Pennsylvania § 317 - Attorney fees and costs.

Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 317 — Attorney fees and costs., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 317. Attorney fees and costs.

In an action brought under section 315(b) (relating to right of action), the court may do any of the following:

(1) If the court determines that the local government unit enacted or enforced an unauthorized local ordinance with negligent disregard of the limitation of authority established under State law, it may order the local government unit to pay the plaintiff reasonable attorney fees and other litigation costs incurred by the plaintiff in connection with the action.

(2) If the court determines that the action brought by the plaintiff was frivolous or was brought without substantial justification in claiming that the local ordinance in question was unauthorized, it may order the plaintiff to pay the local government unit reasonable attorney fees and other litigation costs incurred by the local government unit in defending the action.

Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 317

What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 317 cover?

Section 317 ("Attorney fees and costs.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Pennsylvania § 317?

A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 317" (Pennsylvania). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Pennsylvania law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.

How does Pennsylvania § 317 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.