The counsel who commences the examination of a witness, either in chief or on cross-examination, must alone conduct it; and no associate counsel will be permitted to interrogate the witness, except by permission of the judicial authority.
Section 5-4.Examination of Witnesses
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceThis rule requires that only one attorney conduct a witness's direct or cross-examination, and no co-counsel may question the same witness unless the judge allows it.
Full Text of Section 5-4
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Secs. 287, 875.) Sec. [Repealed] When Protective Order, Restraining Order, Standing Criminal Protective Order or Standing Criminal Restraining Order Issued on Behalf of Party or Child
Plain-English Summary
Section 5-4 governs who may question a witness. Whichever counsel begins the examination — direct or cross — must conduct that examination alone. Associate counsel cannot step in and interrogate the same witness, unless the judicial authority gives permission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can two lawyers from the same side question one witness in Connecticut?
No, not without permission. Whichever attorney starts the examination must conduct it alone, and associate counsel may not interrogate the witness except by leave of the judicial authority.
Does this rule apply to both direct and cross-examination?
Yes. It applies whether counsel is examining a witness in chief or on cross-examination.
Can a judge allow a second attorney to question the witness?
Yes, Section 5-4 allows associate counsel to interrogate the witness if the judicial authority permits it.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 5-4). 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: examination of witnesses rule CTone attorney per witness ruleassociate counsel questioning witnesscross examination procedure Connecticut