Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas Document Format Requirements
77 rules from official source documents
Font, margin, spacing, and file format requirements for court filings.
CRITICALCivil cases
A reduced copy of an oversized exhibit must be clear and capable of further reproduction into digital media.
2. A proponent who provides a reduced copy of an oversized exhibit shall ensure that the reproduced document is clear and capable of further reproduction to transfer to digital media.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Margins
- top 1 in, bottom 1 in, left 1 in, right 1 in
An illegible reproduced document must be replaced by an exact typed recitation, or by agreed material sections, on white 8.5-by-11-inch paper in 12-point type, double-spaced with one-inch margins.
In any case where a reproduced document under subdivision (b) above has been included in the pleadings or where a filing has been made under subdivision (b), and such reproduced document is not legible, an exact recitation of the contents of the document or evidence or, by agreement of the parties, the material sections of the same, shall be typed on white paper, eight and one-half inches by eleven inches in size, in twelve point type with double-spacing and margins of one inch on each side and the top and bottom of the page.
CRITICALCivil cases
Oversized exhibits and large photographs must be reduced or photographed so they can be copied or scanned onto 8½-by-11-inch paper for filing.
(a) Oversized exhibits and large photographs exceeding 8 ½ x 11 inches shall be reduced in size and/or photographed so that the copy or photograph of the physical exhibit can be photocopied/scanned on to 8 ½” x 11” inch paper for filing.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Format
- DOCX
The preliminary objections and proposed order submitted for an oral-argument request must be in Microsoft Word format.
The party filing the Preliminary Objections must request that the Preliminary Objections be scheduled for oral argument by submitting the preliminary objections and a proposed order in Microsoft Word format to the Housing Court Help Desk email at HCHelpdesk@alleghenycourts.us.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Format
The PDF copy of the motion and brief accompanying the argument-scheduling request must be submitted in PDF format.
A request to schedule the date and time for argument shall be transmitted by email to the following email address: civilmsjjops@alleghenycourts.us, accompanied by a PDF copy of the motion 117 and brief and a proposed order.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Format
- PAPER
All evidence, including exhibits and confidential or sealed evidence, must be provided to the Arbitration Panel in hard-copy form.
All evidence, including all evidence offered pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P. 1305(b), shall be provided to the Arbitration Panel in hard copy format. This includes all exhibits and evidence filed as a Confidential Document pursuant to the AOPC Public Access Poli-cy or filed under seal pursuant to an Order of Court.
CRITICALCivil cases
Legal papers submitted through the DCR electronic filing system may use only PDF or Microsoft Word file formats.
Legal papers may be filed using the DCR's electronic filing system in the following file formats only: Portable Document Format (.pdf), Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx).
CRITICALCivil cases
Transcripts of testimony may not be photocopied.
Transcripts of testimony may not be photocopied.
CRITICALCivil cases
Three copies of the Notice of Intention to Appear are required.
(Three copies required)
CRITICALCivil cases
A reduced copy of an oversized exhibit must be clear and capable of further reproduction for transfer to digital media.
2. A proponent who provides a reduced copy of an oversized exhibit shall ensure that the reproduced document is clear and capable of further reproduction to transfer to digital media.
CRITICALCivil cases
Oversized exhibits and large photographs exceeding 8½ by 11 inches must be reduced or photographed so the filing copy can be photocopied or scanned onto 8½-by-11-inch paper.
(a) Oversized exhibits and large photographs exceeding 8 ½ x 11 inches shall be reduced in size and/or photographed so that the copy or photograph of the physical exhibit can be photocopied/scanned on to 8 ½” x 11” inch paper for filing.
CRITICAL
- Format
- PAPER
Text messages, emails, and photos submitted as exhibits must be printed and comply with the Rules of Evidence.
Text messages, emails, and photos, if being submitted as exhibits, MUST be printed and submitted in accordance with the Rules of Evidence.
