From the Hotline

By Teri Henning, General Counsel
Pennsylvania Newspaper Association

Q: Can Magisterial District Judges hear Right to Know cases?

A: No. Although the Right to Know Law, as amended in 2002, permitted District Judges to hear open records appeals relating to local (non-Commonwealth) agencies, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued an order suspending the jurisdiction of District Judges to hear these appeals. As a result, any person who wishes to challenge a local agency’s denial of access to records must file his or her appeal with the appropriate county court of common pleas. Appeals from state agency denials must be filed with the Commonwealth Court.

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