Coronavirus Information

COVID-19 RESPONSE UPDATES

Protocols and Guidelines

• 22 of 2022 - Administrative Order In Re: Safety Protocols and Use of Advanced Communication Technology
• Trial Division - Criminal
• Notice To The Bar: Zoom Interpretation Guidelines
• Notice To The Bar: Felony Waiver Program Policies And Procedures - Effective Tuesday, September 7, 2021
• Notice To The Bar: Updated Protocol for the Compulsory Arbitration Program - Effective August 2, 2021
• Orphans’ Court Division

2022

• 19 of 2022 - Administrative Order In Re: Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Order No. 553 - Judicial Administration Docket
• 09 of 2022 - Administrative Order In Re: Continued Use of Advanced Communication Technology - Wednesday, June 8, 2022
• FJD's Request Pursuant to Pa.R.J.A. 1952(B)(2)(m) to Temporarily Suspend or Modify Statewide Court Rules Regarding Utilization of Advanced Communication Technology - Friday, May 27, 2022
• 07 of 2022 - Administrative Order In Re: Continued Use of Advanced Communication Technology - Tuesday, May 17, 2022
• FJD's Request Pursuant to Pa.R.J.A. 1952(B)(2)(m) to Temporarily Suspend or Modify Statewide Court Rules Regarding Utilization of Advanced Communication Technology - Wednesday, May 11, 2022
• 06 of 2022 - Administrative Order In Re: Continued Use of Advanced Communication Technology - Friday, April 8, 2022
• FJD's Request Pursuant to Pa.R.J.A. 1952(B)(2)(m) to Temporarily Suspend or Modify Statewide Court Rules Regarding Utilization of Advanced Communication Technology - Tuesday, March 29, 2022
• 03 of 2022 - Administrative Order In Re: Continued Use of Advanced Communication Technology - Tuesday, February 15, 2022
• FJD's Request Pursuant to Pa.R.J.A. 1952(B)(2)(m) to Temporarily Suspend or Modify Statewide Court Rules Regarding Utilization of Advanced Communication Technology - Friday, February 11, 2022
• Notice To The Bar: Case Management Conference Protocol Change
• 01 of 2022 - Administrative Order In Re: Continued Use of Advanced Communication Technology - Monday, January 10, 2022
• FJD's Request Pursuant to Pa.R.J.A. 1952(B)(2)(m) to Temporarily Suspend or Modify Statewide Court Rules Regarding Utilization of Advanced Communication Technology - Monday, January 3, 2022