CRITICAL
- Format
- DOCX
A proposed order must be attached separately in Microsoft Word format.
Proposed orders must be attached separately in Microsoft Word format to allow editing by the Court.
CRITICAL
Plaintiffs must use Arabic numerals to identify exhibits, while defendants must use letters.
Plaintiff shall identify exhibits with Arabic numerals, and Defendant shall use letters.
CRITICAL
- Format
- DOCX
Proposed orders attached to Center filings must be in editable Microsoft Word format.
Proposed orders must be attached in Microsoft Word format to allow editing by the Court.
CRITICAL
- Format
- DOCX
Any court-requested post-hearing submissions must be emailed in Word format to the designated chambers address, with a copy to opposing counsel.
These shall be submitted in Word format to mcginleysubmissions@alleghenycourts.us with copy to opposing counsel.
CRITICAL
- Format
Send all documents in PDF or Microsoft Word format.
Please send all documents in PDF or Microsoft Word format.
CRITICAL
- Format
- DOCX
A proposed order must be attached separately in editable Microsoft Word format.
Proposed orders must be attached separately in Microsoft Word format to allow editing by the Court.
CRITICAL
- Format
All documents must be submitted in PDF or Microsoft Word format.
Please send all documents in PDF or Microsoft Word format.
CRITICAL
- Format
Electronic exhibits must generally be submitted as PDFs, clearly labeled, and listed on the Exhibit Index in the Exhibit Binder; audio and video exhibits are exempt from the PDF requirement.
Electronic exhibits must: 1. Be submitted as PDF files, unless the exhibits are audio or video; 2. Be clearly labeled by exhibit number and/or letter(s); and 3. Be listed on the Exhibit Index within the Exhibit Binder.
CRITICAL
- Applies to
- Sij order
The court will not sign an SIJ order that is boilerplate or conclusory.
The Court will not sign boilerplate or conclusory SIJ orders.
CRITICAL
Exhibit binders must be tabbed, match the exhibit index numbering, and contain only pre-marked exhibits.
C. Binders must: 1. Be tabbed; 2. Match the numbering in the exhibit index; and 3. Contain only pre-marked exhibits.
CRITICAL
- Format
- DOCX
The proposed order accompanying a remote-appearance request must be submitted in Word format.
4. A proposed order in Word format.
CRITICAL
- Format
- DOCX
The proposed order accompanying a continuance motion must be submitted in Word format.
3. A proposed order in Word format.
CRITICAL
Audio and video files must be playable on standard Windows-based courtroom systems.
Audio and video files must be playable on standard Windows-based courtroom systems.
CRITICAL
Audio and video recordings must also be provided on a USB flash drive in a sealed, three-hole-punched envelope marked with the exhibit identifiers and placed in the Exhibit Binder.
All video and audio recordings must be submitted: i. Via email to henry-taylorchambers@alleghenycourts.us; and ii. On a USB flash drive, sealed in a large envelope, three-hole punched, and placed in the Exhibit Binder. The envelope must be marked with the exhibit number(s)/letter(s).
CRITICAL
All exhibits must be pre-marked before trial or evidentiary hearings, although rebuttal exhibits need not be identified before trial.
A. All exhibits must be pre-marked before trial or evidentiary hearings. Rebuttal exhibits do not need to be identified prior to trial.
CRITICAL
All exhibits must be printed for courtroom use even if submitted electronically, and presenting evidence on phones is prohibited.
All exhibits must be printed for courtroom use, regardless of whether there are submitted electronically. Use of phones to present evidence is strictly prohibited.
CRITICALCivil cases
Before trial, each party must prepare a tabbed binder containing all exhibits the party intends to present or introduce into evidence.
Prior to the start of trial, each party must prepare a tabbed exhibit binder containing each exhibit that the party plans to show to any witness, to introduce through any witness, or otherwise to introduce into evidence.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Format
The motion must be emailed as a PDF and the proposed order must be emailed as a separate Microsoft Word document to the calendar control motions address.
