The Court’s seal shall contain the words “SUPERIOR COURT” on the upper arc of the circle and the words “STATE OF DELAWARE” on the lower arc. This language shall encircle arms similar to those appearing on the Great Seal of the State. The Prothonotary is authorized to affix the seal to such documents as, under the practice heretofore prevailing, may be appropriate.
Rule 80.Seal
Part X: The Superior Court; Prothonotaries · Last amended July 1, 2000 · Last verified July 28, 2026
In one sentenceRule 80 describes the Superior Court's official seal — 'SUPERIOR COURT' on the upper arc and 'STATE OF DELAWARE' on the lower arc, encircling arms like those on the state's Great Seal — and authorizes the Prothonotary to affix it to documents under existing practice.
Full Text of Rule 80
Amendment History
Adopted, Mar. 16, 2000, effective July 1, 2000.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 80 sets out exactly what the Superior Court's seal looks like: the words "SUPERIOR COURT" run along the upper arc of the circle, "STATE OF DELAWARE" runs along the lower arc, and arms similar to those on the state's Great Seal sit inside, encircled by that text.
The rule then authorizes the Prothonotary to affix the seal to whatever documents were appropriate "under the practice heretofore prevailing" — pointing back to how the court had already been using its seal rather than spelling out a new list of documents that require it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What words appear on the Superior Court's seal?
Rule 80 places "SUPERIOR COURT" on the upper arc of the circle and "STATE OF DELAWARE" on the lower arc, encircling arms similar to those on the state's Great Seal.
Who has authority to affix the court's seal to a document?
Rule 80 authorizes the Prothonotary to affix the seal to documents, following the practice that prevailed before the rule was adopted.
When was Rule 80 adopted?
Rule 80 was adopted March 16, 2000, effective July 1, 2000.
Does Rule 80 create a new list of documents that require the court's seal?
No. It authorizes the Prothonotary to affix the seal as appropriate under the practice that already prevailed, rather than listing specific documents.
Source & verification. Rule text is reproduced verbatim from the
Delaware Rules of Civil Procedure for the Superior Court, adopted by the
Superior Court of the State of Delaware. Last verified July 28, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: delaware superior court seal descriptionwho can affix delaware court sealsuperior court seal state of delawaredelaware court seal great seal arms