2021

• 46 of 2021 - Administrative Order In Re: Motions to Lift Bench Warrants
• Notice To The Bar: Non-Jury and Arbitration Appeal Programs
• FJD's Request Pursuant to Pa.R.J.A. 1952(B)(2)(m) to Temporarily Suspend or Modify Statewide Court Rules Regarding Utilization of Advanced Communication Technology - Tuesday, November 30, 2021
• Notice To The Bar: Judicial Assignment Schedule - Judge Only Bench Warrants
• 42 of 2021 - Administrative Order In Re: Municipal Court Landlord Tenant Diversion Program Service of Writs of Possession - Completed Rental Assistance Applications
• 41 of 2021 - Administrative Order In Re: Extension of the Philadelphia Municipal Court Landlord Tenant Diversion Program
• 40 of 2021 - Administrative Order In Re: Expiration of Moratorium on Philadelphia Sheriff's Mortgage Foreclosure and Tax Sales
• 39 of 2021 - Administrative Order In Re: Suspension of State Rules Restricting ACT
• Notice To The Bar: Case Accelerated Resolution Program ("CARP") Extension
• 38 of 2021 - Administrative Order In Re: Continued Use of Advanced Communication Technology - Friday, November 5, 2021
• 37 of 2021 - Administrative Order In Re: Extension of the Municipal Court Landlord Tenant Diversion Program
• Municipal Court’s Request Pursuant to Pa.R.J.A. 1952(B)(2)(m) to Authorize the President Judge of the Municipal Court to Temporarily suspend Statewide Court Rules restricting the use of Advanced Communication Technology
• Order Granting in Part Municipal Court's Request Concerning the Landlord-Tenant Diversion Program - Thursday, October 28, 2021
• FJD's Request Pursuant to Pa.R.J.A. 1952(B)(2)(m) to Temporarily Suspend or Modify Statewide Court Rules Regarding Utilization of Advanced Communication Technology - Thursday, October 28, 2021
• Municipal Court’s Request Pursuant to Pa.R.J.A. 1952(B)(2)(s) to Authorize the Continuation of the Municipal Court Landlord-Tenant Diversion Program
• 36 of 2021 - Administrative Order In Re: Continued Use of Advanced Communication Technology - Thursday, October 7, 2021
• FJD's Request Pursuant to Pa.R.J.A. 1952(B)(2)(m) to Temporarily Suspend or Modify Statewide Court Rules Regarding Utilization of Advanced Communication Technology
• FJD's Request Pursuant to Pa.R.J.A. 1952(B)(2)(m) to Temporarily Suspend or Modify Statewide Court Rules Regarding Utilization of Advanced Communication Technology
• Notice To The Bar: Case Accelerated Resolution Program (CARP) Update
• 34 of 2021 - Administrative Docket In Re: Discontinuance of Residential Eviction Moratorium Pursuant to the Order of the Centers for Disease Control issued August 3, 2021
• 33 of 2021 - Administrative Order In Re: Additional Emergency Appointment of Substitute Court Magistrates
• 32 of 2021 - Administrative Order In Re: Emergency Appointment of Substitute Court Magistrate
• 31 of 2021 - Administrative Order In Re: Suspension of State Rules
• 30 of 2021 - Administrative Order In Re: Extension of the Philadelphia Municipal Court Landlord Tenant Diversion Program
• 29 of 2021 - AGB Administrative Order In Re: Partial Extension of Judicial Emergency
• Municipal Court's Request Pursuant to Pa.R.J.A. 1952(B)(2)(m) and (s) for an Emergency Order Authorizing the President Judge of the Municipal Court to Suspend the Operation of Pa.Rs.Crim.P. 600 and 1013 and any rule restricting the Use of Advanced Communication Technology
• Court Of Common Pleas Request to Supreme Court Pursuant 1952 Petition to Temporarily Suspend or Modify Statewide Court Rules Regarding Prompt Trials and Utilization of Advanced Communication Technology
• Order Granting in Part Municipal Court's Request Concerning the Landlord-Tenant Diversion Program
