Adopted January 4, 1952 · Last amended December 16, 2003 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 249 lets a single judge perform any function of the court — including entering interlocutory or ex parte orders — except where the court must act en banc, and lets a judge act anywhere in the judicial district, with each court regulating the assignment of business among its judges.
(a)Except where the court is required to act en banc, a judge may perform any function of the court, including the entry of interlocutory or ex parte orders and other matters in the nature thereof.
(b)A judge may perform a function of the court, other than trying an action, at any time and at any place within the judicial district.
(c)Each court may regulate the assignment of business among its judges.
End
Plain-English Summary
This rule confirms the authority of an individual judge. Except where the court is required to act en banc, a judge may perform any function of the court, including the entry of interlocutory and ex parte orders.
The authority is geographically flexible. A judge may perform a court function, other than trying an action, at any time and place within the judicial district, and each court may regulate how business is assigned among its judges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a single judge act for the whole court?
Yes, except where the court must act en banc. A single judge may perform any function of the court, including interlocutory and ex parte orders, anywhere in the judicial district.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 249 adopted January 4, 1952, effective July 1, 1952; amended April 12, 1999, effective July 1, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 2266; amended December 16, 2003, effective July 1, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 9. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (286950).
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:authority of individual judgesingle judgeex parte order