History

• The Pennsylvania Practice Act of 1915 was passed Jan. 1, 1916, following several acts leading to it in the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1795, the Supreme Court agreed that a defendant's attorney must "confess judgment" to a plaintiff by the third court unless the defendant signs an affidavit saying that there is a "just defense" in her case. In 1835, the Affidavit of Defense Act required that this affidavit give the facts the defense is based on, and then let the court decide whether the defense is just. In 1915, after a long line of 19th century acts relating to it, the Pennsylvania Practice Act was created.
  
  

Content

• The Pennsylvania Practice Act covers many topics relating to a person's defense and pleas. It requires a concise summary of the case be written as succinctly and plainly as possible. It also covers the use of affidavits in regard to statements and trespassing. Material facts and evidence must be included and all copies of documents relating to a case must be attached to the concise summary.
  
  

Effect

• While some judges still oppose the act, according to the University of Pennsylvania, "comparatively few cases" have been reported under the act. As with nearly all legislation, the act leaves much up to the judges' interpretation.