Where Guns Are Barred
18 Pa.C.S. 912 — a weapon on school grounds, and 18 Pa.C.S. 913 — a firearm in a court facility
School property. A person commits a misdemeanor of the first degree by possessing a weapon, including a firearm, knife or other implement capable of serious bodily injury, in the buildings or on the grounds of an elementary or secondary public, licensed private or parochial school, or in a conveyance taking students to or from one.
A defense. It is a defense that the weapon is possessed and used in a lawful supervised school activity or course, or is possessed for another lawful purpose.
A court facility. Knowingly possessing a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a court facility is a misdemeanor of the third degree, and of the first degree with intent to use it in a crime. It is a summary offense for a licensed carrier who failed to check the firearm before entering.
Federal buildings, federal school zone rules and private property owners' own rules are set out elsewhere and are not on this page. Whether a particular place is covered is a question for a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- 18 Pa.C.S. 912 — Possession of weapon on school property
- 18 Pa.C.S. 913 — Possession of firearm or other dangerous weapon in court facility
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.