Who heads the Judicial Branch?
Under state law, the chief justice of the Supreme Court is the head of the Judicial Branch and is responsible for its administration. See Section 51-1b of the Connecticut General Statutes. The chief court administrator is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Judicial Branch.

What does the chief court administrator do?
The chief justice appoints the chief court administrator to oversee the administration of the Judicial Branch. Sec. 51-5a of the Connecticut General Statutes outlines the duties and powers of the chief court administrator, who is assisted by the deputy chief court administrator.

The chief court administrator oversees five divisions within the branch: Administrative Services, Court Support Services, External Affairs, Information Technology, and Superior Court Operations. An executive director manages each of the five divisions and reports to the chief court administrator.

What is a chief administrative judge/administrative judge/presiding judge?
The chief court administrator appoints chief administrative judges to oversee each of the civil, family, criminal and juvenile dockets, judge trial referees, judicial marshal services and facilities. Their duties include working on behalf of and with the chief court administrator on policy matters affecting their respective areas.

The chief court administrator also appoints administrative judges and presiding judges. Administrative judges oversee the administrative operations of each of the state’s 13 judicial districts. In addition, each judicial district has an assistant administrative judge.

Presiding judges expedite the fair disposition of court business within a particular judicial district. They also apportion among judges the judicial business to which such judge and other judges have been assigned.

What is the organization of the courts? See Court Structure Diagram
The Supreme Court is the state’s highest court. It reviews decisions made in the Superior Court to determine if any errors of law have been made and also reviews selected decisions of the Appellate Court.

The Appellate Court, like the Supreme Court, reviews final decisions issued by the Superior Court to determine if errors of law have been committed.

State law specifies which types of appeals may be brought directly to the Supreme Court from the Superior Court, thereby bypassing the Appellate Court. These cases include decisions where the Superior Court has found a provision of the state constitution or a state statute invalid and convictions of capital felonies.

The Superior Court hears all legal matters except those over which the Probate Court has exclusive jurisdiction.

How are the Superior Courts structured?
The Superior Court hears civil, criminal, family and juvenile matters. http://www.jud.ct.gov/external/super/divisions.htm

Connecticut has 13 judicial districts (JD) in which civil, criminal, family and juvenile matters are heard. Each “JD” has at least one JD courthouse and one “geographical area” court, although some judicial districts may have more than one GA court location. There are a total of 20 GA courts in the state.

Civil jury, civil non-jury, administrative appeals and family matters generally are heard in a JD courthouse.

Regarding criminal cases, GA courts typically handle all arraignments. Each GA court receives criminal cases from a specified group of towns. Thus, where an alleged crime occurs determines in which GA the case will begin.

GA courts handle misdemeanors, felonies, and motor vehicle violations that require a court appearance. The most serious criminal offenses (i.e. capital felony, murder) are transferred from a GA to the JD level, commonly called “Part A.”

For a more complete breakdown of JD and GA courts, please see the Judicial Branch directory.

What about housing and small claims matters?
Cases involving housing are heard in special housing sessions in the Bridgeport, Hartford, New Britain, New Haven, Stamford-Norwalk and Waterbury judicial districts. Among the types of housing matters heard at the judicial district housing session locations are: summary process (eviction; civil jury and non-jury; and criminal jury and non-jury.)

In all other judicial districts, housing cases are part of the regular civil docket and are heard in GA courts.

Small claims also is part of the civil division. More small claims information.

Are Probate Courts part of the Superior Court?
Probate Court is not part of the Superior Court. Connecticut is divided into 123 probate districts, each of which is presided over by a judge of probate who is elected to office for a four-year term. Probate judges do not have to be attorneys.

Whom do I contact if I have a question about Probate Court?
The chief justice appoints the probate court administrator. The Office of the Probate Court Administrator is located at 186 Newington Road, West Hartford 06110. The phone number is: (860)231-2442. Additional information is available through the Judicial Branch’s website.

What are special sessions of the Superior Court?
The Superior Court has six special sessions: child protection; tax; complex litigation; community court; family violence; and the regional family trial docket.

How are jurors chosen? Are they compensated? May I see the juror questionnaire?

• Please see this link regarding how jurors are chosen.
• Please see this link regarding compensation.
• Juror questionnaires are confidential under state statute Sec. 51-232(c) of the Connecticut General Statutes.

