Section 24-17.—Prohibition of Certain Filings

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

In one sentenceIn small claims court, parties may not file anything beyond the pleadings and motions this chapter specifically allows unless the judicial authority grants permission.

Full Text of Section 24-17

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No filings other than those provided for in this chapter shall be permitted without permission of the judicial authority.

Amendment History

(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 568.) (Amended June 26, 2000, to take effect Jan. 1, 2001; amended June 21, 2010, to take effect Jan. 1, 2011.)

Plain-English Summary

Small claims procedure is deliberately limited. This rule bars any filing not already provided for elsewhere in this chapter, unless the judicial authority gives permission first. It keeps small claims cases simple by preventing the kind of motion practice common in regular civil litigation, such as motions to strike, from cluttering an informal, self-help forum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a motion to strike in Connecticut small claims court?

Only if the judicial authority grants permission. Filings not otherwise provided for in this chapter are not permitted without that approval.

Why can't I file whatever motions I want in small claims court?

This chapter restricts filings to those it specifically provides for, in order to keep small claims procedure simple and informal; anything else requires the court's permission.

What filings are allowed without special permission?

Any filing already provided for elsewhere in this chapter, such as an answer, a motion to transfer, or a setoff or counterclaim, does not need special permission.

Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 24-17). 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: small claims filing restrictions CTcan I file a motion in small claims courtprohibited filings small claims Connecticutsmall claims motion to strike