About PMC

Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts (PMC) is a statewide, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to reform Pennsylvania's courts in order to achieve the ideal of fair and impartial courts to which all can come for justice. Read More>>

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What's New

  • New Rules on IOLTA Benefit Legal Aid Organizations
    May 17, 2012

    The Morning Call reports that Pennsylvania legal aid organizations will be soon be receiving additional funding. Under the existing rules, judges and lawyers had complete discretion to decide which charities would receive the unclaimed funds. The new rules provide that half of all unclaimed funds will be required to go into the Pennsylvania Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts (IOLTA) Board.

  • "The Worst Way to Select Judges"
    May 16, 2012

    In a post on the New York Times Editorial Page Editor’s Blog, Andrew Rosenthal asserts, "Elections are the worst way to select judges. The process leaves judges beholden to party bosses, wealthy donors, and the whims of the very, very few people who actually bother to vote."

  • The Problems Inherent in Electing Judges
    May 15, 2012

    A Philadelphia Weekly Blog, Philly Now, points out the problems inherent in electing judges. The post cites the Urban League’s testimony before the House Judiciary Committee in March, noting that judges have to run for office like other politicians and raise campaign funds from parties likely to appear before them in court.

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Using the Courts

Being in court can be confusing and overwhelming. PMC provides information and resources to help you better understand and navigate the court system.
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Choosing Judges

Only the most qualified individuals – based on legal skill, experience, temperament and reputation for fairness, impartiality and independence – should become judges. The process of selecting judges is extremely important in ensuring that such people reach the bench. PMC works to bring Pennsylvania a judicial selection system that can achieve this goal.
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The Jury System

The jury is the cornerstone of the American Justice System. PMC works to keep the jury system strong, by increasing the numbers of citizens who serve, expanding the diversity of our jury pools and working with the courts to make jury duty a satisfying experience.
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Eliminating Bias

Bias in the justice system remains a persistent problem. PMC works with local, state and national partners to eliminate all forms of bias from our courts.
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