PMC announced that a new study by the American Judicature Society confirms Pennsylvanians’ concerns about the problematic role of money in judicial elections. More than two-thirds of the civil cases decided by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in 2008 and 2009 included a litigant, lawyer or law firm who previously had made a campaign contribution to at least one of the elected justices.

The First Judicial District is announcing today the launch of a new problem solving court: Philadelphia Veterans Court.

In a letter to the Philadelphia Inquirer, PMC, the Women's Law Project, the Support Center for Child Advocates, Community Legal Services Inc. and the Philadelphia Bar Association argue that Philadelphia needs a new, unified, safe, functioning family court building.

Beginning on March 26, individuals filing most civil actions in county-level courts will be required to use a new form. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court mandated the change on February 25 via an amendment to the Rules of Civil Procedure.

The problems with Pennsylvania’s judicial elections took a national spotlight this week on Friday's primetime PBS news show “Bill Moyers Journal."

Earlier this month, new rules approved by the PA Supreme Court went into effect that will permit jurors in criminal charges to receive -- and take into the jury room -- some portions of the judge's instructions.

Governor Rendell just finished delivering his 2010-2011 budget address before the Pennsylvania General Assembly. In discussing his reform priorities, the Governor made a strong pitch for Merit Selection, urging "the time has clearly come."

On February 2, PMC -- represented by the Honorable Phyllis W. Beck (Board member), Lynn A. Marks (Executive Director) and Shira Goodman (Deputy Director) testified before the Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice studying the Luzerne County scandal.

PMC will testify Tuesday February 2 at 10:00 am before the Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice (the Commission examining the Luzerne County scandal). PCN will be airing the hearing live beginning at 9:00 am.

An editorial in the Philadelphia Inquirer echoes PMC's calls last week for changes in the way the Judicial Conduct Board handles certain cases.