In the 2019 - 2020 legislative session, the PA General Assembly passed a constitutional amendment that would empower our state legislature to create judicial districts for Pennsylvania's higher courts. If the amendment passes again in the new legislative session, it could go to a public vote as soon as the 2021 primary election. This amendment would undermine constitutional checks and balances among our branches of state government, destroy judicial independence in PA, and politicize the courts. 

As confidence in so many of our government institutions and agencies is crumbling, Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts continues to believe that the judiciary can serve as the bulwark against despair in our democratic experiment. We remain ever committed to a Pennsylvania judicial system in which everyone who participates is assured impartiality, fairness, accessibility and respect. We recognize that there is important work to be done to make this version of the judicial system a reality and pledge to continue to work for an equitable justice system where everyone, regardless of race, color, sex, gender, religion, or disability, can expect full protection under the law. To achieve our vision, we will continue to work tirelessly to educate all Pennsylvanians about how to navigate our courts with confidence, and we vigorously advocate for judicial reforms that promote the rule of law, access to justice, and an inclusive and highly qualified judiciary.

Amid the spread of COVID-19, PMC is postponing a number of upcoming programs and events, in order to protect the health and safety of everyone we serve. We have also provided a link to information about changes to court procedures in each county.

The Pennsylvania legislature is considering a bill that would undermine the state's supreme court.

By Patrick Berry, Brennan Center for Justice