Table of Contents
Sec. 54-77.
Sec. 54-77a. Establishing venue and selecting jurors for the town of Plymouth.
Sec. 54-77b.
Sec. 54-78.
Sec. 54-79.
Secs. 54-80 to 54-81b. Public defenders. Assistant public defenders; office; assistance.
Expenses. Appointment of special defender. Public defenders for Common Pleas Court. Representation of accused on bindover.
Sec. 54-82. Accused's election of trial by court or by jury. Number of jurors.
Sec. 54-82a. Test of insanity as defense.
Sec. 54-82b. Right to trial by jury.
Sec. 54-82c. (Formerly Sec. 54-139). Prisoner's right to speedy trial on pending charges.
Sec. 54-82d. (Formerly Sec. 54-140). Dismissal of charges on failure to grant prisoner
speedy trial.
Sec. 54-82e. (Formerly Sec. 54-141). Mentally ill person not covered.
Sec. 54-82f. Voir dire examination.
Sec. 54-82g. (Formerly Sec. 51-242). Peremptory challenges in criminal prosecution.
Sec. 54-82h. Alternate jurors in criminal cases. Peremptory challenges.
Sec. 54-82i. (Formerly Sec. 54-22). Attendance of witnesses in criminal proceedings.
Sec. 54-82j. (Formerly Sec. 54-23). Detention of witnesses. Warrant.
Sec. 54-82k. (Formerly Sec. 54-24). Recognizance; commitment; release; fees.
Sec. 54-82l. Rules re speedy trial to be adopted by judges of Superior Court effective
July 1, 1983.
Sec. 54-82m. Rules re speedy trial to be adopted by judges of Superior Court effective
July 1, 1985.
Secs. 54-82n to 54-82p.
Sec. 54-82q. Temporary restraining order prohibiting harassment of witness.
Sec. 54-82r. Protective order prohibiting harassment of witness.
Sec. 54-82s. The Leroy Brown, Jr. and Karen Clarke Witness Protection Program.
Sec. 54-82t. Protective services for witness at risk of harm.
Sec. 54-82u. Witness protection agreement.
Sec. 54-83. Testimony required in capital cases.
Sec. 54-84. Testimony or silence of accused.
Sec. 54-84a. Privilege of spouse.
Sec. 54-85. Witness to testify with regard to bribery at elections.
Sec. 54-85a. Sequestering of witnesses in criminal prosecution.
Sec. 54-85b. Employer not to discharge employee appearing as witness. Penalty. Action for
damages and reinstatement.
Sec. 54-85c. Representative of homicide victim entitled to be present at trial of defendant. Exclusion. Hearing.
Sec. 54-85d. Employer not to discharge employee who attends court as family member of homicide victim.
Sec. 54-85e. Photograph of deceased victim shown to jury during opening and closing arguments.
Sec. 54-85f. Victim of violent crime or representative of deceased victim permitted to
attend court proceedings.
Sec. 54-86. Depositions.
Sec. 54-86a. Certain evidence to be made available to defendant.
Sec. 54-86b. Right of accused to examine statements.
Sec. 54-86c. Disclosure of exculpatory information or material.
Sec. 54-86d. Disclosure of address and telephone number by victim of sexual assault not
required.
Sec. 54-86e. Confidentiality of name and address of victim of sexual assault. Availability of information to accused.
Sec. 54-86f. Admissibility of evidence of sexual conduct.
Sec. 54-86g. Testimony of victim of child abuse. Court may order testimony taken outside
courtroom. Procedure.
Sec. 54-86h. Competency of child as witness.
Sec. 54-86i. Testimony of expert witness re mental state or condition of defendant.
Sec. 54-86j. Polygraph examination of victims of sexual assault restricted.
Sec. 54-86k. Admissibility of results of DNA analysis.
Sec. 54-87. Demurrer.
Sec. 54-88. State to open and close arguments.
Sec. 54-89. Direction of court to jury.
Sec. 54-89a. Court to inform jury on consequences of a finding of not guilty by reason of
mental disease or defect.
Secs. 54-90 and 54-90a.
Sec. 54-91. When sentence to be passed.
Sec. 54-91a. (Formerly Sec. 54-109). Presentence investigation of defendant.
Sec. 54-91b. (Formerly Sec. 54-109a). Defendant may request copy of prior record and presentence investigation report.
Sec. 54-91c. Testimony of crime victim or representative of deceased crime victim prior
to acceptance of plea agreement and at sentencing hearing. Terms of proposed plea
agreement. Notification by state's attorney.
Sec. 54-91d. Referral of persons to youth service bureaus.
Sec. 54-92. Pronouncement of sentence.
Sec. 54-92a. (Formerly Sec. 54-120). Commitment to custody of Commissioner of Correction.
Sec. 54-92b. (Formerly Sec. 54-122). Discharge from community correctional center when
held for nonpayment of fine.
Sec. 54-92c. (Formerly Sec. 17-381). Women attendants.
Sec. 54-93. Clerks to notify warden of Connecticut Correctional Institution, Somers, of
sentences.
Sec. 54-94. Sentence of persons between sixteen and seventeen.
Sec. 54-94a. Conditional nolo contendere plea. Appeal of denial of motion to suppress or
dismiss.
Sec. 54-95. Appeal by defendant in criminal prosecution; stay of execution.
Sec. 54-95a. (Formerly Sec. 54-17). Jurisdiction of Superior Court.
Sec. 54-95b. Reopening judgment in certain motor vehicle and criminal cases.
Sec. 54-96. Appeals by the state from Superior Court in criminal cases.
Sec. 54-96a. (Formerly Sec. 54-13). Appeal vacated by payment of fine.
Sec. 54-96b. (Formerly Sec. 54-14). Withdrawal of appeal of person committed to community
correctional center.
Sec. 54-97. Mittimus required. Exception.
Sec. 54-98. Execution of mittimus for commitment to Connecticut Correctional Institution,
Somers.
Sec. 54-99. Period within which death penalty inflicted.
Sec. 54-100. Method of inflicting death penalty. Attendance at execution.
Sec. 54-100a. Committee on news media access to executions. Selection of news media witnesses.
Sec. 54-101. Disposition of person becoming insane after death sentence.
Sec. 54-102. Burial or disposal of body of executed criminal.
Sec. 54-102a. (Formerly Sec. 53a-90). Venereal examination and HIV testing of persons
charged with certain sexual offenses.
Sec. 54-102b. HIV testing of persons convicted of certain sexual offenses.
Secs. 54-102c to 54-102f.
Sec. 54-102g. Blood sample required from certain sexual offenders for DNA analysis.
Sec. 54-102h. Procedure for withdrawal of blood sample for DNA analysis.
Sec. 54-102i. Procedure for conducting DNA analysis of blood sample.
Sec. 54-102j. Dissemination of information in DNA data bank.
Sec. 54-102k. Unauthorized dissemination or use of DNA data bank information. Obtaining
blood sample without authority. Penalties.
Sec. 54-102l. Expungement of DNA data bank records upon reversal and dismissal of conviction.
Secs. 54-102m to 54-102q.
Sec. 54-102r. Registration of persons convicted of sexual assault upon release from correctional facility or completion or termination of probation.
Sec. 54-102s.
Sec. 54-103. Commission on Adult Probation.
Sec. 54-103a. Office of Adult Probation.
Sec. 54-103b. Office of Adult Probation. Contracts with local community service providers.
Sec. 54-104. Appointment of Director of Probation and probation officers. Qualifying examinations.
Sec. 54-105. Duties of Director of Probation. Intensive probation program. Community service program. Caseload limitation.
Sec. 54-106. General Assembly to provide for expenses. Central office. Quarters.
Sec. 54-107. Appointment of probation officers.
Sec. 54-108. Duties of probation officers.
Sec. 54-108a. Supervision of probationers.
Sec. 54-108b. Risk assessment and monitoring standards developed by Chief Court Administrator.
Secs. 54-109 and 54-109a.
Secs. 54-110 to 54-119. Report on person with prior conviction. Restitution investigation
and report. Information to be included in report. Appointment of restitution specialists
and other personnel. Optional treatment of person found guilty of crime. Probation or suspension of sentence, generally. Penalty for common law high crimes and misdemeanors. Punishment upon second and third conviction. Second and subsequent convictions of crimes
while armed with firearm. Additional penalties for conviction of crimes while armed with
firearm. Court may impose additional sentence.
Sec. 54-120.
Sec. 54-121. Indeterminate sentence.
Sec. 54-122.
Sec. 54-123. Transportation of prisoner discharged from jail.
Sec. 54-123a. Office of Alternative Sanctions.
Sec. 54-123b. Advisory committee concerning adult offenders.
Sec. 54-123c. Advisory committee concerning juvenile offenders.
Sec. 54-124. Board of Parole. Appointment and duties of executive secretary.
Sec. 54-124a. Board of Parole.
Sec. 54-124b. Caseload of parole officers.
Sec. 54-124c. Responsibility of Board of Parole for supervision of persons released from
confinement.
Sec. 54-125. Parole of prisoner serving indeterminate sentence.
Sec. 54-125a. Parole of prisoner serving definite or aggregate sentence of more than two
years. Eligibility. Regulations.
Sec. 54-125b. Parole of prisoner after administrative review without a hearing.
Sec. 54-125c. Sexual offender treatment as precondition for parole hearing.
Sec. 54-125d. Deportation parole of aliens.
Sec. 54-125e. Special parole.
Sec. 54-125f. Pilot zero-tolerance drug supervision program.
Sec. 54-125g. Parole of prisoner nearing end of maximum sentence.
Sec. 54-126. Rules and regulations concerning parole. Enforcement.
Sec. 54-126a. Testimony of crime victim at parole hearing.
Sec. 54-127. Rearrest.
Sec. 54-128. Violation of parole.
Sec. 54-129. Discharge of paroled prisoner.
Sec. 54-130. State Prison for Women not covered.
Sec. 54-131. Employment of paroled or discharged prisoners. Interviews.
Sec. 54-131a. Release of inmate on medical parole.
Sec. 54-131b. Eligibility for medical parole.
Sec. 54-131c. Medical diagnosis.
Sec. 54-131d. Conditions of release on medical parole.
Sec. 54-131e. Requests for medical diagnosis.
Sec. 54-131f. Special panel. Emergency review.
Sec. 54-131g. Effect on parole or other release.
Sec. 54-132. Definitions.
Sec. 54-133. *(See end of section for amended version and effective date.) Interstate compact for parolee supervision.
Sec. 54-134. Designation of "Compact Institutions".
Sec. 54-135. Transfers to other correctional institutions.
Sec. 54-136. Incarceration in receiving state not to affect rights in sending state.
Sec. 54-137. Reimbursement for expenses.
Sec. 54-138. Ratification. Regulations.
Sec. 54-138a. Retaking of parolee.
Sec. 54-138b. Unauthorized residency by parolee from another state. Penalty.
Secs. 54-139 to 54-141.
Sec. 54-142. Destruction of notes received for unpaid fines.
DISCOVERY, TRIAL AND WITNESSES
Sec. 54-77. Transferred to Chapter 890, Sec. 51-352. Sec. 54-77a. Establishing venue and selecting jurors for the town of Plymouth.
Section 54-77a is repealed. Sec. 54-77b. Transferred to Chapter 890, Sec. 51-352a. Sec. 54-78. Transferred to Chapter 890, Sec. 51-353. Sec. 54-79. Transferred to Chapter 890, Sec. 51-353b. Secs. 54-80 to 54-81b. Public defenders. Assistant public defenders; office; assistance. Expenses. Appointment of special defender. Public defenders for Common Pleas Court. Representation of accused on bindover. Sections 54-80 to 54-81b,
inclusive, are repealed. Sec. 54-82. Accused's election of trial by court or by jury. Number of jurors.
