About PMC

Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts (PMC) is a statewide, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to reform Pennsylvania's courts in order to achieve the ideal of fair and impartial courts to which all can come for justice. Read More>>

 

What's New

  • Keep the Courts Open
    July 1, 2009

    In a letter to the Philadelphia Inquirer, PMC urges the Governor and legislature to adequately fund the court system so that the budget crisis does not lead to court closures.

  • Court of Judicial Discipline Finds Judge Willis Berry's Conduct Violates Judicial Code and Rises to Level of Criminal Conduct
    June 26, 2009

    The Court of Judicial Discipline has found that Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Judge Willis Berry violated the Code of Conduct and, in fact, engaged in criminal conduct through his operation of a real estate business out of his courthouse chambers.

  • Caperton Matters to All of Us
    June 18, 2009

    n an op-ed in the Philadelphia Inquirer, PMC Board Chair Bob Heim explains the impact of the Caperton decision and outlines a solution to the poisonous effect of money on judicial elections. Heim concludes by urging Pennsylvanians to "let your legislatures know your care" about the problems of money and judges and the need for reform.

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Using the Courts

Being in court can be confusing and overwhelming. PMC provides information and resources to help you better understand and navigate the court system.
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Choosing Judges

Only the most qualified individuals – based on legal skill, experience, temperament and reputation for fairness, impartiality and independence – should become judges. The process of selecting judges is extremely important in ensuring that such people reach the bench. PMC works to bring Pennsylvania a judicial selection system that can achieve this goal.
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The Jury System

The jury is the cornerstone of the American Justice System. PMC works to keep the jury system strong, by increasing the numbers of citizens who serve, expanding the diversity of our jury pools and working with the courts to make jury duty a satisfying experience.
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Eliminating Bias

Bias in the justice system remains a persistent problem. PMC works with local, state and national partners to eliminate all forms of bias from our courts.
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