Pennsylvania’s intermediate appellate courts in 2017 wrestled with a wide variety of important issues, many of which eventually made their way to the Supreme Court. They also prepared to welcome several new judges to their ranks and to say goodbye to a few colleagues.
In November, three Democrats were elected to the state Superior Court: Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Judge Maria McLaughlin, Judge Deborah Kunselman of Beaver County, and Carolyn Nichols, a judge on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. The last open seat went to Allegheny County Magisterial District Judge Mary Murray, who barely edged out fellow Republican Lancaster County District Attorney Craig Stedman by just under 4,000 votes.
