Section 15-6.Opening Argument

Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026

In one sentenceThis section lets counsel give a brief opening statement to the jury instead of reading the pleadings aloud, so the trier gets a general sense of the case before evidence begins, with the presiding judge controlling how far counsel may range.

Full Text of Section 15-6

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Instead of reading the pleadings, counsel for any party shall be permitted to make a brief opening statement to the jury in jury cases, or in a court case at the discretion of the presiding judge, to apprise the trier in general terms as to the nature of the case being presented for trial. The presiding judge shall have discretion as to the latitude of the statements of counsel.

End

Amendment History

(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 296.)

Plain-English Summary

Rather than reading the pleadings to the jury, counsel for any party may give a brief opening statement laying out, in general terms, what the case is about. In a jury case this is permitted as a matter of course; in a court case, it rests in the presiding judge’s discretion whether to allow it. Either way, the presiding judge decides how much latitude counsel gets in making these statements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an opening statement required in a Connecticut civil trial?

The section permits counsel to make a brief opening statement in place of reading the pleadings; it does not require one.

Can a party give an opening statement in a court case tried without a jury?

Yes, but it is up to the presiding judge’s discretion, unlike jury cases where a brief opening statement is permitted as a matter of course.

Who decides how detailed an opening statement can be?

The presiding judge has discretion over the latitude given to counsel’s opening statement.

Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 15-6). 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: opening statement rule Connecticutbrief opening statement to juryopening argument instead of reading pleadingspresiding judge discretion opening statement