Section 25-44.—Reply to the Return
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceThis section requires the petitioner to file a reply admitting or denying any allegation in the return that they are not entitled to relief, where the petition put those allegations in dispute.
Full Text of Section 25-44
(a) If the return alleges any defense or claim that the petitioner is not entitled to relief, and such allegations are put in dispute by the petition, the petitioner shall file a reply.
(b) The reply shall admit or deny any allegations that the petitioner is not entitled to relief.
End
Amendment History
(P.B. 1998.)
Plain-English Summary
Where the return alleges a defence or a claim that the petitioner is not entitled to relief, and the petition puts those allegations in dispute, the petitioner files a reply.
The reply admits or denies the allegations that the petitioner is not entitled to relief. Its job is narrow — it joins issue on the defences rather than re-arguing the petition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to reply to a habeas return in Connecticut?
Yes, where the return alleges a defence or claim that you are not entitled to relief and the petition put those allegations in dispute. The reply admits or denies those allegations.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 25-44). 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: reply to habeas return ConnecticutPractice Book section 25-44habeas pleadings family CT