As used in this chapter ‘‘action’’ means any civil action or proceeding brought in or appealed to any court which is subject to these rules; ‘‘association’’ means an unincorporated association conducting any business or engaging in any activity of any nature whether for profit or otherwise under a common name, but does not mean a partnership as defined in Rule 2126 or a corporation or similar entity as defined in Rule 2176.
Rule 2151.Definitions.
Adopted May 1, 1939 · Last amended December 16, 2003 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 2151 defines the terms used in the chapter on associations as parties, including what counts as an 'action.'
Full Text of Rule 2151
Plain-English Summary
This chapter governs how an unincorporated association sues and is sued. The opening rule defines its terms — chiefly that an 'action' means any civil action or proceeding subject to these rules — framing the rules that follow on suing through trustees ad litem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the associations chapter define?
Its key terms, including that an 'action' means any civil action or proceeding subject to these rules.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 2151 adopted May 1, 1939, effective November 6, 1939; amended December 29, 2000, effective July 1, 2001, 31 Pa.B. 137; amended December 16, 2003, effective July 1, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 9. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (295859).
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: associations as parties definitionsunincorporated association actionassociation litigant definition