Clerks will not permit files, records, transcripts, or exhibits to be taken from their offices, except for use in the courtroom or upon order of a judicial authority. No person shall take any file from the custody of the clerk or from the courtroom without the express authority of a judicial authority or a clerk of the court and unless a proper receipt is given to the clerk on a form prescribed by the Office of the Chief Court Administrator.
Section 7-7.Custody of Files
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceCourt files, records, transcripts, and exhibits cannot be removed from the clerk's office except for use in the courtroom or under a judicial authority's order, and only with express authorization and a signed receipt.
Full Text of Section 7-7
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 400.)
Plain-English Summary
Clerks keep custody of court files, records, transcripts, and exhibits, and they will not let anyone take those materials out of their offices except to use them in the courtroom or when a judicial authority orders otherwise.
Taking a file away from the clerk or out of the courtroom without authorization is not allowed. Anyone removing a file needs express permission from a judicial authority or a clerk, and must give the clerk a receipt on the form the Office of the Chief Court Administrator prescribes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a court file out of the clerk's office to review it?
Only with the express authority of a judicial authority or a clerk of the court, and only after giving the clerk a proper receipt.
Can exhibits be taken out of the courtroom during a hearing?
Files, records, transcripts, and exhibits may be used in the courtroom, but taking them beyond that use requires a judicial authority's order.
What form is needed to remove a file?
A receipt on the form prescribed by the Office of the Chief Court Administrator, given to the clerk before the file leaves custody.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 7-7). 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 court file from clerk's officewho can take court records CTreceipt for court file removalcustody of court exhibits and transcripts