Rule 1023.1.Scope. Signing of Documents. Representations to the Court. Violation.
Adopted April 22, 2002 · Last amended April 2, 2003 · Last verified June 30, 2026
Full Text of Rule 1023.1
Plain-English Summary
This rule attaches meaning to a signature. Every pleading, written motion, and other paper directed to the court must be signed by at least one attorney of record, or by an unrepresented party.
The signature is a certification. By signing, filing, or advocating a paper, the signer certifies that to the best of their knowledge formed after a reasonable inquiry, it is not presented for an improper purpose such as harassment or delay, the legal contentions are warranted by existing law or a nonfrivolous argument for changing it, the factual allegations have or are likely to have evidentiary support, and the denials are warranted on the evidence.
Violations carry consequences. After notice and a reasonable opportunity to respond, the court may impose sanctions under Rules 1023.2 through 1023.4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pennsylvania have a rule like Federal Rule 11?
Yes. Rule 1023.1 requires papers to be signed and makes the signature a certification that the paper is not for an improper purpose, that its legal contentions are warranted, and that its factual allegations have or are likely to have evidentiary support.
What does signing a pleading certify?
That after a reasonable inquiry, the paper is not presented to harass or delay, the legal contentions are warranted by law or a nonfrivolous argument, and the factual allegations and denials have evidentiary support.
Official Note
Official Note: The court in its discretion at any stage of the proceedings may deny a motion for sanctions without hearing or argument. The grant or denial of relief (e.g., grant or denial of preliminary objections, motion for summary judgment or discovery application) does not, of itself, ordinarily warrant the imposition of sanctions against the party opposing or seeking the relief. In most circumstances, a motion for sanctions with respect to factual allegations should be addressing whether there is evidentiary support for claims or defenses rather than whether there is evidentiary support for each specific factual allegation in a pleading or motion. The inclusion in the rule of a provision for ‘‘an appropriate sanction’’ is designed to prevent the abuse of litigation. The rule is not a fee-shifting rule per se although the award of reasonable attorney’s fees may be an appropriate sanction in a particular case. The provision requiring that a motion under this rule be filed before the entry of final judgment in the trial court is intended to carry out the objective of expeditious disposition and to eliminate piecemeal appeals. Where appropriate, such motions should be filed as soon as practicable after discovery of the violation. The following provisions of the Judicial Code, 42 Pa.C.S., provide additional relief from dilatory or frivolous proceedings: (1) Section 2503 relating to the right of participants to receive counsel fees and (2) Section 8351 et seq. relating to wrongful use of civil proceedings.
Official Note: Section 8355 of the Judicial Code provides for the certification of pleadings, motions and other papers.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 1023.1 adopted April 22, 2002, effective July 1, 2002, 32 Pa.B. 2315; amended April 2, 2003, effective June 1, 2003, 33 Pa.B. 1926. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (288324) to (288325).