Rule 2116. Statement of Questions Involved.

 (a)  General rule.—The statement of the questions involved must state the question or questions in the briefest and most general terms, without names, dates, amounts or particulars of any kind. It should not ordinarily exceed 15 lines, must never exceed one page, and must always be on a separate page, without any other matter appearing thereon. This rule is to be considered in the highest degree mandatory, admitting of no exception; ordinarily no point will be considered which is not set forth in the statement of questions involved or suggested thereby. Whenever possible each question must be followed immediately by an answer stating simply whether it was affirmed, negatived, qualified or not answered by the court or government unit below. If a qualified answer was given to the question, appellant shall indicate, most briefly, the nature of the qualification, or if the question was not answered and the record shows the reason for such failure, the reason shall be stated briefly in each instance without quoting the court or government unit below.

 (b)  Discretionary aspects of sentence.—An appellant who challenges the discretionary aspects of a sentence in a criminal matter shall include any questions relating to the discretionary aspects of the sentence imposed (but not the issue whether the appellate court should exercise its discretion to reach such question) in the statement required by Subdivision (a). Failure to comply with this subdivision shall constitute a waiver of all issues relating to the discretionary aspects of sentence.

   Official Note

   Based on former Supreme Court Rule 52, and makes no change in substance. See also former Superior Court Rule 42 and former Commonwealth Court Rule 93.

   The provisions of this Rule 2116 amended May 16, 1979, effective September 30, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1740, amended May 16, 1979, effective June 2, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1753. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (25455).