Pennsylvania’s Unified Court System
7 justices with 10
year terms
Supreme
Court
9 judges with 10
year terms. Hears
cases by or against
Pennsylvania.
Commonwealth
Court
Superior
Court
An appellate
court with 15
judges with 10
year terms
60 judicial districts in
PA
Judges with 10 yr.
terms
Courts of Common Pleas
Philadelphia
Municipal
Court
Magisterial
District
Judge
Terms of 6 years
Found in every county
except Philadelphia.
Currently 553 of them
Pittsburgh
Magistrates
# of judges: 25
Limited to minor
crimes and civil cases
or arraignments
Appointed by
Pittsburgh’s
Mayor
 When an incumbent judge run for re-election, they run for retention. For
example:
Would you like to retain Judge Likens in the Court of Common Pleas?
YES
NO