(a) In any criminal case, prosecution or proceeding, the party accused may, if he so
elects when called upon to plead, be tried by the court instead of by the jury; and, in
such case, the court shall have jurisdiction to hear and try such case and render judgment
and sentence thereon. Sec. 54-82a. Test of insanity as defense. Section 54-82a is repealed. Sec. 54-82b. Right to trial by jury. (a) The party accused in a criminal action in
the Superior Court may demand a trial by jury of issues which are triable of right by a
jury. There is no right to trial by jury in criminal actions where the maximum penalty
is a fine of one hundred ninety-nine dollars or in any matter involving violations payable
through the centralized infractions bureau where the maximum penalty is a fine of five
hundred dollars or less. Sec. 54-82c. (Formerly Sec. 54-139). Prisoner's right to speedy trial on pending charges. (a) Whenever a person has entered upon a term of imprisonment in a
correctional institution of this state and, during the continuance of the term of imprisonment, there is pending in this state any untried indictment or information against such
prisoner, he shall be brought to trial within one hundred twenty days after he has caused
to be delivered, to the state's attorney or assistant state's attorney of the judicial district
or geographical area, in which the indictment or information is pending, and to the
appropriate court, written notice of the place of his imprisonment and his request for
final disposition to be made of the indictment or information. For good cause shown in
open court, the prisoner or his counsel being present, the court may grant any necessary
or reasonable continuance. The request of the prisoner shall be accompanied by a certificate of the warden, community correctional center administrator or other official having
custody of the prisoner, stating the term of commitment under which the prisoner is
being held, the time already served, the time remaining to be served on the sentence,
the amount of good time earned, the time of parole eligibility of the prisoner and any
decisions of the Board of Parole relating to the prisoner. Sec. 54-82d. (Formerly Sec. 54-140). Dismissal of charges on failure to grant
prisoner speedy trial. If an action is not assigned for trial within the period of time as
provided in section 54-82c, no court of this state shall any longer have jurisdiction
thereof, nor shall the untried indictment or information be of any further force or effect,
and the court shall enter an order dismissing the same. Sec. 54-82e. (Formerly Sec. 54-141). Mentally ill person not covered. The provisions of sections 54-82c and 54-82d shall not apply to any person adjudged to be
mentally ill. Sec. 54-82f. Voir dire examination. In any criminal action tried before a jury,
either party shall have the right to examine, personally or by his counsel, each juror
outside the presence of other prospective jurors as to his qualifications to sit as a juror
in the action, or as to his interest, if any, in the subject matter of the action, or as to his
relations with the parties thereto. If the judge before whom the examination is held is
of the opinion from the examination that any juror would be unable to render a fair and
impartial verdict, the juror shall be excused by the judge from any further service upon
the panel, or in the action, as the judge determines. The right of such examination shall
not be abridged by requiring questions to be put to any juror in writing and submitted
in advance of the commencement of said action. Sec. 54-82g. (Formerly Sec. 51-242). Peremptory challenges in criminal prosecution. The accused may challenge peremptorily, in any criminal trial before the Superior Court for any offense punishable by death, twenty-five jurors; for any offense punishable by imprisonment for life, fifteen jurors; for any offense the punishment for which
may be imprisonment for more than one year and for less than life, six jurors; and for
any other offense, three jurors. In any criminal trial in which the accused is charged
with more than one count on the information or where there is more than one information,
the number of challenges is determined by the count carrying the highest maximum
punishment. The state, on the trial of any criminal prosecution, may challenge peremptorily the same number of jurors as the accused. Sec. 54-82h. Alternate jurors in criminal cases. Peremptory challenges. (a) In
any criminal prosecution to be tried to the jury in the Superior Court if it appears to the
court that the trial is likely to be protracted, the court may, in its discretion, direct that,
after a jury has been selected, two or more additional jurors shall be added to the jury
panel, to be known as "alternate jurors". Such alternate jurors shall have the same qualifications and be selected and subject to examination and challenge in the same manner
and to the same extent as the jurors constituting the regular panel, provided, in any
case when the court directs the selection of alternate jurors, the number of peremptory
challenges allowed shall be as follows: In any criminal prosecution the state and the
accused may each peremptorily challenge thirty jurors if the offense for which the accused is arraigned is punishable by death, eighteen jurors if the offense is punishable
by life imprisonment, eight jurors if the offense is punishable by imprisonment for more
than one year and for less than life, and four jurors in any other case. Sec. 54-82i. (Formerly Sec. 54-22). Attendance of witnesses in criminal proceedings. (a) Definitions. The following words, when used in this section, have the
meaning specified, unless the context otherwise indicates: "Witness" means a person
whose testimony is desired in any proceeding or investigation by a grand jury or in a
criminal action, prosecution or proceeding; "state" includes any territory of the United
States and the District of Columbia, and "summons" means a subpoena, order or other
notice requiring the appearance of a witness. Sec. 54-82j. (Formerly Sec. 54-23). Detention of witnesses. Warrant. Upon the
written complaint of any state's attorney addressed to the clerk of the superior court for
the judicial district wherein such state's attorney resides, alleging (1) that a person named
therein is or will be a material witness in a criminal proceeding then pending before or
returnable to the superior court for such judicial district, and in which proceeding any
person is or may be charged with an offense punishable by death or imprisonment for
more than one year, and (2) that the state's attorney believes that such witness is likely
to disappear from the state, secrete himself or otherwise avoid the service of subpoena
upon him, or refuse or fail to appear and attend in and before such superior court as a
witness, when desired, the clerk or any assistant clerk of the court shall issue a warrant
addressed to any proper officer or indifferent person, for the arrest of the person named
as a witness, and directing that such person be forthwith brought before any judge of
the superior court for such judicial district, for examination. The person serving the
warrant shall bring the person so arrested before the judge for examination as soon as
is reasonably possible and hold him subject to the further orders of the judge. The person
serving the warrant shall also notify the state's attorney of such arrest and of the time
and place of such examination. Sec. 54-82k. (Formerly Sec. 54-24). Recognizance; commitment; release; fees.
(a) If, upon the examination provided for in section 54-82j, the judge is of the opinion
that the interests of justice so require, he may order that a recognizance to the state be
entered into by one or more persons of sufficient responsibility, conditioned that the
person named as a witness shall appear before the superior court before which the proceeding is pending or to which it is returnable and abide the order of said superior court
in the case. Sec. 54-82l. Rules re speedy trial to be adopted by judges of Superior Court
effective July 1, 1983. In accordance with the provisions of section 51-14, the judges
of the Superior Court shall make such rules as they deem necessary to provide a procedure to assure a speedy trial for any person charged with a criminal offense on or after
July 1, 1983. Such rules shall provide that (1) in any case in which a plea of not guilty
is entered, the trial of a defendant charged in an information or indictment with the
commission of a criminal offense shall commence within eighteen months from the
filing date of the information or indictment or from the date of the arrest, whichever is
later, except that when such defendant is incarcerated in a correctional institution of this
state pending such trial and is not subject to the provisions of section 54-82c, the trial
of such defendant shall commence within twelve months from the filing date of the
information or indictment or from the date of the arrest, whichever is later; and (2) if a
defendant is not brought to trial within the time limit set forth in subdivision (1) and a
trial is not commenced within thirty days of a motion for a speedy trial made by the
defendant at any time after such time limit has passed, the information or indictment
shall be dismissed. Such rules shall include provisions to identify periods of delay caused
by the action of the defendant, or the defendant's inability to stand trial, to be excluded
in computing the time limits set forth in subdivision (1). Sec. 54-82m. Rules re speedy trial to be adopted by judges of Superior Court
effective July 1, 1985. In accordance with the provisions of section 51-14, the judges
of the Superior Court shall make such rules as they deem necessary to provide a procedure to assure a speedy trial for any person charged with a criminal offense on or after
July 1, 1985. Such rules shall provide that (1) in any case in which a plea of not guilty
is entered, the trial of a defendant charged in an information or indictment with the
commission of a criminal offense shall commence within twelve months from the filing
date of the information or indictment or from the date of the arrest, whichever is later,
except that when such defendant is incarcerated in a correctional institution of this state
pending such trial and is not subject to the provisions of section 54-82c, the trial of such
defendant shall commence within eight months from the filing date of the information
or indictment or from the date of arrest, whichever is later; and (2) if a defendant is not
brought to trial within the time limit set forth in subdivision (1) and a trial is not commenced within thirty days of a motion for a speedy trial made by the defendant at any
time after such time limit has passed, the information or indictment shall be dismissed.
Such rules shall include provisions to identify periods of delay caused by the action of
the defendant, or the defendant's inability to stand trial, to be excluded in computing
the time limits set forth in subdivision (1). Secs. 54-82n to 54-82p. Reserved for future use. Sec. 54-82q. Temporary restraining order prohibiting harassment of witness.
(a) Upon application of a prosecutorial official, a court may issue a temporary restraining
order prohibiting the harassment of a witness in a criminal case if the court finds, from
specific facts shown by affidavit or verified complaint, that there are reasonable grounds
to believe that harassment of an identified witness in a criminal case exists or that such
order is necessary to prevent and restrain the commission of an offense under section
53a-151 or 53a-151a. Sec. 54-82r. Protective order prohibiting harassment of witness. (a) Upon application of a prosecutorial official, a court may issue a protective order prohibiting the
harassment of a witness in a criminal case if the court, after a hearing at which hearsay
evidence shall be admissible, finds by a preponderance of the evidence that harassment
of an identified witness in a criminal case exists or that such order is necessary to prevent
and restrain the commission of a violation of section 53a-151 or 53a-151a. Any adverse
party named in the complaint has the right to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses at such hearing. Such order shall be an order of the court, and the clerk of the
court shall cause a certified copy of such order to be sent to the witness, and a certified
copy of such order to be sent within forty-eight hours of its issuance to the appropriate
law enforcement agency. Sec. 54-82s. The Leroy Brown, Jr. and Karen Clarke Witness Protection Program. The program of providing protective services to witnesses under sections 54-82t
and 54-82u shall be known as the "The Leroy Brown, Jr. and Karen Clarke Witness
Protection Program". Sec. 54-82t. Protective services for witness at risk of harm. (a) For the purposes
of this section and section 54-82u: Sec. 54-82u. Witness protection agreement. (a) In order to receive protective
services under section 54-82t, the witness shall enter into a written agreement with the
Chief State's Attorney. The witness protection agreement shall be in writing and shall
specify the responsibilities of the witness that establish the conditions for the Chief
State's Attorney to provide protective services. The witness shall agree to all of the
following: Sec. 54-83. Testimony required in capital cases. No person may be convicted of
any crime punishable by death without the testimony of at least two witnesses, or that
which is equivalent thereto. Sec. 54-84. Testimony or silence of accused. (a) Any person on trial for crime
shall be a competent witness, and at his or her option may testify or refuse to testify
upon such trial. The neglect or refusal of an accused party to testify shall not be commented upon by the court or prosecuting official, except as provided in subsection (b)
of this section. Sec. 54-84a. Privilege of spouse. If any person on trial for crime has a husband
or wife, he or she shall be a competent witness but may elect or refuse to testify for or
against the accused, except that either spouse who has received personal violence from
the other or is the spouse of one who is charged with violation of any of sections 53-
20, 53-21, 53-23, 53-304, 53a-70, 53a-70a, 53a-71 and 53a-83 to 53a-88, inclusive,
may, upon his or her trial for offenses arising out of such personal violence or from
violation of the provisions of any of said sections, be compelled to testify in the same
manner as any other witness. Sec. 54-85. Witness to testify with regard to bribery at elections. A person summoned as a witness to testify regarding bribery at any election shall not be excused from
testifying because his evidence may tend to disgrace or criminate him, nor shall he
thereafter be prosecuted for anything connected with the transaction about which he so
testifies, nor shall the evidence he may so give be used against him in any proceeding. Sec. 54-85a. Sequestering of witnesses in criminal prosecution. In any criminal
prosecution, the court, upon motion of the state or the defendant, shall cause any witness
to be sequestered during the hearing on any issue or motion or any part of the trial of
such prosecution in which he is not testifying. Sec. 54-85b. Employer not to discharge employee appearing as witness. Penalty. Action for damages and reinstatement. (a) An employer shall not deprive an
employee of his employment, penalize or threaten or otherwise coerce him with respect
thereto, because the employee obeys a legal subpoena to appear before any court of this
state as a witness in any criminal proceeding. Any employer who violates this section
shall be guilty of criminal contempt and shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars
or imprisoned not more than thirty days or both. Sec. 54-85c. Representative of homicide victim entitled to be present at trial
of defendant. Exclusion. Hearing. (a) For the purposes of this section, "representative
of a homicide victim" means the legal representative of a victim of a homicide or a
member of such victim's immediate family selected by such family. In the event of a
dispute, the court in its discretion may designate such representative. Sec. 54-85d. Employer not to discharge employee who attends court as family
member of homicide victim. An employer shall not deprive an employee of employment, or threaten or otherwise coerce such employee with respect thereto, because the
employee, as a parent, spouse, child or sibling of a victim of homicide, attends court
proceedings with respect to the criminal case of the person or persons charged with
committing the crime that resulted in the death of the victim. Sec. 54-85e. Photograph of deceased victim shown to jury during opening and
closing arguments. A photograph not to exceed eight inches by ten inches solely of a
deceased victim prior to the date of the offense for which the defendant is being tried,
that is a fair and accurate representation of the victim and is not of itself inflammatory
in nature, may be shown to the jury during the opening and closing arguments by the
prosecutor. Sec. 54-85f. Victim of violent crime or representative of deceased victim permitted to attend court proceedings. Any victim of a violent crime or the legal representative or member of the immediate family of a victim who is deceased shall be permitted
to attend all court proceedings that are part of the court record. Sec. 54-86. Depositions. (a) In any case involving an offense for which the punishment may be imprisonment for more than one year, the Superior Court or a judge thereof
may, upon the application of the accused, order that the deposition of a witness shall
be taken before a commissioner or magistrate, to be designated by the court or judge,
if it appears that his testimony will be required at trial and that, by reason of bodily
infirmity or residence out of this state, he will be unable to testify at trial. Sec. 54-86a. Certain evidence to be made available to defendant. (a) Upon motion of a defendant at any time after the filing of the indictment or information, and upon
a showing that the items sought may be material to the preparation of his defense and
that the request is reasonable, the court shall order the attorney for the state to permit
the defendant to inspect and copy or photograph any relevant (1) written or recorded
statements, admissions or confessions made by the defendant; (2) books, papers, documents or tangible objects obtained from or belonging to the defendant or obtained from
others by seizure or process; (3) copies of records of any physical or mental examinations
of the defendant; and (4) records of prior convictions of the defendant, or copies thereof,
within the possession, custody or control of the state, the existence of which is known
to the attorney for the state or to the defendant. Sec. 54-86b. Right of accused to examine statements. (a) In any criminal prosecution, after a witness called by the prosecution has testified on direct examination, the
court shall on motion of the defendant order the prosecution to produce any statement
oral or written of the witness in the possession of the prosecution which relates to the
subject matter as to which the witness has testified, and the court shall order said statement to be delivered directly to the defendant for his examination and use. Sec. 54-86c. Disclosure of exculpatory information or material. (a) Not later
than thirty days after any defendant enters a plea of not guilty in a criminal case, the
state's attorney, assistant state's attorney or deputy assistant state's attorney in charge
of the case shall disclose any exculpatory information or material which he may have
with respect to the defendant whether or not a request has been made therefor. If prior
to or during the trial of the case, the prosecutorial official discovers additional information or material which is exculpatory, he shall promptly disclose the information or
material to the defendant. Sec. 54-86d. Disclosure of address and telephone number by victim of sexual
assault not required. Any person who has been the victim of a sexual assault under
section 53a-70, 53a-70a, 53a-71, 53a-72a, 53a-72b or 53a-73a, or injury or risk of injury,
or impairing of morals under section 53-21, or of an attempt thereof, shall not be required
to divulge his or her address or telephone number during any trial or pretrial evidentiary
hearing arising from the sexual assault or injury or risk of injury to, or impairing of
morals of, children; provided the judge presiding over such legal proceeding shall find:
(1) Such information is not material to the proceeding, (2) the identity of the victim has
been satisfactorily established, and (3) the current address of the victim will be made
available to the defense in the same manner and time as such information is made available to the defense for other criminal offenses. Sec. 54-86e. Confidentiality of name and address of victim of sexual assault.
