The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has amended Criminal Rule of Procedure 644 governing juror note taking in criminal trials by deleting the sunset provision and permanently codifying the rule.  Earlier this year, the Supreme Court's Criminal Procedural Rules Committee recommended this change following a period of public comment.  A report accompanying the amendment explains that the thre

At the annual conference of the Pennsylvania County Commissioners Association, county commissioners from across the state called on the General Assembly to increase funding for the judicial system. The Association is asking the state to appropriate approximately $8.5 million to help reimburse counties for the expense of having judges and full time district attorneys.

The Judicial Conduct Board has filed misconduct charges against Municipal Court Judge James DeLeon based on his handling of a case in an ex parte manner to help a social acquaintance.  The specific charges, as reported by the Philadelphia Daily News

Casino-Free Pa. has filed a complaint against Chief Justice Castille with the Judicial Conduct Board.

Montgomery County is looking to open a mental health court by the end of the year.  According to a story in the Intelligencer, the court would be tailored to address the specific needs of offenders convicted of nonviolent misdemeanors who also suffer from mental illness.

At our blog, JudgesOnMerit.org, we note a recent column in the Allentown Morning Call. Freelance columnist Donald Hoffman calls for reforms at every level of Pennsylvania government. One of the changes he calls for is a switch to Merit Selection for Pennsylvania judges.

In a press release issued today, PMC and PMCAction Executive Director Lynn Marks noted the great strides made by judicial reform advocates in Pennsylvania this year.

Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts issues a press release about the newly confirmed interim appointments to four appellate court vacancies. Executive Director Lynn Marks explained, “We must be clear about this.

Governor Rendell’s second slate of nominees to fill interim vacancies on the appellate courts has been confirmed by the state Senate.