When an action to recover damages for wrongful death is brought in this Com- monwealth to enforce rights arising under the laws of some other jurisdiction it shall be brought by the person authorized to bring the action by the law of the jurisdiction where the cause of action arose.
Rule 2207.Actions arising under foreign law.
Adopted February 14, 1939 · Last amended April 18, 1975 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 2207 governs a wrongful-death action brought in Pennsylvania to enforce rights arising under the law of another jurisdiction.
Full Text of Rule 2207
Plain-English Summary
A death may occur elsewhere but be litigated here. This rule governs an action to recover for wrongful death brought in the Commonwealth to enforce rights arising under the laws of another state or country, fitting such a claim into Pennsylvania's procedure while the foreign law supplies the right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Pennsylvania court hear a wrongful-death claim under another state's law?
Yes. Rule 2207 governs wrongful-death actions enforcing rights arising under foreign law.
Official Note
Official Note: Adopted February 14, 1939, effective September 4, 1939; amended April 18, 1975, effective immediately, 5 Pa.B. 1820.
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: wrongful death foreign lawout-of-state wrongful deathforeign law death claim