Pennsylvania Title 42, Section 9545, outlines procedures for petitions, including requirements for evidentiary hearings, witness certification, and limitations on discovery. It also details the impact of stays of execution on related deadlines and addresses the automatic termination of attorney-client privileges in certain cases. Certain provisions were suspended by court order in 1997.
The petition must include a signed certification for each witness with their name, address, date of birth, testimony details, and relevant documents. Failure to comply may render the witness's testimony inadmissible.
No, discovery is only permitted with leave of court and upon a showing of exceptional circumstances.
The privilege is automatically terminated when the claim is based on allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel.
All limitations periods related to answering, disposition without hearing, and evidentiary hearings are paused during the stay of execution.