The argument on behalf of any party shall not occupy more than one hour, unless the judicial authority, on motion for special cause, before the commencement of such argument, allows a longer time. (See General Statutes § 52-209 and annotations.)
Section 15-7.Time Limit on Argument
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceThis section caps closing argument at one hour per party unless the judicial authority grants more time on a motion made for special cause before the argument starts.
Full Text of Section 15-7
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 297.)
Plain-English Summary
Argument on behalf of any party at trial may not run longer than one hour. A party who needs more time must move for it on special cause, and that motion has to be made before the argument begins — the judicial authority cannot extend the clock once the party is already arguing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a closing argument last in a Connecticut civil trial?
Up to one hour per party, unless the judicial authority allows more time on a motion for special cause made before the argument starts.
Can a party ask for extra argument time after starting to argue?
No. The motion for additional time must be made before the argument begins.
Does the one-hour limit apply to opening statements too?
Section 15-7 addresses argument time, not opening statements; opening statements are addressed separately in Section 15-6.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 15-7). 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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