To do this please email your motion as a PDF document and your proposed order as a separate Microsoft WORD document to civilcalcontrolmotions@alleghenycourts.us
CRITICALCivil cases
- Format
- DOCX
The proposed order submitted with a Petition for Settlement Approval must be in Microsoft Word format.
Petitions for Settlement Approval for wrongful death or survival actions shall be submitted to Judge Connelly electronically at civilcalcontrolmotions@alleghenycourts.us along with a Proposed Order in Microsoft Word format.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Format
- DOCX
A proposed order must be provided in Microsoft Word format as a separate document.
All motions and orders must be emailed, and the proposed order must be provided as a separate Microsoft Word Document.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Format
- DOCX
An uncontested motion’s proposed order must be supplied as a separate Microsoft Word document for electronic signature.
Please provide your proposed order as a separate Microsoft WORD Document for electronic signing.
CRITICAL
- Format
- DOCX
Proposed orders must be attached separately in editable Microsoft Word format.
Proposed Orders should be attached separately in Microsoft Word format to allow editing by the Court.
CRITICAL
Documents must be submitted in PDF or Microsoft Word format.
Please send all documents in PDF or Microsoft Word format.
CRITICAL
- Format
- DOCX
Proposed orders must be attached separately in editable Microsoft Word format.
Proposed orders should be attached separately in Microsoft Word format to allow editing by the Court.
CRITICAL
All documents must include attorney contact information, including an email address.
All documents should include attorney contact information including an email address.
WARNINGCivil cases
Attachments, supporting documents, and exhibits must be on 8.5-by-11-inch paper when filed with the Department of Court Records.
(b) All attachments, supporting documents, and exhibits shall be on eight and one- half inches by eleven inches paper at the time of filing with the Department of Court Records.
WARNINGCivil cases
A smaller reproduced document should, if possible, be reproduced on 8.5-by-11-inch paper.
(i) A smaller document shall be reproduced, if possible, on eight and one-half inches by eleven inches paper.
WARNINGCivil cases
- Format
A PDF copy of the motion and any filed brief must accompany the email requesting oral-argument scheduling.
A request to schedule the date and time for argument shall be transmitted by email to the Housing Court Help Desk at HCHelpdesk@alleghenycourts.us accompanied by a PDF copy of the motion, brief if filed, and a proposed order in Microsoft Word format.
WARNINGCivil cases
When an uncontested motion is presented by email, the motion and proposed order must be in Microsoft Word format.
A motion which is uncontested, and which contains the certification required by Local Rule 208.2(d), may be presented in person or by emailing the Motion with a proposed order in Microsoft Word format to civiluncontestedmotions@alleghenycourts.us.
WARNINGCivil cases
Parties should not rely on electronically filed documents because the Arbitration Panel may lack access to them at the hearing.
The parties should not rely on the electronically filed documents that appear on the Department of Court Records E-Filing portal, as the Arbitration panel may not have access to those documents at the time of the hearing.
WARNINGCivil cases
Footnotes in pleadings, petitions, motions, and other legal papers must be single-spaced.
(a) Footnotes shall be single-spaced
WARNINGCivil cases
A proponent must ensure that a digital exhibit entered into the record uses a court-acceptable format.
(b) Use of Digital Media. A proponent shall ensure that an exhibit in digital format entered into the record is in a format acceptable to the court.
WARNINGCivil cases
Failure to provide required hard copies does not by itself permit the arbitration hearing to continue without the unaffected party's consent.
Either Party’s failure to provide the Arbitration panel with hard-copy documents pursuant to paragraph (a) shall not be the basis to continue an Arbitration hearing without the consent of the non- offending party.
WARNINGCivil cases
A larger document must be reduced to 8.5-by-11 inches only if it remains legible.
(ii) A larger document shall be reduced and reproduced to eight and one-half inches by eleven inches size, provided it will still be legible.
