# 42 Pa.C.S. § 9542: Scope of subchapter

> Pennsylvania · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C95_S9542

## Section

- **Citation:** 42 Pa.C.S. § 9542
- **Heading:** Scope of subchapter
- **Jurisdiction:** Pennsylvania
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** PA Code / Title 42 / Chapter 95 / Section 9542

## Text

This subchapter provides for an action by which persons convicted of crimes they did not commit and persons serving illegal sentences may obtain collateral relief. The action established in this subchapter shall be the sole means of obtaining collateral relief and encompasses all other common law and statutory remedies for the same purpose that exist when

this subchapter takes effect, including habeas corpus and coram nobis. This subchapter is not intended to limit the availability of remedies in the trial court or on direct appeal from the judgment of sentence, to provide a means for raising issues waived in prior proceedings or to provide relief from collateral consequences of a criminal conviction. Except as specifically provided otherwise, all provisions of this subchapter shall apply to capital and noncapital cases. (Apr. 13, 1988, P.L.336, No.47, eff. imd.; Nov. 17, 1995, 1st Sp.Sess., P.L.1118, No.32, eff. 60 days; June 25, 1997, P.L.324, No.33, eff. imd.)

## Nearby sections

- [42 Pa.C.S. § 9501 Procedures, motions and other matters.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C95_S9501.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 9521 Defense-initiated victim or witness outreach.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C95_S9521.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 9541 Short title of subchapter.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C95_S9541.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 9542 Scope of subchapter.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C95_S9542.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 9543 Eligibility for relief.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C95_S9543.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 9543.1 Postconviction DNA testing.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C95_S9543.1.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 9544 Previous litigation and waiver.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C95_S9544.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 9545 Jurisdiction and proceedings.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C95_S9545.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 9546 Relief and order.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C95_S9546.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 9547 Amendment and withdrawal of petition (Repealed).](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C95_S9547.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 9548 Answer to petition (Repealed).](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C95_S9548.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 9549 Hearing on petition (Repealed).](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C95_S9549.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 9550 Order of court and final disposition of petition (Repealed).](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C95_S9550.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 9551 Pauper petitions (Repealed).](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C95_S9551.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C95_S9542. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.