Adopted June 30, 1977 · Not amended since adoption · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1704 requires a class-action complaint to be captioned 'Class Action' and to set out, under a separate heading of class-action allegations, the facts supporting the prerequisites of Rule 1702 and the criteria of Rules 1708 and 1709 the plaintiff relies on.
(a)The complaint shall include in its caption the designation ‘‘Class Action’’.
(b)The complaint shall contain under a separate heading, styled ‘‘Class Action Allegations’’, averments of fact in support of the prerequisites of Rule 1702 and the criteria specified in Rules 1708 and 1709 on which the plaintiff relies.
(c)The plaintiff may join in the complaint claims for equitable, declaratory and monetary relief arising out of the same transaction or occurrence or series of transactions or occurrences.
End
Plain-English Summary
A class-action complaint has to flag itself and justify class treatment up front. This rule requires the caption to carry the designation 'Class Action' and the complaint to include a separate section, styled 'Class Action Allegations,' setting out the facts that support each prerequisite of Rule 1702. That gives the court and the defendant a clear basis to test certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
How must a class-action complaint be labeled?
Its caption must carry the designation 'Class Action.'
What special allegations must it contain?
A separate section of 'Class Action Allegations' supporting the prerequisites of Rule 1702 and the criteria of Rules 1708 and 1709 the plaintiff relies on.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 1704 adopted June 30, 1977, effective September 1, 1977, 7 Pa.B. 1956.
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. This rule has not been amended since its adoption. Last verified June 30, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as:class action complaintclass action allegationsform of class complaint