570.212.9512

About the Court of Common Pleas

The Court of Common Pleas is the trial level court in Pennsylvania. Monroe County is the only county within the 43rd Judicial Circuit, which has seven judgeships. In this election, two of the seven seats are to be elected. The term for these judgeships is ten years.

Two of Monroe County’s finest judges, President Judge Hon. Margherita Patti-Worthington and the Hon. Arthur L. Zulick are set to retire. The importance of filling their seats with qualified individuals cannot be understated.

The Court of Common Pleas hears cases in several key categories, including criminal cases, civil cases, family cases, juvenile cases, and estate cases. Civil cases range from basics like petitions to change a surname all the way to complicated land use appeals and class action litigation.

Patrick has experience in each and every category of cases that come before the Court. In his previous service as Divorce Hearing Officer, he has resolved approximately 200 cases. The complex and often emotional nature of trials requires an even-handed, experienced lawyer to ensure each participant receives equal justice.

Impact of the Court

As the trial level court, the Court of Common Pleas is the starting point for the vast majority of legal precedents (also known as caselaw). This has an immense impact on not only our county but potentially for the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Minor Courts, in our case known as Magisterial District Court, make decisions in small claims matters and decide whether serious criminal charges proceed to trial. These are not courts of record, meaning their decisions, acts, and proceedings are not recorded. Their decisions are directly appealable to the Court of Common Pleas, where a new trial is held.

Pennsylvania’s unique judicial system provides a fork in the road for certain decisions made at the Court of Common Pleas. The two sides of the fork are known as Intermediate Appellate Courts.

Appeals of civil decisions that deal with governmental regulations or policy choices proceed to the Commonwealth Court. Appeals of civil decisions that involve family matters and criminal trials proceed to the Superior Court. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is the final arbiter of any appeals it decides to hear. It also considers cases involving unlawful detention.

The Court of Common Pleas decisions’ potential impact for families, communities, and ultimately our rights underscore the need to elect the most experienced candidate as our next judge.

 

The image is a campaign logo for “Patrick Best” running for the position of “Court of Common Pleas.” The design features the text “PATRICK” in smaller blue letters above “BEST” in large red letters. Above “BEST,” there are five red stars arching over a red gavel angled as if striking down, with the base in blue. Below “BEST,” there is a blue bar with the text “Court of Common Pleas” in white.

Contact the Campaign

18 N 8th St, Stroudsburg, PA 18360

570.212.9512