Pennsylvania Constitution Article V.
Article V of the Pennsylvania Constitution is titled "The Judiciary" and outlines the structure, powers, and administration of the judicial branch in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Here's a summarized breakdown of its key sections:
Summary of Article V – The Judiciary
Section 1: Unified Judicial System
Establishes a unified judicial system in Pennsylvania, comprising:
The Supreme Court
Superior Court
Commonwealth Court
Courts of Common Pleas
Community courts, municipal courts, and magisterial district judges
Section 2: Supreme Court
The highest court in the Commonwealth.
Has final appellate jurisdiction.
Regulates the practice of law and oversees the conduct of all courts and judges.
Section 3: Superior and Commonwealth Courts
Intermediate appellate courts.
Jurisdiction and responsibilities set by law.
Section 4: Courts of Common Pleas
General trial courts.
Jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters.
Organized by judicial districts.
Section 5: Community and Magisterial Courts
Handle minor criminal matters, small civil claims, and preliminary hearings.
Created and structured by law.
Section 6: Judicial Administration
Supreme Court has administrative authority over all courts.
May appoint a court administrator.
Section 7: Judicial Qualifications
Judges must be members of the bar and meet residency and age requirements.
Section 8: Judicial Selection and Terms
Judges are elected, with terms ranging from 6 to 10 years depending on the court.
Retention elections follow initial term.
Section 9: Prohibited Activities
Judges may not hold any other office or political post.
Political activity is restricted.
Section 10: Judicial Conduct
Provides for the discipline, suspension, removal, or retirement of judges.
Establishes the Judicial Conduct Board and Court of Judicial Discipline.
Section 11: Compensation
Judges' salaries are set by law and cannot be diminished during their term.
Section 12: Retirement
Mandatory retirement age (currently 75, unless changed by law).
Retired judges may be temporarily assigned to serve.
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