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

Supreme Court History

Dating back to William Penn's Provincial Court of 1684, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is the oldest appellate court in the United States. Learn more about the Court's history and its impact on the development of law.

Supreme Court Justices

Over fifty Chief Justices and one hundred Associate Justices have shaped and guided the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania since 1684.

Landmark Decisions

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is the court of last resort in the Commonwealth and the supreme authority on its constitution. Learn more about the landmark decisions that impact Pennsylvanians' everyday lives.

Courtrooms

The Supreme Court hears appeals in its three historic, magnificent courtrooms in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia.

Portraits

See the portraits and photographs of the Justices that have served.

Resources for Educators

The Historical Commission is committed to providing educational materials, resources, and unique opportunities for teachers and students to learn about the courts of Pennsylvania and civics through interactive educational experiences.

SCOPA History Center

Explore the history of the Supreme Court through the various artifacts on display in its History Center at the Pennsylvania Judicial Center in Harrisburg.

Ceremonies

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court occasionally holds ceremonial sessions on important occasions to induct justices, recognize staff, and mourn colleagues.

Read the published transcripts dating back to 1874.

What's Happening?

The Declaration's Journey - Judge Robert Wesley Williams, Jr., Honored

On May 11, 2026, the Commonwealth Court Historical Society held a CLE/CJE program-The Declaration's Journey: 250 Years of Liberty, Equality, and Self-Government-In the Madame Justice Sandra Schultz Newman Supreme Court Courtroom in Philadelphia. Celebrating America250, judges and lawyers from across the Commonwealth heard from Dr. R. Scott Stephenson, CEO of the Museum of the American Revolution, about the Declaration of Independence, America's struggle for freedom, and the c

Walnut Street Theatre - 1776

Over the course of three days, 2700 local school students descended on the Walnut Street Theatre to watch the troupe’s performance of ‘1776’ and learn about history and civics. Organized by Commonwealth Court Judge Lori Dumas on behalf of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Historical Commission, the students watched a professional live performance – for many a first – and participate in a talkback session with the cast afterwards.

Civics Education in Wilkes-Barre

On April 10, 2026, Supreme Court Justice Sallie Updyke Mundy, Superior Court President Judge Emeritus (and former Justice) Correale F. Stevens, and Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas President judge welcomed 40 students from Hanover Area High School to the county courthouse in Wilkes-Barre. The three judges discussed the different courts in the Commonwealth and their responsibility to the rule of law and democracy. They also presented the students with hypothetical statutes

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