Part 1 · General Provisions

Rule 109. Presumptions in Ascertaining the Intent of the Supreme Court

Amended January 1, 2026 (current)

Ascertaining the Supreme Court’s intention in the adoption or amendment of a rule may be guided by the following presumptions among others:

(a) The Supreme Court does not intend a result that is absurd, impossible of execution, or unreasonable;

(b) The Supreme Court intends a rule to be construed to secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every action or proceeding to which it is applicable;

(c) The Supreme Court intends the entire rule or chapter of rules to be effective and certain;

(d) The Supreme Court does not intend to violate the Constitution of the United States or of this Commonwealth;

(e) If the Supreme Court has construed the language used in a rule or statute, the Supreme Court in promulgating a rule on the same subject matter which employs the same language intends the same construction to be placed upon such language;

(f) The Supreme Court intends to favor the public interest as against any private interest; and

(g) No rule shall be construed to confer a right to trial by jury where such right does not otherwise exist.