The trial of an interpleader by a judge sitting without a jury shall be in accor- dance with Rule 1038.
Rule 3216.Trial without jury.
Adopted June 27, 1969 · Last amended December 16, 1983 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceWhen a sheriff's interpleader is tried by a judge without a jury, the trial follows the general non-jury trial rule.
Full Text of Rule 3216
Plain-English Summary
This rule fixes the procedure for a bench trial in a sheriff’s interpleader. An interpleader tried by a judge sitting without a jury proceeds under the general rule for trials without a jury, which governs how the judge takes evidence, makes findings, and renders a decision on title and value.
Borrowing that rule keeps non-jury interpleader trials aligned with general non-jury practice and the post-trial steps that follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is an interpleader tried without a jury?
Under the general rule for trials without a jury.
Does the same post-trial practice apply?
Yes; using the general non-jury rule brings its post-trial steps along.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 3216 adopted June 27, 1969, effective September 1, 1969; amended December 16, 1983, effective July 1, 1984, 13 Pa.B. 3999. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (15979).
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 trial without jurynon-jury interpleader