Availability of information to accused. The name and address of the victim of a sexual
assault under section 53a-70, 53a-70a, 53a-71, 53a-72a, 53a-72b or 53a-73a, or injury
or risk of injury, or impairing of morals under section 53-21, or of an attempt thereof
shall be confidential and shall be disclosed only upon order of the Superior Court, except
that such information shall be available to the accused in the same manner and time as
such information is available to persons accused of other criminal offenses. Sec. 54-86f. Admissibility of evidence of sexual conduct. In any prosecution for
sexual assault under sections 53a-70, 53a-70a, and 53a-71 to 53a-73a, inclusive, no
evidence of the sexual conduct of the victim may be admissible unless such evidence
is (1) offered by the defendant on the issue of whether the defendant was, with respect
to the victim, the source of semen, disease, pregnancy or injury, or (2) offered by the
defendant on the issue of credibility of the victim, provided the victim has testified on
direct examination as to his or her sexual conduct, or (3) any evidence of sexual conduct
with the defendant offered by the defendant on the issue of consent by the victim, when
consent is raised as a defense by the defendant, or (4) otherwise so relevant and material
to a critical issue in the case that excluding it would violate the defendant's constitutional
rights. Such evidence shall be admissible only after a hearing on a motion to offer such
evidence containing an offer of proof. On motion of either party the court may order such
hearing held in camera, subject to the provisions of section 51-164x. If the proceeding is
a trial with a jury, such hearing shall be held in the absence of the jury. If, after hearing,
the court finds that the evidence meets the requirements of this section and that the
probative value of the evidence outweighs its prejudicial effect on the victim, the court
may grant the motion. The testimony of the defendant during a hearing on a motion to
offer evidence under this section may not be used against the defendant during the trial
if such motion is denied, except that such testimony may be admissible to impeach the
credibility of the defendant if the defendant elects to testify as part of the defense. Sec. 54-86g. Testimony of victim of child abuse. Court may order testimony
taken outside courtroom. Procedure. (a) In any criminal prosecution of an offense
involving assault, sexual assault or abuse of a child twelve years of age or younger, the
court may, upon motion of the attorney for any party, order that the testimony of the child
be taken in a room other than the courtroom in the presence and under the supervision of
the trial judge hearing the matter and be televised by closed circuit equipment in the
courtroom or recorded for later showing before the court. Only the judge, the defendant,
the attorneys for the defendant and for the state, persons necessary to operate the equipment and any person who would contribute to the welfare and well-being of the child
may be present in the room with the child during his testimony, except that the court
may order the defendant excluded from the room or screened from the sight and hearing
of the child only if the state proves, by clear and convincing evidence, that the child would
be so intimidated, or otherwise inhibited, by the physical presence of the defendant that
a compelling need exists to take the testimony of the child outside the physical presence
of the defendant in order to insure the reliability of such testimony. If the defendant is
excluded from the room or screened from the sight and hearing of the child, the court
shall ensure that the defendant is able to observe and hear the testimony of the child,
but that the child cannot see or hear the defendant. The defendant shall be able to consult
privately with his attorney at all times during the taking of the testimony. The attorneys
and the judge may question the child. If the court orders the testimony of a child to be
taken under this subsection, the child shall not be required to testify in court at the
proceeding for which the testimony was taken. Sec. 54-86h. Competency of child as witness. No witness shall be automatically
adjudged incompetent to testify because of age and any child who is a victim of assault,
sexual assault or abuse shall be competent to testify without prior qualification. The
weight to be given the evidence and the credibility of the witness shall be for the determination of the trier of fact. Sec. 54-86i. Testimony of expert witness re mental state or condition of defendant. No expert witness testifying with respect to the mental state or condition of a
defendant in a criminal case may state an opinion or inference as to whether the defendant
did or did not have the mental state or condition constituting an element of the crime
charged or of a defense thereto, except that such expert witness may state his diagnosis
of the mental state or condition of the defendant. The ultimate issue as to whether the
defendant was criminally responsible for the crime charged is a matter for the trier of
fact alone. Sec. 54-86j. Polygraph examination of victims of sexual assault restricted. (a)
No member of any municipal police department, the state police or the Division of
Criminal Justice may request or require any victim of a sexual assault under section
53a-70, 53a-70a, 53a-70b, 53a-71, 53a-72a, 53a-72b or 53a-73a to submit to or take a
polygraph examination. Sec. 54-86k. Admissibility of results of DNA analysis. (a) In any criminal proceeding, DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) testing shall be deemed to be a reliable scientific
technique and the evidence of a DNA profile comparison may be admitted to prove or
disprove the identity of any person. This section shall not otherwise limit the introduction
of any relevant evidence bearing upon any question at issue before the court. The court
shall, regardless of the results of the DNA analysis, if any, consider such other relevant
evidence of the identity of the accused as shall be admissible in evidence. Sec. 54-87. Demurrer. Section 54-87 is repealed. Sec. 54-88. State to open and close arguments. In any criminal trial, the counsel
for the state shall be entitled to open and close the argument.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(P.A. 75-26, S. 1, 8; P.A. 76-436, S. 664, 681; P.A. 77-576, S. 11, 65.)
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(1949 Rev., S. 3615, 8796; 1959, P.A. 28, S. 13; 1961, P.A. 564, S. 1−3; 1963, P.A. 642, S. 69, 70; February, 1965,
P.A. 178, S. 1, 2; 218; 1967, P.A. 34, S. 1; 189; 622, S. 8; 1969, P.A. 655, S. 2; 1971, P.A. 871, S. 121; 1972, P.A. 281,
S. 22, 23; P.A. 73-116, S. 25, 26; 73-667, S. 1, 2; P.A. 74-183, S. 150, 151, 291; 74-317, S. 12, 14.)
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(b) If the accused is charged with a crime punishable by death or imprisonment for
life and elects to be tried by the court, the court shall be composed of three judges to
be designated by the Chief Court Administrator, or his designee, who shall name one
such judge to preside over the trial. Such judges, or a majority of them, shall have
power to decide all questions of law and fact arising upon the trial and render judgment
accordingly.
(c) If the party accused does not elect to be tried by the court, he shall be tried by
a jury of six except that no person, charged with an offense which is punishable by death
or life imprisonment, shall be tried by a jury of less than twelve without his consent.
(1949 Rev., S. 8797; 1953, S. 3326d; 1967, P.A. 656, S. 62; P.A. 73-576, S. 3, 4; 73-616, S. 41, 67; P.A. 76-336, S. 4;
P.A. 77-474, S. 1, 2; P.A. 80-313, S. 36; P.A. 81-47.)
History: 1967 act provided for designation of judges by chief court administrator instead of chief justice; P.A. 73-576
substituted "Connecticut Correctional Institution, Somers" for "State Prison" and replaced provision calling for trial by
jury of six unless defendant claims twelve-person jury or case is punishable by death or life imprisonment with provision
calling for jury of six except in cases involving capital offense which require trial by twelve-person jury unless defendant
consents to jury of six; P.A. 73-616 transferred duty to select panel judges from chief court administrator to chief justice;
P.A. 76-336 deleted specific references to imprisonment at Somers Correctional Institution; P.A. 77-474 required jury of
twelve in cases involving offenses punishable by death or life imprisonment rather than in cases involving capital offenses;
P.A. 80-313 divided section into Subsecs.; P.A. 81-47 amended Subsec. (b) by replacing provision re appointment of
judges by chief justice with provision that three judges shall be designated by chief court administrator or his designee,
who shall name one such judge to preside over the trial.
Application by accused for leave to withdraw election made under this statute is addressed to court's discretion; refusal
to permit withdrawal held no error. 102 C. 51. The court's determination of guilt or innocence upon the evidence should
be raised on appeal by an assignment of error; not necessary to make a motion to set aside verdict. 105 C. 332; 109 C. 126;
110 C. 552. Court fulfills function of jury; its additional power under this statute does not authorize convicting of robbery
a defendant charged with murder. 132 C. 43. Cited. 142 C. 114; 146 C. 78; 147 C. 95; 153 C. 328. It is not violative of the
constitutional guarantee of the right to a jury trial for the legislature to enact a statute which changes the form of jury
procedure if it still maintains the substance of the institution. 144 C. 228. Insofar as it provides that an accused shall be
tried to a jury of six unless at the time he is put to plea he demands a jury of twelve, it does not deprive any defendant of
his right of trial by jury. Id., 230. Cited. 161 C. 413. Since determination of jury size is not a matter presently or historically
lying exclusively within control of the judiciary, this section, which regulates size of criminal juries, does not violate
separation of powers clause of Conn. Const. 171 C. 395, 408, 410−412. Cited. 173 C. 450, 451. Cited. 174 C. 22, 23. Cited.
176 C. 224, 225. Cited. 182 C. 353, 359, 362. Cited. 190 C. 639, 642. Cited. 227 C. 448, 449. Cited. 231 C. 235, 244.
Cited. 41 CA 361, 362.
Cited. 33 CS 739. Cited. 34 CS 674, 678.
Accused cannot postpone trial of his case indefinitely by repeatedly changing his election concerning trial by jury. 6
Conn. Cir. Ct. 218, 222, 223.
Subsec. (a):
Cited. 191 C. 506−508, 513. Cited. 198 C. 77, 91.
Subsec. (b):
Cited. 184 C. 455, 456. Cited. 201 C. 534, 535. Cited. 203 C. 4, 5.
Cited. 13 CA 667, 672. Cited. 22 CA 265, 266.
Subsec. (c):
Cited. 197 C. 247, 253. Cited. 223 C. 384, 387, 388.
Cited. 34 CA 58, 93; judgment reversed, see 232 C. 537 et seq. Cited. 41 CA 831, 841.
Cited. 39 CS 347, 358.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(1967, P.A. 336, S. 1, 2; 1969, P.A. 828, S. 214.)
See Sec. 53a-13 re lack of capacity resulting from mental disease or defect as affirmative defense.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(b) In criminal proceedings the judge shall advise the accused of his right to trial
by jury at the time he is put to plea and, if the accused does not then claim a jury, his
right thereto shall be deemed waived, but if a judge acting on motion made by the accused
within ten days after judgment finds that such waiver was made when the accused was
not fully cognizant of his rights or when, in the opinion of the judge, the proper administration of justice requires it, the judge shall vacate the judgment and cause the proceeding
to be set for jury trial.
