Motions for new trials in cases tried to the court, unless brought by petition served on the adverse party or parties, must be filed with the clerk within ten days after the day the judgment is rendered; provided that for good cause the judicial authority may extend this time. The clerk shall notify the trial judge of such filing. Such motions shall state the specific grounds upon which counsel relies.
Section 17-4A.Motions for New Trial
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceThis rule requires a motion for a new trial in a case tried to the court, rather than a jury, to be filed with the clerk within ten days after judgment is rendered, stating the specific grounds relied on.
Full Text of Section 17-4A
Amendment History
(Adopted June 26, 2000, to take effect Jan. 1, 2001.)
Plain-English Summary
Section 17-4A sets the deadline for motions for new trials in cases tried to the court. Unless brought by petition served on the adverse party or parties, such a motion must be filed with the clerk within ten days after the day judgment is rendered. The judicial authority may extend that time for good cause, and the clerk must notify the trial judge that the motion was filed.
The motion must state the specific grounds counsel relies on.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to move for a new trial after a court trial in Connecticut?
Ten days after the day judgment is rendered, unless the judicial authority extends the time for good cause.
Does this deadline apply to jury trials too?
No. Section 17-4A governs motions for new trials in cases tried to the court; a similar ten-day deadline for jury cases appears in Section 16-35.
What must the motion include?
The motion must state the specific grounds upon which counsel relies.
Can the ten-day deadline be extended?
Yes, the judicial authority may extend the time for good cause.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 17-4A). 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: motion for new trial deadline CTnew trial court trial Connecticutten day new trial motion CTPractice Book 17-4Amotion for new trial court case