Section 223. Conduct of the Trial. Generally

Subject to the requirements of due process of law and of the constitutional rights of the parties, the court may make and enforce rules and orders covering any of the following matters, inter alia:

(1) Limiting the number of witnesses whose testimony is similar or cumulative;

(2) Limiting the number of attorneys representing the same party or the same group of parties, who may actively participate in the trial of the case or may examine or cross-examine a witness or witnesses;

(3) Regulating the number and length of addresses to the jury or to the court;

(4) Regulating or excluding the public or persons not interested in the proceedings whenever the court deems such regulation or exclusion to be in the interest of the public good, order or morals.

Official Note

Trial courts in Pennsylvania customarily exercise discretion as to the exclusion of persons from the courtroom in the interest of good order and morals.

The exclusion of taking of photographs or radio or television broadcasting is governed by Canon 3A(7) of the Code of Judicial Conduct.

The provisions of this Rule 223 adopted September 8, 1938, effective March 20, 1939; amended January 25, 1971, effective February 1, 1971; amended June 23, 1975, effective immediately, 5 Pa.B. 1819; amended November 3, 1999, effective January 1, 2000, 29 Pa.B. 5918. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (255170).