Rule 239.Local Rules.

Adopted January 28, 1983 · Last amended June 28, 2016 · Last verified June 30, 2026

In one sentenceRule 239 provides that the requirements for promulgating and amending local rules of civil procedure are set forth in Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 103(d).

Full Text of Rule 239

Text size

The requirements for the promulgation and amendment of local rules of civil procedure are set forth in Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 103(d).

End

Plain-English Summary

This rule routes local rulemaking to a single source. The requirements a court of common pleas must follow to promulgate or amend its local rules of civil procedure are set forth in Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 103(d), which governs filing, publication, and effective dates.

Several companion rules in this chapter (Rules 239.1 through 239.9) then describe the specific local rules a court must adopt for particular subjects, such as filing, petitions, and motions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the requirements for local civil rules found?

In Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 103(d), which Rule 239 incorporates. The companion rules 239.1 through 239.9 address specific required local rules.

Official Note

Official Note: Effective August 1, 2016, Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 103 was amended to consolidate and include all local rulemaking requirements. Accordingly, the requirements under Rule 239 for the promulgation and amendment of local rules of civil procedure were rescinded and replaced. All local rules previously promulgated in accordance with the requirements of this rule prior to rescission remain effective upon compilation and publication pursuant to Pa.R.J.A. No. 103(d)(7).

Amendment History

The provisions of this Rule 239 adopted January 28, 1983, effective July 1, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 685; amended May 19, 1987, effective July 1, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 2137; amended December 29, 1992, effective July 1, 1993, 23 Pa.B. 248 and 701; amended April 12, 1999, effective July 1, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 2266; amended November 28, 2000, effective January 1, 2001, 30 Pa.B. 6421; amended October 24, 2003, effective 9 months after the date of the Order, 33 Pa.B. 5506; amended June 30, 2004, effective immediately, 34 Pa.B. 3677; amended October 15, 2004, effective immediately, 34 Pa.B. 5890; amended December 15, 2010, effective immediately, 41 Pa.B. 215; amended June 28, 2016, effective August 1, 2016, 46 Pa.B. 3797. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (379938) and (354873) to (354874).

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: local rulespromulgation of local rules