“As members of an institution vital to civilization, our mission is to deliver dignified, respectful, and efficient service to the community and to our peers, promoting the rule of law and preserving justice for the benefit of all.”
“We are committed to promoting the rule of law and preserving justice for all. We will heighten the value of the court institution for community members and court employees alike. We will serve the people through enlightened and proactive leadership, enhancing the quality of life within court offices, and delivering dignified, respectful and efficient service to all members of the community. We will strive to identify and develop future generations of highly skilled and creative public servants who can preserve the court’s best traditions, while ably meeting the challenges arising from rapid social change.”
Courts of Common Pleas are Pennsylvania' s courts of general trial jurisdiction. They have existed in Pennsylvania at least since the Constitution of 1776, under which they were given constitutional status.
Prior to the Commonwealth's Constitution of 1968 there existed in addition to Courts of Common Pleas -Court of Oyer and Tennier and General Jail Delivery, Quarter Sessions of the Peace and Orphans' Courts. The new constitution abolished these latter separate courts and incorporated them into existing Common Pleas Courts.
Adams County's original Courthouse was built in 1804 and located in the Town Square. In 1859 the building we refer to as the "historic courthouse" was completed. In 1979 an additional courthouse was completed. These two buildings are beside each other and both are completely utilized today.
It is the mission of the Adams County Court of Common Pleas to be as effective and efficient as possible in:
Providing equal access to justice for all.
Building and retaining public trust and confidence.
Developing the accountability of Court employees.
Court Administration
The Office of the District Court Administrator was created to reduce the burden of administrative duties of the Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. The District Court Administrator is appointed by the President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in conjunction with the State Court Administrator.