Section 24-27.—Dismissal for Failure To Obtain Judgment

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

In one sentenceThis rule allows the chief court administrator to order the dismissal, each January and July, of small claims cases that have sat for a year without reaching judgment.

Full Text of Section 24-27

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During the months of January and July of each year, small claims cases which, within one year from the date of the institution of the action, have not gone to judgment may be dismissed upon the order of the chief court administrator.

Amendment History

(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 580.) (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 cases aren't meant to linger. Twice a year — in January and July — the chief court administrator may order the dismissal of any small claims case that hasn't gone to judgment within one year of when the action was first filed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a small claims case in Connecticut get dismissed for taking too long?

Yes, cases that have not reached judgment within one year of filing may be dismissed by order of the chief court administrator.

When does the court review old small claims cases for dismissal?

This review and potential dismissal happens during January and July of each year.

Is dismissal for delay automatic in small claims court?

No, the rule says such cases may be dismissed upon the chief court administrator's order; it is not automatic.

Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 24-27). 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 case dismissed for delay CTsmall claims one year no judgmentstale small claims case dismissalchief court administrator dismissal small claims