Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is the highest court in the Commonwealth. The court makes final interpretations of state law and has administrative authority over the entire Pennsylvania court system. Seven justices make up the court. They are elected to 10-year terms. The longest-serving member of the court presides as chief justice. The court holds sessions in Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Pittsburgh. The Supreme Court receives about 2,500 civil and criminal appeals each year. It has the discretionary power to hear and decide only those cases that it deems to have statewide importance or to require clarification on a point of law. The court must review certain types of cases such as all death penalty cases and appeals from lawsuits that originate in Commonwealth Court. The Supreme Court also can take up any case in any court in Pennsylvania if it considers an issue of immediate public importance to be at stake.

Republican

Joan Orie Melvin

Age: 53

Residence: Marshall

Education: University of Notre Dame, B.A. in economics; Duquesne University law school, J.D.

Experience: Judge Melvin practiced law for five years before she was appointed as a city magistrate in 1985 and, two years later, she became chief magistrate, where she established Domestic Violence Court. She was appointed to Common Pleas Court in 1990 and won a full term a year later, eventually serving in the criminal, civil and family divisions. She was elected to Superior Court in 1997 and won retention in 2007.

Ratings: Highly recommended by the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

More: www.judgeoriemelvin.com

Democrat

Jack Panella

Age: 54

Residence: Marshall

Education: St. John's University, B.S. accounting; Catholic University's Columbus School of Law, J.D.

Experience: Before his appointment to the Northampton County Common Pleas Court in 1991, Judge Panella had a private law practice and was assistant and the solicitor for the county. He was elected to a full term on the bench in 1993. In 2003, he was elected to the state Superior Court. He has been a judge and president of the Court of Judicial Discipline and a member and chairman of the Judicial Conduct Board.

Ratings: Highly recommended by the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

More: www.votejackpanella.com

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