Connecticut Superior Court
The Connecticut Superior Courts are trial courts in Connecticut.
All cases in Connecticut (outside of Probate matters) originate in the Superior Court. Superior Court is divided into four areas: civil, criminal, family and housing. [1]
Civil cases are those between two aggravated parties and fall into five categories:
- Landlord - tenant
- Small claims
- Administrative appeals
- Civil jury
- Civil non-jury (case decided upon by a judge)
Criminal cases are those between individuals accused of breaking the law and the state. The criminal division of Superior Court hears cases on felonies, misdemeanors, violations (punishable by fine only), and infractions (no court appearance necessary).
Family cases consist of juvenile matters, child support and paternity actions, and all other family matters including divorce.
Housing cases are heard by the Superior Court in the Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, Stamford-Norwalk and Waterbury judicial districts. Elsewhere, these cases fall under the regular civil docket.
Court districts
Senior judges and trial refereesIn the Connecticut Superior Court, senior judges and judge trial referees serve alongside Superior Court judges. Judges who retired before reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70 become senior judges automatically. They have the same powers as a Superior Court judge. Once a judge or senior judge turns 70, he/she becomes a state referee who can hear cases referred to him/her by the Superior Court. The chief justice appoints select state referees to serve as judge trial referees, which have broader jurisdiction. These referees may handle a variety of cases referred to them by the Superior Court. Senior judges, state referees and judge trial referees earn a $211 per diem, in addition to their pensions.[2] See alsoReferences |
