(a) When there are several requests, they shall be in separate and numbered paragraphs, each containing a single proposition of law clearly and concisely stated with the citation of authority upon which it is based, and the evidence to which the proposition would apply. Requests to charge should not exceed fifteen in number unless, for good cause shown, the judicial authority permits the filing of an additional number. If the request is granted, the judicial authority shall apply the proposition of law to the facts of the case.
Section 16-23.—Form and Contents of Requests To Charge
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceRequests to charge must be numbered, separately stated, limited to fifteen absent good cause, tied to a citation of authority and the evidence it applies to, and each legal principle may appear in only one request stated only one way.
Full Text of Section 16-23
(b) A principle of law should be stated in but one request and in but one way. Requests attempting to state in different forms the same principle of law as applied to a single issue are improper.
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 318.)
Plain-English Summary
When a party files several requests to charge, each must appear in a separate, numbered paragraph. Each paragraph must state a single proposition of law clearly and concisely, cite the authority supporting it, and identify the evidence to which it applies. Requests should not exceed fifteen in number unless the judicial authority, for good cause shown, permits more. If a request is granted, the judicial authority applies that proposition of law to the facts of the case.
Each principle of law belongs in one request, stated in one way. Requests that restate the same principle in different forms as applied to a single issue are improper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a limit on how many requests to charge I can file?
Requests to charge should not exceed fifteen in number unless the judicial authority permits more for good cause shown.
What must each numbered request to charge contain?
A single proposition of law stated clearly and concisely, a citation of authority for it, and the evidence to which it applies.
Can I state the same legal principle in two different requests?
No. A principle of law should be stated in only one request and in only one way; restating it in different forms for a single issue is improper.
What happens once a request to charge is granted?
The judicial authority applies the proposition of law in that request to the facts of the case.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 16-23). 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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