Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts

About Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts

The Superior Court of Pennsylvania was established in 1895 and is one of two statewide intermediate appellate courts. The Superior Court hears appeals in criminal and most civil cases from the Courts of Common Pleas. Cases are usually heard by panels of three judges sitting in Philadelphia, Harrisburg or Pittsburgh, but may also be heard en banc by nine judges. Although different panels of three judges may sit to hear appeals, there is only one Superior Court (that is, Pennsylvania is not divided into appellate territories). Superior Court judges are elected in statewide elections. The term of a Superior Court Judge is 10 years. After serving 10 years, judges may hold their seats if they win a retention vote. Voters have the right to retain or reject (vote out of office) Superior Court judges in Pennsylvania. Superior Court judges must retire from active service at the age of 75. They may serve as Senior Judges though, as approved by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Each judge typically has four judicial law clerks, who serve 1-2 year terms, although some are career law clerks.