Secs. 52-89 and 52-90. Transferred to Chapter 896, Secs. 52-45a and 52-45b, respectively.
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Sec. 52-91. Pleadings; contents of complaint. There shall be one form of civil
action. The first pleading on the part of the plaintiff shall be known as the complaint
and shall contain a statement of the facts constituting the cause of action and, on a
separate page of the complaint, a demand for the relief, which shall be a statement of
the remedy or remedies sought. When money damages are sought in the demand for
relief, the demand for relief shall set forth: (1) That the amount, legal interest or property
in demand is fifteen thousand dollars or more, exclusive of interest and costs; or (2) that
the amount, legal interest or property in demand is two thousand five hundred dollars
or more but is less than fifteen thousand dollars, exclusive of interest and costs; or (3)
that the amount, legal interest or property in demand is less than two thousand five
hundred dollars, exclusive of interest and costs. In addition, in a contract action in which
only money damages are sought and in which the amount, legal interest or property in
demand is less than fifteen thousand dollars, exclusive of interest and costs, the demand
for relief shall also set forth whether or not the remedy sought is based upon an express
or implied promise to pay a definite sum.
(1949 Rev., S. 7813; P.A. 77-497, S. 2, 7; 77-604, S. 61, 84; P.A. 78-379, S. 19, 27; P.A. 81-416, S. 4, 5; P.A. 82-160,
S. 47; P.A. 83-144.)
History: P.A. 77-497 clarified provisions, specifying that complaint shall not allege amount of money damages sought
but that it shall be a statement of remedy sought, an allegation of court's jurisdiction and, on and after July 1, 1978, a
statement that amount, legal interest or property demanded is or is not less than $7,500; P.A. 77-604 changed effective
date of P.A. 77-497 but not with respect to this section; P.A. 78-379 deleted provision allowing defendant to "plead to
jurisdiction or in abatement, or both" and form for that plea; P.A. 81-416 provided that on or after July 1, 1981, a complaint
must state whether the amount in demand is less than or not less than $15,000, replacing the former amount of $7,500;
P.A. 82-160 added provisions concerning the statement required if the amount, legal interest or property in demand is less
than $5,000 or less than $2,500; P.A. 83-144 replaced provisions re allegations of the amount in demand and the threshold
amounts with the provision that when money damages are sought the demand for relief shall set forth that the amount,
legal interest or property in demand, exclusive of interest and costs, is (1) $15,000 or more, (2) $2,500 or more, but less
than $15,000 or (3) less than $2,500, and added provision that in a contract action in which money damages of less than
$15,000 are sought the demand for relief shall set forth whether or not the remedy sought is based upon an express or
implied promise to pay a definite sum.
See Sec. 52-122 re inability of this section to affect flowage petitions on certain proceedings.
See Sec. 52-519 re form of writ, affidavit and bond in replevin actions.
Judgment set aside as it did not conform to pleadings. 146 C. 639. Judgment of appellate court in Southington `84
Association v. Silver Dollar Stores, Inc., 39 CA 608 reversed. 237 C. 758. P.A. 77-497 cited. Id. P.A. 83-144 cited. Id.
Practice Act. Does not change law as to statute of limitations. 52 C. 145. Formal and technical objections should be
made known as soon as possible. 53 C. 52; 57 C. 161; 75 C. 279. Does not apply to quo warranto; 55 C. 121; nor to criminal
prosecution. 72 C. 606. Application to replevin. 77 C. 463. Rules concerning departure still in force. 60 C. 83; 85 C. 271.
Purpose is to do away with artificial forms and distinctions; 56 C. 24; 63 C. 560; 73 C. 5; 83 C. 670; as between law and
equity; 63 C. 559; 81 C. 402; but it goes only to matters of form; 68 C. 372; 90 C. 581; pleadings conform to equity practice.
72 C. 195. It did not profess to introduce a complete new system, but to make the old system more convenient; 71 C. 198;
to distinguish between what is a defect of substance and one of form; 72 C. 449; to simplify and unify all pleadings; 71 C.
717; to bring into the record a plain statement of facts. 74 C. 702. It encourages but does not require the settlement of all
controversies in one action. 79 C. 693; 80 C. 218; 81 C. 246. It enables the court to determine ultimate rights and grant all
proper relief. 81 C. 552. It does not seek to bring parties to a single issue. 67 C. 377. Power of court over issues. 80 C. 223;
85 C. 434; 86 C. 561. Controversy in probate court not an action. 90 C. 50. Rules apply to book debt. 78 C. 645. Act has
not changed substantive law; same facts give right to same redress as before and no other. 90 C. 576. Rules of pleading
not applicable to hearing before judge under special statute. 95 C. 89.
Complaint. Term is applicable to action either at law or in equity. 60 C. 213. Recovery in contract may be had, if
necessary facts proved, though plaintiff treated action as in tort. 68 C. 459. Necessity of counting on statute in action for
statutory relief. 69 C. 210; 72 C. 159; 77 C. 569; 80 C. 434; 81 C. 626. It is better to refer to statute in prayer for relief. 75
C. 694; 84 C. 47. Compliance with all its terms must be alleged. 86 C. 568; 90 C. 527. All material facts must appear. 51
C. 433; 67 C. 378; 79 C. 255. Should not anticipate defense. 73 C. 477; 77 C. 638; 99 C. 311; 81 C. 287. Sufficient to show
prima facie right; 77 C. 638; need not allege matter necessary only for complete adjudication of rights; 72 C. 86; or offsets
or partial payments; 65 C. 537; in action of contract, general allegation sufficient to give notice of claim suffices. 81 C.
653. Bill of particulars after special count improper. 79 C. 257. Equitable relief should be specially demanded, unless facts
show what it should be. 71 C. 251; 78 C. 497. Both legal and equitable relief may be sought. 72 C. 554; 77 C. 214. Need
not allege that plaintiff was "specially damaged," where facts show it. 66 C. 420. Broad conclusion of law insufficient if
facts fail to support it. 81 C. 325. Alternative relief may be claimed against corporation or its officers according as contract
made by latter is found to be authorized or not. 93 C. 479. In action on specialty not necessary to allege a consideration.
97 C. 195. Necessary averments in complaints by trustee in bankruptcy to recover property conveyed away by bankrupt
in fraud of creditors. 99 C. 310. In appeal from doings of former board of relief, no specific prayer for relief is necessary
if relief desired is obvious from allegations of complaint. 109 C. 360. Necessity for averment showing how plaintiff is
aggrieved. Id. Cited. 179 C. 406.
Pleas to the jurisdiction and in abatement. Plea in abatement is not favored. 69 C. 272; 73 C. 428; 74 C. 126. Must be
certain. 64 C. 74; 69 C. 272; 73 C. 538; Id., 563. Will not be aided by inference. 79 C. 526. Must demand relief. 72 C. 444;
74 C. 127. In construing, ordinary import of language followed; not necessary to negative every claim contra. 64 C. 76;
85 C. 618. Proper function to state facts not appearing of record. 82 C. 483; 83 C. 677. Where facts undisputed, plea should
be framed to raise question of law. 75 C. 544. Requisites to attack premature bringing of action; 70 C. 157; another action
pending; 68 C. 473; 70 C. 157; absence of recognizance in injunction suit; 73 C. 538; defective service; 73 C. 559; tax
appeal; 72 C. 330; failure to take appeal to supreme court in proper time. 79 C. 526. Plea to jurisdiction unnecessary when.
72 C. 430. Defect in jurisdiction of subject matter may be taken advantage of at any time; 71 C. 270; 74 C. 265; 89 C. 200;
court may act suo motu; 86 C. 351; 85 C. 517; motion to erase proper when. 79 C. 58; 90 C. 293; 97 C. 123; Id., 399.
Demurrer not proper way to raise question. 85 C. 679. Certain issues may be raised either by answer, plea in abatement
or plea to jurisdiction. 85 C. 263. Waiver of lack of jurisdiction where nonresident appears, answers and defends. 96 C.
266. Necessity of special appearance and plea to raise issue of jurisdiction. 97 C. 127. See note to section 52-123. When
one not a party defendant in trial court entered an appearance there, was treated throughout trial as a party and filed a
request for a finding, his status as a party defendant may not be attacked for first time in supreme court on plea in abatement.