(c) In any criminal trial by a jury, except as otherwise provided by law, such trial
shall be by a jury of six.
(P.A. 80-313, S. 35; P.A. 86-227; P.A. 87-241; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-6, S. 82, 117.)
Note: This section was formerly part of Sec. 51-239b.
History: P.A. 86-227 provided that "The party accused", rather than "Any party", may demand a jury trial and increased
from ninety-nine dollars to one hundred ninety-nine dollars the maximum fine threshold for a jury trial; P.A. 87-241
amended Subsec. (a) by deleting reference to maximum penalty of sentence of thirty days or penalty consisting of both
fine and imprisonment; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-6 amended Subsec. (a) to provide that there is no right to trial by jury in
any matter involving violations payable through the centralized infractions bureau where the maximum penalty is a fine
of five hundred dollars or less.
See Sec. 51-180 re criminal terms and sessions of court.
See Sec. 51-180a re special session held when an accused is confined for want of bail.
Right to jury trial discussed. 188 C. 697, 704, 705, 709, 713. Cited. 190 C. 639, 643, 646. Cited. 191 C. 506−508, 513.
Cited 201 C. 489, 498. Cited. 205 C. 456, 461, 464. Cited. 222 C. 591, 592, 595−600, 603. Cited. 225 C. 355, 357. Cited.
226 C. 618, 629.
Cited. 9 CA 255, 256. Cited. 10 CA 692, 698. Cited. 41 CA 454, 458, 460, 470−474.
Subsec. (a):
Cited. 222 C. 591, 596, 597.
Statute does not violate right to trial by jury under federal or state constitutions. 5 CA 434. Cited. 9 CA 255, 256, 259.
Cited. 12 CA 481−483, 494, 498. Cited. 14 CA 816. Cited. 41 CA 454, 473, 474.
Subsec. (b):
Right to jury trial discussed. 188 C. 697, 709. Cited. 190 C. 639, 645. Cited. 198 C. 77, 91.
Cited. 39 CA 702, 707. Cited. 46 CA 486.
Subsec. (c):
Cited. 197 C. 247, 253. Cited. 223 C. 384, 387, 388.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(b) The written notice and request for final disposition referred to in subsection (a)
hereof shall be given or sent by the prisoner to the warden, community correctional
center administrator or other official having custody of him, who shall promptly forward
it together with the certificate to the appropriate prosecuting official and court by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested.
(c) The warden, community correctional center administrator or other official having custody of the prisoner shall promptly inform him in writing of the source and
contents of any untried indictment or information against him concerning which the
warden, administrator or other official has knowledge and of his right to make a request
for final disposition thereof.
(d) Escape from custody by the prisoner subsequent to his execution of the request
for final disposition referred to in subsection (a) hereof shall void the request.
(1957, P.A. 551, S. 1; 1961, P.A. 465; 1963, P.A. 642, S. 79; P.A. 73-116, S. 14; 73-667, S. 1, 2; P.A. 74-183, S. 156,
291; P.A. 76-436, S. 558, 681; P.A. 80-313, S. 37; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 98-1, S. 74, 121.)
History: 1961 act specified, in Subsec. (a), request and notice be to state's attorney or prosecuting attorney and added
circuit court; 1963 act stipulated state's attorney be of the county, deleted reference to prosecuting attorney of county and
substituted jail administrator for sheriff; P.A. 73-116 added reference to judicial districts and replaced jail administrator
with community correctional center administrator; P.A. 73-667 changed effective date of P.A. 73-116 from October 1,
1973, to April 25, 1973; P.A. 74-183 replaced circuit court with court of common pleas, reflecting reorganization of judicial
system, effective December 31, 1974; P.A. 76-436 replaced prosecuting attorneys of common pleas court with assistant
state's attorneys and deleted reference to various courts' jurisdiction, reflecting transfer of all trial jurisdiction to superior
court, effective July 1, 1978; P.A. 80-313 deleted reference to counties and made slight change in wording; Sec. 54-139
transferred to Sec. 54-82c in 1981; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 98-1 made a technical change in Subsec. (a), effective June 24, 1998.
Annotations to former section 54-139:
Phrase "has caused to be delivered" is equivalent of "has delivered" and one-hundred-twenty-day period runs from
completion of delivery of both request and supplemental information. 149 C. 250. Cited. 153 C. 28. Statute permits court
to grant continuance for good cause shown even where facts which lead court to grant continuance are beyond defendant's
control. 171 C. 487, 492. Cited. Id., 487, 488, 489, 491, 492. Cited. 185 C. 118, 121. Cited. 194 C. 297, 303. Cited. 198
C. 573, 585, 588.
Cited. 40 CA 757, 759.
Does not apply to prisoner in federal institution in Connecticut. 24 CS 308. Does not purport to place a limit on time
within which information should be made. Id. Cited. 36 CS 327, 330.
Subsec. (a):
Cited. 185 C. 118−121.
Annotations to present section:
Cited. 193 C. 270, 273, 279, 280. Cited. 194 C. 297, 303. Cited. 197 C. 166−170. Cited. 198 C. 573, 585, 588. Cited.
202 C. 93−105. Cited. 221 C. 921. Cited. 224 C. 163−168. Cited. 242 C. 409.
Cited. 12 CA 1, 9−13. Cited. 14 CA 244−250. Cited. Id., 493, 498. Cited. 20 CA 205, 209. Cited. 26 CA 698, 699, 701−
704, 706, 707, 709, 711−716. Cited. 28 CA 195, 196, 204, 206, 207. Cited. 32 CA 38, 41, 42. Cited. 33 CA 184, 189;
judgment reversed, see 232 C. 707 et seq. Cited. 40 CA 757, 759−762.
Subsec. (a):
Cited. 197 C. 166, 169. Cited. 198 C. 573, 586, 587.
Cited. 12 CA 1, 6. Cited. 14 CA 244, 247.
Subsec. (b):
Cited. 197 C. 166, 169, 171. Cited. 198 C. 573, 586.
Subsec. (c):
Cited. 193 C. 270, 280.
Cited. 26 CA 698, 704, 705, 708, 710−714. Cited. 29 CA 694, 695, 701−703.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(1957, P.A. 551, S. 2; P.A. 80-313, S. 38.)
History: P.A. 80-313 added specific reference to Sec. 54-139 and made slight change in wording; Sec. 54-140 transferred
to Sec. 54-82d in 1981 and reference to Sec. 54-139 revised to reflect its transfer as well.
Annotations to former section 54-140:
Period of time construed to run from completion of delivery of both request and supplemental information. 149 C. 250.
Cited. 171 C. 487, 489−491. Cited. 185 C. 118, 119, 121.
Annotations to present section:
Cited. 194 C. 297, 303. Cited. Id., 510, 517. Cited. 197 C. 166, 169. Cited. 198 C. 573, 585−589, 591. Failure to bring
to trial within time limit prescribed by Sec. 54-82c may be waived. Statute affects personal jurisdiction not subject matter
jurisdiction. 202 C. 93−100, 102−105. Cited. 221 C. 921. Cited. 224 C. 163−165, 167.
Cited. 12 CA 1, 10, 11. Cited. 14 CA 244, 247. Cited. 20 CA 205, 209. Cited. 26 CA 698−700, 712, 713. Cited. 28 CA
195, 206. Cited. 29 CA 694, 702, 703. Cited. 40 CA 757, 759.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(1957, P.A. 551, S. 3.)
History: Sec. 54-141 transferred to Sec. 54-82e in 1981 and revised references to other sections within provisions as
necessary to reflect their transfer.
Cited. 194 C. 297, 303.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(P.A. 80-313, S. 39.)
Note: This section was formerly part of Sec. 51-240.
Cited. 196 C. 667, 671. Cited. 197 C. 314, 317, 319. Cited. 200 C. 586, 597, 600. Cited. 201 C. 125, 161. Cited. 203
C. 506, 511. Cited. 204 C. 156, 160. Cited. Id., 377, 381. Cited. 205 C. 61, 73. Cited. 218 C. 309, 318. Cited. 222 C. 1, 6.
Cited. 223 C. 299, 308. Cited. 226 C. 237, 259. Cited. Id., 618, 629. Cited. 230 C. 385, 391; see also 37 CA 801 et seq.
Cited. 233 C. 215, 219. Cited. Id., 813, 843. Cited. 237 C. 238, 247, 248. Cited. Id., 454, 457, 459.
Cited. 10 CA 624, 634. Cited. 16 CA 165, 170. Cited. Id., 333, 338, 340. Cited. 26 CA 165, 172. Cited. 30 CA 359,
366. Cited. Id., 470, 491. Cited. 31 CA 278, 286; judgment reversed, see 230 C. 385 et seq.; see also 37 CA 801 et seq.
Cited. 38 CA 247, 252. Cited. Id., 598, 612. Cited. 40 CA 328, 331. Cited. 46 CA 600. Purpose of voir dire. 49 CA 41.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(1949 Rev., S. 8798; 1953, S. 3327d; 1959, P.A. 28, S. 210; February, 1965, P.A. 574, S. 39; P.A. 73-576, S. 1, 4; P.A.
74-183, S. 55, 291; P.A. 76-336, S. 16; P.A. 76-436, S. 105, 681; P.A. 77-452, S. 19, 72; P.A. 80-152; 80-313, S. 40, 62.)
History: 1959 act added circuit court; 1965 act deleted obsolete reference to common pleas court, its criminal jurisdiction
having been abolished in 1959; P.A. 73-576 replaced "State Prison" with "Connecticut Correctional Institution, Somers"
and deleted provisions which pertained to twelve-person juries and allowed for eight challenges in trials where offense is
punishable by sentence of less than life and four challenges for other offenses, retaining six challenges and four challenges,
respectively, previously applicable to six-person juries and now made generally applicable, effective June 12, 1973, and
applicable to all prosecutions claimed for jury trial on and after that date; P.A. 74-183 replaced circuit court with court of
common pleas, reflecting reorganization of judicial system, effective December 31, 1974; P.A. 76-336 specified that six
challenges are allowed where imprisonment may be for "more than one year" and deleted specific mention of Somers
institution as place of imprisonment; P.A. 76-436 reiterated changes of P.A. 76-336 and deleted reference to arraignment
before court of common pleas, reflecting transfer of all trial jurisdiction to superior court, effective July 1, 1978; P.A. 77-
452 made technical grammatical change; P.A. 80-152 deleted specific reference to superior court arraignments, referring
instead to arraignment "in any criminal trial" and added provision re determination of challenges allowed in cases involving
more than one court or more than one information; P.A. 80-313 reiterated deletion of reference to arraignment in superior
court; Sec. 51-242 transferred to Sec. 54-82g in 1981.
Annotations to former section 51-242:
Peremptory challenge must be made at time of examination, unless new cause arises. 18 C. 177. Juror need not be
sworn on voir dire; 47 C. 528; not a strict right, but may be granted; in any event waived by neglect to request. Id., 528.
If challenge for favor overruled, no cause of complaint unless peremptory challenges exhausted. Id., 528; 49 C. 379. When
court has discretion to sentence for life, accused may challenge fifteen jurors peremptorily. 49 C. 232. Where more than
one count, number that may be challenged is determined by highest maximum punishment under any count. 80 C. 618.
Accused has no absolute right to examine jurors. 69 C. 186; 80 C. 614. Control of judge over examination. 72 C. 722. See
note to section 51-241. Disqualifications of jurors discussed; distinction between principal challenge and challenge to the
favor. 103 C. 542. Challenge to the array, which can lie only for a cause affecting entire panel discussed. 100 C. 209; 103
C. 471; 109 C. 572. Qualifications of jurors who hold opinions formed through news reports. 147 C. 194.
Annotations to present section:
Cited. 193 C. 646, 648. Cited. 195 C. 421, 432. Cited. 223 C. 299, 313. Cited. 226 C. 618, 629, 632. Cited. 233 C. 813,
845. Cited. 237 C. 238, 248.
Cited. 7 CA 503, 504. Cited. 16 CA 333, 338. Cited. 36 CA 631, 634. Cited. 38 CA 231, 234.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(b) Alternate jurors shall be sworn separately from those constituting the regular
panel, and the oaths to be administered shall be as provided in section 1-25.
(c) Alternate jurors shall attend at all times upon trial of the cause. They shall be
seated when the case is on trial with or near the jurors constituting the regular panel,
with equal opportunity to see and hear all matters adduced in the trial of the case. If, at
any time, any juror shall, for any reason, become unable to further perform the duty of
a juror, the court may excuse such juror and, if any juror is so excused or dies, the court
may order that an alternate juror who is designated by lot to be drawn by the clerk shall
become a part of the regular panel and the trial or deliberation shall then proceed with
appropriate instructions from the court as though such juror had been a member of the
regular panel from the time when the trial or deliberation began. If the alternate juror
becomes a member of the regular panel after deliberations began, the jury shall be instructed by the court that deliberations by the jury shall begin anew. A juror who has
been selected to serve as an alternate shall not be segregated from the regular panel
except when the case is given to the regular panel for deliberation at which time such
alternate juror may be dismissed from further service on said case or may remain in
service under the direction of the court.
