How To Find Court Records In Pennsylvania

Court records in Pennsylvania are official documents created whenever a case is filed or heard in court. These records can provide important insights into how legal matters are handled and resolved. However, the search for them can be overwhelming. How do you find court records in Pennsylvania without getting lost in the process?

With CourtCaseFinder, you can find records from trial, district, and municipal courts across the state in a single search. We gather information like dockets, hearing schedules, and party details, when available, and deliver it in one convenient location.

Whether you already know the case you want to look up or you're just beginning to understand how Pennsylvania's court system works, CourtCaseFinder makes the process easier. Our platform saves you from the frustration of having to search multiple courts on your own.

How To Access Pennsylvania Public Court Records

While CourtCaseFinder is a fast way to locate court records statewide, sometimes you'll want to go directly to government or court channels. Below are the main methods to access records through state or county services.

Online Access

Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System (UJS) Portal is the main government website for online court information. The portal allows you to:

• Search trial, district, and municipal court cases by party name or docket number
• View docket sheets, upcoming hearings, and case status updates
• Access appellate court information, including opinions and filings

The portal is a free service provided by the state, though not every record is available online.

In-Person Courthouse Visit

If you need certified copies of records or want to review files that aren't available online, you'll need to visit the courthouse where the case was filed. Depending on the type of case, you may have to work with the clerk of courts, prothonotary, or magisterial district court office.

Most courthouses have public access terminals or file counters where you can view records, though copies typically require a fee. Their contact information is available by navigating the Pennsylvania courts page.

Mail Requests

Some records, especially those not available online, can be requested by mail. You'll generally need to provide:

• Case number (if known)
• Names of parties involved
• Type of record you're requesting
• Approximate filing or hearing dates

Most counties publish their own mailing addresses, fees, and forms for record requests. To avoid delays, be sure to include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment (if required).

Pennsylvania Court Records: What is Public and What is Not?

Pennsylvania court records are generally accessible to the public under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (RTKL). This law establishes that most records are presumed public unless a specific rule or court order makes them confidential.

When you access court records in Pennsylvania, you may find details such as:

• Case or docket numbers
• Names of parties involved in the case
• Filing dates, hearing schedules, and motions
• The court handling the case
• Case status, such as open, closed, or on appeal
• Outcomes, judgments, or sentences in applicable cases
• Docket sheets and calendars

However, not every record is open to the public. Certain types of information are sealed or protected by law for privacy or security reasons. These may include:

• Juvenile case records
• Mental health records connected to a case
• Plea agreements or verdicts sealed by court order
• Pre-sentencing investigation reports
• Juror notes or deliberative materials
• Search warrants that remain sealed
• Confidential or sealed indictments

Who Oversees the Courts in Pennsylvania?

Under Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System, the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) is responsible for managing the operations of both state and county courts. This office works under the direction of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, which holds ultimate authority over the judiciary.

The court administrator, appointed by the Supreme Court, serves as the chief administrator of the system. The court administrator and the AOPC carry out a wide range of responsibilities designed to keep the courts running efficiently. According to the Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration and the judiciary's own resources, these duties include:

• Ensuring timely and proper resolution of cases across all levels of courts
• Supervising the Administrative Office staff and assisting county court administrators
• Overseeing systems for case management, financial operations, and recordkeeping
• Managing personnel, budgets, and legal services that support court functions
• Monitoring court performance and recommending improvements
• Providing education and training programs for judges and court employees

What Types of Courts Exist in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System is made up of several levels of state courts, each with its own role, authority, and typical types of cases. The table below outlines these courts, their jurisdiction, and the matters they most often handle.

