In all trials of causes before a judge that might have been brought to the court, the judge, when a decision has been reached, shall lodge the file and papers in such cause, and a memorandum of the judge’s decision, with the clerk of the court who would have been the custodian thereof had the cause been tried by the court in such judicial district, and such clerk shall thereupon become their lawful custodian. (See General Statutes § 51-190a.)
Section 20-4.Trial before Judge; Lodging File and Papers
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceRequires a judge who tries a case that could have gone to court to lodge the case file, papers, and a memorandum of the decision with the clerk who would have held them had the court itself tried the case.
Full Text of Section 20-4
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 449.)
Plain-English Summary
This rule covers trials of causes before a judge that might instead have been brought to the court. Once the judge reaches a decision, the judge must lodge the file and papers in the cause, along with a memorandum of the decision, with the clerk of the court who would have been the custodian of those papers had the court, rather than the judge, tried the cause in that judicial district.
Once lodged, that clerk becomes the lawful custodian of the file, papers, and memorandum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who keeps the case file after a judge decides a case that could have gone to court?
The judge lodges the file, papers, and a memorandum of the decision with the clerk who would have been custodian had the court itself tried the cause in that judicial district, and that clerk then becomes the lawful custodian.
When does the judge lodge the papers?
The rule requires lodging once the judge has reached a decision in the cause.
Is there a statute behind this rule?
Yes, Section 20-4 references General Statutes § 51-190a.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 20-4). 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: lodging file after judge trial Connecticutcustodian of papers after chambers trialGeneral Statutes 51-190a rulewhere case papers go after judge decision