(P.A. 80-313, S. 41; P.A. 82-307, S. 5, 8; P.A. 00-116, S. 6.)
Note: This section was formerly part of Sec. 51-243.
History: P.A. 82-307 amended Subsec. (a) by changing the number of alternate jurors from "one or two" to two "or
more" and amended Subsec. (c) to reflect this change; P.A. 00-116 amended Subsec. (c) by making technical changes, by
permitting alternate juror to become part of the deliberation and proceed with appropriate instructions from the court as
though alternate juror was part of the regular panel when the trial or deliberation began, by providing if alternate juror
becomes member of panel after deliberations began, the jury shall be instructed by the court that deliberations by the jury
shall begin anew, and by adding provision allowing alternate juror to remain in service under the direction of the court
during deliberation of regular panel.
Cited. 200 C. 615, 624. Cited. 209 C. 564, 571. Cited. 223 C. 299, 313. Cited. 226 C. 618, 629. Cited. 233 C. 813, 814,
844−846.
Cited. 7 CA 503, 504. Cited. 36 CA 631, 634. Cited. 38 CA 231, 235. Cited. 41 CA 831, 843.
Subsec. (a):
Cited. 190 C. 219, 224. Cited. 195 C. 421, 432. Cited. 223 C. 299, 304. Cited. 226 C. 618, 629, 632.
Cited. 8 CA 158, 161. Cited. 34 CA 58, 94; judgment reversed, see 232 C. 537 et seq. Cited. 35 CA 541, 564.
Subsec. (c):
Cited. 199 C. 163, 167. Cited. 216 C. 367, 378. Cited. 223 C. 299, 300, 305. Cited. 226 C. 618, 632. Cited. 231 C. 235,
238, 242−244.
Cited. 34 CA 58, 94; judgment reversed, see 232 C. 537 et seq. Cited. 35 CA 541, 564. Cited. 41 CA 831, 840−844.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(b) Summoning witnesses in this state to testify in another state. If a judge of a
court of record in any state which by its laws has made provision for commanding
persons within that state to attend and testify in this state certifies, under the seal of such
court, that there is a criminal prosecution pending in such court, or that a grand jury
investigation has commenced or is about to commence, that a person being within this
state is a material witness in such prosecution or grand jury investigation and that his
presence will be required for a specified number of days, upon presentation of such
certificate to any judge of a court of record in the judicial district in which such person
is, such judge shall fix a time and place for a hearing and shall make an order directing
the witness to appear at such time and place for such hearing. If, at such hearing, the
judge determines that the witness is material and necessary, that it will not cause undue
hardship to the witness to be compelled to attend and testify in the prosecution or a
grand jury investigation in the other state and that the laws of such other state and the
laws of any other state through which the witness may be required to pass by ordinary
course of travel will give to him protection from arrest and from the service of civil or
criminal process, he shall issue a summons, with a copy of the certificate attached,
directing the witness to attend and testify in the court where the prosecution is pending,
or where a grand jury investigation has commenced or is about to commence at a time
and place specified in the summons. At any such hearing, the certificate shall be prima
facie evidence of all the facts stated therein. If such certificate recommends that the
witness be taken into immediate custody and delivered to an officer of the requesting
state to assure his attendance in such state, such judge may, in lieu of notification of the
hearing, direct that such witness be forthwith brought before him for such hearing, and,
being satisfied, at such hearing, of the desirability of such custody and delivery, of which
desirability such certificate shall be prima facie proof, may, in lieu of issuing a subpoena
or summons, order that such witness be forthwith taken into custody and delivered to
an officer of the requesting state. If such witness, after being paid or tendered by an
authorized person the sum of ten cents a mile for each mile by the ordinary traveled
route to and from the court where the prosecution is pending and five dollars each day
that he is required to travel and attend as a witness, fails, without good cause, to attend
and testify as directed in the summons, he shall be punished in the manner provided for
the punishment of any witness who disobeys a summons issued from a court of record
in this state.
(c) Witness from another state summoned to testify in this state. If a person in
any state, which by its laws has made provision for commanding persons within its
borders to attend and testify in criminal prosecutions or in grand jury investigations
commenced or about to commence in this state, is a material witness in a prosecution
pending in a court of record in this state, or in a grand jury investigation which has
commenced or is about to commence, a judge of such court may issue a certificate under
the seal of the court, stating such facts and specifying the number of days the witness
will be required. Such certificate may include a recommendation that the witness be
taken into immediate custody and delivered to an officer of this state to assure his attendance in this state. Such certificate shall be presented to a judge of a court of record in
the judicial district in which the witness is found. If the witness is summoned to attend
and testify in this state, he shall be tendered the sum of ten cents for each mile by the
ordinary traveled route to and from the court where the prosecution is pending, and five
dollars for each day that he is required to travel and attend as a witness. A witness who
has appeared in accordance with the provisions of the summons shall not be required
to remain within this state a longer period of time than the period mentioned in the
certificate, unless otherwise ordered by the court. If such witness, after coming into this
state, fails, without good cause, to attend and testify as directed in the summons, he
shall be punished in the manner provided for the punishment of any witness who disobeys
a summons issued from a court of record in this state.
(d) Exemption from arrest and service of process. If a person comes into this
state in obedience to a summons directing him to attend and testify in this state, he shall
not, while in this state pursuant to such summons, be subject to arrest or the service of
process, civil or criminal, in connection with matters which arose before his entrance
into this state under such summons. If a person passes through this state while going to
another state in obedience to a summons to attend and testify in that state or while
returning therefrom, he shall not, while so passing through this state, be subject to arrest
or the service of process, civil or criminal, in connection with matters which arose before
his entrance into this state under such summons.
(e) Interpretation. This section shall be so interpreted and construed as to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the laws of the states which enact it.
(1949 Rev., S. 8732; P.A. 78-280, S. 2, 127.)
History: P.A. 78-280 substituted "judicial district" for "county"; Sec. 54-22 transferred to Sec. 54-82i in 1981.
Annotations to former section 54-22:
Cited. 179 C. 102−106.
Subsec. (c):
Cited. 171 C. 47, 56.
Annotations to present section:
Cited. 198 C. 517, 540. Cited. 237 C. 58, 59.
Cited. 7 CA 503, 512. Cited. 36 CA 250, 254.
Subsec. (c):
Cited. 193 C. 350, 361. Cited. 194 C. 89−91. Cited. 198 C. 542, 559.
Cited. 3 CA 137, 143.
Cited. 38 CS 301, 306. Cited. Id., 521, 526.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(1949 Rev., S. 8760; 1959, P.A. 28, S. 144; February, 1965, P.A. 574, S. 44; P.A. 73-116, S. 20; 73-667, S. 1, 2; P.A.
74-183, S. 135, 291; P.A. 76-436, S. 527, 681; P.A. 78-280, S. 1, 127; P.A. 80-313, S. 42.)
History: 1959 act substituted circuit court for trial justice or municipal court; 1965 act deleted obsolete provision for
bringing arrested witness before common pleas court judge; P.A. 73-116 added references to judicial districts and substituted
"Connecticut Correctional Institution, Somers" for "State Prison"; P.A. 73-667 changed effective date of P.A. 73-116 from
October 1, 1973, to April 25, 1973; P.A. 74-183 replaced circuit court with court of common pleas, reflecting reorganization
of judicial system, effective December 31, 1974; P.A. 76-436 deleted reference to proceedings pending before common
pleas court, reflecting transfer of all trial jurisdiction to superior court, and applied provisions to cases involving imprisonment for more than one year, deleting specific reference to imprisonment in Somers facility, effective July 1, 1978; P.A.
78-280 deleted references to counties; P.A. 80-313 made minor changes in wording but made no substantive changes; Sec.
54-23 transferred to Sec. 54-82j in 1981.
Cited. 5 CA 347, 352.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(b) If such recognizance is not entered into, the judge shall order the person to be
committed to a community correctional center until the next criminal term of the Superior Court to be held in the judicial district, or until he is legally discharged, and the
judge shall issue a proper mittimus for his commitment in the case. Any person so
committed to a community correctional center shall not, upon such commitment, be
confined or associated in the center with persons confined therein upon conviction of
or charged with any criminal offense, and the state's attorney for the judicial district
wherein the person is so detained may release the bond and order the discharge of the
person if, in his judgment, the requirements of justice so demand. When any person is
confined in a community correctional center under the provisions of this section and
section 54-82j, he shall receive, in addition to his legal fees as a witness, two dollars for
each day that he is so confined, and the fees and expenses incurred under the provisions of
this section and section 54-82j, shall be taxed by the court and paid as other expenses
in criminal proceedings.
(c) Any person committed under the provisions of this section shall be released
from confinement upon the giving of the required recognizance, which shall be taken
as provided in case of imprisonment in a community correctional center upon criminal
process.
(d) "State's attorney", as used in section 54-82j, and in this section, includes assistant state's attorneys.
(1949 Rev., S. 8761; 1959, P.A. 28, S. 145; 1963, P.A. 642, S. 64; P.A. 73-116, S. 21; 73-667, S. 1, 2; P.A. 74-183, S.
136, 291; P.A. 76-436, S. 528, 681; P.A. 78-280, S. 1, 127; P.A. 80-313, S. 43.)
History: 1959 act substituted circuit court for municipal court or trial justice, which were abolished; 1963 act deleted
stipulation commitment be to jail in county where court has jurisdiction; P.A. 73-116 added references to judicial districts
and substituted "community correctional center" for "jail" where appearing; P.A. 73-667 changed effective date of P.A.
73-116 from October 1, 1973, to April 25, 1973; P.A. 74-183 replaced circuit court with court of common pleas, reflecting
reorganization of judicial system, effective December 31, 1974; P.A. 76-436 amended section to delete references to
proceedings before court of common pleas, reflecting transfer of all trial jurisdiction to superior court, effective July 1,
1978; P.A. 78-280 deleted references to counties; P.A. 80-313 divided existing provisions into Subsecs. (a), (b) and (d),
rephrasing provisions, and inserted new Subsec. (c) re release upon giving required recognizance; Sec. 54-24 transferred
to Sec. 54-82k in 1981 and references to other sections within provisions revised as necessary to reflect their transfer.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(P.A. 82-349, S. 1, 4; P.A. 83-1, S. 1, 3.)
History: P.A. 82-349, S. 1, effective July 1, 1983; P.A. 83-1 added words "on or after July 1, 1983" after "offense".
Cited. 198 C. 542, 547.
Cited. 12 CA 364, 369.
Cited. 3 CA 349, 351. Cited. 5 CA 347, 351.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(P.A. 82-349, S. 2, 4; P.A. 83-1, S. 2, 3.)
History: P.A. 82-349, S. 2, effective July 1, 1985; P.A. 83-1 added words "on or after July 1, 1983" after "offense".
Cited. 202 C. 443, 453. Cited. 218 C. 85, 114−116. Cited. 233 C. 813, 830, 831. Exception to sixty-day limitation period
for acts of God and misconduct on part of a defendant is a necessary implication. 242 C. 389. Cited. 243 C. 115.
Cited. 14 CA 244, 248, 250. Cited. 33 CA 184, 188; judgment reversed, see 232 C. 707 et seq. Cited. 37 CA 384, 397.
Cited. 38 CA 868, 872, 874. Cited. 40 CA 483−486. Statutory right to speedy trial cited. Id. Cited. Id., 643, 646. Cited.
Id., 757, 760−762. Cited. 42 CA 144. Cited. 43 CA 488. Right to protection of statute waived by withdrawing motion and
not filing for dismissal. 47 CA 91.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(b) A temporary restraining order may be issued under this section without written
or oral notice to the adverse party or such party's attorney if the court finds, upon written
certification of facts by the prosecutorial official, that such notice should not be required
and that there is a reasonable probability that the state will prevail on the merits. A
temporary restraining order shall set forth the reasons for the issuance of such order, be
specific in its terms and describe in reasonable detail, and not by reference to the complaint or other document, the act or acts being restrained.
(c) A temporary restraining order issued without notice under this section shall be
endorsed with the date and hour of issuance and be filed forthwith in the office of the
clerk of the court that issued the order.
(d) A temporary restraining order issued under this section shall expire at such time
as the court directs, not to exceed ten days from issuance. The court, for good cause
shown before expiration of the order, may extend the expiration date of the order for
not more than ten days or for a longer period if agreed to by the adverse party. If the
prosecutorial official files an application for a protective order pursuant to section 54-
82r prior to the expiration date of the temporary restraining order, the temporary restraining order shall remain in effect until the court makes a decision on the issuance
of such protective order.
