Rule 223.Conduct of the Trial. Generally.

Adopted September 8, 1938 · Last amended April 29, 2016 · Last verified June 30, 2026

In one sentenceRule 223 lets the trial court, subject to due process and the parties’ constitutional rights, make and enforce orders managing the trial — among them limiting cumulative witnesses, limiting the attorneys who actively participate, regulating addresses to the jury or court, and regulating or excluding spectators.

Full Text of Rule 223

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Subject to the requirements of due process of law and of the constitutional rights of the parties, the court may make and enforce rules and orders covering any of the following matters, inter alia:

(1) Limiting the number of witnesses whose testimony is similar or cumulative;

(2) Limiting the number of attorneys representing the same party or the same group of parties, who may actively participate in the trial of the case or may examine or cross-examine a witness or witnesses;

(3) Regulating the number and length of addresses to the jury or to the court;

(4) Regulating or excluding the public or persons not interested in the proceedings whenever the court deems such regulation or exclusion to be in the interest of the public good, order or morals.

End

Plain-English Summary

This rule confirms the court’s authority to run the trial, bounded by due process and the parties’ constitutional rights. It lists examples of what the court may regulate rather than setting fixed limits.

Those examples include limiting the number of witnesses whose testimony is similar or cumulative, limiting how many attorneys for the same side may actively participate or examine witnesses, regulating the number and length of addresses to the jury or court, and regulating or excluding the public when the court finds it serves the public good, order, or morals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the court limit how many witnesses or attorneys participate at trial?

Yes. Subject to due process and constitutional rights, the court may limit cumulative witnesses and limit how many attorneys for the same party actively participate or examine witnesses.

Official Note

Official Note: Trial courts in Pennsylvania customarily exercise discretion as to the exclusion of persons from the courtroom in the interest of good order and morals. The exclusion of the taking of photographs or radio or television broadcasting is governed by Pa.R.J.A. No. 1910.

Amendment History

The provisions of this Rule 223 adopted September 8, 1938, effective March 20, 1939; amended January 25, 1971, effective February 1, 1971; amended June 23, 1975, effective immediately, 5 Pa.B. 1819; amended November 3, 1999, effective January 1, 2000, 29 Pa.B. 5918; amended April 29, 2016, effective immediately, 46 Pa.B. 2409. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (380173) to (380174).

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: conduct of the trialtrial managementlimiting witnesses