William Penn - CLE
(l to r) Supreme Court Justice Sallie Updyke Mundy, Superior Court Judge Jill Beck, Superior Court President Judge Anne E. Lazarus, Supreme Court Historical Commission Co-Chairs Chip Becker and John Hare.
On September 8, 2026, Historical Commission co-chairs Chip Becker and John Hare presented a continuing legal and judicial education class on William Penn, moderated by Historical Commission member Judge Jill Beck. This program focused on the history of Pennsylvania's judicial system and the enduring influence of William Penn on the functions and practices of our courts today. The discussion included our long tradition of judicial independence; Pennsylvania's unique vision, and our courts' interpretation of, religious liberty and its difference from the federal charter; and the history of court-based procedural rule making, judicial review, and our first state constitution. Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Superior Court, approximately 150 attendees participated online and in person in the Superior Court courtroom in Philadelphia.
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