• Notice To The Bar: Resumption of Proceedings for Bail Cases - Effective Tuesday, September 7, 2021
• 28 of 2021 - Administrative Order In Re: Completed Diversion/Rental Assistance Applications - Philadelphia Municipal Court Landlord Tenant Diversion Program And Notice of Writs of Possession
• 27 of 2021 - Administrative Docket In Re: Continuation of Residential Eviction Moratorium Pursuant to the Order of the Centers for Disease Control issued August 3, 2021
• 26 of 2021 - Administrative Docket In Re: Municipal Court Landlord-Tenant Appeals Pending in the Court of Common Pleas
• 25 of 2021 - Administrative Order In Re: Judicial Emergency
• 24 of 2021 - Administrative Docket In Re: Expansion of Court Operations
• 23 of 2021 - Administrative Docket In Re: Extension of Residential Eviction Moratorium by the Centers for Disease Control
• Philadelphia Municipal Court’s Request Pursuant to Pa.R.J.A. 1952(B)(2)(s) to Temporarily Authorize Continuation of the Philadelphia Municipal Court Landlord-Tenant Diversion Program
• 22 of 2021 - Administrative Order In Re: : Full Reopening and Reinstatement of All Rules
• Petition In Re: FJD's Request Pursuant to Pa.R.J.A. 1952(B)(2)(m) to Temporarily Suspend or Modify Statewide Court Rules Regarding Prompt Trials and Utilization of Advanced Communication Technology
• 21 of 2021 - Administrative Order In Re: Family Court Resumption of Court Judicial Proceedings
• Notice To The Bar: Custody Accelerated Resolution Program (CARP) of 2021
• 20 of 2021 - Administrative Order In Re: Further Procedures Regarding Moratorium on Philadelphia Sheriff’s Mortgage Foreclosure and Tax Sales
• 19 of 2021 - Amended - Administrative Order In Re: Extension of Residential Eviction Moratorium and Exceptions Service of Writs and Alias Writs of Possession
• Notice To The Bar: Updated Protocol for the Compulsory Arbitration Program, Notice of Virtual Arbitration Hearing
• 18 of 2021 - Administrative Order In Re: Moratorium on Philadelphia Sheriff’s Mortgage Foreclosure and Tax Sales
• 17 of 2021 - Administrative Docket In Re: Resumption of In-Person Proceedings and Availability of Hybrid Hearings
• 15 of 2021 - Administrative Order In Re: Residential Eviction Moratorium and Exceptions. Service of Writs and Alias Writs of Possession
• 14 of 2021 - Administrative Docket In Re: Extension of Residential Eviction Moratorium
• Notice To The Bar: Updated Protocol for the Compulsory Arbitration Program
• Notice To The Bar: Protocol for Discovery Motions Filed on or After March 15 2021
• 12 of 2021 - Administrative Order In Re: Procedure for June 1, 2021 Mortgage Foreclosure Sales
• 11 of 2021 - Administrative Order In Re: Procedure for May 4, 2021 Mortgage Foreclosure Sales
• 10 of 2021 - Administrative Order In Re: Postponement of March 2, 2021 Mortgage Foreclosure Sales
• 09 of 2021 - Administrative Order In Re: Rescheduling of April Tax Sales
• Notice To The Bar: Protocol for Settlement Conferences in Major Jury, Arbitration Appeal and Non-Jury Cases
• 06 of 2021 - Administrative Order In Re: Residential Eviction Moratorium and Exceptions. Service of Writs and Alias Writs of Possession
• 05 of 2021 - Administrative Docket In Re: Extension of Residential Eviction Moratorium
• 04 of 2021 - Administrative Order In Re: Postponement of February 2, 2021 Mortgage Foreclosure Sales
• 03 of 2021 - Administrative Order In Re: Further procedures regarding postponement of January and February Tax Sales
• 02 of 2021 - Administrative Order In Re: Postponement of February Tax Sales
• Notice To The Bar: Resumption of In-Person Jury Trials During the COVID-19 Judicial Emergency
• 01 of 2021 - Administrative Docket In Re: Jury Trials – Criminal Cases

