The mission of the Connecticut Judicial Branch is to serve the interests of justice and the public by resolving matters brought before it in a fair, timely, efficient and open manner.
Legal History

Doses of Connecticut Legal History: Witches and Witchcraft

   by Townsend, Karen

 https://jud.ct.gov/lawlib/LawLibNews/Posts/Post.aspx?Id=4436

One of our Doses of Connecticut Legal History, has been revised and updated. Witches and Witchcraft- The First Person Executed in the Colonies covers witchcraft trials in Connecticut, including the first person to be executed for witchcraft in America. The dose contains an update on steps taking in Connecticut to exonerate victims of witchcraft accusations.

New Office of Legislative Research Report

   by Booth, George

 https://jud.ct.gov/lawlib/LawLibNews/Posts/Post.aspx?Id=3971

The Office of Legislative Research has published the following report:

Governor's Executive Order Authority - 2020-R-0131 - You asked (1) by what authority the governor can issue executive orders and whether there are any limitations on their subject matter, (2) how courts determine whether an executive order violates the constitutional separation of powers doctrine, and (3) if, and under what circumstances, orders have been issued to amend statutory laws.

See also: Frequently Asked Questions on the State of Connecticut’s actions related to COVID-19.

Legislative History of Connecticut Constitutional Amendments - 1965 to 2008

   by Roy, Christopher

 https://jud.ct.gov/lawlib/LawLibNews/Posts/Post.aspx?Id=435

The Connecticut State Library has posted the compiled legislative histories for Connecticut constitutional amendments from 1965 to 2008. The page states that "[t]he current constitution was adopted in 1965 and has been amended 31 times."

History of Thanksgiving Proclamations

   by Roy, Christopher

 https://jud.ct.gov/lawlib/LawLibNews/Posts/Post.aspx?Id=210

For a brief history of Thanksgiving presidential proclamations and congressional resolutions beginning with the first Federal Congress, see the following National Archives web page:

A frequently requested item is the 1936 Connecticut Thanksgiving proclamation by Governor Wilbur L. Cross, which is reproduced as one of our Doses of Connecticut Legal History:

New Office of Legislative Research Reports

   by Zigadto, Janet

 https://jud.ct.gov/lawlib/LawLibNews/Posts/Post.aspx?Id=206

The Office of Legislative Research has issued the following new reports:

Releasing Lighter-Than-Air Balloons - 2016-R-0176 - summarizes "(1) the Connecticut law that restricts how many balloons may be released into the air and (2) its legislative history."

Questions Concerning the Disposition of Neglected Burial Grounds - 2016-R-0278 - "Are municipalities responsible for a neglected burial ground consisting of private plots? Can a municipality transfer an abandoned burial ground to an individual or business for development? Can one adversely possess an abandoned burial ground?"

Building Demolition and Related Property Taxes - 2016-R-0285 - summarizes "the state laws on (1) building demolition and (2) property taxes for demolished buildings."

Terrorism Risk Insurance Program - 2016-R-0208 - "This report explains the federal Terrorism Risk Insurance Program (TRIP), as updated by the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2015. This report updates OLR Report 2004-R-0072."

OB-GYN Services at Federally Qualified Health Centers - 2016-R-0264 - "Can federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) provide obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) services?"

Private Residential Wells - 2016-R-0263 - "Who is responsible for maintaining private residential wells in Connecticut? Do state laws establish minimum output levels and water quality requirements for private residential wells? Does the state require existing wells to be tested as a condition of selling a home?"



1