Section 17-50.—Triable Issue as to Damages Only

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

In one sentenceThis rule allows an interlocutory summary judgment on liability alone even when a genuine issue remains as to damages, followed by an immediate hearing to determine the amount of damages before the judicial authority renders the final summary judgment.

Full Text of Section 17-50

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A summary judgment, interlocutory in character, may be rendered on the issue of liability alone, although there is a genuine issue as to damages. In such case the judicial authority shall order an immediate hearing before a judge trial referee, before the court, or before a jury, whichever may be proper, to determine the amount of the damages. If the determination is by a jury, the usual procedure for setting aside the verdict shall be applicable. Upon the conclusion of these proceedings, the judicial authority shall forthwith render the appropriate summary judgment.

End

Amendment History

(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 385.)

Plain-English Summary

Section 17-50 permits a summary judgment limited to the issue of liability, described as interlocutory in character, even though a genuine issue as to damages remains. When that happens, the judicial authority orders an immediate hearing — before a judge trial referee, the court, or a jury, whichever is proper — to determine the amount of damages. If a jury determines damages, the usual procedure for setting aside the verdict applies. Once that hearing concludes, the judicial authority renders the appropriate summary judgment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Connecticut court grant summary judgment on liability without deciding damages?

Yes. Section 17-50 allows an interlocutory summary judgment on liability alone even when a genuine issue as to damages remains, followed by a hearing to set the damages amount.

Who determines damages after a liability-only summary judgment?

A judge trial referee, the court, or a jury, whichever is proper, holds an immediate hearing to determine the amount of damages.

Can a jury verdict on damages under this rule be set aside?

Yes, the usual procedure for setting aside a verdict applies if the damages determination is made by a jury.

What happens after the damages hearing concludes?

The judicial authority forthwith renders the appropriate summary judgment.

Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 17-50). 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: partial summary judgment on liability CTinterlocutory summary judgment damagessummary judgment liability only Connecticutdamages hearing after summary judgmentbifurcated liability and damages