2020

• 70 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Extension of Residential Eviction Moratorium
• 69 of 2020 - Administrative Docket In Re: Extension of Residential Eviction Moratorium
• 68 of 2020 - Administrative Order In Re: Postponement of January Tax Sales
• 67 of 2020 - Administrative Order In Re: Postponement of January 5, 2021 Mortgage Foreclosure Sales
• Notice To The Bar: Updated Protocol for Conduct of Arbitration Hearings During COVID-19 Judicial Emergency
• Notice To The Bar: Resumption of In-Person Jury Trials During the COVID-19 Judicial Emergency
• Notice of Right to Appear In Person, Via Zoom or Telephonically in the Philadelphia Municipal Court Civil Division
• 65 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Residential Eviction Moratorium and Exceptions. Service of Writs and Alias Writs of Possession
• Notice To The Bar: Protocol for Contested Discovery Motions during Judicial Emergency Created by Covid-19
• Notice To The Bar: Protocol for Non-Jury Trials During the COVID-19 Judicial Emergency Subsequent to December 7, 2020
• Notice To The Bar: Protocol for Non-Jury Trials During the COVID-19 Judicial Emergency Subsequent to November 2, 2020
• 64 of 2020 - President Administrative Order In Re: Postponement of December Mortgage Foreclosure Sales
• 63 of 2020 - President Administrative Order In Re: Postponement of November and December Tax Sales
• 55 of 2020 - Amended - Administrative Order In Re: Service of Writs and Alias Writs of Possession by the Philadelphia Municipal Court’s Landlord-Tenant Officer
• 61 of 2020 - Administrative Order In Re: Motions to Lift Bench Warrants
• Notice To The Bar: Appointment of Supervising Judges
• Notice To The Bar: Protocol for Non-Jury Trials During the COVID-19 Judicial Emergency
• 59 of 2020 - Administrative Order In Re: Postponement of October 21th 2020 City Tax Sale
• 58 of 2020 - Administrative Order In Re: Postponement of Certain October Tax Sales
• 57 of 2020 - Administrative Order In Re: Postponement of October and November Mortgage Foreclosure Sales
• 55 of 2020 - Amended - Administrative Order In Re: Service of Writs and Alias Writs of Possession by the Philadelphia Municipal Court’s Landlord-Tenant Officer
• 56 of 2020 - Administrative Order In Re: Residential Eviction Moratorium
• Notice To The Bar: Protocol for the Resumption of Arbitration Hearings During Covid-19 Judicial Emergency
• Notice To The Bar: Protocol For Discovery Motions Filed After September 7 2020
• Notice To The Bar: Protocol for Settlement Conferences in Major Jury Arbitration Appeal and Non Jury Cases
• Memorandum Providing Information about the September 1, 2020 Order of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Titled “Temporary Halt in Residential Eviction to Prevent the Further Spread of COVID-19”
• 55 of 2020 - Administrative Order In Re: Service of Writs and Alias Writs of Possession by the Philadelphia Municipal Court’s Landlord-Tenant Officer
• 54 of 2020 - Administrative Order In Re: American Service Insurance Co. and American Country Insurance Co.
• 53 of 2020 - Administrative Order In Re: COMPLETE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS GROUP, INC.d/b/a PAR FUNDING, and related entities
• 52 of 2020 - Administrative Order In Re: Stay of Litigation Involving SEPTA
• Declaration Under Penalty of Perjury for The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Temporary Halt in Evictions to Prevent Further Spread of Covid-19
• Notice To The Bar: Protocol for Non-Jury Trials During the COVID-19 Judicial Emergency
• Notice To The Bar: Protocol for Arbitration Appeal and Non-Jury Matters Listed for Trial But Postponed During COVID-19
• 51 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Resumption of Court Proceedings Municipal Court Criminal Divisions
• 50 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Expiration of Stay - Residential Writs of Possession
• Notice To The Bar: Extension of Protocol for Civil Case Management Conferences During the COVID-19 Judicial Emergency.
• Notice To The Bar: Commerce and Civil Trials During the Covid-19 Emergency
• 49 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Continuation of Stay for Specific Actions Related to the Dispossession of Property
• Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Order and Affidavit for Filing An Affidavit Of Compliance With The Federal Cares Act In Landlord-Tenant Cases
• Notice To The Bar: Policies and Protocols For Use of Advanced Communication Technology for Court Proceedings in Civil Matters
• 48 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Reopening of Philadelphia Municipal Court Civil Division to In-Person Proceedings
• Notice to the Bar Re: Protocol For Discovery Motions Filed After July 6, 2020 And Through September 7, 2020
• 47 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Common Pleas & Municipal Court Criminal Divisions.Resumption of Court Proceedings. Updated Protocols
• 46 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Appeals to Common Pleas from Municipal Court Judgements of Possession of Real Property Pursuant to a Lease
• 45 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Qualifying Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Program Reassignment
• 44 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Landlord-Tenant Cases
• 43 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Updated Protocol, Essential Delinquent Juvenile Proceedings
• Notice to the Bar Re: Extension of Protocol for Civil Case Management Conferences During COVID-19 Judicial Emergency. 6/26/2020
• 42 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Commerce Court Temporary Financial Monitor Program
• 41 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Postponement of July, August and September Tax Sales.
• 40 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Postponement of July, August and September Mortgage Foreclosure Sales.
• NOTICE TO THE BAR: Protocol for Compulsory Arbitration Program during COVID-19 Judicial Emergency. Updated 6/11/20
• 39 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Preliminary Arraignments – Public Access
• 38 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Continuation of Judicial Emergency in the First Judicial District
• NOTICE TO THE BAR: Protocol for contested discovery motions during Judicial Emergency created by COVID-19
• 37 of 2020 - President Judge Order In re: ORPHANS’ COURT Citation Procedure
• 36 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Continuation of Judicial Emergency in the First Judicial District
