Dear Friends of the Commonwealth Court:
Driven by their shared love and enthusiasm for administrative law and practice, a
group of attorneys, as well as Commonwealth Court judges and law clerks, created
the Commonwealth Court Historical Society in 2007. Since its inception, the
Historical Society’s mission has been to preserve the history of this unique Court,
as well as to educate the public about the Court’s contribution to Pennsylvania’s
jurisprudence in the areas such as administrative practice and procedure, statutory
construction, and the Pennsylvania Constitution. The Commonwealth Court is
distinct from other state appellate courts as it exercises both original and appellate
jurisdiction and is dedicated to matters involving state and local governments.
It accomplishes this mission by recognizing law students who excel in the study of
administrative law with scholarships or sponsoring continuing legal education
programs on evolving topics of interest, including its biennial Commonwealth
Court Symposium, in coordination with the Pennsylvania Bar Association
Administrative Law Section. Retired Prothonotary Dan Schuckers collects the
reminiscences of former judges and their law clerks which are posted online to
provide a historical perspective and a within-chambers view of the Court. More
recently, the Historical Society helped the Court celebrate its 50th anniversary,
albeit somewhat belatedly due to the pandemic.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the hard work and dedication of
a number of volunteers, including our Board members. In addition, I want to
recognize President Judge Emerita Bonnie Brigance Leadbetter for her leadership
in the formation of the Historical Society and her ongoing support, and former
President Judges Dan Pellegrini and Mary Hannah Leavitt, and Justice P. Kevin
Brobson, a former President Judge, for their contributions to its continuing success.
I invite you to explore this website and consider becoming involved in the
Commonwealth Court Historical Society.
Sincerely yours,
Renée Cohn Jubelirer
President Judge
Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania
Dear Friends:
The Historical Society is entirely funded by the contributions of its members. To continue our efforts, we need to have a large, active membership. I encourage everyone to join the Historical Society as we try to achieve our twin goals of preserving the history of the Court and educating the public about the role of the Court in the development of Pennsylvania law.
Information concerning the activities of the Historical Society can be found on this website as is an APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP. Please review this information and join our efforts.
AMY L. PUTNAM , ESQ.
President Judge’s Designee