(e) If, on two days' notice to the prosecutorial official or on such shorter notice as
the court may prescribe, the adverse party appears and moves to dissolve or modify the
temporary restraining order, the court shall proceed to hear and determine such motion
expeditiously.
(f) When a temporary restraining order is issued without notice, an application for
a protective order filed pursuant to section 54-82r shall be privileged in assignment for
hearing and shall take precedence over all other matters except matters of the same
character, and, if the prosecutorial official does not proceed with such application at
such hearing, the temporary restraining order shall be dissolved.
(P.A. 99-240, S. 2.)
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(b) A protective order shall set forth the reasons for the issuance of such order, be
specific in terms and describe in reasonable detail, and not by reference to the complaint
or other document, the act or acts being restrained. A protective order issued under this
section may include provisions necessary to protect the witness from threats, harassment, injury or intimidation by the adverse party including, but not limited to, enjoining
the adverse party from (1) imposing any restraint upon the person or liberty of the
witness, (2) threatening, harassing, assaulting, molesting or sexually assaulting the witness, or (3) entering the dwelling of the witness. Such order shall contain the following
language: "In accordance with section 53a-223 of the general statutes, any violation of
this order constitutes criminal violation of a protective order. Additionally, in accordance with section 53a-107 of the general statutes, entering or remaining in a building
or any other premises in violation of this order constitutes criminal trespass in the first
degree. These are criminal offenses each punishable by a term of imprisonment of not
more than one year, a fine of not more than two thousand dollars, or both." If the adverse
party is the defendant in the criminal case, such order shall be made a condition of the
bail or release of the defendant and shall also contain the following language: "Violation
of this order also violates a condition of your bail or release and may result in raising
the amount of bail or revoking release."
(c) The protective order shall remain in effect for the duration of the criminal case
except as otherwise ordered by the court.
(P.A. 99-240, S. 3.)
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(P.A. 99-247, S. 6.)
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(1) "Witness" means any person who is summoned, or who may be summoned, to
give testimony in a criminal proceeding, and includes a member of the immediate family
of such person.
(2) "Witness at risk of harm" means a witness who, as a result of cooperating in an
investigation or prosecution of a serious felony offense, has been, or is reasonably likely
to be, intimidated, harassed, threatened, retaliated against or subjected to physical violence.
(3) "Serious felony offense" means any felony that involves the use, attempted use
or threatened use of physical force against another person or results in the serious physical injury or death of another person.
(b) In any investigation or prosecution of a serious felony offense, the prosecutorial
official shall review all witnesses to the offense and may identify any witness as a witness
at risk of harm. Upon such identification, the prosecutorial official shall then determine
whether a witness at risk of harm is critical to a criminal investigation or prosecution.
If the witness at risk of harm is determined to be critical to such investigation or prosecution, the prosecutorial official may (1) certify that the witness receive protective services,
or (2) if the prosecutorial official finds a compelling need to temporarily relocate the
witness, certify that the witness receive protective services including temporary relocation services. In determining whether a witness should receive protective services, the
prosecutorial official shall give special consideration to a witness who is a child, elderly
or handicapped or otherwise more at risk of being intimidated, harassed, threatened,
retaliated against or subjected to physical violence or who is a witness in a case involving
organized crime, gang activities or drug trafficking or involving a high degree of risk
to the witness.
(c) When a witness is certified as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the
Chief State's Attorney shall provide appropriate protective services to such witness.
The Chief State's Attorney shall coordinate the efforts of state and local agencies to
provide protective services to a witness.
(d) Protective services provided to such witness may include, but are not limited to:
(1) Armed protection, escort, marked or unmarked surveillance or periodic visits
or contact by law enforcement officials prior, during or subsequent to the official proceeding;
(2) Temporary physical relocation to an alternate residence;
(3) Housing expenses;
(4) Transportation or storage of personal possessions;
(5) Basic living expenses including, but not limited to, food, transportation, utility
costs and health care; or
(6) Other services as needed and approved by the Chief State's Attorney.
(e) Protective services may be provided for the duration of the criminal case or until
the risk giving rise to certification has diminished, whichever occurs first.
(f) In addition to the protective services provided pursuant to subsection (d) of this
section, the Chief State's Attorney shall provide such witness with (1) information on
the responsibilities and risks of being a witness, and (2) the names and telephone numbers
of persons to contact if such witness has questions or concerns for such witness's safety,
including at least one telephone number that may be called twenty-four hours a day.
(g) If a witness declines to receive protective services under this section, the Chief
State's Attorney shall request the witness to make such declination in writing. Such
declination shall set forth (1) the type of protective services offered, (2) that the offer
of protective services has been explained in detail to the witness, and (3) a telephone
number that the witness may call twenty-four hours a day if the witness has concerns for
the witness's safety or reconsiders the witness's decision to decline protective services.
(h) If the parent or parents or guardian of a child who is certified as a witness at
risk of harm critical to a criminal investigation or prosecution as provided in subsection
(b) of this section, declines the provision of protective services under this section, the
Office of the Chief State's Attorney shall be notified within twenty-four hours after
such declination. Upon receipt of such notice, the Chief State's Attorney shall make
reasonable efforts to confer with a victim advocate providing services for the Office of
Victim Services and shall, not later than three days after such declination, determine if the
matter should be referred to the Department of Children and Families for investigation
as to whether such child is neglected, as defined in section 46b-120, and whether the
department should provide protective services or take other action pursuant to chapter
319a or 815t with respect to such child.
(i) The costs of providing protective services to witnesses under this section shall
be shared by the state and local agencies providing such services pursuant to the witness
protection policy established by the Office of the Chief State's Attorney.
(j) Any record of the Division of Criminal Justice or other governmental agency
that, in the reasonable judgment of the Chief State's Attorney or a state's attorney, would
disclose or would reasonably result in the disclosure of the identity or location of any
person receiving or considered for the receipt of protective services under this section
or of law enforcement techniques not otherwise known to the general public that are
used in protecting witnesses, shall be confidential and not subject to disclosure under
the Freedom of Information Act, as defined in section 1-200.
(k) The Division of Criminal Justice may utilize the resources of other state agencies
in order to provide protective services to witnesses under this section. All offices of the
state's attorneys and other agencies requesting assistance under this section shall comply
with the provisions of the witness protection policy established by the Office of the
Chief State's Attorney.
(l) The Chief State's Attorney, pursuant to his authority under section 51-279, shall
implement the provisions of this section and section 54-82u. The Chief State's Attorney
may adopt regulations in accordance with chapter 54 to implement the provisions of
this section and section 54-82u.
(m) Not later than November 15, 2001, and annually thereafter, the Chief State's
Attorney shall submit a report to the General Assembly on the fiscal and operational
status of the program to provide protective services to witnesses under this section.
(P.A. 99-240, S. 6.)
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(1) To testify in and provide information to all appropriate law enforcement officials
concerning all appropriate proceedings;
(2) To refrain from committing any crime;
(3) To take all necessary steps to avoid detection by other persons of the facts concerning the protective services provided to the witness under section 54-82t;
(4) To comply with legal obligations and civil judgments against the witness;
(5) To cooperate with all reasonable requests of officers and employees of the state
or any municipality who are providing protective services under section 54-82t;
(6) To designate another person to act as agent for service of process;
(7) To make a sworn statement of all outstanding legal obligations, including obligations concerning child custody and visitation;
(8) To disclose if the witness is on probation or parole and, if so, any conditions of
probation or parole;
(9) To inform regularly the appropriate official of the witness's activities and current
address; and
(10) To comply with any other lawful and appropriate conditions as determined by
the Office of the Chief State's Attorney.
(b) The Chief State's Attorney shall not be liable for any condition in the witness
protection agreement that cannot reasonably be met due to a witness committing a crime
during participation in the program.
(P.A. 99-240, S. 7.)
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(1949 Rev., S. 8799; P.A. 80-313, S. 47.)
History: P.A. 80-313 substituted "may" for "shall".
Not necessary that there should be two witnesses to every material fact; true rule stated. 49 C. 385; 77 C. 274; 78 C.
18; 93 C. 246; 97 C. 465; 103 C. 467; 106 C. 705; 122 C. 533; 126 C. 57. Whether requirement is met is for the jury to
say. 81 C. 27; 90 C. 126; 93 C. 246; 97 C. 465; 103 C. 467. Charge embodying rule approved. 97 C. 465. Cited. 123 C.
673; 147 C. 95. If testimony of one or more witnesses tends to prove that a murder has been committed, testimony of only
one other witness implicating the defendant is sufficient to satisfy the statute. 139 C. 475. The proof of all the essential
elements of a capital crime charged shall not depend upon the testimony of one witness. 142 C. 113. One witness may
testify to some of the essential facts and another to the rest of the essential facts and the statute may be satisfied. 147 C.
194. Adoption of Wigmore definition of "corpus delicti." Previous cases defining "corpus delicti" overruled. 152 C. 15.
Cited. 182 C. 511, 525, 526. Cited. 229 C. 125, 130, 140. Cited. 230 C. 183−185, 218−221, 257, 278, 279. Cited. 233 C.
813, 814, 848, 851, 852. Cited. 235 C. 206, 216.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(b) Unless the accused requests otherwise, the court shall instruct the jury that they
may draw no unfavorable inferences from the accused's failure to testify. In cases tried
to the court, no unfavorable inferences shall be drawn by the court from the accused's
silence.
(1949 Rev., S. 8800; 1971, P.A. 237; 871, S. 122; P.A. 77-360; P.A. 80-313, S. 44.)
History: 1971 acts applied provisions equally with respect to either spouse where previously applicable only to wives
receiving personal violence from husbands or to women charged with violation of specified sections; P.A. 77-360 prohibited
comment upon neglect or refusal to testify "by the court or prosecuting official, except as provided in subsection (b) of
this section" rather than comments "to the court or jury" and added Subsec. (b); P.A. 80-313 deleted provisions re spouse's
competency as witness and option to testify or not except in cases involving violence against spouse or specified violations
where testimony may be compelled, but see Sec. 54-84a.
See Sec. 54-84a re spouse's privilege to refuse to testify against his or her husband or wife.
Communication between husband and wife not privileged to extent of preventing one who overhears them from testifying thereto. 47 C. 540. Voluntary statements of accused before coroner or grand jury in no sense compulsory and are
admissible in evidence. 56 C. 399. Certain comments by state's attorney not objectionable. 73 C. 100; 96 C. 291. Commenting on refusal not always ground for new trial; accused must at once object. 79 C. 477. Remark by state's attorney in
arguing question of evidence while putting in his own case, held not within rule. 83 C. 455. In absence of request, court
need not charge as to rule. 90 C. 132. Attacking credit of accused where he does testify. 67 C. 290; 76 C. 94; 87 C. 22; 88
C. 150; 89 C. 417. Effect of testimony by one of two jointly indicted. 82 C. 59. Proper course for accused to take to insure
his rights under this rule. 96 C. 291. For charge under this rule, see 108 C. 463; but see 127 C. 592; does not prevent
inference being drawn from failure to testify; but such failure must not be commented upon. 108 C. 463. Cited. 109 C.
134; id., 497. For violence received from husband before marriage wife may refuse to testify against him. 113 C. 291.
Court may comment to jury on failure of accused to testify. 119 C. 35; 127 C. 591. But see 154 C. infra. Reference by
state's attorney to fact defendant's attorney offered no testimony to refute state's witnesses, not a violation of this section.
130 C. 549. Court may take into consideration failure of an accused to testify only if state has made out a prima facie case
against him. 139 C. 124. Does not preclude cross-examination of the accused as to inconsistent statements made to spouse.
145 C. 60. It is violation of fifth and fourteenth amendments for court to comment on failure of defendant in a criminal
trial to testify. 154 C. 41, 42. Interpretation before Griffin v. California, 380 U.S. 609. Id. Cited. 171 C. 12, 16; Id., 586,
598. Section gives witness' spouse option of testifying against accused spouse. 172 C. 37, 43. Cited. Id., 74, 83, 86. Cited.
179 C. 327, 328. Cited. 197 C. 369, 392. Cited. 201 C. 462, 477. Cited. 206 C. 621, 624. Cited. 223 C. 52, 66. Cited. 229
C. 516, 517. Cited. 233 C. 813, 850, 851. Prosecutorial comments on defendant's exercise of right not to testify discussed.
243 C. 324. State's attorney's comment in closing argument that "I gave you everything I had" not seen as comment on
defendant's failure to testify. 244 C. 547.
Cited. 9 CA 169, 171; judgment reversed, see 205 C. 370, 385. Cited. 13 CA 386, 391. Cited. 16 CA 264, 268. Cited.
