Rule 1023.3.Sanctions upon Rule to Show Cause.

Adopted April 22, 2002 · Not amended since adoption · Last verified June 30, 2026

In one sentenceOn its own initiative, the court may issue a rule to show cause that describes specific conduct appearing to violate the signing-and-certification rule and directs the attorney, firm, or party responsible to explain why it has not been violated.

Full Text of Rule 1023.3

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On its own initiative, the court may enter an order describing the specific conduct that appears to violate Rule 1023.1(c) and directing an attorney, law firm or party to show cause why it has not violated Rule 1023.1(c) with respect thereto.

End

Plain-English Summary

This rule lets the court start a sanctions inquiry without waiting for a motion. When conduct appears to breach the certification a lawyer or party makes by signing a filing — that it is not for an improper purpose and is grounded in law and fact — the court may enter an order spelling out the specific conduct and directing the attorney, law firm, or party to show cause why the certification was not violated.

The show-cause procedure gives the person notice of exactly what is at issue and a chance to respond before any sanction is imposed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the court raise sanctions on its own?

Yes. The court may, on its own initiative, issue an order describing the conduct and directing the attorney, firm, or party to show cause why it has not violated the signing rule.

Amendment History

The provisions of this Rule 1023.3 adopted April 22, 2002, effective July 1, 2002, 32 Pa.B. 2315.

Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. This rule has not been amended since its adoption. Last verified June 30, 2026. · Official text

Also known as: sanctions rule to show causesua sponte sanctions