Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Chapter 85 - Matters Affecting Government Units
Section 8525 - Legal assistance

When an action is brought under this subchapter against an employee of the Commonwealth government, and it is alleged that the act of the employee which gave rise to the claim was within the scope of the office or duties of the employee, the Commonwealth through the Attorney General shall defend the action, unless the Attorney General determines that the act did not occur within the scope of the office or duties of the employee. In the latter case, if it is subsequently determined that the act occurred within the scope of the office or duties of the employee, the Commonwealth shall reimburse the employee for the expense of his legal defense in such amounts as shall be determined to be reasonable by the court. If an action is brought against a Commonwealth government employee for damages on account of injury to a person or property and it is not alleged that the act of the employee which gave rise to the claim was within the scope of his office or duties, and he successfully defends the action on the basis that the act was within the scope of his office or duties, and he has given prior notice to the Attorney General and the Attorney General has refused to defend the action, he shall likewise be entitled to the reasonable expenses of the defense.

Cross References. Section 8525 is referred to in sections 6006, 6018 of Title 64 (Public Authorities and Quasi-Public Corporations); sections 1711, 1722 of Title 74 (Transportation).

Structure Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes