Pennsylvania Code Title 204 - JUDICIAL SYSTEM GENERAL PROVISIONS
Here’s a detailed overview of Pennsylvania Code Title 204 – Judicial System General Provisions, current through 55 Pa.B. 2578 (March 29, 2025) (pacodeandbulletin.gov):
📚 Title 204 Contents
Title 204 governs administrative and regulatory aspects of Pennsylvania's judicial system. It comprises the following parts and chapters :
Part I – Preliminary Provisions (Chapter 1)
§ 1.1 – Certifying Organizations
Lists entities accredited to certify attorneys in specialized legal fields, including:
American Board of Certification (Creditor’s Rights Law; accredited September 10, 1999)
National Board of Trial Advocacy (Civil, Criminal, Family Law; accredited June 1, 2004)
National Elder Law Foundation (Elder Law; accredited January 26, 2005) (pacodeandbulletin.gov)
Part II – General Administration (Chapters 27–33)
Covers administrative rules for court operations, budgeting, finance, and miscellaneous provisions (law.cornell.edu).
Part III – Reserved
Part IV – Admission to Practice Law (Chapters 71–73)
Governs lawyer licensing, examinations, and admission procedures .
Part V – Professional Ethics and Conduct (Subparts A–D)
Sets standards of professional responsibility, conduct, and disciplinary processes for attorneys .
Part VI – Judicial Council of Pennsylvania (Subparts A–F)
Defines the role, composition, and procedures of the Judicial Council (law.cornell.edu).
Part VII – Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (Chapters 201–221)
Includes:
Chapter 207 – Transmitting Remittances
§ 207.3: Authorizes a $2.75 fee for online credit/debit card payments through the Unified Judicial System portal, effective January 1, 2010 (pacourts.us).
Chapter 221 – Court Interpreters
Regulates certification, appointment, and disciplinary standards for interpreters assisting persons with limited English proficiency or who are deaf/hard of hearing (law.cornell.edu).
Part VIII – Criminal Sentencing (Chapters 303–311)
Establishes sentencing guidelines, procedures, and related administrative rules .
Part IX – Access to Justice Act Regulations (Chapter 401)
Implements regulations supporting access to justice, including language services, legal aid referrals, and equity initiatives .
🔍 Notable Highlights
Accredited Certification: Part I § 1.1 formally accredits national legal certifications, e.g., in elder law, civil/criminal law (pacodeandbulletin.gov).
Digital Convenience Fee: Chapter 207’s § 207.3 authorizes a $2.75 convenience fee for online judicial payments, since January 1, 2010 (pacourts.us).
Court Interpreter Standards: Chapter 221 details certification and disciplinary rules for court interpreters, ensuring access for limited English proficiency/hearing-impaired litigants (law.cornell.edu).
📋 Summary at a Glance
Part
Area Covered
I
Certifying legal specialties
II
Judicial administration & budgeting
III
(Reserved)
IV
Lawyer admission and licensing
V
Professional ethics & disciplinary rules
VI
Judicial Council operations
VII
Administrative Office, payments, interpreters
VIII
Criminal sentencing guidelines
IX
Access-to-Justice regulations
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