Pennsylvania § 2161 - Criminal history record checks.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 2161 — Criminal history record checks., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2161. Criminal history record checks.
(a) Authorization.--The Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners may require that persons applying for admission to the bar and the practice of law in this Commonwealth be subject to:
(1) A Federal criminal history record check through the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
(2) A State criminal history record check through the Pennsylvania State Police.
(b) Fingerprints required.--All applicants as required under subsection (a) shall submit fingerprints to the Pennsylvania State Police for the purpose of obtaining criminal history record checks, and the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent shall submit the fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the purpose of verifying the identity of the applicant and obtaining a current record of any criminal arrests and convictions.
(c) Use of information.--Any information relating to an applicant and obtained under this section by the Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners may be interpreted and used by the Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners only to determine the applicant's character, fitness and suitability for admission to the bar and the practice of law in this Commonwealth.
(d) Inapplicability.--The provisions of 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121(b)(2) (relating to general regulations) shall not apply if a request for a criminal history record check is submitted pursuant to this section.
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 2161
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 2161 cover?
Section 2161 ("Criminal history record checks.") 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 § 2161?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 2161" (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 § 2161 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.