PA Bar Civil Procedure

Question 1

Under the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, how many days does a defendant generally have to file a response after being served with a complaint?

Accepted Answer

30 days

Answer

Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1026 requires a defendant to file a responsive pleading within 30 days after service of the complaint.

Question 2

In Pennsylvania, which court is the court of original jurisdiction for most civil matters involving amounts exceeding $12,000?

Accepted Answer

Court of Common Pleas

Answer

The Court of Common Pleas is Pennsylvania's trial court of general jurisdiction and hears civil claims exceeding the jurisdictional threshold of the Magisterial District Courts.

Question 3

Under Pa. R.C.P. 1042.3, a plaintiff asserting a professional liability claim must file what document within 60 days of filing the complaint?

Accepted Answer

A certificate of merit

Answer

Rule 1042.3 requires a certificate of merit signed by counsel or a licensed professional stating that a qualified expert has opined that the defendant deviated from the applicable standard of care.

Question 4

Pennsylvania's 'compulsory counterclaim' rule requires a defendant to assert a counterclaim if it:

Accepted Answer

Arises out of the same transaction or occurrence as the plaintiff's claim

Answer

Under Pa. R.C.P. 1031, a counterclaim is compulsory if it arises out of the same transaction or occurrence as the opposing party's claim and does not require adding parties over whom the court lacks jurisdiction.

Question 5

Which discovery device in Pennsylvania allows a party to obtain sworn testimony from a non-party witness before trial?

Accepted Answer

Deposition upon oral examination

Answer

A deposition upon oral examination under Pa. R.C.P. 4007.1 can be taken from any person, including non-parties, and produces sworn testimony that can be used at trial.

PA Bar - Pennsylvania Bar Exam Practice Test

PA Bar - Pennsylvania Bar Exam Practice Test

PA Bar Civil Procedure