Unless otherwise ordered by the judicial authority, it is the duty of attorneys and self-represented parties, upon the final determination of any civil case, to remove from the courthouse all exhibits that have been entered into evidence, briefs, depositions, and memoranda and, if not so removed, such items may be destroyed by the clerk four months after the final determination of the case, without notice.
Section 7-21.Removing Exhibits and Other Papers
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceAfter a civil case ends, attorneys and self-represented parties must remove their exhibits, briefs, depositions, and memoranda from the courthouse, or the clerk may destroy those items without notice four months later.
Full Text of Section 7-21
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 401.) Sec. For previous Histories and Commentarie corresponding to the years o
Plain-English Summary
Once a civil case reaches final determination, it is the duty of attorneys and self-represented parties — unless the judicial authority orders otherwise — to remove from the courthouse all exhibits entered into evidence, along with briefs, depositions, and memoranda. If these items are not removed, the clerk may destroy them four months after the case’s final determination, without any notice beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for retrieving trial exhibits after a case ends?
Attorneys and self-represented parties, unless the judicial authority orders otherwise.
How long do I have to pick up my exhibits after a case is decided?
Four months after the final determination of the case, after which the clerk may destroy unclaimed items without notice.
Will the court notify me before destroying unclaimed exhibits?
No, the section allows destruction after four months without notice.
What items besides exhibits need to be removed from the courthouse?
Briefs, depositions, and memoranda, along with exhibits entered into evidence.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 7-21). 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: removing trial exhibits after case endsunclaimed exhibits destroyed Connecticutretrieve depositions after judgmentfour month exhibit removal deadline