Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Historical Commission - explore the history of the oldest court in the United States.

Court History

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is the oldest appellate court in the country and was indispensable in creating American democracy.

Learn more about the Court, the Justices, and their landmark decisions.

Courtrooms

William Penn's Provincial Court was established in 1684 with five Justices, one of whom rode circuit throughout the province conducting trials and hearing appeals. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania continues the tradition of travelling and has three historic courtrooms.

Explore those courtrooms, the portraits on display in each, and the physical artifacts in the court's History Center.