Who oversees the discipline of lawyers?
Through the inherent authority of the court and the Statewide Grievance Committee, the Judicial Branch oversees attorney discipline through the Statewide Bar Counsel’s Office  and the Chief Disciplinary Counsel’s Office.

The grievance process begins when a complaint is filed with the Statewide Bar Counsel. The Chief Disciplinary Counsel’s Office pursues those complaints before the Statewide Grievance Committee, in which there has been a finding of probable cause. The Chief Disciplinary Counsel’s Office also litigates disciplinary matters in court.

The Connecticut Practice Book contains the Rules of Professional Conduct and the grievance procedure.

Does the Judicial Branch oversee probation?
Yes. Adult probation and bail services are part of the Judicial Branch’s Court Support Services Division (CSSD).

What is the difference between a probation officer and a parole officer?
Probation officers work for the Judicial Branch as part of the Court Support Services Division. Parole officers are part of the Department of Correction, which is under the Executive Branch.

Are prosecutors and public defenders part of the Judicial Branch?
Prosecutors are not Judicial Branch employees. They work for the Division of Criminal Justice, which is part of the Executive Branch.

The Public Defender Services Commission is the policy-making body and appointing authority for the Division of Public Defender Services.  Section 51-289(j) of the Connecticut General Statutes says that the commission is an “an autonomous body within the judicial department for fiscal and budgetary purposes only.” Thus, while the commission is part of the judicial branch, it is otherwise autonomous.

What is the difference between a state marshal and a judicial marshal?
Judicial marshals, who are part of the Judicial Branch, provide courthouse security and prisoner transportation. State marshals serve civil process and are overseen by the State Marshal Commission. Neither the state marshals nor the commission fall under the Judicial Branch’s jurisdiction.

Is the Office of Victim Services the same as the Office of Victim Advocate?
No. The Office of Victim Services (OVS), which provides compensation and other services to crime victims, is part of the Judicial Branch. Court-based victim advocates are part of OVS.

The Office of Victim Advocate (OVA) is an independent state agency that evaluates and monitors how crime victims are treated by the state’s criminal justice system. The OVA is not part of the Judicial Branch.

What is the Centralized Infractions Bureau?
In 1986 the Judicial Branch centralized the processing of infractions under the Centralized Infractions Bureau (CIB). An infraction is the breaking of a state law, regulation or ordinance that does not require going to court. Individuals may resolve the infraction by paying the amount to the CIB, either by mail or in person.

In 1990 certain violations became payable by mail to the CIB.

• Frequently Asked Questions about Traffic Violations
• Violations and Infractions Schedule

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How many judges are there?
Under Section 51-165 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the number of authorized judgeships is 196, including the justices of the Supreme Court and the judges of the Appellate Court.

How does a person become a judge?
Under state law, the Judicial Selection Commission seeks and recommends to the governor qualified individuals for nomination as judges. The governor must choose a candidate from the approved list. The governor then refers his or her nominees to the General Assembly’s Judiciary Committee for confirmation after a public hearing. Both chambers of the Legislature must approve the nominees.

If the legislature is not in session when the governor nominates prospective judges, interim appointments may occur. The prospective judge or judges appear before the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee at a public hearing and may be approved by the committee as an interim appointment. During the next regular session of the General Assembly, the judge must again appear before the Judiciary Committee at a public hearing and then be approved by members of the Judiciary Committee, the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Judges serve eight-year terms; upon expiration of their term, they may be reappointed. The Judicial Selection Commission, the governor, the Judiciary Committee and both chambers of the General Assembly, must again approve judges who are up for reappointment.

Does the Judicial Branch oversee the Judicial Selection Commission?
No. The Judicial Selection Commission (860-713-5300) is an independent, non-partisan commission of lawyers and non-lawyers appointed by the governor and the General Assembly to seek and approve qualified applicants for judgeships. The commission also evaluates incumbent judges who seek reappointment and forwards to the governor for consideration the names of those judges recommended for reappointment. The Judicial Selection Commission’s powers are outlined in Section 51-44a of the Connecticut General Statutes.

What is the Judicial Review Council?
The Judicial Review Council (860-566-5424) investigates complaints against judges and may initiate an investigation. Its powers and composition are outlined in sections 51-51k and 51-51l of the Connecticut General Statutes. It maintains a website at http://www.ct.gov/jrc. The Judicial Branch does not oversee the Judicial Review Council.

What is a judge trial referee?
Age 70 is the mandatory retirement age for Supreme Court justices, Appellate Court judges and Superior Court judges. Judge trial referees are judges who are 70 years or older and who have been designated by the chief justice of the Supreme Court to hear certain cases.

