Supreme Court Rules Committees

Appellate Court Procedural Rules Committee (established 1973):  makes recommendations to the Supreme Court for updating the Rules of Appellate Procedure in light of experience, developing case law and new legislation.  14 members, lawyers and jurists only

Civil Procedural Rules Committee (established 1937): evaluates all aspects of civil practice before the Courts of Common Pleas except those relating to the Orphans' Court and Family Court divisions and recommends appropriate rule changes.  15 members, lawyers and jurists only

Committee on Rules of Evidence (established 1998):  advises the Court in the preparation, adoption, promulgation and revision of rules of evidence governing proceedings in Pennsylvania courts and on the implementation of the Judiciary Article of Pennsylvania's Constitution as it relates to the rules of evidence.  9 members, lawyers and jurists only

Criminal Procedural Rules Committee (established 1959):  assists the Court in achieving its constitutional mandate to prescribe general rules governing criminal practice and procedure throughout Pennsylvania.  The committee also monitors all local criminal rules as required by Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 105.  15 members, lawyers and jurists only, including an appointment from the district attorney’s offices of Philadelphia and Allegheny counties and of the state Attorney General’s office.

Domestic Relations Procedural Rules Committee (established 1987):  proposes amendments to the procedural rules relating to support, custody, divorce and protection from abuse.  9 members, lawyers and jurists only, including the Administrative Judge of the Family Divisions of Philadelphia and Allegheny counties.

Juvenile Court Procedural Rules Committee (established 2001):  assists in the preparation, adoption, promulgation and revision of rules on juvenile delinquency and dependency procedure and practice.  The committee also monitors all local rules of juvenile court procedure.  9 members, lawyers and jurists only

Minor Court Rules Committee (established 1990):  examines the rules and standards regarding the conduct of magisterial district judges and the procedures of the magisterial district courts and recommends new rules and amendments when warranted..  7 members, lawyers and jurists only

Orphans' Court Procedural Rules Committee (established 1939):  responds to developments in Orphans' Court procedure and reviews current rules governing statewide practice and procedure in the Orphans' Court, recommending new rules as necessary.  7 members, lawyers and jurists only