109 C. 330. Plea to jurisdiction not improper, but plea in abatement may raise any issue going to jurisdiction of court. 121
C. 347. Plea in abatement appropriate remedy for taking appeal to wrong term of court. 122 C. 153. Not necessary that
supreme court be in session when plea in abatement to appeal filed, and defects in appeal proceedings not waived because
counsel filing plea entered general appearance. 130 C. 467. Where defect of jurisdiction appears on face of record, either
plea in abatement or motion to erase may be used; 131 C. 532; but plea in abatement necessary if facts are relied upon
which do not appear in record, and costs are not recoverable upon granting of motion to erase but are upon sustaining of
plea. 133 C. 280. Plea in abatement, defects unavoidable. 132 C. 147. Irregularity in physician's certificate in bastardy
proceeding may be subject matter for plea in abatement. 147 C. 418. Plea in abatement filed in the second suit is the proper
method of raising the claim of a prior action pending. Id., 482. When want of jurisdiction appears on the face of the record,
a motion to erase held proper rather than a plea in abatement. 148 C. 336; 150 C. 588. Cited. 169 C. 646. Cited. 176 C.
401. Cited. 180 C. 223. Cited. 184 C. 569. Cited. 209 C. 526. Cited. 240 C. 576.
Cited. 1 CA 109. Cited. 15 CA 185. Cited. 30 CA 129. Cited. 39 CA 544; Id., 608; judgment reversed, see 237 C. 758.
Cited. 45 CA 775.
It is not proper to plead the same matter in abatement and in bar. 1 CS 59. Mortgage creditor seeking to procure a
deficiency judgment must allege facts in complaint sufficient to support a judgment in personam. 6 CS 121. Cited. 10 CS
305. Plea in abatement is not favored and should, therefore, comply strictly with the statutory requirements. 16 CS 503.
Plea in abatement and to the jurisdiction which contains no prayer for judgment demurrable. 18 CS 155. Motion to erase
is proper when court's lack of jurisdiction is evident on the face of the record. 21 CS 19; 156; 352. A demurrer to a plea
in abatement, raising the claim that an injured plaintiff is covered by the workmen's compensation act and therefore cannot
sue at common law, sustained since the matter raised is actually a matter in bar. Id., 240. Purpose of a plea in abatement
is to bring before the court facts affecting the jurisdiction not apparent on the face of the record. Id., 375. Pendency of a
prior suit between same parties for the same thing will abate an action unless it appears that the prior suit would be
ineffectual. 23 CS 308. Application to court to examine corporate records must be made by writ, summons and complaint.
25 CS 253. Authorization by claims commission for plaintiff to sue the state was related to the amount requested under
section 4-147, and suit for more than that amount was abatable. 26 CS 24. Where plea in abatement specified that under
a contract between the parties a condition precedent to any right of legal action was a decision by arbitrators, the plaintiff
was sufficiently apprised of how the cause of abatement could have been avoided. Id., 42, 43. Where defendant claimed
court had no jurisdiction of the action, a plea in abatement was proper. Id., 43. Cited. 34 CS 628. Cited. 35 CS 609. Cited.
36 CS 47. Cited. 38 CS 389. Cited. 40 CS 188.
Concurrent remedies do not conflict so as to be pleadable in abatement, even though recovery in one case may operate
as bar to another. 2 Conn. Cir. Ct. 96. Demurrer allowed where unable to determine what causes of action were directed
to defendant as individual and in her representative capacity. Id., 116. Cited. 3 Conn. Cir. Ct. 317. Where jurisdictional
defect claimed is lack of service, the proper pleading is a plea in abatement and not to the jurisdiction. Id., 321.
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Sec. 52-91a. (Formerly Sec. 52-38). Foreclosure. Redemption. Matter in demand. In actions for the foreclosure of title or the redemption of property claimed to
be subject to a mortgage or lien, the amount of the debt or liability secured by such
mortgage or lien, as described in the mortgage or certificate of lien, shall be deemed to
be the amount of the matter in demand.
(1949 Rev., S. 7746.)
History: Sec. 52-38 transferred to Sec. 52-91a in 1983.
Annotations to former section 52-38:
Court of common pleas under former statute had no jurisdiction to foreclose a three-thousand-dollar mortgage on
account of the nonpayment of semiannual interest. 41 C. 286. Interest on note carrying sum due beyond court's limit will
not oust it of jurisdiction. Id., 419. What presumed in support of jurisdiction. 43 C. 279. Under former statute court of
common pleas could not adjudicate the validity and priority of a nineteen-hundred-dollar mortgage, although auxiliary to the
foreclosure of a judgment lien within its jurisdiction. 70 C. 386. Court cannot extend jurisdiction to an earlier encumbrance
exceeding its limit. Id., 388. Rule applied to action to set aside deed. 87 C. 300. Applies by analogy in suit to have alleged
lien removed as a cloud on title. 95 C. 68. Cited. 134 C. 653.
Interest due is included but reasonable attorney's fees are not. 16 CS 323.
Amount in demand is amount of lien and determines jurisdiction of court. 5 Conn. Cir. Ct. 346.
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Sec. 52-92. Demurrers to be specific. Each demurrer shall distinctly specify the
reason or reasons why the pleading demurred to is insufficient.
(1949 Rev., S. 7814.)
Language of demurrer held too general. 54 C. 423; 64 C. 76; 66 C. 205; 67 C. 6; 70 C. 318; 96 C. 543; 107 C. 353; 108
C. 388; 109 C. 361. Demurrer to evidence not proper. 66 C. 209. Plea in bar waives right to demur; 74 C. 38; 79 C. 294;
filing of second demurrer. 78 C. 575. Demurrer cannot be based on immaterial allegation, as date of personal injury, or
on matter not in pleading, as officer's return. 81 C. 284. Court considers entire record. 81 C. 325; 82 C. 367. This section
does not apply to demurrer in criminal prosecution. 72 C. 604; 73 C. 18. Demurrer cannot import facts into record. 72 C.
572; 81 C. 653; 82 C. 91. Is ordinarily disregarded if no objection made. 73 C. 538. Must be broad enough to include all
pertinent allegations; 82 C. 624; and all possible aspects of pleading attacked. 82 C. 251; 87 C. 370. Demurring to pleading
"insofar as it purports to state" a certain cause of action or defense. 85 C. 394. If demurrer is to substance of pleading, it
fails, if necessary facts appear, though defectively stated. 69 C. 476; 72 C. 262; 83 C. 515; 80 C. 124; 80 C. 551; 87 C. 72.
So does a demurrer to the claim for relief. 71 C. 136; 87 C. 613. Rule that pleadings are to be construed to uphold them
not applicable to demurrer. 79 C. 257. Requisites to attack construction of written instrument. 77 C. 508; 83 C. 210. Joining
plea and demurrer in reply. 75 C. 356. Proper form to attack one of several causes of action alleged in single count. 85 C.
394. Taking advantage of statute of limitations. 72 C. 687; 77 C. 110; 81 C. 284; 83 C. 503. Failure of facts to justify relief
sought. 82 C. 153. Unconstitutionality of law. 73 C. 18; 82 C. 353. Joining of allegations of law and fact. 75 C. 285; 77
C. 508; 80 C. 176; id., 206. Premature bringing of action. 71 C. 473; 72 C. 271. Misjoinder of causes of action. 79 C. 673.
Statement of law. 80 C. 192; 109 C. 634. Misjoinder of parties. 67 C. 272. Nonjoinder of parties. 91 C. 501; 109 C. 361.
Does not reach irrelevant or evidential allegations. 71 C. 708; 75 C. 177; 82 C. 633; 87 C. 72. Where proper and improper
allegations of damage joined. 84 C. 111. Uncertainty of allegation. Id., 450. Improper repetition. 80 C. 124. Surplusage.
80 C. 551. Sufficiency of allegations of material paragraph. 85 C. 394. Not proper way to raise question of jurisdiction.