WARNINGCivil cases
- Format
- DOCX
The petition submitted to the Housing Court Help Desk must be in Microsoft Word format.
(b) The Petitioner must request that the petition be scheduled for oral argument by submitting the petition and a proposed order in Microsoft Word format to the Housing Court Help Desk email at HCHelpdesk@alleghenycourts.us.
WARNINGCivil cases
- Format
Hard-copy legal papers and exhibits are converted to and maintained as PDFs, then returned to the filing party for retention.
In the event any legal paper or exhibit is submitted to the DCR in a hard-copy format, the DCR shall convert to, receive, and maintain such legal paper or exhibits as a PDF, and the DCR shall return the hard-copy legal paper or exhibit to the filing party for retention as required by Pa.R.Civ.P. 205.4(b)(5).
WARNINGCivil cases
A proponent must ensure that a digital exhibit entered into the record uses a court-acceptable format.
(b) Use of Digital Media. A proponent shall ensure that an exhibit in digital format entered into the record is in a format acceptable to the court.
WARNINGCivil cases
Cover-sheet lettering must be at least 12 points or equivalent and substantially follow the prescribed cover-sheet format.
The lettering shall be in a font of no smaller than twelve-point size or an equivalent, and shall substantially follow the format in Form of Cover Sheet (FORM 205.2(b)) (see subsection (3) below).
WARNING
A proposed order should be attached separately in Microsoft Word format.
Proposed orders should be attached separately in Word format.
WARNING
Documents should be sent in PDF or Microsoft Word format.
Please send all documents in PDF or Microsoft Word Format.
WARNING
- Format
Responses and any replies can also be emailed in PDF format.
Responses and any replies can also be emailed in PDF format.
WARNINGCivil cases
Plaintiff exhibit identifications must use Arabic numerals, while Defendant exhibit identifications must use letters.
Plaintiff shall identify exhibits with Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3,…), and Defendant shall use letters (A, B, C,…).
WARNINGCivil cases
- Format
- DOCX
The proposed joint points for charge and verdict slip must be submitted in Word format before the Pretrial Conference.
submit the proposed joint points for charge and verdict slip in Word format prior to the Pretrial Conference.
WARNINGProposed or draft document; may not be in force
- Format
Documents must be submitted in PDF or Microsoft Word format, and proposed orders must be separately attached in PDF format.
Please send all documents in PDF or Microsoft Word format. PROPOSED ORDERS ARE REQUIRED and should be attached separately in PDF format.
WARNING
Documents sent to the Court must be in PDF or Microsoft Word format.
Please send all documents in PDF or Microsoft Word format.
WARNING
Share files, Dropbox transfers, and outside links are prohibited as Court submissions.
Share files, dropbox transfers and outside links may not be submitted to the Court.
WARNING
- Format
- DOCX
If requested, proposed findings or a proposed order must be submitted in Word format to chambers by email with a copy to opposing counsel.
The Court may request submission of proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law and/or a proposed Order. These shall be submitted in Word format to rudzkichambers@alleghenycourts.us with copy to opposing counsel.
WARNING
Plaintiffs must identify trial exhibits with Arabic numerals, while defendants must use letters.
Plaintiff shall identify exhibits with Arabic numerals, and Defendant shall use letters.
WARNING
- Format
- DOCX
Proposed orders should be attached separately in editable Microsoft Word format.
Proposed orders should be attached separately in Microsoft Word format to allow editing by the Court.
WARNING
Cases still bearing the -007 docket suffix must use the correct -011 suffix.
1. Any cases that still contain the -007 suffix shall reflect the correct suffix of -011.
WARNING
For cases assigned to Judge Henry-Taylor, the docket suffix should be checked and pleadings updated to reflect the -011 suffix.
E. The docket suffix may begin as -001, but will be changed to -011 if the case is being handled by Judge Henry-Taylor. If your case is assigned to Judge Henry- Taylor, please check the suffix and update pleadings accordingly.