Court Type	Jurisdiction	Common Case Types
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania	The Supreme Court is the highest court in the state, with the ultimate authority to interpret Pennsylvania law and the state constitution.	Appeals from the Superior and Commonwealth Courts, constitutional questions, disciplinary cases, and matters of broad public interest
Superior Court	The Superior Court is one of two intermediate appellate courts. It reviews decisions from the Courts of Common Pleas in criminal and civil matters.	Criminal and civil appeals, challenges to sentences, and review of trial-level errors or procedural issues
Commonwealth Court	This intermediate appellate court primarily hears cases involving state and local governments, agencies, and election disputes.	Cases against or involving state agencies, regulatory appeals, election challenges, public sector disputes, and requests for injunctions or declaratory relief
Courts of Common Pleas	The general trial courts operate in judicial districts that usually correspond to counties. They also hear appeals from the lower courts.	Felonies, major civil lawsuits, divorce and custody cases, child support, juvenile delinquency, estate and guardianship cases, and appeals from district and municipal courts
Municipal Courts (Philadelphia & Pittsburgh)	In certain large cities, these courts have limited jurisdiction similar to district courts, but with authority over higher-value civil disputes and a wider range of criminal cases.	Small claims up to about $12,000, landlord-tenant cases, real estate and tax claims, misdemeanor offenses, traffic matters, and preliminary hearings for felonies
Magisterial District Courts	These district courts are Pennsylvania's minor courts and the first stop for many cases. They have authority over summary offenses, minor civil disputes, landlord-tenant matters, and preliminary stages of criminal cases.	Traffic violations, summary offenses, landlord-tenant issues, arraignments, setting bail, issuing warrants, and preliminary hearings in criminal cases

What Federal Courts Are In Pennsylvania?

Federal courts in Pennsylvania are different from the state courts because they deal with issues involving federal law, the U.S. Constitution, or disputes that cross state boundaries. State courts, by contrast, handle cases tied to Pennsylvania laws and local matters.

Federal trial courts in the state are divided into districts, each with its own jurisdiction. The state also has bankruptcy courts that manage cases filed under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

Federal Court	Jurisdiction	Location & Contact Information
U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Pennsylvania	This court hears federal criminal and civil cases that originate in the eastern part of the state, including Philadelphia and surrounding counties.	Allentown Easton Philadelphia Reading   Clerk's Office: (215) 597-7704
U.S. District Court - Middle District of Pennsylvania	The Middle District has jurisdiction over federal cases in central counties. It hears a mix of criminal, civil, and administrative cases.	Harrisburg Clerk's Office: (717) 221-3920 Scranton Clerk's Office: (570) 207-5600 Wilkes-Barre Jury: (800) 578-1707 Williamsport Clerk's Office: (570) 323-6380, (570) 323-0636
U.S. District Court - Western District of Pennsylvania	This court covers federal matters arising in western Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh, Erie, and Johnstown. It handles both criminal prosecutions under federal law and major civil cases.	Erie Phone: (814) 464-9600 Johnstown Phone: (814) 533-4504 Pittsburgh Phone: (412) 208-7500
U.S. Bankruptcy Court - Eastern District of Pennsylvania	This court manages bankruptcy filings and related proceedings for the Eastern District, including Chapter 7, 11, and 13 cases.	Philadelphia Reading Clerk of Court: (215) 408-2806
U.S. Bankruptcy Court - Middle District of Pennsylvania	This court has jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases that are filed in the Middle District. It handles proceedings involving debt liquidation, repayment plans, and business reorganizations.	Harrisburg Phone: (717) 901-2800 Wilkes-Barre Phone: (570) 831-2500 Williamsport (unstaffed) Free Case Information: (866) 222-8029
U.S. Bankruptcy Court - Western District of Pennsylvania	This court has jurisdiction over bankruptcy matters within the Western District. It oversees Chapter 7, 11, and 13 cases, along with creditor and debtor disputes that fall under federal bankruptcy law.	Erie Phone: (814) 464-9740 Johnstown Phone: (814) 533-4246 Pittsburgh Phone: (412) 644-2700

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, located in Philadelphia at the James A. Byrne U.S. Courthouse, has jurisdiction over appeals from all three Pennsylvania federal districts. It does not retry cases but instead reviews whether federal law was applied correctly and whether proper legal procedures were followed.

How Many Cases Are Handled Annually in Pennsylvania Courts?

Pennsylvania courts handle a large and diverse number of cases each year, reflecting the wide range of legal matters across the state. According to the judiciary's court-related data, courts receive hundreds of thousands of new filings annually and work to resolve a significant portion of these cases to ensure timely access to justice.

The table below shows an estimated annual volume of cases filed in Pennsylvania magisterial district courts by case type:

Case Type	Approximate Annual Volume
Civil	~99,300
Criminal	~202,200
Landlord/Tenant	~102,700
Non-Traffic	~219,400
Private Criminal Complaints	~1,200
Private Summary Complaints	~39,200
Traffic	~1,424,700

How Do I File a Case in Pennsylvania Courts?

