Section 24-22.Hearings in Small Claims Actions; Subpoenas

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

In one sentenceThis rule lets any party get a subpoena issued free of charge by the small claims clerk, without a formal application, though the requesting party still pays the fees for service and for the witness.

Full Text of Section 24-22

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Subpoenas, if requested, shall be issued by the clerk without fee, and may be issued upon the clerk’s own motion or by order of the judicial authority. The party requesting the subpoena shall pay the fees for service and witness fees. An application for issuance of subpoena shall not be required in small claims matters.

Amendment History

(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 574.) (Amended June 26, 2000, to take effect Jan. 1, 2001.)

Plain-English Summary

Getting a witness to court in small claims doesn't require a lawyer or a formal application. The clerk issues subpoenas without charging a fee for the subpoena itself, and can do so either on the clerk's own motion or by order of the judicial authority. The party who wants the subpoena still has to cover the cost of having it served and the witness fees that go along with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a subpoena for a small claims hearing in Connecticut?

Ask the clerk, who can issue the subpoena without charging a fee for it; you do not need to file a formal application.

Do I have to pay anything for a small claims subpoena?

The subpoena itself is free, but you must pay the fees for having it served and any witness fees.

Can the court issue a subpoena on its own in small claims?

Yes, the clerk may issue a subpoena on the clerk's own motion, or the judicial authority may order one issued.

Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 24-22). 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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