85 C. 679. Demurrer to prayer for relief. 68 C. 45; 76 C. 194; 79 C. 689. Fails if any facts provable justify it. 71 C. 136;
87 C. 663. Effect of admission by demurrer. 64 C. 160; 68 C. 345; 74 C. 459; Id., 588; 76 C. 311; Id., 534; 79 C. 219; 80
C. 124; 81 C. 328; 82 C. 585; 83 C. 140; 84 C. 280; 85 C. 275; 86 C. 351. Demurrer addressed to but one of two causes
of action stated in the complaint fails. 92 C. 277; 95 C. 594. One of two defendants adversely interested may demur to
answer of the other. 93 C. 374. Error held harmless where trial court treated demurrers to separate paragraphs as though
addressed to single defense they set out. Id., 392. Facts judicially noticed are available. 95 C. 703. Cited. 133 C. 284. Cited.
134 C. 19. Cited. 136 C. 73. The constitutionality of a statute upon which a criminal prosecution is based can be raised by
demurrer. 146 C. 78. Filing of a demurrer operates as a waiver of any right to a determination of a motion to expunge. Id.,
634. Where court sustained a demurrer on grounds other than those claimed by the defendant, the ruling may be upheld if
a proper conclusion was reached. 148 C. 430. Cited. Id., 697. Failure of specificity as to insufficiency of pleading held not
fatal when question decided in ruling on demurrer controls disposition of case. 152 C. 243. Demurrer found defective
under statute for failure to specify reason why count insufficient. 159 C. 499.
Cited. 4 CS 422. Motion to quash is equivalent to a demurrer. Since all demurrers are required to be special, certain
grounds of the motion which fail to point out any particular in which the writ is insufficient cannot be considered. 6 CS
76. Cited. 12 CS 285. Cited. 14 CS 130. Too broad a demurrer will be fatally defective for generality. Id., 313. Statute of
limitations cannot be raised by demurrer unless it appears on the face of the complaint that the applicable statute has run.
15 CS 434. General demurrers are no longer a part of our system of pleading. 16 CS 142. Demurrer fatally defective in
failing to refer to the statute of limitations relied upon. 17 CS 1. Demurrer to complaint as a whole not proper where only
one count concerned defendant. 18 CS 144. Distinction drawn between general and special demurrer. Id., 478. Cited. Id.,
482. Cited. 19 CS 125. Demurrer cannot properly be sustained on a ground not advanced therein. Id., 270; Id., 388, but
see 148 C. 430. Cited. Id., 394. Demurrer cannot import additional facts into the record. 20 CS 496. Cited. Id., 503.A
demurrer to a plea to the jurisdiction and in abatement operates to waive a motion to strike the plea. 21 CS 240. Upon a
demurrer, a pleading which sets forth a written agreement is to be tested not only by the writing itself but also by the facts
which are provable under the allegations. Id., 367. In considering a demurrer, an allegation of fact cannot be imported into
a complaint. 23 CS 79. Cited. Id., 153. Counts stating carrier absolutely liable for transporting inherently dangerous
chemicals properly demurrable. 25 CS 191. Allegations of complaint sufficiently allege facts which, if proven, would
establish right to indemnity from defendants; hence defendants' demurrers overruled. 28 CS 92. Where plea in abatement
attacked service of a complaint under the "long arm" statute, section 52-59b, demurrer which asserted as matter of law
facts pleaded did not show lack of jurisdiction, held sufficiently specific. 31 CS 429.
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Secs. 52-93 to 52-96. Answer; general and special denial. Plaintiff's reply; general and special denial; further pleadings. Pleading over allowed if demurrer overruled. Pleading of counterclaim and set-off. Sections 52-93 to 52-96, inclusive, are
repealed.
(1949 Rev., S. 7815-7818; 1967, P.A. 656, S. 38; P.A. 78-379, S. 26, 27.)
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Sec. 52-97. Union of legal and equitable causes of action; limitation. In any
civil action the plaintiff may include in his complaint both legal and equitable rights
and causes of action, and demand both legal and equitable remedies; but, if several
causes of action are united in the same complaint, they shall all be brought to recover,
either (1) upon contract, express or implied, or (2) for injuries, with or without force,
to person and property, or either, including a conversion of property to the defendant's
use, or (3) for injuries to character, or (4) upon claims to recover real property, with or
without damages for the withholding thereof, and the rents and profits of the same, or
(5) upon claims to recover personal property specifically, with or without damages for
the withholding thereof, or (6) claims arising by virtue of a contract or by operation of
law in favor of or against a party in some representative or fiduciary capacity, or (7)
upon claims, whether in contract or tort or both, arising out of the same transaction or
transactions connected with the same subject of action. The several causes of action so
united shall all belong to one of these classes, and, except in an action for the foreclosure
of a mortgage or lien, shall affect all the parties to the action, and not require different
places of trial, and shall be separately stated; and, in any case in which several causes
of action are joined in the same complaint, or as matter of counterclaim or set-off in the
answer, if it appears to the court that they cannot all be conveniently heard together, the
court may order a separate trial of any such cause of action or may direct that any one
or more of them be expunged from the complaint or answer.
(1949 Rev., S. 7819; 1959, P.A. 28, S. 174.)
History: 1959 act deleted reference to actions brought before a justice of the peace.
The facts on which both legal and equitable relief is sought may be stated in a single count. 52 C. 197; 90 C. 285; 99
C. 216; 107 C. 208. Several installment notes for one purchase price may be joined in one count. 54 C. 86. Separate and
independent causes of action in favor of distinct and separate persons cannot be joined. 60 C. 399. Amended claim held
not to arise from the same transaction as that originally stated. 62 C. 375. Two causes of action, one for breach of contract
to take and pay for machines, and one for a conversion of the machines, may properly be joined, when. 63 C. 560. Use of
single count charging fraud and also breach of contract, when proper. 73 C. 460. Practice act abolishes old forms distinguishing legal and equitable relief. 81 C. 402. Court will give whatever relief party shows himself entitled to. 77 C. 383; 81 C.
552. See notes to sections 52-1, 52-91. That several judgments or separate trials necessary, no objection to joinder. 78 C.
575. Legal and equitable relief may be sought in same count. 68 C. 204; 80 C. 685; 107 C. 208. Causes of action by creditor
of corporation for unpaid balance of stockholder's subscription, and for capital wrongfully paid to him proper. 74 C. 474;
78 C. 575. Money improperly retained and bonds converted. 80 C. 100. Proper to enforce claim against estate for funds
misappropriated, and to secure refund from distributees. 83 C. 75. Judgment for debt and equitable relief to enforce it. 77
C. 214. Damages for fraud and reconveyance of property. 83 C. 109. Damages for trespass and injunction. 72 C. 554; 85
C. 159. Personal injury and failure to keep contract of employment. 73 C. 423. Fraud and breach of contract of exchange.
73 C. 459. Recovery for fees illegally charged on several writs may be sought in one count. 74 C. 243. Claims for wages
earned and for breach of contract of employment. 90 C. 695. Prayer for equitable relief by way of cancellation of deed and
reconveyance in action of ejectment. 93 C. 370. Several defects in highway. 72 C. 667. Replevin does not lie against two
parties claiming different goods. 86 C. 372. Negligence, fraud and breach of warranty not affecting all parties. 82 C. 580.
Remedy for misjoinder is demurrer. 79 C. 670. Of joinder in general, see 71 C. 369; 73 C. 459. Use of unnecessary counts
discountenanced. 71 C. 245; Id., 717; 72 C. 196; 73 C. 100; Id., 182; 73 C. 423; Id., 428; 74 C. 304; Id., 498. See note to
section 52-93. Each count should be complete in itself. 76 C. 674. Prayer for relief should follow last count. 71 C. 245;
Id., 418. Distinct obligations maturing at different times should be stated separately. Id. Cancellation of deed based on
support of grantor, and claim of damages for nonsupport. 91 C. 215. Not necessary to use two counts where relief is claimed
in the alternative against one or the other of two defendants. 93 C. 479. Where common law and statutory obligations are
claimed to arise out of the same facts, one complaint and one count is proper. 94 C. 227. Action for money obtained by
undue influence and for money loaned may be set up in separate counts in one complaint if they arise out of same transaction.
