The Pennsylvania Courts of Common Pleas

The Courts of Common Pleas are Pennsylvania’s main trial courts. These are the courts where most cases begin, and their decisions can be appealed to Pennsylvania’s Superior Court or Commonwealth Court if a litigant disagrees with the outcome.  

The Courts of Common Pleas handle civil cases involving more than $12,000 (like car accidents or contract disputes) and serious criminal cases (like assault or robbery). These courts also handle family matters, such as divorce, child custody, and adoptions, as well as juvenile cases and estate issues.  

Pennsylvania has a Court of Common Pleas in each of its 67 counties, grouped into 60 judicial districts. Each court has one or more judges who are elected to 10-year terms. After each term, they can stand for retention in an election question posed to voters – should this judge serve for another 10 years? Judges can continue serving until they reach the mandatory retirement age of 75. 

To learn about Court of Common Pleas candidates in your district, visit your local bar association’s website.