---
title: "Bonnie Brigance Leadbetter | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/bonnie-brigance-leadbetter-8209"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Bonnie Brigance Leadbetter

Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania
- State: Pennsylvania
- Role: Judge
- Service status: senior
- Last verified: 2026-06-30

## Summary

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

## Biography

### Professional career

- Judge, Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, 2008-present
- Judge, Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania (1996–present)
- President Judge of the Commonwealth Court from January 7, 2007, until 2012
- Bonnie Brigance Leadbetter is a senior judge of the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court, previously its President Judge from 2007 to 2012, with a distinguished career in public service, law practice, and judicial leadership
- Judge, Court of Judicial Discipline (1999–2003)
- Judge Pro Tempore, Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas (1991–96)
- Partner, Leadbetter & Becker (1981–89)

### Education


### Additional information

- Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania since 1996, when she was appointed by Governor Tom Ridge.
- She assumed senior status on February 1, 2016, due to mandatory retirement
- She was elected to a full 10‐year term in 1997 and retained by voters in 2007.
- She has taught trial and appellate advocacy at Temple Law School and through multiple continuing legal education programs

## 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.courtlistener.com/person/8209/bonnie-brigance-leadbetter/)
- [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8209/bonnie-brigance-leadbetter/)
- [Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8209/bonnie-brigance-leadbetter/)
- [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)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8209/bonnie-brigance-leadbetter/)
- [Commonwealth Court Judges](https://www.pacourts.us/courts/commonwealth-court-judges)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8209/bonnie-brigance-leadbetter/)

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