- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
What are Pennsylvania Court Records?
Pennsylvania, the fifth-most populous state in the U.S. with over 13 million residents, is known for its rich history. Its vital geographic, economic, and political position during the country's early days earned it the nickname "the Keystone State". The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System is one of the oldest in North America and comprises four levels – minor courts, Courts of Common Pleas, statewide intermediate appellate courts, and a Supreme Court. This judicial system's primary function is ensuring justice for Pennsylvanians by addressing civil and criminal issues, resolving disputes, and interpreting state laws. It's worth noting that even though the death penalty is a legal punishment for certain crimes in Pennsylvania, there have been no executions since 1999. In 2023, Governor Josh Shapiro called on the state legislature to abolish the death penalty – a bill to this effect has currently passed a committee in the House of Representatives but is yet to become law.
Pennsylvania court records refer to any official documents and information generated through court proceedings and other related activities within the state's judicial system. These records serve as a detailed account of the court activities and typically include:
Docket Sheets
A chronological listing of all actions, filings, and scheduled hearings in a particular case
Transcripts
Written records of everything said during court proceedings, providing an official account of what transpired in the courtroom
Witness Testimonies
Oral statements provided under oath by individuals with relevant knowledge of a case
Sworn Affidavits
Written statements made under oath, attesting to the truthfulness of the information provided
Deposition Tapes
Audio or video recordings of witness testimonies taken outside of court, often during discovery
Exhibits
Physical or digital evidence presented during a trial or hearing to support arguments
Court Orders
Official directives issued by a judge
Motions
Formal requests made to the court by parties seeking specific rulings or orders on various aspects of a case
Briefs
Written arguments submitted by parties outlining their positions and the legal principles supporting them
Summonses and Subpoenas
Documents requiring a person to appear in court or produce evidence
Judgments and Verdicts
The final decisions or rulings issued by a court, determining the outcome of a case
Case Files
A comprehensive collection of all documents related to a specific case, serving as a complete record of the legal process
Pennsylvania court records are considered public records, meaning that copies of these records can be viewed and obtained by members of the public. However, access to records involving juveniles, abuse victims, and any other information deemed confidential under the Pennsylvania Judicial System's Public Records Policies is usually restricted to protect the privacy of the individuals involved. This confidential information may only be accessed by specific authorized parties.
Types of Court Cases
The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System is designed to address a wide array of legal matters, from personal injury claims and property disputes to traffic violations and serious criminal offenses. Matters filed within the system are primarily categorized into criminal and civil cases, each with distinct processes and outcomes.
Criminal Cases
A criminal case involves a violation of Pennsylvania criminal law. These types of cases are considered offenses against society as a whole. They are further subcategorized into three groups: felonies, misdemeanors, and summary offenses. Felonies, such as murder, rape, arson, kidnapping, and armed robbery, are the most serious types of crimes and carry the most severe penalties, usually including lengthy prison sentences (life imprisonment or the death penalty in some cases) and hefty fines. Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies but still punishable by imprisonment (up to five years) and fines. Examples include reckless endangerment, DUIs, stalking, and theft. Summary offenses, such as disorderly conduct, public drunkenness, harassment, and underage drinking, are the least serious criminal offenses. They are typically punishable by fines of not more than $1,500 and/or short jail terms not exceeding 90 days.
District Attorneys prosecute criminal cases on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. These officials represent the victim's (and the general public's) interest in achieving justice. Criminal cases typically begin with an arrest, followed by a preliminary hearing to decide if the case should proceed to trial. Note that defendants have a constitutional right to a trial by a jury of their peers; however, both parties can agree to have the case decided by a judge instead (this is known as a bench trial). If the case goes to trial, the prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt" to the jury or judge to secure a conviction. This high standard of proof is unique to criminal cases due to the severe consequences of criminal convictions. If the prosecution secures a conviction, then a sentencing hearing is conducted. Defendants may appeal the conviction to the appellate courts.
Civil Cases
Civil cases refer to all legal disputes between private parties that do not involve criminal matters. These cases cover a broad range of issues, including personal injuries, contract disputes, adoptions, divorces, and defective products. Unlike criminal cases, which District Attorneys initiate, civil cases are initiated by the aggrieved party, known as the plaintiff, and focus on seeking compensation or another form of relief from the defendant.
