(a) An action brought in a court of common pleas by the Commonwealth may be brought in any county permitted by a rule of the Supreme Court.
Rule 2103.Venue.
Adopted June 25, 1946 · Not amended since adoption · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 2103 sets venue for an action brought in a court of common pleas by the Commonwealth, as permitted by Supreme Court rule.
Full Text of Rule 2103
(b) Except when the Commonwealth is the plaintiff or when otherwise pro- vided by an Act of Assembly, an action against a political subdivision may be brought only in the county in which the political subdivision is located.
Plain-English Summary
The Commonwealth's choice of where to sue is set by rule. This rule provides that an action brought in a court of common pleas by the Commonwealth may be brought in any county a Supreme Court rule permits, channeling the state's litigation to the appropriate venue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can the Commonwealth file a common pleas action?
In any county permitted by a rule of the Supreme Court.
Official Note
Official Note: Adopted June 25, 1946, effective January 1, 1947. For the venue of actions in mandamus and quo warranto, see Rules 1092 and 1112. This rule does not alter the practice where the political subdivision is located in more than one county or in actions for materials furnished for construction of inter-county bridges. See Rule 2123, Acts of Assembly not suspended.
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: commonwealth venuegovernment lawsuit venuewhere commonwealth sues