Pennsylvania § 778 - Procedure for jury trials.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 778 — Procedure for jury trials., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 778. Procedure for jury trials.
(a) Jury.--Jury trials in any case begun before or certified or appealed to an orphans' court division shall be tried in the division. The division shall draw a jury and preside at the trial of the issue and shall have all the powers of a judge in trials by jury in cases at law. The panel of jurors drawn for service in other divisions of the court shall be available for such service in the orphans' court division when required, and in judicial districts where there is a separate orphans' court division, the court of common pleas shall, by appropriate rules, provide for and regulate the manner in which the jurors shall be made available and sent to the orphans' court division when required for the trial of issues therein.
(b) Combined hearings and trials.--In any case begun before or certified or appealed to the orphans' court division, the court may, on its own motion or on motion of a party and with reasonable notice to all parties:
(1) combine the hearing to determine whether a substantial dispute of fact exists with the trial to determine the dispute, and impanel a jury before determining whether or not a substantial dispute of fact exists; and
(2) combine the hearing and trial on all wills, the issues in regard to which are closely interrelated.
The court may withdraw the case from the jury, if the court determines that no substantial dispute of fact exists.
(c) Rules of court.--Unless and until an orphans' court division otherwise directs, the appropriate rules of the division of the court having jurisdiction over actions at law shall apply to jury trials of issues in the orphans' court division, and matters relating to such trials shall be heard and disposed of by the orphans' court division.
Cross References. Section 778 is referred to in section 777 of this title.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 778
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 778 cover?
Section 778 ("Procedure for jury trials.") 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 § 778?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 778" (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 § 778 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.