22 CA 321, 325. Cited. 24 CA 642, 650. Cited. 27 CA 601, 606. Cited. 28 CA 369, 378. Cited. 33 CA 126. Cited. 34 CA
250. Use of term "unfair" in lieu of term "unfavorable" inference discussed. 36 CA 41. Cited. 39 CA 96, 99.
Where state's case rested entirely on defendant's testimony, held it was error not to inform defendant of his privilege
against self-incrimination. 24 CS 353. Defendant does not have option to refuse to testify in civil proceeding for homicide
by automobile on ground that he may be subject to criminal prosecution for some facts. 28 CS 59. Cited. 33 CS 505; Id., 700.
Defendant's failure to bring timely objection re comments on his refusal to testify results in waiver of right. 2 Conn.
Cir. Ct. 68. Charge to jury that, if they concluded there was such a strong probability of defendant's guilt that denial or
explanation by him was reasonably called for, then they would be entitled to consider his failure to testify, held in violation
of due process and constituted reversible error. 3 Conn. Cir. Ct. 463, 464. Any comment by presiding judge or counsel
forbidden. 4 Conn. Cir. Ct. 520, 522, 523. Court's refusal to charge jury that no inference of guilt could be drawn or sinister
meaning attached to defendant's failure to testify, proper. Id. Cited. 5 Conn. Cir. Ct. 181. Defendants who took stand for
limited purpose of testifying new counsel represented them entitled to assistance of counsel when questioning of them
broadened out to other matters. Id., 242.
Subsec. (a):
Cited. 206 C. 300, 308. Cited. 213 C. 422, 423, 439, 440. Cited. 222 C. 469, 474.
Cited. 7 CA 292, 294. Cited. 26 CA 674, 695. Cited. 27 CA 643, 652.
Subsec. (b):
Even though defense counsel did not object to the court's failure to give the "no unfavorable inference" instruction,
the judgment was set. 182 C. 330−334. Cited. Id., 403, 409. Failure to follow mandate of statute is reversible error despite
failure to make a timely request or objection. Id., 580, 581. Cited. 183 C. 444−448. Cited. 188 C. 681, 683, 685. Cited.
190 C. 1, 3, 6. Use of "unreasonable" instead of "unfavorable" in jury instruction constituted harmful error. 194 C. 594,
596−600. Cited. 195 C. 421, 441. Cited. Id., 444, 450. Cited. 197 C. 574, 575, 582−586. Cited. Id., 588, 594, 595. Cited.
198 C. 77, 88. Cited. 199 C. 322, 324, 325. Cited. 201 C. 659, 662, 663. Cited. 206 C. 621, 624−626. Cited. 209 C. 636,
650, 651. Cited. 210 C. 751, 762. Cited. 227 C. 910, 911. Harmless error analysis applied to erroneous instruction under
the statute; judgment of appellate court, State v. Yurch, 31 CA 688, 690, reversed. 229 C. 516, 517, 520−524.
Cited. 5 CA 79, 85. Cited. 6 CA 124, 137. Cited. 7 CA 477, 482. Cited. 9 CA 169, 171; judgment reversed, see 205 C.
370, 385. Cited. 10 CA 302, 305, 306, 308, 309, 311−313, 315, 316. Cited. 11 CA 425, 433. Cited. 15 CA 342, 351. Cited.
Id., 749, 750. Cited. 16 CA 264, 266, 268−270. Cited. 17 CA 490, 492−495. Cited. 19 CA 48, 52, 54−57. Cited. Id., 618,
622−625. Cited. 20 CA 721, 724. Cited. 21 CA 162, 164, 169. Cited. 22 CA 321, 323, 325−328. Cited. 23 CA 28, 29, 41−
43. Cited. Id., 151, 152, 157. Cited. 27 CA 601, 609. Cited. 28 CA 290, 296−298. Cited. 31 CA 688, 689; judgment reversed,
see 229 C. 516 et seq. Total omission of "no adverse interference" instruction is plain error that is not subject to harmless
error analysis. 33 CA 126−128, 130. Cited. 34 CA 153, 162. Trial court's charge did not comply with requirements of
statute because of improper reference to loss of defendant's presumption of innocence. Id., 250, 255−259. Cited. 36 CA
41−46. Cited. 37 CA 672, 686. Cited. 39 CA 96, 99, 101.
Cited. 36 CS 583−586.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(P.A. 80-313, S. 45.)
Note: This section was formerly part of Sec. 54-84.
History: (Revisor's note: In 1993 obsolete reference to repealed Sec. 53-25 was deleted editorially by the Revisors).
Cited. 199 C. 631, 648. Cited. 211 C. 555, 561.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(1949 Rev., S. 8801; P.A. 80-313, S. 46.)
History: P.A. 80-313 restated provisions but made no substantive changes.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(1967, P.A. 498.)
Sequestration order merely prohibits sequestered witness from being present in courtroom when he is not testifying.
169 C. 322, 331. Cited. Id., 428, 438. Cited. 185 C. 211, 230. Cited. 187 C. 6, 27. Cited. 199 C. 62, 67. Cited. 211 C. 672,
680, 681. Cited. 230 C. 591, 592, 598, 600. Cited. 235 C. 711, 716. Cited. 236 C. 112, 121, 123. Cited. 237 C. 284, 306.
Cited. 11 CA 80, 84. Cited. 13 CA 687, 693. Cited. 16 CA 172, 174, 181, 182. Cited. 20 CA 342, 345, 346. Cited. 21
CA 474, 485. Cited. 32 CA 448, 457. Cited. 33 CA 339, 347; judgment reversed in part, see 232 C. 431 et seq.; judgment
reversed on issues of sufficiency of evidence and jury misconduct, see 235 C. 502 et seq. Cited. 34 CA 276, 290. Cited.
38 CA 371, 412.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(b) If an employer discharges, penalizes or threatens or otherwise coerces an employee in violation of subsection (a) of this section, the employee, within ninety days
of such action, may bring a civil action for damages and for an order requiring his
reinstatement or otherwise rescinding such action. If the employee prevails, he shall be
allowed a reasonable attorney's fee to be fixed by the court.
(P.A. 81-186.)
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(b) A representative of a homicide victim shall be entitled to be present at the trial
or any proceeding concerning the prosecution of the defendant for the homicide, except
that a judge may remove such representative from the trial or proceeding or any portion
thereof for the same causes and in the same manner as the rules of court or provisions
of the general statutes provide for the exclusion or removal of the defendant. No representative of a homicide victim may be excluded from the proceedings under this section
without a hearing.
(c) The failure of a representative of a homicide victim to exercise any right granted
by the provisions of this section shall not be cause or ground for an appeal of a conviction
by a defendant or for any court to set aside, reverse or remand a criminal conviction.
(P.A. 88-278, S. 1.)
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(P.A. 99-247, S. 2.)
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(P.A. 00-200, S. 4.)
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(P.A. 00-200, S. 7.)
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(b) Reasonable notice of the time when and place where the examination will be
had and of the interrogatories to be propounded shall be given to the state's attorney or
assistant state's attorney for the judicial district in which the prosecution is pending;
and such attorney may, within such time as the court or judge limits, file with the clerk
of the court additional interrogatories to be propounded to the witness to be examined.
(c) Depositions so taken, opened by and filed with the clerk within such time as the
court or judge directs, may be used at trial.
(1949 Rev., S. 8802; 1963, P.A. 642, S. 71; P.A. 73-116, S. 27; 73-667, S. 1, 2; P.A. 74-48; P.A. 75-567, S. 34, 80;
P.A. 76-436, S. 476, 681; P.A. 78-280, S. 1, 127; P.A. 80-313, S. 34.)
History: 1963 act updated statute, deleting provisions for court of common pleas and prosecuting attorney; P.A. 73-
116 added reference to judicial districts; P.A. 73-667 changed effective date of P.A. 73-667 from October 1, 1973, to
December 31, 1973; P.A. 74-48 amended section to include depositions in circuit court cases involving Class D felonies,
adding reference to prosecuting attorneys and circuits; P.A. 75-567 deleted changes enacted by P.A. 74-48, except for
reference to prosecuting attorneys, reflecting reorganization of judicial system in P.A. 74-183; P.A. 76-436 applied provisions to cases where punishment may be imprisonment for more than one year and substituted assistant state's attorneys
for prosecuting attorneys, effective July 1, 1978; P.A. 78-280 deleted reference to counties; P.A. 80-313 divided section
into Subsecs. and restated provisions.
State cannot take deposition. 90 C. 381. Comment of state's attorney on accused's use of depositions held improper to
extent of requiring new trial. 96 C. 165. Proper course of accused to protect his rights under this statute. Id., 166, 168.
Cited. 229 C. 716, 752.
Cited. 19 CA 594, 604. Cited. 29 CA 642, 645. Cited. 36 CA 250, 255. Cited. 42 CA 186; judgment reversed, see 241
C. 823 et seq.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(b) An order of the court granting relief under subsection (a) of this section shall
specify the time, place and manner of making the discovery and inspection permitted
and may prescribe such terms and conditions as are just.
(c) A motion under subsection (a) of this section may be made only in a criminal
case and shall include all relief sought under subsection (a) of this section. A subsequent
motion may be made only upon a showing of cause why such motion would be in the
interest of justice.
(d) Prior to the arraignment of any arrested person before the court to determine
the existence of probable cause to believe such person committed the offense charged
or to determine the conditions of such person's release pursuant to section 54-64a, the
attorney for the state shall provide the arrested person or his counsel with a copy of any
affidavit or report submitted to the court for the purpose of making such determination;
except that the court may, upon motion of the attorney for the state and for good cause
shown, limit the disclosure of any such affidavit or report, or portion thereof.
(1967, P.A. 706, S. 1, 2, 3; P.A. 78-289, S. 2; 78-290, S. 2; P.A. 91-242.)
History: P.A. 78-289 amended Subsec. (a) to delete provision allowing inspection, copying etc. of defendant's recorded
testimony before a grand jury; P.A. 78-290 deleted provision in Subsec. (a) which had allowed inspection, copying etc.
of exculpatory information or material; P.A. 91-242 added Subsec. (d) requiring the attorney for the state to provide the
arrested person or his counsel with a copy of any affidavit or report submitted to the court for the purpose of determining
probable cause or the conditions of release.
Cited. 158 C. 275; 159 C. 389. Cited. 166 C. 593. Examination in camera used to determine compliance. Id. Cited. 187
C. 292, 311. Cited. 190 C. 20, 22. Cited. 200 C. 323, 337. Cited. 229 C. 716, 752.
Cited. 34 CA 58, 77; judgment reversed, see 232 C. 537 et seq.
Section does not specifically require disclosure of name and address of the informant in trial of defendant charged with
sale of marijuana. 28 CS 331. Cited. 33 CS 599. Cited. 42 CS 291, 298.
Motion for further bill of particulars after plea of not guilty denied as untimely; preliminary motions in criminal case
should be filed prior to plea unless grounds are not then known. 5 Conn. Cir. Ct. 269. Unless prosecutor is under some
constitutional obligation, he need not allow defense complete and unqualified access to state's files. 6 Conn. Cir. Ct. 437.
Subsec. (a):
Subdivision (1): Indiscriminate, wholesale, and blanket demands for "exculpatory" material under motion of discovery
is not permissible. Must be shown that evidence would have tendency to clear defendant. 29 CS 86.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(b) If the prosecution fails to comply with the order of the court, the court shall
strike from the record the testimony of the witness and the trial shall proceed unless the
court in its discretion shall determine that the interests of justice require that a mistrial
be declared.
(1969, P.A. 680.)
Cited. 166 C. 593. Held unconstitutional, but assuming constitutional, procedure found to comply. Id. Cited. 200 C.
323, 337. Cited. 202 C. 259, 265. Cited. 211 C. 555, 559. Destruction of tapes discussed. 214 C. 161, 164, 166−172. Cited.
215 C. 257, 263−265, 267, 269. Cited. 221 C. 300, 303. Cited. 223 C. 731, 734, 737, 738. Cited. 227 C. 641, 645. Cited.
229 C. 716, 752. Cited. 231 C. 195, 203.
Cited 14 CA 108, 112, 113, 117. Destruction of tapes held to be in bad faith; burden on state to show defendant not
prejudiced. 14 CA 108, 111−113, 115. Cited. 20 CA 586, 589−591. Cited. 25 CA 255, 258. Cited. Id., 503, 508, 509, 513.
Cited. 29 CA 68, 72; judgment reversed, see 227 C. 566 et seq. Cited. Id., 304, 305, 309, 313. Cited. Id., 455, 456, 459,
463. Cited. 32 CA 483, 487, 491. Cited. 46 CA 118. Cited. Id., 545.
Cited. 42 CS 10, 12, 17. Cited. Id., 291, 293, 298.
Subsec. (a):
Cited. 159 C. 264.
Cited. 10 CA 103, 108.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(b) Any state's attorney, assistant state's attorney or deputy assistant state's attorney
may request an ex parte in camera hearing before a judge, who shall not be the same
judge who presides at the hearing of the criminal case if the case is tried to the court,
to determine whether any material or information is exculpatory.
