The Pennsylvania Supreme Court entered its first order vacating adjudications and expunging records of a large class of youth who appeared before Judge Ciavarella between 2003 and 2008. The group of youth identified in this initial order include youth who were not represented by an attorney, did not properly waive their right to an attorney, and committed one of a number of low-level offenses.

Judge Grim, the Special Master appointed to this case, emphasized the importance of making this first recommendation in order “to make visible progress with the cases about which there is agreement.” Juvenile Law Center will work closely with Judge Grim and the District Attorney of Luzerne County to identify those youth affected by this order.

Though the order only applies to one class of cases, the Supreme Court noted that recommendations as to other cases will follow.

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Supreme Court Order — Regarding First Interim Report and Recommendations of the Special Master, Dated: March 26, 2009

First Interim Report and Recommendations of the Special Master — Dated: March 12, 2009

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