As amended through January 1, 2018
(A) Exhibits admitted at trial (1) At the conclusion of a trial or hearing, all exhibits larger than 8 1/2 x 11 inches, which are part of the record, shall be reduced to that size, and all tangible objects which are part of the record, shall be photographed in color by the party originally proffering the evidence. The 8 1/2 x 11 inch reductions and color photographs shall be substituted in the record for the original exhibits and tangible objects unless the trial judge, upon motion or sua sponte, or an appellate court, shall direct otherwise. At the conclusion of the trial or hearing, the original exhibit shall be returned for safekeeping to the party who presented it and that party shall maintain custody of the exhibit until conclusion of all appellate proceedings in the case, unless the trial judge, upon motion or sua sponte, shall direct otherwise. (2) Whenever a videotape deposition of a witness is presented at trial or hearing, the videotape cassette shall be marked as an exhibit as required by Pa.R.C.P. 4017.1. At the conclusion of the trial or hearing, the videotape cassette shall be returned for safekeeping to the party who presented it and that party shall maintain custody of the cassette until conclusion of all appellate proceedings in the case, unless the trial judge, upon motion or sua sponte, shall direct otherwise.(3) Whenever a videotape deposition of a witness is presented at trial or hearing, it shall be accompanied by a transcript of the deposition as required by Pa.R.C.P. 4017.1(a)(2). The accompanying transcript shall be marked as an exhibit and retained in the record of the proceedings. In the event the record of the trial or hearing is transcribed for appellate or other purposes, the exhibit of the transcript accompanying the deposition shall be considered the official transcript of the testimony of the deponent. It shall not be necessary for the trial court reporter to also transcribe the audio portion of the videotape deposition which was presented at trial or hearing, so long as the record clearly reflects which part of the audio portion of the videotape deposition was offered into evidence and admitted.(B) Disposition of exhibits after trial: (1) After trial, exhibits admitted into evidence shall be retained by the Court until it is determined whether an appeal has been taken from a final judgment. If an appeal has been taken, the exhibits shall be retained until disposition of the appeal.(2) Within sixty (60) days of the final disposition of all appeals or the date when no further appeal may be taken under the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, the party who offered the exhibits may reclaim them from the Court. Any exhibits not so reclaimed may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of by the Court.(3) Notwithstanding the above, any person who has a possessory or legal interest in any exhibit which has been introduced into evidence may file a claim for such exhibit within thirty (30) days after trial. The presiding judge shall determine the validity of such claim and determine the manner and timing of disposition.Amended effective 7/26/2004.