(a) If a party shall fail to prosecute an action with reasonable diligence, the judicial authority may, after hearing, on motion by any party to the action pursuant to Section 11-1, or on its own motion, render a judgment dismissing the action with costs. At least two weeks’ notice shall be required except in cases appearing on an assignment list for final adjudication. Judgment files shall not be drawn except where an appeal is taken or where any party so requests.
Section 14-3.Dismissal for Lack of Diligence
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceLets a court dismiss a case with costs after a hearing if a party fails to prosecute it with reasonable diligence, and limits what can be filed once a docket management case reaches default status.
Full Text of Section 14-3
(b) If a case appears on a docket management calendar pursuant to the docket management program administered under the direction of the chief court administrator, and a motion for default for failure to plead is filed pursuant to Section 10-18, only those papers which close the pleadings by joining issues, or raise a special defense, may be filed by any party, unless the judicial authority otherwise orders.
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 251.) (Amended June 24, 2002, to take effect Jan. 1, 2003; amended June 20, 2011, to take effect Jan. 1, 2012.)
Plain-English Summary
If a party lets a case sit without moving it forward with reasonable diligence, the judicial authority can dismiss the action and assess costs. This can happen on a motion by any party or on the court’s own motion, but only after a hearing and with at least two weeks’ notice, except for cases already on an assignment list for final adjudication. Judgment files aren’t drawn unless a party appeals or specifically asks for one.
The rule also addresses cases moving through the docket management program. Once a case appears on a docket management calendar and a motion for default for failure to plead is filed, the only papers parties may file are ones that close the pleadings by joining issues or that raise a special defense, unless the judicial authority orders otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much notice does a party get before a case is dismissed for lack of diligence?
At least two weeks’ notice is required, except for cases appearing on an assignment list for final adjudication.
Can the court dismiss a case for lack of diligence on its own, without a motion?
Yes. The judicial authority can dismiss the action after a hearing either on motion by any party or on its own motion.
What can be filed once a docket management case reaches a default motion for failure to plead?
Only papers that close the pleadings by joining issues or that raise a special defense may be filed, unless the judicial authority orders otherwise.
Is a judgment file always prepared after a dismissal for lack of diligence?
No. Judgment files aren’t drawn unless an appeal is taken or a party requests one.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 14-3). 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: dismissal for lack of diligence CTdormant case dismissal Connecticutfailure to prosecute action Connecticutdocket management default motion filing restrictionstwo weeks notice dismissal hearing