Pennsylvania § 3132 - Vacancies in office.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 3132 — Vacancies in office., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 3132. Vacancies in office.
(a) General rule.--Except as provided in subsection (b), a vacancy in the office of judge or magisterial district judge shall be filled by appointment by the Governor. The appointment shall be with the advice and consent of two-thirds of the members elected to the Senate, except in the case of magisterial district judges which shall be by a majority. The person so appointed shall serve for a term ending on the first Monday of January following the next municipal election more than ten months after the vacancy occurs or for the remainder of the unexpired term whichever is less.
(b) Pittsburgh Magistrates Court.--A vacancy in the office of judge of the Pittsburgh Magistrates Court shall be filled as provided in section 3131(d) (relating to Pittsburgh Magistrates Court).
(c) Retention vacancies.--The provisions of subsection (a) shall not apply to a vacancy to be filled by retention election as provided in section 3131(b) (relating to retention election after transfer or appointment) or section 3153 (relating to retention elections after regular term) or to a vacancy created by failure of a judge to file a declaration for retention election as provided in section 3131(b) or section 3153.
(d) Vacancies following appointive term.--A vacancy occurring at the expiration of an appointive term under subsection (a) shall be filled by election as provided in section 3131 (relating to selection of judicial officers for regular terms).
(Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days; Oct. 5, 1980, P.L.693, No.142, eff. 60 days; Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days)
2004 Amendment. Act 207 amended subsec. (a). See section 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to construction of law.
Cross References. Section 3132 is referred to in sections 3131, 3153 of this title.
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 3132
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 3132 cover?
Section 3132 ("Vacancies in office.") 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 § 3132?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 3132" (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 § 3132 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.