What DOES A Common Pleas Judge DO?

The Courts of Common Pleas in Pennsylvania are organized into 60 judicial districts and are the trial courts of Pennsylvania. Major civil and criminal cases are heard in these courts. The Court of Common Pleas of Chester County is a general jurisdiction trial court located in West Chester, Pennsylvania. There are 15 full time judges and currently three Senior Judges.

Common Pleas Judges hear a wide spectrum of cases, including adult and juvenile criminal prosecutions, civil lawsuits involving money or property, divorce, custody disputes, child support issues, adoptions, and estates. Since this position is a trial court position, it is important that our Judges have significant trial and courtroom experience.

Common Pleas Judges are elected to ten year terms and run for retention rather than re-election. Therefore, the five Judges that we elect this year will likely impact the Court for the next twenty years. That is why it is SO IMPORTANT to elect the most experienced and qualified individuals.

Good judges are important and necessary to help ensure that Chester County remains a safe place. Andy Rongaus has the legal and courtroom experience to step into the job on day one. Andy has spent a lifetime protecting Chester County and will continue to do so when elected to the Court of Common Pleas.