Pitt Law welcomes the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania Special Session in our very own Teplitz Memorial Courtroom. It is a very special honor for us to have a chance to host the court, and even more special that all the judges hearing arguments – Senior Judge Bonnie Leadbetter, Judge Patricia A. McCullough, and Judge Michael H. Wojcik – are graduates of Pitt Law!
Commonwealth Court:
Established in 1968, the Commonwealth Court is one of Pennsylvania’s two statewide intermediate appellate courts. Its jurisdiction generally is limited to legal matters involving state and local government and regulatory agencies. Litigation typically focuses on such subjects as banking, insurance and utility regulation and laws affecting taxation, land use, elections, labor practices, and workers’ compensation.
Issues to be heard on Feb., 13, 2020, include:
- Whether a disabled veteran who is fleeing an abusive relationship may be denied Section 8 housing because of her use of medical marijuana for PTSD and chronic pain;
- An employer’s appeal from a decision of the Unemployment Compensation Board of Review granting unemployment compensation benefits to a claimant using cannabidiol (CBD) oil for cancer;
- An original jurisdiction matter challenging the constitutionality of the Commonwealth’s Name Change Act, which restricted the ability of transgendered persons with felony convictions for rape and aggravated assault to change their names;
- An appeal from a final determination of the Office of Open Records denying a Right To Know Law request seeking a bid proposal containing trade secret and/or confidential proprietary information; and
- An appeal of a trial court order upholding a Zoning Hearing Board’s decision granting a special exception to develop an unconventional natural gas well pad, which would allegedly be detrimental to the health and safety of the community.
Opening Ceremony
University of Pittsburgh School of Law Special Session
Thursday, Feb., 13, 2020 9:00 a.m.
Order of Proceedings
Opening of Court
Commonwealth Court Crier (or Prothonotary)
(Gavel one time)
All rise.
The Honorable Judges of the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania.
(Gavel three times)
Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!
All manner of persons who have business before this Court may now appear and they shall be heard.
God save the Commonwealth and this Honorable Court.
(Gavel one time)
Judge Wojcik recognizes Amy J. Wildermuth, Dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.
Amy J. Wildermuth, Dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, remarks.
Judge Wojcik remarks and introduction of Commonwealth Court Judges.
Closing of Court