The court is ‘‘not in session’’ or ‘‘not actually in session,’’ as those phrases are used in the statutes and rules, at all times (1) after adjournment and before opening and (2) during recess. The court is in recess or in adjournment provided it has not been adjourned without date. The order for a recess or an adjournment other than without date may be revoked and the court reconvened by direction of the presiding judge at any time.
Section 1-13.Recess and Adjournment
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceThis rule explains when the Superior Court counts as “not in session” and distinguishes a recess or adjournment from an adjournment without date, which ends the session for good.
Full Text of Section 1-13
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 300.)
Plain-English Summary
Section 1-13 defines when the court is “not in session” or “not actually in session” for purposes of the statutes and rules: after the court has adjourned and before it opens again, and during any recess. The court remains in recess or adjournment as long as it hasn't been adjourned without date — adjournment without date ends the matter, while other recesses and adjournments can be undone.
The presiding judge can revoke an order for a recess or an adjournment (other than one without date) and reconvene the court at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for Connecticut court to be “not in session”?
The court is not in session after it adjourns and before it opens again, and during any recess, under Section 1-13.
What is the difference between a recess and an adjournment without date?
A recess or an ordinary adjournment can be revoked and the court reconvened by the presiding judge, but an adjournment without date ends the session and cannot be revoked under this rule.
Can a Connecticut judge cancel a recess and bring the court back into session?
Yes. The presiding judge may revoke an order for recess or adjournment (other than one without date) and reconvene the court at any time.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 1-13). Prescribed by the Judges of the Superior Court of Connecticut (Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 51-14). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 9, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: connecticut court recess rulesadjournment without date meaningwhen is court not in session connecticutreconvening court after recess