As used in this chapter ‘‘action’’ means any civil action or proceeding brought in or appealed to any court of record which is subject to these rules.
Rule 2251.Definitions.
Last amended December 16, 2003 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 2251 defines the terms used in the chapter on joinder of additional defendants, including what counts as an 'action.'
Full Text of Rule 2251
Plain-English Summary
This chapter lets a defendant bring in others who may share responsibility for the plaintiff's claim. The opening rule defines its terms — chiefly that an 'action' means any civil action or proceeding subject to these rules — framing the rules on joining additional defendants that follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the additional-defendants chapter define?
Its key terms, including that an 'action' means any civil action or proceeding subject to these rules.
Official Note
Official Note: See Editorial Comment preceding Rule 2251. Rule 2251 as originally adopted February 14, 1939, effective September 4, 1939, defined ‘‘action’’ as above set out, and, in addition, provided that ‘‘ ‘defendant’ means any party origi- nally named as a defendant, any plaintiff against whom a counterclaim or setoff is asserted, and any party subsequently added to the record under the provisions of these rules.’’
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 2251 amended December 16, 2003, effective July 1, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 9. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (255319).
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: additional defendants definitionsthird-party defendant actionjoinder additional defendant definition