In any action in which there is an unusually large number of defendants, the judicial authority, upon motion or of its own initiative, may order that service of the pleadings of the defendants and replies thereto need not be made as between the defendants and that any cross complaint, counterclaim, or matter constituting an avoidance or affirmative defense contained therein shall be deemed to be denied or avoided by all other defendants and that the filing of any such pleading and service thereof upon the plaintiff shall be deemed to constitute due notice of it to the parties. A copy of every such order shall be served upon the parties in such manner and form as the judicial authority directs.
Section 10-15.—Numerous Defendants
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceThis section lets a court, in a case with an unusually large number of defendants, order that defendants need not serve pleadings on each other, treating certain unaddressed matters as denied and service on the plaintiff as notice to all.
Full Text of Section 10-15
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 124.)
Plain-English Summary
Section 10-15 addresses cases with an unusually large number of defendants. On motion or on its own initiative, the judicial authority may order that service of the defendants’ pleadings and any replies need not be made among the defendants themselves. Under such an order, any cross complaint, counterclaim, or matter constituting an avoidance or affirmative defense contained in a pleading is deemed denied or avoided by all other defendants, and filing the pleading plus serving it on the plaintiff is deemed to give due notice of it to the parties. A copy of any such order must be served on the parties in the manner and form the judicial authority directs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can a court excuse service between defendants under Section 10-15?
When there is an unusually large number of defendants, the judicial authority may order that service of defendants' pleadings and replies need not be made as between the defendants.
What happens to a cross complaint or counterclaim under such an order?
It is deemed to be denied or avoided by all other defendants, without requiring each defendant to respond individually.
Does the plaintiff still have to be served?
Yes, the filing of the pleading and its service on the plaintiff is deemed to give due notice of it to the parties.
Who initiates an order under Section 10-15?
The judicial authority may issue it upon a party's motion or on its own initiative.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 10-15). 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: large number of defendants service rule CTservice between codefendants exceptiondeemed denied cross complaint rulemultiple defendants pleading servicecourt order excusing service defendants