Commonwealth Court-Truly the People's Court
The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania is unlike any other state court in the nation. Established in 1968, the Court is one of two intermediate appellate courts in Pennsylvania and is vested with the primary appellate responsibility of protecting some of our most fundamental rights. It functions as the judicial check and balance on state and local government, and in cases where the Commonwealth is a party, this Court also acts as a court of original jurisdiction or a trial court. The Commonwealth Court is made up of nine judges who serve 10-year terms.
The Commonwealth Court is the appellate court we can turn to whenever the state or local governments exceed their powers or infringe upon our rights, If we believe we are a victim of an unfair or illegal tax, the Commonwealth Court hears our case. If our voting rights are infringed, the Commonwealth Court hears our appeal. If our property is unfairly assessed or is subjected to exclusionary zoning, we can appeal to the Commonwealth Court. When controversial matters are challenged such as the constitutionality of gambling laws, or elected officials’ pay raises, we look to the Commonwealth Court. The Commonwealth Court protects our rights to seek public referendum.
The Commonwealth Court has responsibility for other important, people oriented, issues such as education law disputes, open records challenges, workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation, health and welfare issues, elder care, taxation and other regulatory matters. In this time of concern over the strength of our financial institutions, it is the Commonwealth Court that is responsible for the proper enforcement of our banking laws.
While the Commonwealth Court is a relatively new component of our state judicial system, and perhaps not as well known, it plays a vital role in protecting our fundamental rights and in matters affecting our everyday lives. It is important, therefore, that we elect judges to the Commonwealth Court who are in touch with the people, who can appreciate their concerns, and who will vigorously protect their rights.
