Pennsylvania Code
Title 210 - APPELLATE PROCEDURE
Part II - INTERNAL OPERATING PROCEDURES
Chapter 65 - OPERATING PROCEDURES OF THE SUPERIOR COURT
DECISIONAL PROCEDURES
Section 65.34 - Oral Argument

Universal Citation: 210 PA Code § 65.34

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 52, December 28, 2024

A. Except in unusual circumstances, oral argument shall not exceed a total of fifteen (15) minutes for appellant and a total of fifteen (15) minutes for appellee. Where there are two or more appeals from the same order raising different or unrelated issues and in joint appeals, counsel addressing the court for each side shall be allowed ten (10) minutes to present argument. The total time allowed any side shall not exceed thirty (30) minutes. At the discretion of the presiding judge, the amount of time for argument may be increased or decreased.

B. Counsel filing briefs late shall not be permitted to argue but shall be available to answer any questions the Court may ask.

C. Counsel may use exhibits and graphic aids during argument. Copies of all such exhibits must be appended to the presenting party's brief in compliance with the requirements of Pa.R.A.P. 2134. Arrangements must be made by counsel with the Court Crier prior to argument for use of a blackboard or easel.

D. Pro se arguments, except from parties then incarcerated, shall be heard in the same manner and on the same basis as arguments of counsel.

E. The use of laptops, tablets, and phones by attendees at argument sessions, in a non-disruptive manner, is permitted in the courtroom, except that they are disallowed for oral communication, photography, or audio- or video-recording purposes.

1. The Court does not provide Internet connectivity.

2. All electronic devices must be on a silent or vibrate mode.

3. Parties presenting oral argument may, without seeking permission of the panel, utilize laptops, tablets, or phones for data, reading, and reference purposes only, so long as usage of the device will not be disruptive to the oral argument.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Pennsylvania may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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