98 C. 205. Scope of legal and equitable relief which may be granted under declaratory judgment act. Id., 803. Action by
third party beneficiary of contract. 99 C. 216; 101 C. 647; 105 C. 156; 106 C. 696; 109 C. 259. Not necessary to allege no
adequate remedy at law in complaint seeking equitable relief. 105 C. 84. General prayer for equitable relief will support
such equitable relief as is required. 106 C. 420. Facts stating cause of action for breach of contract and one for specific
performance of contract held properly set up in a single count. 107 C. 208. Cited. 110 C. 24; Id., 214; 139 C. 147; 142 C.
325. Statute does not make equitable doctrine of part performance available in action at law for breach of contract within
statute of frauds. 122 C. 507. Proper to join cause of action for foreclosure of mortgage and one to set aside claimed
fraudulent conveyances; plaintiff may move for trial on issues presented by second cause of action after judgment of
foreclosure granted. 126 C. 688. It is only when the causes of action, that is, the groups of facts upon which the plaintiff
bases his claims for relief, are separate and distinct that separate counts are necessary or desirable. 134 C. 428. Examples
of joinder. Id., 439, Note. No misjoinder because first count alleged title in A's estate and second in L's where two causes
arise out of transactions connected with same subject of action. 138 C. 102. Counterclaim not allowed where the liability
which it seeks to enforce does not arise out of the written contract which is relied upon in the complaint but out of a tort
flowing from the neglect of the landlord to keep the portion of the premises used in common by all the tenants in a reasonably
safe condition. 143 C. 708. Torts committed in different states but all parts of an entire course of conduct may be joined,
as they arise from the same transaction. 145 C. 709. Counterclaim connected with same transaction must be allowed. 158
C. 364. Cited. 196 C. 359. Cited. 217 C. 57; Id., 95.
In action based on absolute guaranty there is no obligation on part of creditor to first proceed against principal debtor;
two causes of action not improperly joined. 2 CS 153. Consolidation of action discussed. 3 CS 168. A transaction is
something quite apart from a "right of action" and something more comprehensive than a "cause of action." It is something
which has taken place whereby a cause of action has arisen. 5 CS 174. Cited. Id., 391. Joinder of tort and contract action
in one complaint permitted. 6 CS 488. Proper joinder of a negligence action against two defendants and a conspiracy to
defraud action against three. 7 CS 45. Cited. 8 CS 218. Cause of action upon events culminating in the execution and
delivery of a deed and an action arising from a trespass on the same real estate cannot properly be joined. 12 CS 306.
Separate causes of action arising out of the same transaction must be stated in separate counts. 13 CS 314. Joinder of two
separate causes of action, each against a different defendant, not permitted. Cited. 14 CS 29; Id., 350. Action for divorce
and one for property conveyed in consideration of marriage are properly joined. 15 CS 78. An action for annulment on
grounds of insanity and one for divorce on grounds of insanity are properly joined. Id., 89. Quaere whether action for
declaratory judgment of illegitimacy may be joined with an action for divorce. 16 CS 70. Where two defendants sold
cosmetic preparations to the plaintiff who was injured thereby and it appeared in the complaint that the plaintiff was unable
before trial to determine the harm caused by the product sold by one or the other, there was proper joinder. 17 CS 32.
Breach of warranty is based "upon contract, express or implied." Id. Action against city under statute (section 13-11, now
13a-149) for defective sidewalk and against another defendant for nuisance can be joined but claim must be in alternative.
22 CS 74, 76. Cited. Id., 474. (2) Applies to a plaintiff in the singular. Id.; 23 CS 94. (7) Remedy for misjoinder of causes
is taken by demurrer. Id., 93. Claims for a divorce under complaint and cross complaint, each on the ground of intolerable
cruelty, and claim for past support under proposed amendment to the cross complaint arise out of the same transaction,
namely, the marital relationship of the parties. Id., 352. There was a misjoinder of causes of action where plaintiff, in two
counts of malpractice, alleged the negligent performance of two unrelated operations a year apart. 25 CS 404, 405. Terms
of section inapplicable to special statutory proceeding, such as tax appeal under section 12-118, but misjoinder may apply
to such statutory appeals. 32 CS 140. Cited. 36 CS 47; Id., 56. Cited. 38 CS 389.
Court held it not permissible to join action concerned with vilification by plaintiff's agent in attempting to collect on
a promissory note with action on note as not arising out of same transaction. 3 Conn. Cir. Ct. 218. Joinder of second count,
under implied contract or for reasonable value of services rendered to defendant, to complaint based on express contract
was permissible under subsections (1) and (7) where parties were same and causes of action arose out of same transaction.
5 Conn. Cir. Ct. 542.
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Sec. 52-98. Pleadings to allege the material facts in concise form. Section 52-98 is repealed.
(1949 Rev., S. 7820; P.A. 78-379, S. 26, 27.)
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Sec. 52-99. Untrue allegations or denials; costs. Any allegation or denial made
without reasonable cause and found untrue shall subject the party pleading the same to
the payment of such reasonable expenses, to be taxed by the court, as may have been
necessarily incurred by the other party by reason of such untrue pleading; provided no
expenses for counsel fees shall be taxed exceeding ten dollars for any one offense.
(1949 Rev., S. 7821.)
General denial improper where part of claim is admittedly true. 67 C. 76. Pleader must not take totally inconsistent
positions. 82 C. 592; but see 82 C. 623, and note to section 52-93. Effect of violation of this rule; failure of other party to
claim penalty; judgment is not invalidated. 99 C. 167. Expenses should be deducted where prevailing party has violated
this rule. 107 C. 494. One who violates rule not precluded from setting up own defenses in pleading. 124 C. 536. Cited.
218 C. 65.
Cited. 18 CA 344.
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Sec. 52-100. Motions to expunge or correct pleadings. Section 52-100 is repealed.
(1949 Rev., S. 7822; P.A. 78-379, S. 26, 27.)
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Sec. 52-101. Joinder of interested persons as plaintiffs. All persons having an
interest in the subject of a civil action, and in obtaining the judgment demanded, may
be joined as plaintiffs, except as otherwise expressly provided; and, if one who ought
to be joined as plaintiff declines to join, he may be made a defendant, the reason therefor
being stated in the complaint.
(1949 Rev., S. 7823; P.A. 82-160, S. 37.)
History: P.A. 82-160 added the words "a civil" before "action".
The practice act is liberal in respect to parties; 52 C. 235; technical rules abolished. 81 C. 127. Same individual cannot
sue as executor and as trustee, when. 60 C. 399. Cited. 63 C. 476. Several beneficiaries unequally interested may unite to
recover damages for the conversion of a single trust fund. 65 C. 556. Ordinarily plaintiffs may join at will and should not
be stricken out without their consent. 72 C. 478. Shareholders in corporation may join in tax appeal where interests are
identical. 73 C. 288. Taxpayers appealing from former board of relief may be joined, when. Id., 293. Parties beneficially
but unequally interested in estate may join with administratrix in foreclosing judgment lien. 75 C. 154. Creditors of dissolved
corporation properly joined as plaintiffs in action to enforce stockholder's liability. 78 C. 596. Owners abutting on highway
may join in action to prevent its obstruction. 79 C. 359. Various certificate holders in safety fund of insurance company
properly joined in equitable action to enforce their rights. 80 C. 702. Owner of property proper plaintiff in summary process,
though action is brought in behalf of one who has agreed to purchase it. 94 C. 452. Where taxpayer appeals from board of
relief because another's property was not assessed at all, such other is a necessary party defendant. 109 C. 361. A mortgagee
and one to whom the mortgage has been pledged as security for a debt of less amount than the mortgage may join as
coplaintiffs in action to foreclose. 111 C. 111. Cited. 145 C. 191; 146 C. 570. Legislative policy of sections 52-101 to 52-110 is in favor of speeding justice. 154 C. 455.
Cited. 7 CA 613.
Who are proper parties to set aside a deed alleged to have been executed under undue influence and mental incapacity.
16 CS 212. Cited. 44 CS 569.
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Sec. 52-102. Joinder of persons with interest adverse to plaintiff and of necessary persons. Upon motion made by any party or nonparty to a civil action, the person
named in the party's motion or the nonparty so moving, as the case may be, (1) may be
made a party by the court if that person has or claims an interest in the controversy, or
any part thereof, adverse to the plaintiff, or (2) shall be made a party by the court if that
person is necessary for a complete determination or settlement of any question involved
therein; provided no person who is immune from liability shall be made a defendant in
the controversy.
