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Commonwealth Court Reacts to Pa Supreme Court Chief Justice Transition Plan

News Article

March 01, 2021

On behalf of the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, President Judge P. Kevin Brobson released the following statement recognizing Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Saylor’s judicial service following the announcement of his retirement plans.

“Chief Justice Tom Saylor has been a tremendous leader of our courts for more than six years. The judges of the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania thank him for his collegial demeanor, thoughtful decision making, and commitment to an independent, fair, and impartial judiciary.

“We look forward to working with and supporting Justice Baer as the incoming chief justice and congratulate him as he begins his transition to this new leadership position.”

The Commonwealth Court was established in 1968 and is one of Pennsylvania's two statewide intermediate appellate courts. The Commonwealth Court has subject matter jurisdiction over state and local government matters. It also acts as a trial court when lawsuits are filed by or against Commonwealth officials and Commonwealth agencies.

Appellate cases are generally heard by panels of three judges in Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, although, on occasion, the Court sits in other locations. Cases may also be heard by a single judge or by en banc panels of seven judges.

While most Court proceedings have been held in a virtual environment due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Court plans to return to in-person proceedings as soon as circumstances allow.

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Media contact: Stacey Witalec, 717-877-2997