• NOTICE TO THE BAR: Protocol for discovery motions filed after May 5, 2020 and through July 6, 2020.
• NOTICE TO THE BAR: Protocol for assignment of petitions for minor’s compromise, incapacitated person’s compromise, and settlement and distribution of wrongful death/survival actions.
• 35 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Common Pleas Criminal Division. Resumption of Court Proceedings. Updated Protocols
• Amended 04 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: ELECTION DAY JUDICIAL ASSIGNMENTS 2020 Primary Election - Tuesday, June 2, 2020
• 34 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Family Court. Resumption of Operations. Updated Protocols.
• 33 of 2020 - President Judge Amended Order In Re: Resumption of Court Proceedings. Critical Functions. Updated Protocols.
• NOTICE TO THE BAR: Postponement of Civil Trials Through Monday, July 6, 2020.
• NOTICE TO THE BAR: Protocol for Compulsory Arbitration Program during COVID-19 Judicial Emergency.
• NOTICE TO THE BAR: Protocol for agreed upon order for extraordinary relief during COVID-19 Judicial Emergency (Major Jury, Commerce, Non-jury and Arbitration Appeals Programs).
• NOTICE TO THE BAR: Protocol for non-discovery motions filed in commerce program cases prior to and during judicial emergency created by COVID-19.
• 32 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES APPOINTING SUBSTITUTE ARRAIGNMENT COURT MAGISTRATES
• Court of Common Pleas - Civil, NOTICE TO THE BAR: Protocol for Discovery Motions During Judicial Emergency Created By COVID-19
• Court of Common Pleas - Civil, NOTICE TO THE BAR: Protocol for Settlement Conferences Postponed During the COVID 19 Judicial Emergency
• Court of Common Pleas - Civil, NOTICE TO THE BAR: Protocol for Case Management Conferences Postponed During COVID-19 Judicial Emergency
• Municipal Court - Civil, Notice: Filing of Cases to Toll the Statute of Limitation
• 31 of 2020 - ADMINISTRATIVE GOVERNING BOARD Order In Re: CONTINUATION OF JUDICIAL EMERGENCY
• Notice to the Bar Re: Postponement of Civil Trials and Compulsory Arbitration Hearings
• Notice to the Bar Re: Postponement of Civil Trials Date Certain Scheduled for Monday, June 1, 2020
• 30 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Orphans' Court Protocol
• 29 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Civil litigation during the Covid-19 crisis
• 28 of 2020 - Orphans' Court Administrative Judge Order In Re: AUDIT Lists scheduled for May 4, 2020
• Notice to the Bar Re: Postponement of Civil Jury Trials Date Certain Scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2020
• 27 of 2020 - ADMINISTRATIVE GOVERNING BOARD Order In Re: Essential Dependent Juvenile Proceedings
• 26 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Postponement of Philadelphia Sheriff's Tax Sales Scheduled in May and June 2020
• 25 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Postponement of Philadelphia Sheriff's Mortgage Sales Scheduled on May 5, 2020
• 24 of 2020 - ADMINISTRATIVE GOVERNING BOARD Order In Re: CONTINUATION OF JUDICIAL EMERGENCY
• 23 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Philadelphia Municipal Court Judges Sitting as Arraignment Court Magistrates
• 22 of 2020 - ADMINISTRATIVE GOVERNING BOARD Order In Re: Expedited Criminal Motions - To be Filed Electronically and Decided on the Papers
• 21 of 2020 - Administrative Judge Order In Re: Audit Lists scheduled for April 6, 2020
• 20 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Postponement of Philadelphia Sheriff's Tax Sales Scheduled on April 2, 15, 21, and 23, 2020
• 19 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Civil E-Filing Essential Functions
• 18 of 2020 - ADMINISTRATIVE GOVERNING BOARD Order In Re: Emergency Custody Petitions
• 17 of 2020 - President Judge Order In re: Stay of Execution on Personal Property
• 16 of 2020 - ADMINISTRATIVE GOVERNING BOARD Order In Re: Relief Under the Protection From Abuse Act
• 15 of 2020 - ADMINISTRATIVE GOVERNING BOARD Order In Re: Essential Court Functions
• 14 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Postponement of Philadelphia Sheriff’s Mortgage Foreclosure Sale Scheduled on April 7, 2020
• 13 of 2020 - ADMINISTRATIVE GOVERNING BOARD Order In Re: Emergency Motions To Lift Detainers When Defendant is in Custody
• Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Order In Re: General Statewide Judicial Emergency
• 12 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Weekend and Other Short Term Prison Sentences
• 11 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: Postponement of Philadelphia Sheriff’s Sales Scheduled on April 2, 7, 15, 21, and 23, 2020
• 10 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: EMERGENCY JUDICIAL ORDER
• 09 of 2020 - President Judge Order In Re: DECLARATION JUDICIAL EMERGENCY
• FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR TEMPORARY CLOSURES DUE TO COVID-19
• President Judge Administrative Order No. 7-2020 In re: Stay of Issuance of Residential Writs of Possession and Stay of Execution of Issued Residential Writs of Possession.
• Update as of Monday, March 16, 8:30 AM
• Update as of Sunday, March 15, 8:00 PM
• Update as of Sunday, March 15, 2:25 PM

Update as of Friday, March 13, 2020

All courts of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania remain operational. The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania continues to monitor developments on the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and any potential impact on court operations.

Please know that the health and safety of court users and court employees are of paramount importance. For questions, updates, or information about court proceedings and jury service, contact the following departments:
Court of Common Pleas:
Jury Service, 215 683-7167
Orphan' Court Clerk's Office: (215) 686-2230
Criminal Listings for criminal matters, call 215 683-7505
Complex Litigation Center for civil matters, call 215 686-5100

For Jurors:

The health and safety of court users and court employees remain an ongoing concern. Please know the following:

1. The FJD Trial Division is following the state and federal guidelines encouraging social distancing. First, fewer jurors will be called starting March 16, 2020. The large jury assembly rooms allow jurors to keep a distance from one another. Exceeding the city’s recommendation, no more than 200 jurors shall occupy the jury assembly rooms in either the Stout Center or City Hall until further notice.

2. The courts have increased the sanitizing efforts at these facilities. Surface areas in the jury room and court rooms will be sanitized once a day or more.