Section 5-5.Objections to Evidence; Interlocutory Questions; Exceptions Not Required

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

In one sentenceThis rule requires counsel objecting to evidence to state the grounds succinctly for the record before any discussion, and limits argument on objections or interlocutory questions unless the judge asks for it.

Full Text of Section 5-5

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Whenever an objection to the admission of evidence is made, counsel shall state the grounds upon which it is claimed or upon which objection is made, succinctly and in such form as he or she desires it to go upon the record, before any discussion or argument is had. Argument upon such objection or upon any interlocutory question arising during the trial of a case shall not be made by either party unless the judicial authority requests it and, if made, must be brief and to the point.

End

Amendment History

(P.B. 1978-1997, Secs. 288, 850A.)

Plain-English Summary

Section 5-5 sets the procedure for objecting to evidence during trial. When counsel objects to evidence being admitted, counsel must state the grounds for the objection succinctly and in the form counsel wants on the record, and must do this before any discussion or argument begins.

Argument on the objection, or on any interlocutory question that comes up during trial, isn't allowed unless the judicial authority asks for it. If the judge does request argument, it must be brief and to the point.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does counsel state an objection to evidence in Connecticut trials?

Counsel must state the grounds for the objection succinctly and in the form they want it to appear on the record, before any discussion or argument takes place.

Can attorneys argue an evidentiary objection at length?

Only if the judicial authority requests argument, and even then it must be brief and to the point.

Does this rule cover interlocutory questions besides evidence objections?

Yes. The same limits on argument apply to any interlocutory question arising during the trial.

Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 5-5). 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: objecting to evidence at trial CTstating grounds for objectioninterlocutory question trial argumentevidentiary objection procedure Connecticut