Senior judges have retired from full-time active service but have not reached age 70. Senior judges may hear matters, as assigned.

Who makes judges’ assignments? How often do they occur?
The chief court administrator, in consultation with the deputy chief court administrator, assigns Superior Court judges. These assignments generally occur annually and typically run from September of one year to the end of August in the succeeding year. However, reassignments also may occur during the court year.

The Judicial Branch website lists the assignments of all judges as well as all of the judges at a particular court location.

Will a judge comment on a particular case before him/her?
Under the Code of Judicial Conduct, judges must abstain from public comment about a pending or impending proceeding. The code also says that the judge should require abstention on the part of court personnel subject to his or her direction and control. See Canon 3, Section 5

In addition, judges generally do not comment to the news media about their rulings. If you are seeking information about a case, you may want to review disclosable information within the court file or obtain a transcript of the court proceeding in which you are interested.

What is a magistrate?
A magistrate is a lawyer who is not a judge but who is authorized to hear and decide certain types of cases. For example, family support magistrates hear cases involving child support. In addition, there are motor vehicle/small claims magistrates. Please see Connecticut General Statutes Section 51-193l through 51-193u, and Section 44-30 of the Connecticut Practice Book." 

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I’m awaiting a ruling from the Connecticut Supreme Court on a case that I’ve been following. What’s the best way to get the ruling?
The best way is to monitor the Judicial Branch website. You may access “advance release rulings” from both the Supreme and Appellate courts through the online media resource center or through the menu on the home page. The titles of rulings that are to be released on a particular day are posted at about 8:30 a.m.; the text of the rulings is available after 11:30 a.m. on the same day.

The dockets of the Supreme and Appellate courts also are accessible through the website.

When will the Supreme Court release a particular ruling?
There is no date set for the release of a Supreme Court ruling. We recommend that you monitor the Judicial Branch’s website on a daily basis if you are waiting for a ruling from either the Supreme or Appellate Court.

I have some questions regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling and what it means. Can I get an explanation?
Judicial Branch personnel cannot provide a legal opinion, interpretation of a law or a comment regarding court rulings. We recommend that you either contact the parties in the case or an organization for attorneys.

What information is available online about Superior Court cases?
Information regarding family, civil, housing and small claims cases is available online. Please see “Case Lookup” on the Judicial Branch’s website for more information. Please note that the information is only a summary of action in a case; case lookup does not include actual documents from court files.

How up-to-date is the “Case Lookup” information?
Case information includes all data entry completed by the close of business the previous day, so the most up-to-date information may not have been added when you look up a case. The best way to determine the most recent action in a file that is disclosable is to go to the clerk’s office and review the file.

Scheduled court dates for civil and family cases are available through the case lookup section.

Where can I get an individual’s entire criminal history?
The official source for an individual’s full criminal history is the State Department of Public Safety, Division of State Police, Bureau of Investigation.

How do I obtain statistics?
If you are seeking statistics, please call the External Affairs Division at 860-757-2270. It the request involves a specific state statute, please also provide the statute number. In addition, we need to know how many years worth of data you are seeking and whether you are inquiring on a statewide or local level.

The Judicial Branch’s biennial report has a statistics section that may be useful.

Whom should I contact for questions regarding statistics/ policy/ personnel/ interviews?
The Judicial Branch’s External Affairs Division can help with requests regarding statistics, policies/programs, personnel, interviews, etc. The phone number is 860-757-2270.

How can I find out information about a pending case?
For civil, family, housing and small claims cases that are disclosable, limited information may be available through the Case Lookup section of the Judicial Branch’s website. More detailed information may be obtained from disclosable information in the clerk's file.

Information that is disclosable in a pending criminal case may be obtained through the clerk’s office in the courthouse where the case is pending. Please note that a court clerk can provide only limited information, such as a continuance date, over the telephone. In addition, a file may still be in court when you call, so the information may not be available at that point.

Disclosable documents may be reviewed in the clerk’s office. Copy fees are $1 a page.

How do I obtain documents in cases that have been disposed?
Chapter 7 of the Connecticut Practice Book provides retention schedules for files and records. These rules outline what may or may not be available in a file once it is disposed, and for how long the information will be available.

