(a) The fact finder shall be selected by the presiding civil judge for the court location where the case is pending.
Section 23-54.—Selection of Fact Finders; Disqualification
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceThis section explains who picks the fact finder for a case and how a fact finder can step aside or be challenged for cause by a party.
Full Text of Section 23-54
(b) A fact finder may disqualify himself or herself upon his or her own application or upon application of a party. Should a party object to a fact finder’s refusal to disqualify himself or herself for cause, such party may file an application for disqualification with the presiding civil judge in the court location where the case is pending.
(c) Should a fact finder disqualify himself or herself, the fact finder shall inform in writing the presiding civil judge in the court location where the case is pending.
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 546E.)
Plain-English Summary
The presiding civil judge for the court location where the case is pending selects the fact finder. A fact finder can disqualify himself or herself on his or her own initiative, or a party can apply for disqualification. If a fact finder refuses to step aside despite an objection, the objecting party may file a formal application for disqualification with the presiding civil judge. When a fact finder does disqualify himself or herself, the fact finder must notify the presiding civil judge in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who selects the fact finder for a case?
The presiding civil judge for the court location where the case is pending selects the fact finder.
Can a party ask to remove a fact finder from a case?
Yes. A party can apply for the fact finder's disqualification, and if the fact finder refuses to step aside for cause, the party may file an application for disqualification with the presiding civil judge.
What happens when a fact finder disqualifies himself?
The fact finder must inform the presiding civil judge in writing.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 23-54). 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: disqualifying a fact finderselecting a fact finder Connecticutfact finder recusal CTpresiding civil judge fact finder selectionfact finder conflict of interest