Filing a case in Pennsylvania courts involves several steps, which may vary depending on the court type and the nature of the case. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate the process, including information on online filing options and applicable fees.

Step 1: Identify the Appropriate Court

Before filing, determine which court has authority over your case.

Minor civil disputes, landlord-tenant issues, traffic violations, and summary criminal offenses typically start in magisterial district courts. The Courts of Common Pleas handle more serious civil or criminal matters, as well as family or probate issues.

Appeals from these courts go to the Superior Court or Commonwealth Court, while matters involving federal law are addressed in federal courts.

Choosing the correct court is essential to avoid delays or dismissal.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Once the court is selected, prepare the documents needed to start your case. Most filings require a complaint or petition that explains your claims and the relief you are seeking.

You may also need a Case Information Statement that summarizes the parties and the nature of the case. In addition, a summons must be prepared to notify the defendant that a lawsuit has been filed.

These forms are typically available on the court's website or directly from the court's clerk's office.

Step 3: File Your Case and Pay Filing Fees
Cases can be filed either in person or online. For in-person filing, take your completed forms to the Clerk's Office of the appropriate court. Bring extra copies for the court, the defendant, and your own records.

Pennsylvania also allows electronic filing through the PACFile system for eligible case types. Not all courts or filings qualify for electronic submission, so check the system's guidelines before attempting online filing.

Filing a case usually requires payment of a fee, which varies by court and type of case. It is always best to check with the court's official fee schedule. If you are unable to pay, you can also fill out a Petition to Proceed in Forma Pauperis to have the fees waived.

Step 4: Serve the Defendant

After filing, the defendant must be formally notified through service of process. You can do this by personally delivering the documents, using certified mail with a return receipt, or hiring the county sheriff to serve the papers. The method of service must comply with court rules so that the defendant is properly informed.

Step 5: Attend Hearings

Once the case is filed and the defendant served, you may be required to attend hearings, conferences, or a trial. Be prepared with all necessary documentation and evidence to present your case. Attending scheduled proceedings is crucial, as missing a hearing can negatively affect your case.

How Is the Pennsylvania Court System Unique?

Pennsylvania's court system is notable for its layered structure and the inclusion of specialty courts, which set it apart from many other states. At the local level, magisterial district courts, along with the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh Municipal Courts, handle initial proceedings, minor offenses, and small civil claims.

A distinctive feature of these courts is that judges are elected and do not always need to be licensed attorneys, unlike in many other states, where lower-level judges must have a law degree.

In addition, Pennsylvania has developed a range of problem-solving or specialty courts, including:

• Drug courts
• Mental health courts
• DUI courts
• Juvenile drug courts
• Veterans treatment courts

These courts focus on rehabilitation and addressing the root causes of criminal behavior. Upon successfully completing the program, participants may receive reduced or dismissed charges.

Pennsylvania Courthouses, Sheriff's Offices, Police Departments, Jails, & Prisons

• Adams
• Allegheny
• Armstrong
• Beaver
• Bedford
• Berks
• Blair
• Bradford
• Bucks
• Butler
• Cambria
• Cameron
• Carbon
• Centre
• Chester
• Clarion
• Clearfield
• Clinton
• Columbia
• Crawford
• Cumberland
• Dauphin
• Delaware
• Elk
• Erie
• Fayette
• Forest
• Franklin
• Fulton
• Greene
• Huntingdon
• Indiana
• Jefferson
• Juniata
• Lackawanna
• Lancaster
• Lawrence
• Lebanon
• Lehigh
• Luzerne
• Lycoming
• Mckean
• Mercer
• Mifflin
• Monroe
• Montgomery
• Montour
• Northampton
• Northumberland
• Perry
• Philadelphia
• Pike
• Potter
• Schuylkill
• Snyder
• Somerset
• Sullivan
• Susquehanna
• Tioga
• Union
• Venango
• Warren
• Washington
• Wayne
• Westmoreland
• Wyoming
• York

Where to Find Additional Information About Pennsylvania Courts?

• State of Pennsylvania Court System
• Pennsylvania Court Structure
• Eastern District of Pennsylvania
• Middle District of Pennsylvania
• Western District of Pennsylvania
• State Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

FAQs