questions.
  5. Decision: After reviewing the materials and arguments, the court issues a written opinion, which may affirm, reverse, or remand the case.

High-Profile Cases

Pennsylvania’s appellate courts have presided over numerous significant cases that have shaped the state’s legal landscape. For detailed information on notable cases, consulting legal databases and news archives is recommended.

Contact Information

Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

Superior Court of Pennsylvania

  • Address: Pennsylvania Judicial Center, 601 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 1600, Harrisburg, PA 17106
  • Phone: (717) 772-1294
  • Website: Superior Court of Pennsylvania

Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania

Federal District Courts in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is served by three federal district courts:

  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
    • Address: William J. Nealon Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse, 235 N. Washington Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503
    • Phone: (570) 207-5600
    • Website: Middle District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania

Brownstone Law: Your Appellate Advocates

At Brownstone Law, we are dedicated to guiding clients through the complexities of the appellate process in Pennsylvania.