Pennsylvania § 9571 - Scope of subchapter.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 9571 — Scope of subchapter., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 9571. Scope of subchapter.
(a) Capital unitary review.--This subchapter establishes the sole means of challenging proceedings that resulted in a sentence of death. The unitary review proceeding provided by this subchapter shall replace postappeal collateral review of death penalty cases with preappeal collateral review.
(b) Appointment of collateral counsel.--Under the action provided in this subchapter, a person sentenced to death shall be immediately entitled to new counsel for purposes of collateral review. The collateral proceeding shall occur in the trial court after the imposition of sentence and before appeal. The petitioner may raise any claim that could not have been raised previously, including claims of ineffective assistance of counsel.
(c) Capital appeal.--Direct appeal shall occur after the trial court has concluded collateral review. Claims raised on direct appeal shall be limited to those claims that were preserved at trial and that may be resolved on the basis of the record created up to and including sentencing. Collateral appeal shall occur simultaneously with direct appeal. Claims raised on collateral appeal shall be limited to claims that were preserved in the collateral proceeding in the trial court and to any other claim that could not have been raised previously, including claims of ineffective assistance of counsel on direct appeal.
(d) Limitation on subsequent petitions.--No further review shall be available except as provided in this subchapter.
(e) Capital case in which death penalty not imposed.--This subchapter does not apply to capital cases in which the death penalty was not imposed.
Suspension by Court Order. Section 9571 was suspended August 11, 1997, S.Ct. Order.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 9571
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 9571 cover?
Section 9571 ("Scope of subchapter.") 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 § 9571?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 9571" (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 § 9571 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.