Rule 1017.Pleadings Allowed.

Adopted June 25, 1946 · Last amended March 23, 2007 · Last verified June 30, 2026

In one sentenceRule 1017 limits the pleadings in a civil action to a complaint and answer, a reply where the answer contains new matter or a counterclaim or cross-claim, a counter-reply to new matter in a reply, and a preliminary objection and response, and provides that no formal joinder of issue is required.

Full Text of Rule 1017

Text sizeJump to: (a) (b) (c)

(a) Except as provided by Rule 1041.1, the pleadings in an action are limited to

(1) a complaint and an answer thereto,

(2) a reply if the answer contains new matter a counterclaim or a cross-claim,

(3) a counter-reply if the reply to a counterclaim or cross-claim contains new matter,

(4) a preliminary objection and a response thereto.

(b) Rescinded.

End

Plain-English Summary

This rule lists the only pleadings allowed. The set is a complaint and an answer; a reply when the answer contains new matter, a counterclaim, or a cross-claim; a counter-reply when a reply to a counterclaim or cross-claim contains new matter; and a preliminary objection and a response to it.

The list is closed and self-executing. No formal joinder of issue is required — the case is at issue once the permitted pleadings are filed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What pleadings are allowed in a Pennsylvania civil case?

A complaint and answer; a reply if the answer contains new matter, a counterclaim, or a cross-claim; a counter-reply to new matter in a reply; and a preliminary objection and response. No other pleadings are permitted, and no formal joinder of issue is required.

Official Note

Official Note: The term ‘‘complaint’’ includes a complaint to join an additional defendant.

Official Note: Pleading in asbestos litigation is governed by Rule 1041.1. An answer needs to be filed to a preliminary objection only when the preliminary objection alleges facts not of record. See Rule 1028(c)(2), note.

Official Note: The grounds for preliminary objections are set forth in Rule 1028(a).

Official Note: The Civil Procedural Rules Committee, by communication dated August 27, 1969, announced that amendment of this rule effective September 1, 1969 applied to pending actions.

Amendment History

The provisions of this Rule 1017 adopted June 25, 1946, effective January 1, 1947; amended June 27, 1969, effective September 1, 1969; amended January 7, 1971, effective February 15, 1971; amended June 28, 1974, effective June 28, 1974; amended December 16, 1983, effective July 1, 1984, 13 Pa.B. 3999; amended April 4, 1990, effective July 1, 1990, 20 Pa.B. 2281; amended July 18, 1991, effective January 1, 1992, 21 Pa.B. 3400; amended March 23, 2007, effective June 1, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 1480. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (308940).

Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Last verified June 30, 2026. · Official text

Also known as: pleadings allowedcomplaint answer replywhat pleadings