(1949 Rev., S. 7825; P.A. 86-338, S. 16; P.A. 87-227, S. 10.)
History: P.A. 86-338 provided that any "party" has the right to make any person a defendant; P.A. 87-227 replaced
"Any party shall have the right to make any person a defendant who" with "Upon motion made by any party or nonparty
to a civil action, the person named in the party's motion or the nonparty so moving, as the case may be, (1) may be made
a party by the court if that person", added provision that the person "shall be made a party by the court if that person" is
necessary for a complete determination or settlement of any question, and added provision that no person who is immune
from liability shall be made a defendant in the controversy.
See note to Sec. 52-97.
Trustee of mortgage claimed to be void is a proper defendant to suit to set it aside. 49 C. 308. Parties cannot except to
irregularities in the process by which others are brought into court. 52 C. 234. Does not permit joinder where there is no
joint liability. 53 C. 42. Different owners in severalty of property sought to be condemned may be made joint defendants.
Id., 552. A complaint against an administrator can be amended so as to charge him in his individual capacity. 57 C. 304.
Action for contribution by one of several guarantors against others. 67 C. 147. Joining several persons who are polluting
stream. Id., 496. Absence of suitable but not necessary parties no ground of error. 68 C. 157. Legatees whose interest would
be required to satisfy claim against estate are real parties in interest in action to enforce it. 73 C. 403. In action to secure
surrender of notes assigned to various parties by payee, all assignees properly joined. 77 C. 427. Creditors of dissolved
corporation should be parties to action to enforce stockholder's liability; so administrator of dead stockholder. 78 C. 595.
A single judgment may be joint as to some and several as to others. Id., 604. Where agent converts property at direction
of principal, both may be joined. 79 C. 577. If one of several grantors seeks to have deed set aside, other grantors should
be joined. Id., 644. In equity proceedings, all persons interested should be made parties. Id., 653. In action by administrator
to determine right to bank deposit, the adverse claimant and the bank are proper defendants. 80 C. 421. Proper defendants
in action involving power of trustee over land deeded away by him. Id., 460. In action to determine rights in safety fund
of insurance company, the company, its directors and trustees proper parties. Id., 681. Administrator necessary party to
action to charge distributees with fund converted by intestate. 83 C. 75. Where different parties claim portions of one lot
of goods, they cannot be sued jointly in replevin. 86 C. 372. Some or all who join in joint and several obligations may be
made parties; misjoinder or nonjoinder, if relied on as a defense, should be pleaded. 91 C. 347. Superseded trustee should
not be joined in action to determine rights in estate. Id., 444. Relief may be claimed in the alternative against corporation
or its officers, where plaintiff does not know whether or not contract was authorized. 93 C. 479. Application to declaratory
judgment act. 98 C. 804. Objection to status as a party defendant must be raised with reasonable promptness; waiver where
party is treated throughout trial as party defendant. 109 C. 330. In action by nonresident, defendants residing in different
counties may be joined only when that is permissible within the fair meaning of section 52-42. 121 C. 226. Court may
admit as parties to appeal from liquor control commission persons who have a sufficient interest in the controversy,
including municipality as representative of inhabitants. 132 C. 212; 133 C. 157. Motion to be dropped properly granted.
138 C. 28. Denial of motion to add and cite in additional defendant not a final judgment which can be appealed. 146 C.
741. Cited. 153 C. 545. Cited. 172 C. 572. Cited. 182 C. 1. Cited. 184 C. 483. Cited. 185 C. 445; Id., 583. Cited. 186 C.
311. Cited. 191 C. 1. Cited. 212 C. 628. Cited. 214 C. 1. P.A. 86-338 cited. Id. Cited. 234 C. 660. Cited. 236 C. 670. Cited.
239 C. 798.
Cited. 29 CA 618. Cited. 32 CA 340. Cited. 33 CA 714. Cited. 34 CA 634. Cited. 35 CA 204. Cited. 41 CA 62; Id.,
89. Cited. 42 CA 330; judgment reversed, see 241 C. 734; Id., 363. Cited. 43 CA 227. Cited. 46 CA 391.
Cited. 12 CS 199. Cited. 17 CS 34. Mortgagee bank holding mortgage given by grantee who allegedly acquired property
from incompetent grantor without consideration is proper party in suit by grantor's conservator to void deed. 18 CS 106.
Cited. 19 CS 398. Plaintiff properly moved to be made a party defendant to protect its interest re foreclosure. 25 CS 516.
Cited. 26 CS 418. Provisions cannot be stretched to allow defendant to implead as third-party defendant a person who has
not been sued by plaintiff. 33 CS 190. Cited. Id., 606. Cited. 41 CS 389. Cited. 44 CS 469.
Subdiv. (2):
Cited. 233 C. 701.
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Sec. 52-102a. Impleading of third party by defendant. Rights and remedies of
third-party defendant. (a) A defendant in any civil action may move the court for
permission as a third-party plaintiff to serve a writ, summons and complaint upon a
person not a party to the action who is or may be liable to him for all or part of the
plaintiff's claim against him. The motion may be filed at any time before trial and
permission may be granted by the court if, in its discretion, it deems that the granting
of the motion will not unduly delay the trial of the action nor work an injustice upon
the plaintiff or the party sought to be impleaded.
(b) The writ, summons and complaint so served shall be equivalent in all respects
to an original writ, summons and complaint and the person upon whom it is served,
hereinafter called the third-party defendant, shall have available to him all remedies
available to an original defendant, including the right to assert set-offs or counterclaims
against the third-party plaintiff, and shall be entitled to file cross-complaints against
any other third-party defendant. The third-party defendant may also assert against the
plaintiff any defenses which the third-party plaintiff has to the plaintiff's claim and may
assert any claim against the plaintiff arising out of the transaction or occurrence that is
the subject matter of the plaintiff's claim against the third-party plaintiff.
(c) The plaintiff, within twenty days after the third-party defendant appears in the
action, may assert any claim against the third-party defendant arising out of the transaction or occurrence that is the subject matter of the original complaint, and the third-party defendant, as against such claim, shall have available to him all remedies available
to an original defendant, including the right to assert set-offs or counterclaims against
the plaintiff.
(d) A third-party defendant may proceed under this section against any person not
a party to the action who is or may be liable to him for all or any part of the third-party
plaintiff's claim against him.
(e) When a counterclaim is asserted against a plaintiff, he may cause a third party
to be brought in under circumstances which under this section would entitle a defendant
to do so.
(f) When any civil action in which such a third-party brought in is reached for trial,
the court hearing the case may order separate trials of different parts of the action and
may make such other order respecting the trial of the action as will do justice to the
parties and expedite final disposition of the case.
(February, 1965, P.A. 417; P.A. 82-160, S. 38.)
History: P.A. 82-160 inserted Subsec. indicators and made minor technical changes.
Third-party complaint must contain sufficient allegations to state cause of action equivalent to requirements of original
complaint. 156 C. 92. Impleader lies against insurance company notwithstanding a "no action" clause which prohibits suit
against the company until judgment has been rendered against insured. Id., 471. Section is procedural in nature and applies
to all pending actions although contract of insurance giving rise to interpleader was executed prior to passage of statute.
Id. Summary judgment granted third-party defendant insurer where pleadings showed action arose from use of the insured's
car while away from the premises insured by the insurer under a homeowner's policy. 167 C. 572. Since neither of the
third parties could have been liable to plaintiff, consolidation was not required. 180 C. 355. Cited. 187 C. 637. Cited. 191
C. 1. Cited. 207 C. 575. Cited. 210 C. 189. Cited. 212 C. 138. Cited. 239 C. 93.
Cited. 3 CA 100. Cited. 13 CA 223. Cited. 16 CA 558. Cited. 17 CA 159. Cited. 25 CA 360. Cited. 33 CA 714. Cited.
