Where any matter in a proceeding which has or might have been made returnable to the court in any judicial district is brought, pursuant to statute before a judge, and is contested, and it may become necessary to take oral testimony, the judge may, at his or her discretion and by agreement of the parties, repair to the courthouse, open a special session of the court, certify such proceedings to said court, and go forward with the hearing as a court.
Section 20-1.Procedure in Contested Matters
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceLets a judge hearing a contested chambers matter that could have gone to court instead open a special session of the Superior Court, with the parties' agreement, and take testimony as the court rather than as a judge in chambers.
Full Text of Section 20-1
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 446.)
Plain-English Summary
This rule addresses what happens when a matter that could have been made returnable to the Superior Court instead comes before a judge outside of court — in chambers — and turns contested. If it looks like the judge will need to take oral testimony, the rule gives the judge a way to move the proceeding into a formal court setting.
At the judge’s discretion, and only if the parties agree, the judge may go to the courthouse, open a special session of the court, certify the chambers proceedings to that court, and continue the hearing as a court rather than as a judge acting alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when a chambers matter becomes contested in Connecticut?
If oral testimony may be needed, the judge may — at his or her discretion and with the parties’ agreement — move to the courthouse, open a special session of the court, and continue the hearing as a court.
Does the judge need the parties' consent to open a special court session?
Yes. Section 20-1 requires both the judge’s discretion and agreement of the parties before the judge repairs to the courthouse and opens a special session.
What kinds of matters does this rule cover?
It covers any matter in a proceeding that has been or could have been made returnable to the court in a judicial district, but was instead brought before a judge under a statute, and then became contested.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 20-1). 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: contested chambers matter Connecticutjudge in chambers procedure CTspecial session of court chamberscertifying chambers proceedings to courttaking testimony in chambers CT