These rules shall apply to actions claiming money damages only, including actions against a nonresident defendant if he or she owns real or personal property in this state and actions against in-state and out-of-state corporations. Actions of libel and slander are not permitted under these rules. In no case shall the damages claimed exceed the jurisdictional monetary limit fixed by statute, including attorney’s fees and other costs of collection, but exclusive of interest and costs. (P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 548.)
Section 24-2.Allowable Actions
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentencePractice Book Section 24-2 limits small claims to money-damages actions, allows suits against nonresident property owners and corporations, bars libel and slander claims, and caps recovery at the statutory jurisdictional limit.
Full Text of Section 24-2
Amendment History
(Amended June 26, 2000, to take effect Jan. 1, 2001.) Sec. terclaim; Motion To Dismiss Plaintiff or Representative Is Not Required for Entry of Judgment when Required
Plain-English Summary
Small claims rules apply only to actions seeking money damages. A plaintiff can sue a nonresident defendant in small claims if that defendant owns real or personal property in Connecticut, and can sue both in-state and out-of-state corporations. Libel and slander claims are not allowed in small claims court — those must go through the regular civil docket.
The rule also sets a ceiling: damages claimed can never exceed the jurisdictional monetary limit fixed by statute. That limit includes any attorney's fees and other costs of collection sought, but excludes interest and court costs, which are calculated separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of cases can I bring in Connecticut small claims court?
Section 24-2 limits small claims to actions claiming money damages only, including claims against nonresident defendants who own property in the state and against in-state or out-of-state corporations.
Can I sue for libel or slander in small claims court?
No. Section 24-2 expressly excludes actions of libel and slander from small claims procedure.
Is there a dollar limit on small claims cases in Connecticut?
Yes. Section 24-2 caps damages at the jurisdictional monetary limit fixed by statute, which includes attorney's fees and collection costs but excludes interest and court costs.
Can I sue an out-of-state company in Connecticut small claims court?
Section 24-2 allows actions against both in-state and out-of-state corporations, and against a nonresident individual defendant if that person owns real or personal property in Connecticut.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 24-2). 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
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