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Rule 2961.Application of Amendments to Pending Actions.

Last amended April 1, 1996 · Last verified June 30, 2026

In one sentenceThe 1996 amendments restricting confession of judgment apply only to actions and executions commenced after their effective date.

Full Text of Rule 2961

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(a) The amendments promulgated in 1996 to the rules of civil procedure prohibiting the entry of a judgment by confession for money in connection with a consumer credit transaction shall apply to actions commenced after the effective date set forth in the Order of the Supreme Court.
(b) The amendments promulgated in 1996 to the rules governing execution on a judgment entered by confession for money shall apply to executions commenced after the effective date set forth in the Order of the Supreme Court.
End

Plain-English Summary

This rule keeps the 1996 reforms prospective. Those amendments tightened the use of confessed judgments in specified consumer settings, and the rule confirms they reach only actions and executions commenced after the effective date, not cases already open.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the 1996 amendments address?
They limit the entry of judgment by confession in the circumstances the amendments specify, as part of consumer-protection reforms.
Do the amendments apply to pending cases?
No. The rule applies them to actions and executions commenced after the effective date set forth in the Order of the Supreme Court.

Official Note

Official Note: The amendments to Rules 2950, 2951 and 2952 generally relate to the prohibition against the entry of a judgment by confession arising from a consumer credit transaction.

Official Note: The amendments to Rules 2956.1 through 2959 and Rules 2963 through 2967 generally relate to execution upon a judgment entered by confession and relief from the judgment.

Amendment History

The provisions of this Rule 2961 amended April 1, 1996, effective July 1, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 1806. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (146746). FORMS

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: application of amendments confession money1996 confession amendments