The parties shall, if the judicial authority so orders, file, at such time as the judicial authority shall determine, written trial briefs discussing the issues in the case and the factual or legal basis upon which they ought to be resolved.
Section 5-1.Trial Briefs
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceThis rule lets a judge order the parties to file written trial briefs laying out the case's issues and the facts or law that should decide them.
Full Text of Section 5-1
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 285A.) (Amended June 14, 2013, to take effect Jan. 1, 2014.)
Plain-English Summary
Section 5-1 gives the judicial authority discretion to require trial briefs. If the judge orders them, each party must file a written brief by the deadline the judge sets. The brief has to lay out the issues in the case and explain the factual or legal grounds the party thinks should resolve them.
The rule doesn't require a trial brief in every case — it only applies when the judge asks for one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are trial briefs required in every Connecticut civil case?
No. Section 5-1 only requires a trial brief when the judicial authority orders one, and the judge also sets the filing deadline.
What must a trial brief under Section 5-1 cover?
It must discuss the issues in the case and explain the factual or legal basis on which the party believes those issues should be resolved.
Who decides when a trial brief is due?
The judicial authority sets the time for filing once it orders the briefs.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 5-1). 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: Connecticut trial brief rulewhen are trial briefs required CTfiling a trial brief in civil casecourt ordered trial memorandum