(c) Each peace officer, as defined in subdivision (9) of section 53a-3, shall disclose
in writing any exculpatory information or material which he may have with respect to
any criminal investigation to the prosecutorial official in charge of such case.
(P.A. 78-290, S. 1; P.A. 80-313, S. 33.)
History: P.A. 80-313 replaced "such" with "the" where appearing.
Cited. 184 C. 258, 276, 280. Cited. 189 C. 183, 194. Cited. 191 C. 12, 15. Cited. 194 C. 258, 264. Cited. 197 C. 17, 19.
Cited. Id., 298, 304. Cited. 199 C. 207, 226. Cited. Id., 399, 408. Cited. 201 C. 517, 528. Cited. 212 C. 387, 395. Cited.
221 C. 264, 293. Cited. 229 C. 716, 752.
Cited. 14 CA 586, 600. Cited. 17 CA 525, 527. Cited. 22 CA 329, 336. Cited. 24 CA 57, 62, 64. Cited. Id., 195, 208.
Cited. 34 CA 58, 77; judgment reversed, see 232 C. 537 et seq. Cited. 36 CA 417, 420. Cited. 38 CA 777, 797−799.
Cited. 36 CS 89, 90. Cited. 42 CS 291, 298.
Subsec. (a):
Cited. 198 C. 285, 296. Cited. 209 C. 143, 151.
Cited. 38 CA 777, 797.
Subsec. (b):
Cited. 206 C. 512, 538, 540.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(P.A. 81-448, S. 1; P.A. 82-472, S. 145, 183; P.A. 93-340, S. 9, 19.)
History: P.A. 82-472 made technical corrections; P.A. 93-340 amended Subdiv. (3) to require the judge to find that the
current address of the victim "will be made available to the defense in the same manner and time as such information is
made available to the defense for other criminal offenses" rather than "is made available to the defense", effective July
1, 1993.
Cited. 8 CA 387, 388. Cited. 20 CA 115, 127, 128.
Cited. 42 CS 291, 298, 299.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(P.A. 81-448, S. 3; P.A. 93-340, S. 10, 19; May 25 Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-1, S. 42, 130.)
History: P.A. 93-340 required name and address of victim to be available to the accused "in the same manner and time
as such information is available to those accused of other criminal offenses", effective July 1, 1993; May 25 Sp. Sess. P.A.
94-1 made technical change, effective July 1, 1994.
Cited. 230 C. 43, 47. Cited. 233 C. 403, 410. Cited. 235 C. 145, 147.
Cited. 8 CA 387, 389. Cited. 20 CA 115, 127, 128. Cited. 26 CA 81. Cited. 37 CA 534, 536. Cited. 39 CA 742, 744.
Cited. 46 CA 810.
Cited. 42 CS 291, 299.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(P.A. 82-230; P.A. 83-113; P.A. 85-347.)
History: P.A. 83-113 added (1) requirement that motion to offer evidence of prior sexual conduct contain an offer of
proof and (2) provision testimony of defendant may be admissible to impeach credibility if defendant elects to testify; P.A.
85-347 deleted "prior" before "sexual conduct" and added "any" before "evidence".
Cited. 195 C. 253, 259. Cited. 197 C. 280, 285, 286. Cited. 199 C. 193, 201, 204, 206. Cited. Id., 481, 484 et seq. Cited.
207 C. 403, 404. Cited. 208 C. 365, 369, 370, 376. Cited. 209 C. 143, 146, 156, 160. Cited. 220 C. 345, 350, 351, 353−
355, 357, 360, 361. Cited. 228 C. 456, 463, 464. Cited. 230 C. 43, 50−55. Defendant failed to make an adequate preliminary
showing of relevancy in order to justify cross examination of plaintiff's father about plaintiff's statement concerning a
prior sexual assault investigation. 244 C. 640.
Cited. 3 CA 374, 378−380, 385. Cited. 8 CA 44, 45, 48. Cited. Id., 190, 192, 195, 196. Cited. 11 CA 673, 682. Cited.
14 CA 451, 452, 455. Cited. Id., 688, 689, 695, 699. Rape victim's shield law also cited. Id. Cited. 20 CA 263, 268. Cited.
21 CA 411, 412, 417. Cited. 23 CA 221−223, 225. Cited. 29 CA 409, 410. Cited. Id., 642, 644. Cited. 30 CA 56, 57. Cited.
34 CA 473, 475, 478−480. Cited. 35 CA 173, 174, 176. Cited. 38 CA 100−102, 106−110, 112−114. Cited. 42 CA 445.
Cited. 43 CA 667. Cited. Id., 680. Cited. Id., 715. Cited. 45 CA 116.
Subdiv. (1):
Cited. 220 C. 345, 354. Cited. 228 C. 456, 457, 463. Cited. 230 C. 43, 55.
Subdiv. (2):
Cited. 11 CA 673, 683. Cited. 14 CA 451, 452, 455, 456. Cited. 21 CA 411, 412, 415. Cited. 34 CA 473, 479, 480.
Cited. 38 CA 100, 108. Cited. 43 CA 715. "Subdivision (2) of rape shield law" cited. Id.
Subdiv. (3):
Cited. 228 C. 456, 470−472.
Cited. 8 CA 190, 192, 194, 196. Cited. 30 CA 56, 58.
Subdiv. (4):
Cited. 220 C. 345, 357. Cited. 228 C. 456, 457, 464, 468, 469, 471−473. Cited. 230 C. 43, 51, 54.
Cited. 3 CA 374, 380, 383, 385. Cited. 8 CA 44, 45, 47, 49. Cited. Id., 190, 192. Cited. 11 CA 673, 675, 681. Cited.
14 CA 451, 452, 455. Cited. 21 CA 411, 412, 415, 417, 418, 420. Cited. 23 CA 225, 226. Cited. 29 CA 642, 645, 649.
Cited. 30 CA 56, 58, 59. Cited. 34 CA 473, 479, 481. Cited. 38 CA 100, 108. Cited. 43 CA 715. "Subdivision (4) of statute"
cited. Id. Cited. 45 CA 116.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(b) In any criminal prosecution of an offense involving assault, sexual assault or
abuse of a child twelve years of age or younger, the court may, upon motion of the
attorney for any party, order that the following procedures be used when the testimony
of the child is taken: (1) Persons shall be prohibited from entering and leaving the
courtroom during the child's testimony; (2) an adult who is known to the child and with
whom the child feels comfortable shall be permitted to sit in close proximity to the child
during the child's testimony, provided such person shall not obscure the child from the
view of the defendant or the trier of fact; (3) the use of anatomically correct dolls by
the child shall be permitted; and (4) the attorneys for the defendant and for the state
shall question the child while seated at a table positioned in front of the child, shall
remain seated while posing objections and shall ask questions and pose objections in a
manner which is not intimidating to the child.
(P.A. 85-587, S. 1; P.A. 89-177, S. 1; P.A. 90-230, S. 94, 101.)
History: P.A. 89-177 amended Subsec. (a) to permit the defendant to be present in the room during the child's testimony,
to provide that the court may exclude the defendant from the room or screen him from the sight and hearing of the child
only if the state proves by clear and convincing evidence that a compelling need exists to take the testimony of the child
outside the physical presence of the defendant, to provide that the requirement that the defendant be able to observe and
hear the child and that the child not be able to see or hear the defendant applies "if the defendant is excluded from the room
or screened from the sight and hearing of the child", and to replace provision that the defendant "may consult with his
attorney" with "shall be able to consult privately with his attorney at all times during the taking of the testimony", incorporated Subsec. (b) into Subsec. (a), and added a new Subsec. (b) authorizing the court to order that certain procedures be
used when a child testifies in any criminal prosecution of an offense involving an assault, sexual assault or abuse of a child
twelve years of age or younger and requiring the question of the competency of the child as a witness to be resolved prior
to the time of the trial; P.A. 90-230 made technical change to Subsec. (b).
Not effective at time action initiated; videotaping procedure essentially followed by trial court discussed in connection
with federal and state constitutional confrontation clauses. 204 C. 683, 686. Cited. 210 C. 51, 63. Cited. Id., 244, 247−252,
255, 257. Cited. Id., 359, 361, 362, 364−368. Cited. 211 C. 185, 188. Judgment of appellate court in State v. Marquis, 36
CA 803, 804 reversed and case remanded to appellate court for consideration of trial court's denial of state's motion to
videotape pursuant to this section. 235 C. 659, 660. In State v. Marquis, 36 CA 803, 233 C. 902, 42 CA 186 239 C. 934,
judgment of appellate court reversed; trial court properly exercised its discretion to deny motion on videotaped testimony.
241 C. 823.
Cited. 14 CA 333, 340. Cited. 19 CA 445, 447, 448. Cited. 24 CA 146, 150. Cited. 36 CA 803; judgment reversed, see
235 C. 659 et seq.; see also 241 C. 823 et seq. Defendant not entitled to have a defense expert conduct a psychological or
psychiatric examination of an alleged child victim as prerequisite to trial court's granting of motion filed pursuant to this
section. 42 CA 186; judgment reversed, see 241 C. 823 et seq. Cited. 39 CA 702, 704−706. In this case, trial court properly
permitted the state to videotape testimony of child victim outside the presence of the defendant. 51 CA 753.
Subsec. (a):
Cited. 241 C. 823.
Cited. 36 CA 803, 804; judgment reversed, see 235 C. 659 et seq.; see also 241 C. 823 et seq. Cited. 39 CA 702, 704.
Cited. 42 CA 186; judgment reversed, see 241 C. 823 et seq. Trial court's finding of compelling need for videotaped
testimony upheld. 47 CA 199.
Subsec. (b):
Cited. 26 CA 674, 686, 688.
Subsec. (c):
Cited. 26 CA 674, 687, 688, 689.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(P.A. 85-587, S. 2.)
Cited. 211 C. 555, 557, 559, 560, 562, 563, 565. Cited. 241 C. 823.
Cited. 12 CA 585, 589. Cited. 13 CA 368, 376. Cited. 19 CA 36, 39. Cited. 20 CA 737, 748, 749. Cited. 23 CA 509,
517. Cited. 24 CA 146, 150. Cited. 25 CA 21, 26. Cited. 42 CA 186; judgment reversed, see 241 C. 823 et seq.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(P.A. 85-605.)
Cited. 207 C. 35, 40. Cited. 209 C. 423, 426. Cited. 210 C. 481, 485. Cited. 216 C. 139−143, 145, 147−149. Cited. 224
C. 347, 348, 361. Cited. 224 C. 114, 115, 136−138. Cited. 225 C. 450, 451, 479−481. Cited. Id., 650, 656.
Cited. 17 CA 257, 263. Cited. 26 CA 94, 97. Cited erroneously as Sec. 54-86(i). 28 CA 425, 434. Cited. 32 CA 170,
171, 173, 174, 176, 178. Cited. 34 CA 629, 631−634.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(b) For the purposes of this section, "polygraph" means any mechanical or electrical
instrument or device of any type used or allegedly used to examine, test or question
individuals for the purpose of determining truthfulness.
(P.A. 89-60.)
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(b) If the results of the DNA analysis tend to exculpate the accused, the prosecuting
authority shall disclose such exculpatory information or material to the accused in accordance with section 54-86c.
(c) At least twenty-one days prior to commencement of the proceeding in which
the results of a DNA analysis will be offered as evidence, the party intending to offer
the evidence shall notify the opposing party, in writing, of the intent to offer the analysis
and shall provide or make available copies of the profiles and the report or statement
to be introduced. In the event that such notice is not given, and the person proffers
such evidence, then the court may in its discretion either allow the opposing party a
continuance or, under the appropriate circumstances, bar the person from presenting
such evidence. The period of any such continuance shall not be counted for speedy trial
purposes under section 54-82c. If the opposing party intends to object to the admissibility
of such evidence he shall give written notice of that fact and the basis for his objections
at least ten days prior to commencement of the proceedings.
(d) No blood sample submitted to the Division of Scientific Services within the
Department of Public Safety for analysis and use as provided in this section and no
results of the analysis performed shall be included in the DNA data bank established
by the division pursuant to section 54-102j or otherwise used in any way with identifying
information on the person whose sample was submitted.
(P.A. 94-246, S. 7; P.A. 99-218, S. 9, 16.)
History: P.A. 99-218 amended Subsec. (d) by replacing the State Police Forensic Science Laboratory with the Division
of Scientific Services within the Department of Public Safety, effective July 1, 1999.
See Secs. 54-102g to 54-102l, inclusive, re DNA analysis procedures.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(1949 Rev., S. 8803; P.A. 80-313, S. 61.)
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(1949 Rev., S. 8804.)
There is no rigid requirement that prosecutor's final summation must be limited solely to rebuttal of matters raised in
defendant's argument. 170 C. 417, 428. Cited. 230 C. 351, 362.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)