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; ‘‘defendant’’ means any party originally named as a defendant, any party added to the record as a defendant and any plaintiff against whom a counter- claim or setoff is asserted; ‘‘plaintiff’’ means any party prosecuting the action, or any defendant insofar as such defendant asserts any counterclaim or setoff against any plaintiff in the action.
Rule 2301.Definitions.
Adopted July 10, 1939 · Last amended December 16, 2003 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 2301 defines the terms used in the chapter on interpleader by defendants, including what counts as an 'action.'
Full Text of Rule 2301
Plain-English Summary
Interpleader lets a defendant who holds money or property claimed by more than one person hand the dispute to the court. The opening rule defines the chapter's terms — chiefly that an 'action' means any civil action or proceeding subject to these rules — framing the interpleader procedure that follows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is interpleader?
A procedure by which a defendant facing competing claims to money or property has the claimants brought in so the court can decide who is entitled to it.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 2301 adopted July 10, 1939, effective January 22, 1940; amended January 4, 1952, effective July 1, 1952; amended April 18, 1975, effective immediately, 5 Pa.B. 1820; amended December 16, 2003, effective July 1, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 9. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (255327).
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: interpleader definitionsdefendant interpleaderinterpleader by defendants definition