Rule 2051.Definitions.

Adopted June 2, 1941 · Last amended December 16, 2003 · Last verified June 30, 2026

In one sentenceRule 2051 defines the terms used in the chapter on incapacitated persons as parties, including what counts as an 'action.'

Full Text of Rule 2051

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As used in this chapter ‘‘action’’ means any civil action or proceeding brought in or appealed to any court of record which is subject to these rules; ‘‘guardian,’’ except where the context otherwise indicates, means the guardian or other fiduciary appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction for the person or estate of an incapacitated person; ‘‘incapacitated person’’ means an adult whose ability to receive and evaluate information effectively and communicate decisions in any way is impaired to such a significant extent that the person is partially or totally unable to manage financial resources or to meet the essential requirements for physical health and safety; ‘‘confined’’ means legally committed or voluntarily or involuntarily restrained because of incapacity.

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Plain-English Summary

This chapter governs how a person who lacks legal capacity takes part in a lawsuit. The opening rule defines its terms — chiefly that an 'action' means any civil action or proceeding in a court of record subject to these rules — framing the rules that follow on guardians, capacity, and settlements involving incapacitated persons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the incapacitated-persons chapter define?

Its key terms, including that an 'action' means any civil action or proceeding in a court of record subject to these rules.

Amendment History

The provisions of this Rule 2051 adopted June 2, 1941, effective February 2, 1942; amended June 23, 1975, effective immediately, 5 Pa.B. 1817; amended June 3, 1994, effective July 1, 1994, 24 Pa.B. 3019; amended December 16, 2003, effective July 1, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 9. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (256293).

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. Last verified June 30, 2026. · Official text

Also known as: incapacitated persons definitionsincapacitated party actionincapacity litigant definition