46 CA 18. Statements made in stricken apportionment complaint cannot be used as evidential admissions. 53 CA 373.
Cited. 26 CS 188. Statute does not apply where person is already party to action. Id., 191. Cross complaint not allowed
when based on claim different from that of principal complaint. Id. Insurer who disclaimed liability under a policy of
insurance may be impleaded by defendant. Id., 483. In absence of legislative intent statute presumed not to apply to pending
proceedings and does not operate retrospectively to defeat barring of claims by statutes of limitations (sections 52-577
and 52-584). 27 CS 46. Third party defendant's motion for nonsuit because of plaintiffs failure to comply with order that
plaintiffs make first count of their complaint more specific denied. Id., 465. Sufficiency of third party complaint may be
tested by demurrer. Cause of action for breach of contract of sale stated in third party complaint commenced four years
and four months after breach is barred by statute of limitations and is demurrable. 28 CS 385. Defendant, as third party
plaintiff, may implead, as third party defendant, executor of operator of car even though defendant's liability to original
plaintiff had not yet been determined. 29 CS 9, 13. Statute includes accelerations effect on obligations to indemnity. Id.,
171. Plaintiff need not show existing right to relief to institute third party action for indemnity. Before judgment right
applies to indemnitors who may be liable in expressed or implied obligations. Id., 192. Cited. 33 CS 1. The purpose of this
section is to obviate a multiplicity of actions. Id., 1, 2. Cited. Id., 188. Cited. 34 CS 287, 289. Third-party complaint must
contain sufficient allegations to state cause of action equivalent to requirements of an original complaint. 35 CS 82, 88.
Motion to strike third-party complaint granted since complaint failed to allege liability of the third-party defendant to the
third-party plaintiff. 36 CS 134. Cited. 44 CS 510.
Applies only to person not a party to the action. 4 Conn. Cir. Ct. 419. Guarantee given by third party is sufficient cause
for defendant to implead third party. 6 Conn. Cir. Ct. 369.
Subsec. (a):
Cited. 225 C. 401.
Cited. 40 CS 63.
Subsec. (c):
Filing of third party complaint by original defendant does not toll running of the statute of limitations on a cause of
action between plaintiff and a third-party defendant. 21 CA 524. Trial court erred in strictly enforcing the twenty-day time
limit in case in which the length of delay did not prejudice third party defendant and would not have delayed trial. 52 CA 136.
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Sec. 52-102b. Addition of person as defendant for apportionment of liability
purposes. (a) A defendant in any civil action to which section 52-572h applies may
serve a writ, summons and complaint upon a person not a party to the action who is or
may be liable pursuant to said section for a proportionate share of the plaintiff's damages
in which case the demand for relief shall seek an apportionment of liability. Any such
writ, summons and complaint, hereinafter called the apportionment complaint, shall be
served within one hundred twenty days of the return date specified in the plaintiff's
original complaint. The defendant filing an apportionment complaint shall serve a copy
of such apportionment complaint on all parties to the original action in accordance with
the rules of practice of the Superior Court on or before the return date specified in
the apportionment complaint. The person upon whom the apportionment complaint is
served, hereinafter called the apportionment defendant, shall be a party for all purposes,
including all purposes under section 52-572h.
(b) The apportionment complaint shall be equivalent in all respects to an original
writ, summons and complaint, except that it shall include the docket number assigned
to the original action and no new entry fee shall be imposed. The apportionment defendant shall have available to him all remedies available to an original defendant including
the right to assert defenses, set-offs or counterclaims against any party. If the apportionment complaint is served within the time period specified in subsection (a) of this section,
no statute of limitation or repose shall be a defense or bar to such claim for apportionment,
except that, if the action against the defendant who instituted the apportionment complaint pursuant to subsection (a) of this section is subject to such a defense or bar, the
apportionment defendant may plead such a defense or bar to any claim brought by the
plaintiff directly against the apportionment defendant pursuant to subsection (d) of this
section.
(c) No person who is immune from liability shall be made an apportionment defendant nor shall such person's liability be considered for apportionment purposes pursuant
to section 52-572h. If a defendant claims that the negligence of any person, who was
not made a party to the action, was a proximate cause of the plaintiff's injuries or damage
and the plaintiff has previously settled or released the plaintiff's claims against such
person, then a defendant may cause such person's liability to be apportioned by filing
a notice specifically identifying such person by name and last known address and the
fact that the plaintiff's claims against such person have been settled or released. Such
notice shall also set forth the factual basis of the defendant's claim that the negligence
of such person was a proximate cause of the plaintiff's injuries or damages. No such
notice shall be required if such person with whom the plaintiff settled or whom the
plaintiff released was previously a party to the action.
(d) Notwithstanding any applicable statute of limitation or repose, the plaintiff may,
within sixty days of the return date of the apportionment complaint served pursuant to
subsection (a) of this section, assert any claim against the apportionment defendant
arising out of the transaction or occurrence that is the subject matter of the original
complaint.
(e) When a counterclaim is asserted against a plaintiff, he may cause a person not
a party to the action to be brought in as an apportionment defendant under circumstances
which under this section would entitle a defendant to do so.
(f) This section shall be the exclusive means by which a defendant may add a person
who is or may be liable pursuant to section 52-572h for a proportionate share of the
plaintiff's damages as a party to the action.
(g) In no event shall any proportionate share of negligence determined pursuant to
subsection (f) of section 52-572h attributable to an apportionment defendant against
whom the plaintiff did not assert a claim be reallocated under subsection (g) of said
section. Such proportionate share of negligence shall, however, be included in or added
to the combined negligence of the person or persons against whom the plaintiff seeks
recovery, including persons with whom the plaintiff settled or whom the plaintiff released under subsection (n) of section 52-572h, when comparing any negligence of the
plaintiff to other parties and persons under subsection (b) of said section.
(P.A. 95-111, S. 1, 2.)
History: P.A. 95-111 effective July 1, 1995, and applicable to any civil action filed on or after said date.
Significance of appeal undermined by the legislation; certification to appeal was improvidently granted; appeal dismissed. 239 C. 798. P.A. 95-111 cited. Id. Apportionment complaint seeking to add a person who may be liable to plaintiff
under Sec. 52-572h may not be filed against an unidentified person. 253 C. 516. Defendant may assert under a general
denial that the negligence of an employer who is not a party to the action is the sole proximate cause of plaintiff's injuries.
287 C. 20.
Cited. 46 CA 18. Reaffirmed previous holdings that section implicates personal jurisdiction and not subject matter
jurisdiction and applies to legal malpractice claims against apportionment defendants. 85 CA 655.
Subsec. (a):
Time limitation on bringing apportionment complaint is substantive and mandatory and implicates personal jurisdiction.
269 C. 10. Although compliance with the 120-day limit is mandatory, equitable reasons may excuse compliance, and fact
that legal basis for apportioning liability arose only after the 120-day limit had expired constitutes an equitable reason
justifying excusal from compliance with the limit. 281 C. 112.
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Sec. 52-103. Citation of new parties by judge. Any court, or a judge when the
court is not in session, upon motion, may cite in a new party or parties to any action
pending before the court or judge, and may include in such citation an order for any
proper prejudgment remedy or hearing for a prejudgment remedy.
(1949 Rev., S. 7826; P.A. 81-410, S. 3.)
History: P.A. 81-410 deleted provisions re supplemental attachments and substituted order for any proper prejudgment
remedy or hearing for a prejudgment remedy.
Cited. 191 C. 1. Cited. 212 C. 628.
Cited. 25 CS 315. Section may not be used by probate court appellant to become party to another's appeal. 28 CS 392.
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Sec. 52-104. Joinder of plaintiffs and consolidation of causes. All persons may
be joined in one action as plaintiffs in whom any right of relief in respect to or arising
out of the same transaction or series of transactions is alleged to exist either jointly or
severally when, if such persons brought separate actions, any common question of law
or fact would arise; provided, if, upon the motion of any party, it would appear that the
joinder might embarrass or delay the trial of the action, the court may order separate
trials, or make such other order as may be expedient, and judgment may be given for
such one or more of the plaintiffs as may be found to be entitled to relief, for the relief
to which he or they may be entitled. If two or more persons are joined as plaintiffs in
an action, there shall be only one entry fee, one jury fee, if claimed for jury trial, and
such other costs as may by rule be prescribed.
(1949 Rev., S. 7824; P.A. 82-160, S. 39.)
