(a) Cases in which the pleadings are closed may be assigned by the caseflow coordinator or clerk in consultation with the presiding judge for pretrial.
Section 14-11.Pretrial; Assignment for Pretrial
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceThis rule lets the caseflow coordinator or clerk, working with the presiding judge, schedule a case for pretrial once the pleadings have closed, and lets the court instead continue a case to a later pretrial date if it isn’t ready, such as when injuries or discovery are still unresolved.
Full Text of Section 14-11
(b) If there are reasons why a case scheduled for pretrial cannot be pretried effectively, for example in cases in which the extent of the injuries are unknown or discovery has not been completed, then the judicial authority shall continue the case to a date certain for pretrial and may limit the time for the completion of discovery.
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 263.)
Plain-English Summary
Section 14-11 opens the pretrial-conference process. Once the pleadings in a case are closed, the caseflow coordinator or clerk, in consultation with the presiding judge, may assign the case for a pretrial conference. Closed pleadings are the trigger — the rule doesn’t require any further request from the parties before scheduling can happen.
Sometimes a case isn’t ready for a productive pretrial conference, for example if the extent of a party’s injuries remains unknown or discovery hasn’t finished. In that situation, the judicial authority continues the case to a set future date for pretrial and may also limit how much time remains to complete discovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can a case be assigned for pretrial in Connecticut?
Once the pleadings are closed as to all parties, the caseflow coordinator or clerk may assign the case for pretrial in consultation with the presiding judge.
What happens if a case isn’t ready for pretrial?
The judicial authority continues the case to a specific future date for pretrial and may limit the remaining time for discovery, such as when injuries are still unknown or discovery is incomplete.
Who decides when a case goes to pretrial?
The caseflow coordinator or clerk makes the assignment, but only in consultation with the presiding judge.
Does discovery have to be finished before a pretrial conference?
Not necessarily, but if discovery is incomplete and that prevents an effective pretrial, the court will continue the case rather than proceed on schedule.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 14-11). 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
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