(a) An original defendant who asserts against the plaintiff a counterclaim not founded upon the transaction, occurrence or series of transactions or occurrences out of which the original cause of action arose may not join an additional defen- dant.
Rule 2256.Counterclaims.
Last amended March 23, 2007 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 2256 addresses counterclaims in additional-defendant practice, including a defendant's counterclaim against the plaintiff not founded on the original transaction.
Full Text of Rule 2256
(b) An additional defendant may not assert a counterclaim which is not founded upon the transaction, occurrence or series of transactions or occurrences out of which the original cause of action arose.
(c) Rescinded.
Plain-English Summary
Additional-defendant practice can generate counterclaims, and this rule sorts them. It addresses an original defendant who asserts against the plaintiff a counterclaim not founded upon the transaction or occurrence underlying the plaintiff's claim, and how such claims fit into the expanded case — keeping the pleadings orderly as parties multiply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a defendant counterclaim against the plaintiff in additional-defendant practice?
Yes; the rule addresses counterclaims, including those not founded on the original transaction.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 2256 amended March 23, 2007, effective June 1, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 1480. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (309379).
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: counterclaims additional defendantsdefendant counterclaim plaintiffadditional defendant counterclaim