History: P.A. 82-160 rephrased the section.
See Sec. 52-36a re claiming consolidated case to jury.
See Sec. 52-484 re interpleader.
Cited. 129 C. 608. Independent of statutory authority courts of general jurisdiction have inherent power to consolidate
different causes, or order them tried together. 130 C. 277. Five plaintiffs furnished materials or services in construction of
defendant's house. Held proper to join in one action provided any one court had jurisdiction of all causes of action. 139
C. 141. Cited. 143 C. 114. Cited. 145 C. 191. Cited. 146 C. 570. Cited. 191 C. 1.
Cited. 10 CS 391; Id., 528. Cited. 12 CS 78; Id., 280. The monetary jurisdictional requirement for an action in the
superior or common pleas court is not affected by the permissible joinder of plaintiffs. Id., 78; 14 CS 41; 15 CS 32. Cited.
16 CS 208. A common question of law or fact is not presented where there are two plaintiffs involved in two different
accidents in which more than one question must be litigated. 23 CS 93. If much time, effort and expense would be spared
in actions between same parties on substantially same grounds, court will grant motion to consolidate. 24 CS 467. Cited.
36 CS 56.
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Sec. 52-105. Numerous parties may be represented by one. When the persons
who might be made parties are very numerous, so that it would be impracticable or
unreasonably expensive to make them all parties, one or more may sue or be sued or
may be authorized by the court to defend for the benefit of all.
(1949 Rev., S. 7827.)
A few of the landowners of town may sue in behalf of all similarly affected. Statute not applicable when interests of
other parties on whose behalf action is brought are inconsistent with those of plaintiffs. 118 C. 526. Cited. 123 C. 484;
125 C. 698. On application by receiver of mortgage company to sell foreclosed real estate, participating certificate holders
should be made parties; if numerous, one or more may represent all. 128 C. 375. Cited. 145 C. 191. Signers of one petition
used this procedure to sue signers of another petition; held sufficient. Id., 570. Cited. 154 C. 74, 79. Section did not give
plaintiff taxpayers standing to challenge constitutional and legal existence of city of Danbury. Doctrine of de facto municipal
corporations discussed. 156 C. 347. Cited. 159 C. 457. This section, which permits a class action, deals only with a civil
action and cannot be applied to a proceeding under Sec. 4-61l (46a-99), which constitutes a procedure for taking an appeal.
165 C. 516. Cited. 168 C. 212. Cited. 174 C. 606. Cited. 177 C. 191. Cited. 191 C. 1. Cited. 192 C. 581. Cited. 215 C. 224.
Section creates a statutory right to participate in a class action once a trial court deems it appropriate. 285 C. 462.
Does not apply to probate proceedings. Statute limited to cases wherein parties are very numerous, not enough that it
is impracticable to join all the parties. Six parties are not very numerous. 13 CS 327. Cited. 25 CS 313. Cited. 31 CS 356.
Cited. 37 CS 46. Cited. 41 CS 484. Cited. 44 CS 569.
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Sec. 52-106. Executor, administrator or trustee of express trust may sue or be
sued alone. An executor, administrator, or trustee of an express trust may sue or be sued
without joining the persons represented by him and beneficially interested in the action.
(1949 Rev., S. 7828; P.A. 82-160, S. 42.)
History: P.A. 82-160 replaced "suit" with "action".
Jurisdiction determined by parties of record, not by those beneficially interested. 34 C. 332. The incapacity of the
plaintiff to sue must be raised by the pleadings. 52 C. 233. Cited. 62 C. 257. The parties to a suit are made by the writ, not
by the complaint. 72 C. 261. Administrator may bring action to enforce judgment lien belonging to intestate; 75 C. 154;
or appeal from allowance of claim by commissioners. 82 C. 501. Trustee may be sued without joining beneficiaries of
trust. 160 C. 415. Cited. 169 C. 29. Cited. 191 C. 1.
Cited. 5 CA 427. Cited. 31 CA 476. Beneficiaries of a trust need not be joined in an action brought by a trustee and in
this case all beneficiaries had notice of pending lawsuit and none sought to join as parties. 62 CA 490.
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Sec. 52-107. Additional parties may be summoned in. The court may determine
the controversy as between the parties before it, if it can do so without prejudice to the
rights of others; but, if a complete determination cannot be had without the presence of
other parties, the court may direct that such other parties be brought in. If a person not
a party has an interest or title which the judgment will affect, the court, on his application,
shall direct him to be made a party.
(1949 Rev., S. 7829; P.A. 82-160, S. 43.)
History: P.A. 82-160 rephrased the section.
See Sec. 52-484 re interpleader.
Cited. 24 C. 384. Cited. 33 C. 467. Stranger cannot be cited in to secure adjudication of claim not involved in action.
50 C. 583; 65 C. 76; 67 C. 277; 76 C. 542; 79 C. 694; 81 C. 474; 85 C. 429. Holder of mortgage bonds of street railway
company not entitled to be made a codefendant in action against it. 56 C. 398. Complaint against one as administrator may
be amended to charge him in his individual capacity. 57 C. 304. Taxing communities may be admitted as coplaintiffs with
tax collector. 60 C. 118. This and related sections have radically changed the old practice. 63 C. 476. Cited. 65 C. 115.
Application to cite in receiver properly refused, if permission to sue him has not been obtained. 66 C. 277. Court may
admit persons vitally interested, although not necessary parties. 68 C. 157. Discretion of court where motion has been long
delayed. 69 C. 440. Cited. 72 C. 92. Process, not complaint, makes parties. Id., 261. If claim assigned during suit, assignee
may be substituted as plaintiff; prima facie showing of interest sufficient. 73 C. 377. Street railway company, primarily
liable for defect in highway, may come in as defendant in action for injury due to it. 74 C. 163. Court may permit executor
to enter in action brought by testator after time fixed by statute. 77 C. 347. Waiver by executor who voluntarily enters to
defend. Id., 382. Right of taxpayer to defend action against city. 81 C. 235. Validity of mechanic's lien cannot be determined
in action to which landowner is not a party. 90 C. 7. Third party beneficiary may sue on contract made for his benefit;
other necessary parties may be cited in. 99 C. 216. Where taxpayer's complaint in appeal from former board of relief is
based on failure to list taxable property of other persons, they must be made parties defendant. 109 C. 361. In appeal from
zoning board proper to permit intervention of property owners claiming their property would be damaged in value by
erection of gas tank. 113 C. 695. Liquor control commission, while it would have been a proper party to action by town
against permittee, was not a necessary party. 133 C. 157. Cited. 153 C. 545. Cited. 172 C. 572. Cited. 182 C. 1. Cited. 184
C. 483. Cited. 185 C. 445. Cited. 186 C. 311. Cited. 191 C. 1. Cited. 206 C. 374. Cited. 212 C. 628. Cited. 215 C. 224.
Cited. 224 C. 263. Cited. 239 C. 1. Cited. 241 C. 734. Trial court did not err in denying motion to intervene as a matter of
right because the movant did not identify an interest of direct and immediate character that would cause it to gain or lose
anything as a result of the judgment in the case, and did not err in denying permissive intervention because the movant
failed to demonstrate that attorney general's defense of constitutionality of the marriage laws would be inadequate. 279
C. 447.
Cited. 7 CA 613. Cited. 16 CA 124. Cited. 21 CA 67. Cited. 31 CA 476. Cited. 32 CA 340. Cited. 41 CA 89. Cited. 42
CA 330; judgment reversed, see 241 C. 734.
Cited. 6 CS 281. Purchasers of corporate real estate from the trustee in bankruptcy were entitled to be joined as parties
defendant where general manager of corporation was without assets and in parts unknown. 12 CS 199. A party charged
with liability may not bring in another party liable to indemnify him. 13 CS 461. Cited. 18 CS 106. Cited. 25 CS 315.
Cited. 26 CS 418. Section may not be used by probate court party to become party to another's appeal; applicant who did
not take appeal in time limited lost his right to appeal. 28 CS 392. Cited. 33 CS 606. Cited. 36 CS 56. Cited. 41 CS 23;
Id., 389.
