Historical SocietY

of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania

HISTORICAL SOCIETY

of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania

Historical Society Est. 2021

Our Mission

The Historical Society of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania was founded in 2021. Its mission is to preserve, educate and promote the judicial history of the appellate courts in Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. Join us in celebrating the 125th year of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania by experiencing the materials, videos and information provided on this website.

“The Superior Court shall be a statewide court . . . ”

This Resource

OUR COURT

A short history of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania and a listing of the current Judges of the Superior Court.  There are also pages with explanations and descriptions of the following Superior Court administrative offices: Office of the Executive Administrator; Office of the Prothonotary; Central Legal Staff; Office of Legal System; Office of the Reporter; and Court Security.

THE PENNSYLVANIA JUDICIARY

A detailed explanation of the trial and appellate courts in Pennsylvania, including (1) The Structure of the Court System in Pennsylvania, known as the Unified Judicial System; (2) The Jurisdiction of the State Court System; and (3) The Administration of the Unified Judicial System in Pennsylvania.

THE JUDICIAL RESPONSE TO THE 2020 PANDEMIC

A detailed report and review of the steps and actions taken by the Superior Court of Pennsylvania in response to the Judicial Emergency of 2020 caused by COVID-19, from the beginnings of social distancing and mask requirements to administering justice by way of remote access.

HONORABLE JUDGES OF THE SUPERIOR COURT

Comprehensive lists and biographies of the Commissioned Judges of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania who were elected statewide to full terms; the President Judges of the Superior Court; the original panel of judges appointed at the time of the creation of the Court in 1895; the Judges who were appointed by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to be Senior Judges; and Judges who were appointed by the Governor to serve limited terms.

PRESENTATIONS & PUBLICATIONS

Keystone of Justice—a book published in 2002 detailing the history of the Pennsylvania Superior Court from 1895 through 2001. 

Superior Court Ceremonial Sessions–a two volume set of special ceremonial sessions  of the Superior Court including the installation ceremonies of the commissioned judges.  

Books and Other Publications Written by Superior Court Judges – this page includes links to books, articles, and other publications written by Judges of the Superior Court.

INTERVIEWS

series of video interviews with current and former Superior Court Judges.