For all types of files, you should start by contacting the clerk’s office in the judicial district where the case originated to determine whether the file you are seeking is still there and/or disclosable. The clerk’s office may inform you that the file has been sent to the Superior Court Records Center, located at 111 Phoenix Ave., Enfield. In that event, please obtain the following information from the clerk’s office to provide to the records center:

The following information is necessary for the records center to locate a record:

• Name on the file
• court docket number
• date of disposition; and
• court where the case was heard.
• If you are seeking a civil case, the records center also needs the “records center location number,” which is available at the court.

The phone number at the records center is 860-741-2478.

Please note that information regarding disposed of cases may not be available because of state erasure laws Chapter 961a, “Criminal Records,” Part 1, Erasure, of the Connecticut General Statutes.

How do I obtain a transcript of a court hearing?
Requests for transcripts of any court proceeding must be made in writing and submitted to the court reporter’s office in the judicial district where the case was heard. The request must include: the case name (or caption); the docket number; the judge’s name; where the cases was heard; the date(s) the case was heard; your name, address and phone number; and a brief description of the proceeding (or section of the proceeding) that you are ordering.

There is a fee for transcripts set forth in Section 51-63(c) of the Connecticut General Statutes.

What is a PSI? Can I get a copy?
PSI stands for presentence investigation. Section 54-91a(a) of the General Statutes says:

“No defendant convicted of a crime, other than a capital felony, the punishment for which may include imprisonment for more than a year, may be sentenced, or defendant’s case otherwise disposed of, until a written report of investigation by a probation officer has been presented to and considered by the court, if the defendant is so convicted for the first time in this state; but any court may, in its discretion, order a presentence investigation for a defendant convicted of any crime or offense other than capital felony.”

Section 54-91a 9(c) of the General Statutes outlines what information may be included in a PSI.

It is not uncommon for court officials – the judge, prosecutor or public defender, for example – to refer in open court during a sentencing to information contained in the PSI. A PSI, however, is not disclosable to the public, pursuant to Section 43-9 of the Connecticut Practice Book.

Can you confirm whether someone applies for the alcohol-education program?
Certain diversionary programs in criminal court require that a file be sealed once a defendant applies for the program. These are statutory sealings; in other words, the Legislature put in the requirements for sealing. The court and court personnel are bound by these requirements.

When someone applies for the pretrial alcohol-education program, Section 54-56g of the General Statutes requires that the file be sealed. At that point, Judicial Branch personnel cannot confirm whether someone has applied for the program or not.

Does the Judicial Branch run the pretrial alcohol-education program?
No. The state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services runs and contracts for the program. 

What information is available regarding investigative grand juries?
Please see Section 54-47e of the General Statutes.

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What are the rules regarding sealing of court documents/closing of courtrooms?
Please see the Connecticut Practice Book for these rules: Sec. 11-20, Sec. 11-20A, Sec. 25-59, Sec. 25-59A, Sec. 42-49; Sec. 42-49A.

How do I know when a motion to seal a file or to close a courtroom has been filed?
A notice of motions to seal documents and to close proceedings in family, civil and housing matters is posted on the Judicial Branch website.

For criminal cases, please see sections 42-49(e) and 42-49A(f)(1) of the practice book.

Under what circumstances would a clerk’s office or records center respond that there is no public record of a case?
The following situations could apply:

• nolle more than 13 months old;
• dismissal/not guilty/acquittal that occurred more than 20 days ago;
• the file is sealed by statute or court order; defendant granted absolute pardon;
• defendant is 16- or 17-year-old who may be eligible for youthful offender status (effective Jan. 1, 2006; please see question regarding youthful offenders in next section, Juvenile/Youthful Offender.)

Do the state’s Freedom of Information laws apply to the courts?
Under state law, the state’s Freedom of Information laws apply only with respect to the administrative functions of the Judicial Branch.

The Connecticut Practice Book and state statutes govern court access, records and proceedings.

What is the Connecticut Practice Book? How can I get a copy?
The Judicial Branch’s Commission on Official Legal Publications publishes the Connecticut Practice Book annually. It contains the Rules of Professional Conduct for attorneys, the Code of Judicial Conduct, the Rules for Superior Court, and the Rules of Appellate Procedure. The practice book is available on the Judicial Branch’s website.

How are the rules in the Connecticut Practice Book made?
The Rules Committee of the Superior Court, which is composed of judges, considers proposed changes in the rules of practice and may recommend amendments.

