Learn More about the PA Commonwealth Courts

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is a seven-member Court whose theoretical role is to impartially interpret the law. There are many cases that go before the Court that do not have explicit left-right political implications.

However, whether Pennsylvania goes red, blue or purple is determined by the party that calls the shots during redistricting gains an enormous long-term advantage over the other party. Having control over where borders are drawn and how populations are sliced up is huge. It can and does deliver disproportionate seats and power to the part that controls the process.

The State Supreme Court really only has a redistricting role in the State House and Senate not the U.S. Congresional districts but it it’s redistricting role at the state‐ level is positively pivotal.

Fifteen members sit on the Superior Court. The Court is the final arbiter of legal disputes. The Supreme Court may grant a petition to review a decision of the Superior Court, but most petitions are denied and the ruling of the superior Court stands.

The Court is responsible for appeals in criminal and most civil cases from the Courts of Common Pleas and appeals on matters involving children and families.

The nine-member Commonwealth Court is unique to Pennsylvania. . The Court is primarily responsible for matters involving state and local governments and regulatory agencies. It also acts as a trial court when lawsuits are filed by or against the Commonwealth.

Today more than ever the Court is important because when the Freedom Caucus and other GOP political leaning measures are brought up in Congress a majority of the time, PAGOP leaders in Harrisburg try to issue the same legislation for the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Court on a legislative front is a backstop to the cynical efforts of the GOP.