Philadelphia Cnty. C.P. Municipal Court-Civil Rule 102

When used in these Rules, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings set forth in

this section, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

Administrative Regulation— Instructions from the President Judge of the Municipal Court to the

judicial complement and to the Court Administrator and staff. This includes new Court programs.

Authorized Representative—An authorized representative is an individual who is an agent of a

party, has personal knowledge of the subject matter of litigation, a nd files a written authorization

with the Court prior to the commencement of trial. A written authorization shall be signed by a

party and the party’s authorized representative. It shall specify the nature and extent of the

authority that the party has given to the authorized representative. A valid written authorization

must be filed with the Court before an authorized representative may take any actions on behalf of

a party. An approved written authorization form is attached to these rules.

Affidavit—A statement in writing of a fact or facts, signed by the person making it, that either (1)

is sworn to or affirmed before an officer authorized by law to administer oaths, or before a

particular officer or individual designated by law as one before whom it m ay be taken, and

officially certified to in the case of an officer certified to in the case of an officer under his seal of

office, (2) is unsworn and contains a statement that it is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.

§4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.

Application— Shall include all petitions and motions.

Claimant—The first filing of a claimant instituting a claim as set forth in Section 106.

Court—The Philadelphia Municipal Court existing pursuant to Section 6(c) of Art icle V of the

Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and as implemented by Subchapter B of

Chapter 11 (relating to Philadelphia Municipal Court) of 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.

The Board of Judges of the Philadelphia Municipal Court shall have the exclusive authority to

promulgate local Rules governing practice and procedure as provided in 42 Pa.C.S. §323.

Defendant—The responding party on a complaint, counterclaim, additional claim, or cross claim.

Guardian—The party representing th e interest of a minor party in any action whether he is (1) the

guardian of a minor appointed by any court of competent jurisdiction, or (2) a parent of the any

competent adult person.

Guardian ad litem—One specially appointed by the court to represent a minor party in a pending

action.

Landlord—Tenant Officer —Personnel appointed to this office in accordance with Act of July 9,

1976 P.L. 586 No. 142 Section 17. 42 Pa. C.S. §2301.

Minor—An individual under the age of eighteen (18) years.

Municipal Court—See Court, supra. Municipal Court Administrator —The chief administrative

officer of the Municipal Court.

Persons With Disabilities — Individuals who are disabled as defined in the Americans With

Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. §12131(2).

Prothonotary—T he Prothonotary of Philadelphia as defined in 42 Pa.C.S. §2731(c).

Sworn—Includes affirmed.

Verified—When used in reference to a written statement of fact by the signer, means supported by

oath or affirmation or made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C .S. §4904 relating to unsworn

falsification to authorities.

Writ Servers—Personnel of the Municipal Court appointed in accordance with the Act July of 9,

1976, P.L. 586 No. 142 Section 17. 42 Pa.C.S. §2301.

Note: Amended June 10, 1995, effective July 10, 1995; amended November 30, 2007, effective 30 days

after publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.