Civil cases typically begin with the plaintiff filing a complaint against the defendant, who may be required to file an answer. A pre-trial conference is usually held between the judge and attorneys to explore settlement options; however, if no settlement is reached, the case goes to trial. Civil cases may also be tried before a judge or a jury and a judge, and the plaintiff must prove their case by presenting evidence that is more convincing than the opposing side's evidence. This standard of proof is known as "a preponderance of the evidence" and is lower than what is obtainable for criminal cases, where proof must be "beyond a reasonable doubt". Once a verdict is rendered, either party may appeal the decision to the appellate courts.
What Are the Different Courts in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System is a single statewide structure with a Supreme Court, two intermediate appellate courts, 60 common pleas judicial districts, and local minor courts. The judiciary's General Fund appropriation is an estimated ~$450 million for fiscal year 2026–27.
| Court Level | Court Name | Jurisdiction | Key Functions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appellate | Supreme Court of Pennsylvania | Statewide; court of last resort | Final appeals and administration of the unified court system |
| Appellate | Superior Court | Intermediate appeals from the courts of common pleas | Hears appeals as of right from final decisions in panels of three judges |
| Appellate | Commonwealth Court | Appeals from state agencies and certain common pleas cases | Reviews government and regulatory matters; trial court for some suits by or against the Commonwealth |
| General Jurisdiction | Courts of Common Pleas | 60 judicial districts covering all 67 counties | Serious criminal trials, civil cases over $12,000, family, juvenile and estate matters, and appeals from minor courts |
| Limited Jurisdiction | Magisterial District Courts | Local courts in every county except Philadelphia | Landlord-tenant matters, civil claims up to $12,000, summary offenses and preliminary hearings |
| Limited Jurisdiction | Philadelphia Municipal Court | Philadelphia; $12,000 civil limit | Traffic offenses, misdemeanors and preliminary hearings for felonies |
How Many Federal Courts Are in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is home to three federal courts:
- The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania – operating in Philadelphia, Allentown, Reading, and Easton
- The United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania – operating in Scranton, Harrisburg, and Williamsport
- The United States District Courts for the Western District of Pennsylvania – operating in Pittsburgh, Erie, and Johnstown
These courts only hear cases involving federal law. This typically includes actions by federal agencies and matters concerning the U.S. Constitution. The federal courts may also hear civil matters involving more than $75,000 if the plaintiff and defendant are from different states. Each district also has a dedicated Bankruptcy Court that handles bankruptcy cases filed within its jurisdiction.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit hears appeals from Pennsylvania's federal district courts (this circuit also covers New Jersey, Delaware, and the U.S. Virgin Islands).
How Many Court Cases Are Filed Each Year in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania's courts handled an estimated ~2.97 million cases in 2022, the latest year with a full breakdown, with traffic cases making up nearly two-thirds of the total. Criminal, civil, domestic relations and juvenile categories are shown below, with clearance rates estimated near 100 percent.
| Case Type | Annual Filings | % of Total | Common Offense/Subtype | Clearance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic | ~1,879,000 | ~63.3% | Speeding, other moving violations, equipment and registration offenses | ~100% |
| Criminal | ~347,990 | ~11.7% | Felonies and misdemeanors including DUI, drug and theft offenses | ~99% |
| Civil | ~286,000 | ~9.6% | Contract, tort and landlord-tenant disputes in common pleas and magisterial courts | ~97% |
| Small Claims | ~60,000 | ~2.0% | Magisterial district court civil claims up to the monetary limit | ~98% |
| Domestic Relations | ~364,700 | ~12.3% | Divorce, custody, support and protection from abuse orders | ~99% |
| Juvenile | ~28,970 | ~1.0% | Delinquency and dependency petitions | ~100% |
| Other | ~2,340 | ~0.1% | Appeals and miscellaneous matters | ~100% |
| Total | ~2,969,000 | 100% | — | ~100% |
How Do I Look Up Court Cases in Pennsylvania?
You can look up case information in Pennsylvania online via a web portal that the state's Unified Judicial System provides and maintains for this purpose. You can also access Pennsylvania court records in person by contacting the appropriate record custodian, usually the county Prothonotary and/or Clerk of Courts. Prothonotaries typically manage civil case records, while Clerks of Courts manage criminal case records; however, these positions may be held by the same individual in some counties.
