Many of the laws relevant to public health are not necessarily familiar to Pennsylvania judges, since public health issues don't often come to court. In fact, most of Pennsylvania's public health laws were written in the 1950's or before. With the emergence of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), multi-drug resistant forms of various communicable diseases, and fears of a possible influenza pandemic, the AOPC embarked on a review of the Pennsylvania's public health laws, with an eye toward providing summaries and educational material judges may useful for quick reference in a public health emergency.

The Pennsylvania Public Health Law Bench Book is the result of a year-long effort to compile and analyze Pennsylvania's public health laws, statutes and regulations. In some cases where the law is not clear, the authors and editors reference case law from Pennsylvania and other states (some from the late 18th and early 19th centuries) to help provide answers to some of the daunting questions judges may face if a public health crisis emerges.

This bench book was primarily the result of the collaborative efforts of AOPC staff and the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Center for Public Health Preparedness. The editorial board consisted of McKean County President Judge John M. Cleland, Philadelphia County Judge Mark I. Bernstein, Erie County Judge John A. Bozza, Grace R. Schuyler, Esquire, from the Office of Legal Counsel, Pennsylvania Department of Health, and State Court Administrator Zygmont A. Pines, Esquire. Throughout the research and writing processes, invaluable assistance was provided by Hon. Linda L. Chezem, retired Judge of the Indiana Court of Appeals.

This Public Health Bench Book is the first stage in helping to prepare our judges and staff if they are faced with a public health emergency. This first phase focuses on legal knowledge. We are now working on the second phase, which will address the practical administrative issues relevant to emergency operations. This second phase will be completed before the end of the year.