After the close of evidence but before arguments to the jury, the judicial authority shall, if requested, inform counsel out of the presence of the jury of the substance of its proposed instructions.
Section 16-24.—Charge Conference
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceAfter the evidence closes but before closing arguments, the judicial authority must, if a party asks, tell counsel outside the jury’s presence the substance of the instructions it plans to give.
Full Text of Section 16-24
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 318A.)
Plain-English Summary
Once the evidence is closed but before arguments to the jury begin, counsel can ask the judicial authority to preview its charge. If requested, the judicial authority must inform counsel, outside the jury’s presence, of the substance of the instructions it plans to give. This charge conference lets counsel shape closing arguments around the instructions the jury will receive and lets counsel raise any objections before the charge is delivered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a charge conference in a Connecticut civil trial?
It is the point after the close of evidence, and before closing arguments, when the judicial authority tells counsel, outside the jury’s presence, the substance of its proposed jury instructions, if counsel requests it.
Is the judicial authority required to hold a charge conference?
The judicial authority must inform counsel of the substance of its proposed instructions if requested, so the conference depends on a party asking for it.
Does the jury hear what happens at the charge conference?
No. The judicial authority informs counsel of its proposed instructions out of the presence of the jury.
Why does the charge conference happen before closing arguments?
Learning the substance of the coming instructions before arguing to the jury lets counsel tailor closing arguments to the charge the jury will receive.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 16-24). 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: charge conference Connecticut civil trialproposed jury instructions previewwhen does charge conference happencounsel notified of jury charge substance