Rule 1112.Venue.

Adopted June 25, 1946 · Not amended since adoption · Last verified June 30, 2026

In one sentenceThis rule fixes venue for quo warranto according to who brings the action — the Attorney General, a district attorney, or a private party with a distinct interest — and the office, charter, or franchise at issue.

Full Text of Rule 1112

Text sizeJump to: (a) (b) (c)

(a) An action brought in a court of common pleas by the Commonwealth on the relation of the Attorney General may be brought only in

(1) the county where a political subdivision is located when the action is against an officer thereof, or

(2) the county where a municipal corporation is located when the action concerns the validity of its charter, or

(3) the county where a corporation or similar entity has its registered office or principal place of business when the action concerns the validity of its charter or the exercise of a right, franchise or privilege or is against an officer thereof.

(b) An action brought in a court of common pleas in the name of the Commonwealth on the relation of the District Attorney may be brought only in the county where the political subdivision is located when the action is against an officer thereof.

(c) An action brought in a court of common pleas in the name of a party who has an interest distinct from that of the general public may be brought only in

(1) the county in which the cause of action arose when the action is against an officer of the Commonwealth, or

(2) the county where the political subdivision is located when the action is against an officer thereof, or

(3) the county where the corporation or similar entity has its registered office or principal place of business when the action is against an officer thereof.

End

Plain-English Summary

Quo warranto can be brought by different relators, and this rule routes each to the proper county. An action by the Commonwealth on the Attorney General’s relation lies where the political subdivision, municipal corporation, or entity is located, depending on whether it targets an officer or the validity of a charter or franchise. An action on a district attorney’s relation lies where the relevant political subdivision is located.

An action by a private party with an interest distinct from the public’s lies where the cause arose or where the subdivision or entity is located, according to the target. Tying venue to the actor and the subject keeps these office- and charter-challenging suits in a logically connected forum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is a quo warranto action brought?

Generally in the county where the officer or municipal corporation is located, for actions brought by the Attorney General on the Commonwealth's relation.

Amendment History

The provisions of this Rule 1112 adopted June 25, 1946, effective January 1, 1947.

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: quo warranto venuevenue against officerattorney general quo warranto