# 42 Pa.C.S. § 8501: Definitions

> Pennsylvania · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C85_S8501

## Section

- **Citation:** 42 Pa.C.S. § 8501
- **Heading:** Definitions
- **Jurisdiction:** Pennsylvania
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** PA Code / Title 42 / Chapter 85 / Section 8501

## Text

The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the meanings given to them in this section:

"Act." Includes a failure to act.

"Commonwealth party." A Commonwealth agency and any employee thereof, but only with respect to an act within the scope of his office or employment.

"Employee." Any person who is acting or who has acted on behalf of a government unit whether on a permanent or temporary basis, whether compensated or not and whether within or without the territorial boundaries of the government unit, including any volunteer fireman and any elected or appointed officer, member of a governing body or other person designated to act for the government unit. Independent contractors under contract to the government unit and their employees and agents and persons performing tasks over which the government unit has no legal right of control are not employees of the government unit.

"Injury." Includes death.

"Judicial determination." Any determination by a court of competent jurisdiction including any settlement approved by such court.

"Local agency." A government unit other than the Commonwealth government. The term includes, but is not limited to, an intermediate unit; municipalities cooperating in the exercise or performance of governmental functions, powers or responsibilities under 53 Pa.C.S. Ch. 23 Subch. A (relating to intergovernmental cooperation); and councils of government and other entities created by two or more municipalities under 53 Pa.C.S. Ch. 23 Subch. A. (Dec. 20, 2000, P.L.946, No.129, eff. 60 days) 2000 Amendment. Act 129 amended the def. of "local agency." Prior Provisions. Former section 8501 was added April 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, and repealed October 5, 1980, P.L.693,

No.142. The subject matter of former section 8501 is now contained in section 8502 of this title. Cross References. Section 8501 is referred to in sections 1123, 1515, 8332.3 of this title; sections 17312, 17342 of Title 16 (Counties); section 1711 of Title 74 (Transportation).

## Nearby sections

- [42 Pa.C.S. § 8501 Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C85_S8501.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 8502 Enforcement proceedings.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C85_S8502.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 8521 Sovereign immunity generally.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C85_S8521.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 8522 Exceptions to sovereign immunity.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C85_S8522.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 8523 Venue and process.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C85_S8523.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 8524 Defenses.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C85_S8524.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 8525 Legal assistance.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C85_S8525.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 8526 Counterclaim by the Commonwealth.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C85_S8526.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 8527 Indemnity relating to inmate health care.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C85_S8527.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 8528 Limitations on damages.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C85_S8528.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 8541 Governmental immunity generally.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C85_S8541.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 8542 Exceptions to governmental immunity.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C85_S8542.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 8545 Official liability generally.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C85_S8545.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 8546 Defense of official immunity.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C85_S8546.md)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C85_S8501. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.