Pennsylvania Court Exhibit Requirements
A comprehensive guide to preparing exhibits for Pennsylvania courts under Pa.R.C.P. 212.2, including PACFile requirements, Philadelphia Civil Rule *223.1, and county-specific rules.
Quick Reference
Updated 2025-01-155 MB (Philadelphia)
P-1, P-2, P-3...
D-1, D-2, D-3...
60-90 days after trial notice
Applicable Rules & Citations
Primary Rule
Pre-trial statement requirements. List all exhibits 60-90 days after trial notice.
Philadelphia Rules
Civil Rule *223.1
Strictest in PA: 5 MB limit, 8½ inches exact width. Commerce Program has additional requirements.
E-Filing System
5-10 MB per document (varies by county). Text-searchable PDF preferred. Copies ≠ originals.
Allegheny County
Local Rule 205.2(a)
Pittsburgh-area e-filing. Pre-trial statements per Pa.R.C.P. 212.2 with typical 10 MB limits.
PACFile Copies Do NOT Constitute Originals
Unlike some other e-filing systems, PACFile copies are not considered originals. Courts may require original documents for trial despite e-filing. Maintain original exhibits for production at trial when requested by the court or opposing counsel.
Overview
Pennsylvania Courts of Common Pleas operate in 60 judicial districts with varying local rules. Exhibit requirements are governed by Pa.R.C.P. 212.2 for pre-trial statements, supplemented by county-specific rules. Philadelphia and Allegheny County have the largest caseloads with specialized divisions.
Key principle: Philadelphia has the strictest requirements in Pennsylvania with 5 MB file limits and exact 8½ inch width specifications. Always check your specific county's local rules before filing.
Pennsylvania Exhibit Numbering Conventions
Standard Pennsylvania Conventions
Plaintiff Exhibits
- P-1, P-2, P-3... (standard)
- Include case number
- Sequential numbering
Defendant Exhibits
- D-1, D-2, D-3... (standard)
- Include case number
- Sequential numbering
Joint Exhibits
- J-1, J-2, J-3...
- Agreed upon exhibits
- Reduces duplications
County-Specific Requirements
Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas
Civil Rule *223.1 requires true and correct copies presented to Trial Judge and all counsel when marked. Rule *5101 requires certification of compliance. 5 MB limit per file, exactly 8.5 inches width.
Philadelphia Civil Rule *223.1, *5101Allegheny County
Plaintiffs use Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3), defendants use letters (A, B, C). Tabbed exhibit binders required with copies to witness, opposing counsel, and court.
Allegheny County Local Rule 205.2(a)Montgomery County
Civil Division has established exhibit exchange procedures and pre-trial requirements.
Philadelphia Civil Rule *223.1
Philadelphia Has Strictest Requirements in Pennsylvania
- 5 MB maximum file size - smaller than most counties
- 8½ inches exact width - strictly enforced
- Commerce Program has additional case management requirements
- Complex Litigation Center may require special procedures
Common PACFile Issues
Philadelphia: File Size Exceeds 5 MB
Solution: Philadelphia has the strictest limit at 5 MB. Split large exhibits into parts. Label clearly (e.g., "Exhibit P-5, Part 1 of 3").
Philadelphia: Document Width Not 8½ Inches
Solution: Philadelphia requires exact 8½ inch width. Ensure PDFs are properly formatted before uploading. Legal-size documents must be converted or filed separately.
Missing Pre-Trial Statement Exhibit List
Solution: Pa.R.C.P. 212.2 requires all exhibits listed in pre-trial statement 60-90 days after trial notice. Unlisted exhibits may be excluded at trial.
Original Not Available at Trial
Solution: PACFile copies are NOT originals. Maintain original documents and bring them to trial. Courts may require original production despite e-filing.
How ExhibitPrep Helps with Pennsylvania Requirements
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PACFile Ready
P-1/D-1/J-1 formatting. Export individual files for county size limits.
ExhibitPrep Configuration for Pennsylvania Courts
Recommended Settings
Exhibit Format
Use "P-[number]" for plaintiff, "D-[number]" for defendant, "J-[number]" for joint (e.g., "P-1", "D-1", "J-1"). Include case number when required.
Stamp Position
Bottom-right corner is standard. Ensure stamps don't obscure document content and stay within 8½ inch width for Philadelphia.
Export Format
Individual files recommended. Philadelphia: under 5 MB. Other counties: under 10 MB. Split larger exhibits into clearly labeled parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Pa.R.C.P. 212.2 pre-trial statement requirements?
Pa.R.C.P. 212.2 requires parties to file pre-trial statements listing all exhibits 60-90 days after trial notice. Failure to list exhibits may result in exclusion. Check your county's specific deadline.
What is the PACFile size limit?
Limits vary by county. Philadelphia is strictest at 5 MB with 8½ inch exact width. Most other counties allow 10 MB. Split larger exhibits into clearly labeled parts.
What are Philadelphia court exhibit requirements?
Philadelphia has the strictest requirements under Civil Rule *223.1: 5 MB file limit, 8½ inch exact width, Commerce Program and Complex Litigation Center additional requirements.
Do PACFile copies count as originals?
No. PACFile copies do NOT constitute originals. Courts may require original documents at trial. Maintain originals for production when requested by the court or opposing counsel.
What exhibit numbering format does Pennsylvania use?
P-1, P-2, P-3 for plaintiff; D-1, D-2, D-3 for defendant; J-1, J-2, J-3 for joint exhibits. Include case number on all exhibits as required by local rules.
What are Allegheny County exhibit requirements?
Allegheny County follows Local Rule 205.2(a) with typical 10 MB limits. Pittsburgh-area cases follow Pa.R.C.P. 212.2 pre-trial statement requirements.
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