If the Rules Committee decides to pursue a proposed change, a public hearing usually is held at the end of May. After the public hearing – and if the committee recommends the proposal for adoption – it then would go before the entire bench for a vote at its annual meeting, which usually occurs in June.

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What are the rules regarding cameras in court?
Under the Connecticut Practice Book, a judge may permit camera coverage of some trials; please see Section 1-11 for details.

Also under the rule, no broadcasting, televising, recording or photographing of any of the following proceedings shall be permitted: family relations matters as defined in General Statutes 46b-1; sentencing hearings, except in trials that have been previously broadcast, televised, recorded or photographed; trials involving trade secrets; in jury trials, all proceedings held in the absence of the jury; trials of sexual offense charges; and trials of cases that must be closed to the public to comply with the provisions of state law.

Section 1-10 of the Connecticut Practice Book, Cameras and Electronic Media, in General, also may apply to a request.

See also Connecticut Practice Book Section 1-10(b), which became effective on Oct. 1, 2005.

What are the rules regarding cameras in the Supreme and Appellate courts?
Please refer to Section 70-9 and Section 70-10 of the Connecticut Practice Book.

Protocol for Broadcasting, Televising, Recording or Photographing Supreme Court Oral Arguments

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Who are considered juveniles in the state of Connecticut?
Under state law, individuals under the age of 16 are considered juveniles in the state of Connecticut.

What information is available regarding the Superior Court for Juvenile Matters?
Generally, all records of cases in Juvenile Court are confidential under Section 46b-124 of the Connecticut General Statutes. The Judicial Branch may provide general administrative information about Juvenile Court, for example, the number of cases handled annually, budget, types of programs, etc.

Where can I get basic information about the role and functions of Juvenile Court?
Sections 46b-120 through 46b-150h of the Connecticut General Statutes may provide the basic information that you are seeking.

What kinds of cases are handled in Juvenile Court?
Child Protection, Delinquency, Family With Service Needs, and Youth in Crisis cases are handled at Connecticut’s 13 juvenile court locations.

What are Child Protection cases?
Child protection includes cases of neglect, termination of parental rights and emancipation. These matters typically involve the filing of an action or a petition at the Superior Court for Juvenile Matters. Usually, the state Department of Children and Families – the agency responsible for investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect – files the petition.

What are delinquency cases?
Delinquency cases in juvenile court stem from the arrest by police of a person under age 16.  

In many towns, police may divert a case to a juvenile review board. These boards generally are limited to misdemeanor cases and situations where police feel the matter may be resolved with mediation or short-term intervention. Not every town has such a board.

If there is no diversionary program or if the officer does not believe the case qualifies for such treatment, then the matter is transferred to Juvenile Court.

What does Family With Service Needs mean?
FWSN, as it is commonly called, applies to persons under 16 years of age who have committed “status offenses” as defined by Section 46b-120 of the Connecticut General Statutes. A status offense is an act that would not be a crime if an adult committed it. Examples of status offenses include running away from home or being habitually truant from school.

What is a Youth in Crisis?
Under state law, 16- and 17-year-olds who commit status offenses may be referred to Juvenile Court. Youth in Crisis (YIC) is defined in Section 46b-120 of the General Statutes. Also see Section 46b-150f for additional laws regarding YIC cases in Juvenile Court.

Does the Judicial Branch operate detention centers for juveniles?
The Judicial Branch runs three juvenile detention centers, one each in Bridgeport, Hartford and New Haven. These are pre-trial (cases not yet adjudicated) facilities.

Are juveniles ever handled through adult court?
Section 46b-127 of the Connecticut General Statutes covers the transfer of juveniles charged with a felony to the regular criminal docket.

What’s a youthful offender?
Youthful offender (YO) is a status that is available to eligible 16- and 17-year-olds charged with a crime. Not all 16- and 17-year-olds are eligible for YO status; under state law, certain crimes – a class A felony, for example – are excluded. For a list of offenses excluded from YO status, see Section 54-76b of the General Statutes, as amended by Public Act 05-232.

Prior to Jan. 1, 2006, state statute automatically sealed the cases of 16- and 17-year-olds once they applied for YO status. Under a new law enacted in 2005 by the General Assembly, 16- and 17-year-olds charged with offenses not on the excluded list of crimes “shall be presumed to be adjudged a youthful offender and the court having jurisdiction shall, but only as to the public, order the court file sealed.” That means, effective Jan. 1, 2006, courts no longer may provide any information about the cases unless and until they are ordered returned to the regular adult docket.

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