Whenever a motion for a postponement or continuance of a case assigned for trial is made by either party and such motion is granted, the court may require the party making the same to pay to the adverse party such sum by way of indemnity as it deems reasonable. (See General Statutes § 52-196.)
Section 14-23.Motions To Continue or Postpone Case Assigned for Trial
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceWhen a court grants a party's motion to postpone or continue a trial date, it may order that party to pay the other side a reasonable sum to cover the costs the delay caused.
Full Text of Section 14-23
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 279.)
Plain-English Summary
This rule gives the court a tool to offset the cost of a granted postponement or continuance. When either party asks to delay a case that has already been assigned for trial and the court grants that request, the court may require the moving party to pay the other side an amount the court considers reasonable, as indemnity for the delay.
The rule does not set a fixed amount or formula. It leaves the sum, if any, to the court’s judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a court charge a party for postponing a trial in Connecticut?
Yes, when the court grants a motion to postpone or continue a case assigned for trial, it may order the party who asked for the delay to pay the other party a reasonable sum by way of indemnity.
Is payment of indemnity automatic whenever a trial is postponed?
No, the rule says the court “may” require payment, which means it is discretionary rather than automatic.
Who decides the amount owed for a postponement?
The court sets the sum, choosing an amount it deems reasonable under the circumstances.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 14-23). 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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