FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA 
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF PHILADELPHIA COUNTY 
 
President Judge Administrative Order 
No. 29 of 2020 
In re:  Civil litigation during the Covid-19 crisis 

ORDER 

 

 

AND NOW, this 8th day of April, 2020 whereas Pennsylvania courts are physically closed 

to the public due to the health crisis created by COVID-19, much can be done to advance civil 

litigation in a safe manner consistent with appropriate social distancing practices.  During the 

period of the Judicial Emergency declared by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and consistent 

with the Supreme Court’s Supplemental Order issued April 1, 2020 (Nos. 531 and 532 Judicial 

Administration docket), the Court hereby DIRECTS as follows: 

The electronic filing system is open for the filing and docketing of all legal 
papers.    

To the extent practicable parties shall engage in discovery consistent with 
governing scheduling orders.  This includes all forms of discovery practice 
including  depositions.    No  party  shall  use  the  current  health  crisis  for 
advantage in the discovery process. 

To  the  extent  practicable,  depositions  should  be  conducted  remotely 
through  telephone,  videoconference,  or  similar  technology.    Court 
reporters need not be present in the same location as witnesses and/or 
counsel, consistent with Governor Wolf’s Order dated March 21, 2020. 

Depositions  of  and  required  appearances  for  doctors,  nurses,  or  other 
healthcare professionals who are substantially involved in responding to 
the COVID-19 public health emergency are suspended.  

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

BY THE COURT: 
/s/ Idee C. Fox 
_________________________________________ 
Idee C. Fox, President Judge  
Court of Common Pleas and  
Chair Administrative Governing Board 
First Judicial District 

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