WARNING
The Court prints exhibits for self-represented litigants with IFP status; all other litigants must print their own exhibits before the hearing or trial.
If a party is self-represented and has In Forma Pauperis status, the Court will print exhibits for courtroom use. All other litigants are responsible for printing their own exhibits before the hearing or trial.
WARNING
The defendant or non-moving party must use alphabetic exhibit labels unless the Pretrial Order specifies otherwise.
C. Defendant/Non-Moving Party shall use letters (A, B, C, etc.), unless otherwise specified in a Pretrial Order of Court.
WARNING
The plaintiff or moving party must use numeric exhibit labels unless the Pretrial Order specifies otherwise.
B. Plaintiff/Moving Party shall use numbers (1,2, 3, etc.), unless otherwise specified in a Pretrial Order of Court.
WARNING
Counsel must test electronic exhibit files before trial and coordinate with the Judicial Tipstaff.
Counsel must test the files in advance of trial and coordinate with the Judicial Tipstaff.
WARNING
- Applies to
- Sij order
- Format
- DOCX
An SIJ order must be submitted in Word format so the court can edit it.
SIJ orders must: 1. Contain specific factual findings; 2. Reflect the evidence; and 3. Be submitted in Word format for editing.
WARNING
Large or physical exhibits must also be labeled with their exhibit number.
H. Large or physical exhibits must also be labeled with the exhibit number.
WARNING
Permitted joint exhibits must be marked J-1, J-2, J-3, and so on.
E. Joint exhibits, when permitted, shall be marked “J-1,” “J-2,” “J-3.”
WARNING
Collective exhibits must have sub-designations allowing separate objections and rulings.
G. Collective exhibits (e.g., a series of photographs) must be labeled with sub- designations (e.g. 1-A, 1-B, etc. or A-1, A-2, etc.) to allow for separate objections and rulings.
WARNING
Additional defendants and third parties must use double-letter exhibit labels unless the Pretrial Order specifies otherwise.
D. Additional Defendants/Third Parties shall use double letters (AA, BB, CC, etc.), unless otherwise specified in a Pretrial Order of Court.
WARNING
- Format
All documents may be submitted in either PDF or Microsoft Word format.
Please send all documents in PDF or Microsoft Word format.
INFOCivil cases
The court may direct that the original item rather than a duplicate be entered into the record.
(c) Duplicates. The court may direct that the original item and not a duplicate, be entered into the record.
INFOCivil cases
Exhibit binders are preferred in nonjury trials.
Exhibit binders are preferred.
INFOCivil cases
Tabbed exhibit binders are preferred for trial exhibits.
Tabbed exhibit binders are preferred.
INFO
Exhibits submitted to the Court should be in color whenever possible.
Exhibits submitted to the Court shall be in color whenever possible.
What formatting rules apply to filings in Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas?
Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas' formatting rule includes 12 point type, double spacing, letter paper, margins top 1 inches, bottom 1 inches, left 1 inches, right 1 inches, use white paper., and include an exact recitation of the reproduced document's contents, or, by agreement of the parties, its material sections.. An illegible reproduced document must be replaced by an exact typed recitation, or by agreed material sections, on white 8.
Judge Patrick M. Connelly's formatting rule includes the tabbed exhibit binder must contain every exhibit the party plans to show to a witness, introduce through a witness, or otherwise introduce into evidence.. Before trial, each party must prepare a tabbed binder containing all exhibits the party intends to present or introduce into evidence.
Judge Nicola Henry-Taylor's formatting rule includes file format PDF, audio or video exhibits are exempt from the pdf requirement., and electronic exhibits must be clearly labeled by exhibit number and/or letter(s).. Electronic exhibits must generally be submitted as PDFs, clearly labeled, and listed on the Exhibit Index in the Exhibit Binder; audio and video exhibits are exempt from the PDF requirement.
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