Rule 237.Notice of Praecipe for Final Judgment.

Adopted March 28, 1973 · Last amended November 2, 2007 · Last verified June 30, 2026

In one sentenceThe prothonotary may not accept a praecipe to enter final judgment on a nonsuit, a jury verdict, or a judge’s decision after a non-jury trial unless the praecipe certifies that a copy was mailed to every other party who has appeared.

Full Text of Rule 237

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No praecipe for entry of judgment upon a nonsuit by the court, a verdict of a jury or a decision of a judge following a trial without a jury shall be accepted by the prothonotary unless it includes a certificate that a copy of the praecipe has been mailed to each other party who has appeared in the action or to the attorney of record for each other party.

End

Plain-English Summary

This rule builds a notice check into the entry of final judgment after a trial. A praecipe asking the prothonotary to enter judgment on a court-ordered nonsuit, a jury’s verdict, or a judge’s decision following a non-jury trial will not be accepted unless it includes a certificate that a copy of the praecipe was mailed to each other party who has appeared, or to that party’s attorney of record.

The requirement makes sure the other side learns that judgment is being entered, which starts the clock on post-trial and appellate rights. Without the certificate, the prothonotary holds the praecipe rather than entering judgment unannounced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is notice required before entering final judgment by praecipe?

Yes. The prothonotary will not accept a praecipe for judgment on a nonsuit, verdict, or decision unless the required notice of the praecipe has been given to the other parties.

Amendment History

The provisions of this Rule 237 adopted March 28, 1973, effective July 1, 1973; amended April 12, 1999, effective July 1, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 2266; amended December 16, 2003, effective July 1, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 9; amended November 2, 2007, effective January 1, 2008, 37 Pa.B. 6201. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (320271).

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: notice of praecipepraecipe for final judgment