Rule 2001.Definitions.
Adopted February 14, 1939 · Last amended December 16, 2003 · Last verified June 30, 2026
Full Text of Rule 2001
Plain-English Summary
This chapter settles who must bring a lawsuit and what happens when a claim changes hands. Its one definition is broad. An “action” covers any civil action or proceeding brought in, or appealed to, any court of record that is subject to these rules, so the chapter reaches appeals to such a court as well as cases begun there.
The rules that follow use the term throughout. Rule 2002 requires an action to be prosecuted in the name of the real party in interest, with listed exceptions. Rule 2003 keeps any defense, counterclaim or setoff that could otherwise be asserted against the claim. Rule 2004 lets an action continue after the plaintiff transfers the interest in it, and Rule 2005 lets a plaintiff name an unknown defendant by a Doe designation in an in personam action. Rule 2024 sets the chapter’s original effective date.
The definition was last amended by the order of December 16, 2003, effective July 1, 2004.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the parties chapter define?
Its key terms, including that an 'action' means any civil action or proceeding in a court of record subject to these rules.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 2001 adopted February 14, 1939, effective September 4, 1939; amended January 4, 1952, effective July 1, 1952; amended April 18, 1975, effective immediately, 5 Pa.B. 1820; amended December 16, 2003, effective July 1, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 9. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (255291).