The LuLac Edition #5, 341, May 31st, 2025

 

HISTORY UNDER THE DOME

On Friday May 30^th history was made in Luzerne County. For the first time The Supreme Court of the Commonwealth heard cases in Courtroom #1 on the third floor of the Courthouse. The last time the high court heard cases outside of their regular venue was 1981. The appearance coincided with the 175^th anniversary of the Wilkes-Barre Law & Library Association.

It began in 1684 as the Provincial Court, and casual references to it as the "Supreme Court" of Pennsylvania were made official in 1722 upon its reorganization as an entity separate from the control of the colonial governor. It claims to be the oldest appellate court in the United States,

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania maintains a discretionary docket, meaning that the Court may choose which cases it accepts, with the exception of mandatory death penalty appeals, and certain appeals from the original jurisdiction of the Commonwealth Court. This discretion allows the Court to wield powerful influence on the formation and interpretation of Pennsylvania law.

The original Pennsylvania constitutions, drafted by William Penn, established a Provincial Court under the control of his British governors. Between 1780 and 1808, a Pennsylvania High Court of Errors and Appeals existed, which was the court of last resort in Pennsylvania. After that court's dissolution in 1808, the Commonwealth's Supreme Court became, and remains, the court of last resort in the Pennsylvania judiciary.

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania predates the United States Supreme Court by more than 100 years. Interpreting the Pennsylvania Constitution.

The Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association is the official name of the bar association of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.  The Bar Association is one of the oldest county bar associations in the United States.

Founded on June 18, 1850 as the “Wilkes-Barre Law Association”, the name of the association was altered in 1855 to the “Wilkes-Barre Law & Library Association” to reflect the important role of the operation of a community law library for its member attorneys.

In addition to maintaining the Hon. Max Rosenn Memorial Law Library, the Association also operates The Luzerne Legal Register, the official law journal o luzerne County.  A modern-day Lawyer Referral Service is also hosted by the Association for people who need a lawyer but do not know whom to call.

The proceedings were covered by Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN) and we here at LuLac were happy to attend.  (wikipedia, LuLac, PCN)