Except as provided in Section 24-31, the judgments and decisions rendered in the small claims session are final and conclusive. (See General Statutes § 51-197a.)
Section 24-28.—Finality of Judgments and Decisions
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceThis rule makes small claims judgments and decisions final and binding, with the only exception being the limited ability to move to open a judgment under Section 24-31.
Full Text of Section 24-28
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 581.)
Plain-English Summary
Once a small claims judge decides a case, that decision is meant to stick. Judgments and decisions rendered in a small claims session are final and conclusive, with one narrow exception: a party can still ask to reopen the judgment under the conditions set out in Section 24-31.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I appeal a small claims judgment in Connecticut?
The rule makes small claims judgments final and conclusive; the only avenue back into the case is a motion to open a judgment under Section 24-31.
Are small claims decisions binding?
Yes, judgments and decisions rendered in small claims are final and conclusive except as allowed under Section 24-31.
How do I challenge a small claims judgment I disagree with?
Your main option is a motion to open the judgment under Section 24-31, which has its own deadlines and grounds.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 24-28). 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 judgment final Connecticutappealing small claims decision CTis small claims judgment bindingreopening small claims judgment