# 42 Pa.C.S. § 8309: Civil rights violations > Pennsylvania · Statutes · In force URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C83_S8309 ## Section - **Citation:** 42 Pa.C.S. § 8309 - **Heading:** Civil rights violations - **Jurisdiction:** Pennsylvania - **Kind:** Statutes - **Status:** In force - **Text as of:** August 14, 2026 - **Source:** Compiled text - **Location:** PA Code / Title 42 / Chapter 83 / Section 8309 ## Text (a) Redress for personal injury.--A person who incurs injury to his person or damage or loss to his property as a result of conduct described in 18 Pa.C.S. § 2710 (relating to ethnic intimidation) or 3307 (relating to institutional vandalism) shall have a right of action against the actor for injunction, damages or other appropriate civil or equitable relief. In the action, the issue of whether the defendant engaged in the conduct alleged shall be determined according to the burden of proof used in other civil actions for similar relief. The plaintiff may seek recovery for any of the following: (1) General and special damages, including damages for emotional distress. Damages under this paragraph shall be actual damages or $500, whichever is greater. (2) Punitive damages. (3) Reasonable attorney fees and costs. (4) Injunctive and other equitable relief. (5) Such other relief which the court deems necessary and proper. (b) Redress sought by public official on behalf of others.--When conduct which would constitute a violation of 18 Pa.C.S. § 2710 or 3307 has occurred, the district attorney of the county in which the violation took place or the Attorney General, after consulting with the district attorney, may institute a civil action for injunctive or other equitable relief if needed to protect any person or property. The civil action shall be brought in the name of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the county where the violation occurred. (c) Filing of court orders.--The prothonotary of the court in which a civil action is brought under subsection (a) or (b) shall transmit two certified copies of any order issued in the action to each appropriate law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over locations where the defendant is alleged to have committed the act and where the defendant resides or has his principal place of business. The sheriff of the county in which the defendant resides shall serve a copy of the order on the defendant. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, service shall be by delivering a copy in hand to the defendant. Law enforcement agencies shall establish procedures adequate to ensure that all officers responsible for the enforcement of the order are informed of its existence and terms. When a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that a defendant has violated the provisions of an order, the officer may arrest him. (d) Contempt notice required to be part of order.--In actions brought under this section, when a court issues a temporary restraining order or a preliminary or permanent injunction ordering a defendant to refrain from certain conduct or activities, the order issued shall contain the following statement: VIOLATION OF THIS ORDER IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. (e) Penalties.--A violation of an order issued and served as set forth in this section shall be a misdemeanor of the second degree. If bodily injury results from the violation, the violation shall be a misdemeanor of the first degree. (f) Vacated orders.--When the court vacates a temporary restraining order or a preliminary or permanent injunction issued under this section, the prothonotary shall promptly notify in writing each appropriate law enforcement agency which had been notified of the issuance of the order and shall direct each such agency to destroy all records of the order, and the agency shall comply with the directive upon receipt of the notification. (Dec. 19, 1990, P.L.1394, No.216, eff. 60 days) 1990 Amendment. Act 216 added section 8309. ## Nearby sections - [42 Pa.C.S. § 8301 Death action.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C83_S8301.md) - [42 Pa.C.S. § 8302 Survival action.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C83_S8302.md) - [42 Pa.C.S. § 8303 Action for performance of a duty required by law.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C83_S8303.md) - [42 Pa.C.S. § 8304 Damages in actions on bad checks.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C83_S8304.md) - [42 Pa.C.S. § 8305 Actions for wrongful birth and wrongful life.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C83_S8305.md) - [42 Pa.C.S. § 8306 Defense against claim for injury sustained in utero barred.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C83_S8306.md) - [42 Pa.C.S. § 8307 Action by parent, guardian or other custodian for damages in the sale or transfer of controlled substances to a child.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C83_S8307.md) - [42 Pa.C.S. § 8308 Damages in actions on retail theft.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C83_S8308.md) - [42 Pa.C.S. § 8309 Civil rights violations.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C83_S8309.md) - [42 Pa.C.S. § 8310 Damages in actions on thefts of leased property.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C83_S8310.md) - [42 Pa.C.S. § 8311 Damages in actions for conversion of timber.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C83_S8311.md) - [42 Pa.C.S. § 8312 Profits received as a result of commission of crime.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C83_S8312.md) - [42 Pa.C.S. § 8313 Agricultural crop destruction.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C83_S8313.md) - [42 Pa.C.S. § 8314 Assault with biological agent on animal, fowl or honey bees.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C83_S8314.md) --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C83_S8309. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.