---
title: "Allen W. Sinclair | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/allen-w-sinclair-pa-mdj-49-3-03"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-27"
---

# Allen W. Sinclair

Pennsylvania Magisterial District Court 49-3-03 · Magisterial District Judge

## Profile

- Court: Pennsylvania Magisterial District Court 49-3-03
- State: Pennsylvania
- Role: Magisterial District Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-27

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### recording photography evidence presentation

Scope: statewide

For Pennsylvania Common Pleas proceedings, statewide Pa.R.J.A. 1910 prohibits courtroom broadcasting, recording, and photography unless an exception or judicial authorization applies; the rule also recognizes judge-authorized electronic or photographic means for evidence presentation.

Evidence excerpt: the use of electronic or photographic means for the presentation of evidence

[201 Pa. Code Chapter 19, Rule 1910, Broadcasting, Recording and Photography in the Courtroom](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?d=&file=%2Fsecure%2Fpacode%2Fdata%2F201%2Fchapter19%2Fchap19toc.html)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.pacourts.us/courts/minor-courts/magisterial-district-judges)
- [Official roster](https://www.pacourts.us/courts/minor-courts/magisterial-district-judges)
- [Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania official judicial roster](https://www.pacourts.us/courts/minor-courts/magisterial-district-judges)
- [201 Pa. Code Chapter 19, Rule 1910, Broadcasting, Recording and Photography in the Courtroom](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?d=&file=%2Fsecure%2Fpacode%2Fdata%2F201%2Fchapter19%2Fchap19toc.html)

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## Biography

### Professional career



### Education

- in Criminology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania — B.A.
- M.A. in Administration of Justice, Shippensburg University

### Additional information

- In March 2018, Judge Sinclair dismissed involuntary manslaughter charges against Beta Theta Pi fraternity members in the Timothy Piazza hazing death case, a widely reported decision
- Appointed in 1997 by Governor Tom Ridge
- Elections and Tenure Incumbent judge with terms determined through Pennsylvania’s partisan judicial elections
- The Magisterial District Judge for Pennsylvania’s Centre County Magisterial District Court 49‐3‐03, serving areas including Philipsburg, Port Matilda, Snow Shoe, and surrounding townships, with his court located at 118 Enterprise Drive, Philipsburg, PA 16866