Be aware that you may be required to provide details like the docket number and names of involved parties to access these court records; you may also be charged a fee to obtain copies of the requested documents.
Number of Active Judges — State & Federal
Pennsylvania has an estimated ~996 active judges across its appellate courts, common pleas courts and minor courts. Another 38 active judges sit on the state's three federal district courts.
| Court | Jurisdiction | Active Judges | Selection Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supreme Court of Pennsylvania | Court of last resort | 7 | Elected in partisan elections to ten-year terms, then retention elections |
| Superior Court | Intermediate appeals | 15 | Elected in partisan elections to ten-year terms, then retention elections |
| Commonwealth Court | Government and regulatory appeals | 9 | Elected in partisan elections to ten-year terms, then retention elections |
| Courts of Common Pleas | General jurisdiction trial courts in 60 districts | ~450 | Elected in partisan elections to ten-year terms, then retention elections |
| Magisterial District Courts | Minor civil, summary and preliminary criminal matters outside Philadelphia | ~450 | Elected in partisan elections to six-year terms |
| Philadelphia Municipal Court | Minor civil and criminal matters in Philadelphia | ~27 | Elected in partisan elections to ten-year terms, then retention elections |
| U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania | Federal trial court (Philadelphia, Allentown, Reading, Easton) | 22 | Nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate |
| U.S. District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania | Federal trial court (Scranton, Harrisburg, Williamsport) | 6 | Nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate |
| U.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania | Federal trial court (Pittsburgh, Erie, Johnstown) | 10 | Nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate |
| Total Active Judges | — | ~996 | — |
What Court Records Are Not Available to the Public in Pennsylvania?
While most Pennsylvania court records are available to the public, some records are considered confidential and cannot be readily accessed without authorization, which may include a court order. These include:
- Court proceedings and records involving minors
- Adoption records
- Mental health commitment records
- Plea agreements
- Certain information in domestic relations and family law cases
- Personal details about abuse victims
Pennsylvania also makes provisions for certain records to be sealed or expunged. Sealing limits access to the record and prevents it from appearing on most background checks for jobs, employment, and educational opportunities. Note that sealed records can still be accessed and considered in situations involving law enforcement, firearm applications, legal profession applications, public office candidacy, child welfare or custody proceedings, and court-ordered negligent hiring cases. On the other hand, when a record is expunged, it is completely erased and destroyed, leaving it as if it never existed.
Non-convictions (not guilty or dropped charges) are usually automatically sealed after 60 days, while summary convictions are usually automatically sealed after five years; these records, as well as completed diversion programs, are also eligible for expungement. Certain misdemeanors and felonies (usually non-violent offenses) may also be sealed after seven and ten years, respectively, provided no further convictions exist. However, these misdemeanor and felony convictions cannot be expunged unless the governor first pardons them.
Average Case Processing Time & Clearance Rates
Case processing time in Pennsylvania ranges from a few weeks for most traffic and small civil matters heard in magisterial district courts to well over a year for civil trials in common pleas courts. The durations below are estimated from published case-flow patterns and comparable states, and clearance rates are estimated from statewide totals.
| Case Type | Court Level | Average Processing Time | Description | Clearance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic & Parking | Limited Jurisdiction | ~30–60 days | Most citations are resolved by payment or a plea before a magisterial district judge, with contested cases heard at a short summary trial | ~100% |
| Small Claims | Limited Jurisdiction | ~45–90 days | Civil complaints are served and heard at a single informal hearing, with appeals to common pleas available | ~98% |
| Misdemeanor Criminal | General Jurisdiction | ~4–9 months | Preliminary hearings are followed by negotiated pleas or diversion in common pleas court, with some going to trial | ~99% |
| Civil Cases | General Jurisdiction | ~18–30 months | Pleadings, discovery and motions precede settlement, arbitration or trial | ~97% |
| Domestic Relations | General Jurisdiction | ~6–12 months | Divorce and custody cases settle by agreement or proceed to master or judge hearings; protection orders are heard within days | ~99% |
| Felony Criminal | General Jurisdiction | ~9–15 months | Preliminary hearing, plea negotiations and sentencing, with a minority resolved by jury trial | ~99% |