Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure lay down the rules that should be followed by Pennsylvania state courts.  However, these rules are not applicable in the magisterial district courts.  Generally,  civil actions and proceedings in magisterial district courts are governed by the Rules of Civil Procedure for Magisterial District Judges. 

 Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure govern civil actions.  A party who commences the action is called the plaintiff, and the opposite party is called the defendant.  A civil action can be classified into various stages that include: pleading stage, discovery stage, trial stage, and judgment stage.

A complaint should be filed by the real party in interest.  If the real party in interest is a minor or incompetent person, the person’s guardian should file the complaint.  The courts, if found necessary will appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the minor or incompetent person.

Parties may obtain discovery deposition upon written interrogatories or oral examination. A judgment is passed after trial.  The judgment may include a decree or an order that requires the payment of money as per these rules, including a final or interlocutory order for payment of costs.