New parties may be cited in upon order of court at any time in the course of an action, provided they receive due notice
and a reasonable time to prepare their particular claims or defenses. 3 Conn. Cir. Ct. 321. Where additional parties were
cited in as parties defendant, the moving papers served on them did not constitute a new civil action, process in which
would be subject to provisions of section 52-48a. Id.
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Sec. 52-108. Nonjoinder and misjoinder of parties. An action shall not be defeated by the nonjoinder or misjoinder of parties. New parties may be added and summoned in, and parties misjoined may be dropped, by order of the court, at any stage of
the action, as the court deems the interests of justice require.
(1949 Rev., S. 7830; P.A. 82-160, S. 44.)
History: P.A. 82-160 rephrased section.
New defendants may be cited in although no cause of action exists against the original defendants; and this may be
done even after the writ has been abated. 49 C. 110. Administrator held properly admitted as coplaintiff. 54 C. 241.
Complaint against administrator may be amended to charge him in his individual capacity. 57 C. 304. Cited. 65 C. 115.
Demurrer lies for misjoinder of plaintiff; 67 C. 277, 278. Power of court to drop party misjoined will ordinarily be exercised
only on proper request. Id., 278. Cited. 72 C. 92. Plaintiff should not be dropped on motion of defendant, without a hearing.
Id., 472. Party liable over in case of judgment may come in as defendant. 74 C. 163. Objection for defect should be made
in trial court; 75 C. 278; 76 C. 252; 81 C. 143; may be waived by argument of appeal on merits of case; 75 C. 605; 81 C.
127; 109 C. 330; or may be harmless. 72 C. 519; 76 C. 262; Id., 433; 79 C. 359; 80 C. 460. Misjoined parties should be
dropped but action continued. 77 C. 423; 80 C. 702. Where one, long after action began, consents to be made party, but
no action taken, court should drop him. 74 C. 18. If action is brought by next friend, and infant has guardian, he could be
brought in; 76 C. 433; so where conservator brings action, ward could come in. 91 C. 681. Adverse party may cause one
who is party to action in individual capacity but should be party as administrator, to become party in that capacity. 81 C.
132. Proper procedure where plaintiff dies pending appeal by defendant. 82 C. 212. Making corporation party to mandamus
proceeding against officers to secure inspection of books disregarded. 90 C. 639. Misjoinder or nonjoinder if relied on in
defense must be pleaded. 91 C. 343. Nonjoinder discussed. Id., 501. Statute embraces a case where one having a right to
become a party adopts a wrong procedure to do so. Id., 680. Assignment of right by plaintiff pending action will not defeat
it. 92 C. 428; but trustee in bankruptcy cannot recover bank deposit in which a third party is interested in his absence. 97
C. 307. See note to section 52-107. Where subject matter of action was transferred during pendency of action, proper to
join transferee as party plaintiff. 123 C. 376. Cited. 153 C. 545. Cited. 172 C. 572. Cited. 182 C. 1. Cited. 184 C. 483.
Cited. 185 C. 445. Cited. 186 C. 311. Cited. 187 C. 187. Cited. 191 C. 1. Cited. 212 C. 628. Cited. 233 C. 701.
Cited. 22 CA 114. Cited. 27 CA 199. Cited. 31 CA 80; Id., 476. Cited. 45 CA 702. Court has authority to permit
intervention in a civil action in interests of justice and, therefore, court had jurisdiction to consider motion to intervene
filed by division of criminal justice. 76 CA 130.
Cited. 4 CS 169. No action should be defeated on this technical ground unless it makes the rendition of a proper judgment
impossible. 4 CS 391. Plea in abatement does not lie for nonjoinder. The defect of parties should be raised before trial. 6
CS 281. Where misjoinder of parties is in essence a misjoinder of causes of action, the proper remedy is by demurrer. 12
CS 290. Cited. 15 CS 12. Court in its discretion has authority to drop misjoined parties. 16 CS 212. Cited. 26 CS 418.
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Sec. 52-109. Substituted plaintiff. When any action has been commenced in the
name of the wrong person as plaintiff, the court may, if satisfied that it was so commenced
through mistake, and that it is necessary for the determination of the real matter in dispute
so to do, allow any other person to be substituted or added as plaintiff.
(1949 Rev., S. 7831.)
One who has no right or interest cannot be substituted as plaintiff. 63 C. 460, 472. Substitution is not the commencement
or institution of another suit. Id., 477. Cited. 65 C. 115. Cited. 72 C. 261. Where conservator brings action in his own name,
and ward dies, his administrator may enter. 91 C. 680. See notes to sections 52-107, 52-108. Cited. 179 C. 246.
Cited. 1 CA 99. Cited. 25 CA 751. Cited. 31 CA 80; Id., 476. Cited. 33 CA 365.
Cited. 18 CS 446. To determine the real matter in dispute, substitution of plaintiff must be allowed. 49 CS 542.
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Sec. 52-110. Summoning in of third parties by defendant who counterclaims.
When a counterclaim raises questions affecting the interests of third parties, the defendant may, and if required by the court shall, cause the third parties to be summoned in
as parties to the action.
(1949 Rev., S. 7832; P.A. 82-160, S. 45.)
History: P.A. 82-160 rephrased section.
Defendant cannot cite in parties whose legal relation is only to himself, by raising issues which do not affect the judgment
to be rendered. 50 C. 583. Cited. 68 C. 157. See note to section 52-107.
Cited. 25 CA 251. Cited. 41 CA 754.
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Sec. 52-111. Effect of change of parties. A change in parties, made by order of
court, shall not impair any previous attachment of the property of any person remaining
a defendant in the action, or impair bonds or recognizances of any person remaining a
party, either as against himself or his sureties, or impair receipts to the officer for property
attached. When parties are changed the court may order new bonds, if such new bonds
are deemed necessary. Orders of court concerning change in parties may be upon terms,
as to costs or otherwise, at the discretion of the court.
(1949 Rev., S. 7833; P.A. 81-410, S. 4.)
History: P.A. 81-410 deleted reference to "estate or body" and substituted "property".
Cited. 54 C. 242. Cited. 63 C. 476. See note to section 52-108.
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Sec. 52-112. Insertion of names of partners in process in action by or against
a partnership. (a) In commencing a civil action by or against a partnership, it shall not
be necessary to insert the names of the partners in the process, provided the partnership
name is stated. The plaintiff shall have the right, within the first three days of the court
after the return day, to amend the process without costs by inserting the names of the
partners.
(b) An attachment, in any civil action against a partnership, of the private property
of any of its members shall not be valid unless the name of the member is set forth in
the process at the time of the attachment.
(1949 Rev., S. 7834; 1959, P.A. 28, S. 108; P.A. 82-160, S. 46.)
History: 1959 act deleted reference to writs returnable before a justice of the peace; P.A. 82-160 rephrased the section
and inserted Subsec. indicators.
The court may extend the time for amending. 19 C. 62. There can be no amendment by adding new names if only one
was in the original writ. 24 C. 14. A writ against three as partners can be amended by adding a fourth. 32 C. 106. Cited.
61 C. 227. But plaintiff may sue partners in individual names instead of by partnership name. 103 C. 445. Cited. 117 C.
637. Cited. 192 C. 497. Cited. 194 C. 144.
Cited. 4 CA 339.
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Sec. 52-113. Common counts; bill of particulars. Section 52-113 is repealed.
(1949 Rev., S. 7835; P.A. 78-379, S. 26, 27.)
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Sec. 52-114. Pleading of contributory negligence. In any action to recover damages for negligently causing the death of a person, or for negligently causing personal
injury or property damage, it shall be presumed that such person whose death was caused
or who was injured or who suffered property damage was, at the time of the commission
of the alleged negligent act or acts, in the exercise of reasonable care. If contributory
negligence is relied upon as a defense, it shall be affirmatively pleaded by the defendant
or defendants, and the burden of proving such contributory negligence shall rest upon
the defendant or defendants.
(1949 Rev., S. 7836.)
Prior to statute burden was on plaintiff to establish due care. 118 C. 531. Statute does not apply in action to recover
damages under sections 13a-111 and 13a-149 for injury caused by breach of statutory duty. 119 C. 479; 133 C. 246; 147
C. 149. Even if statute not applicable, defendant alleging contributory negligence must bear burden of proof. 115 C. 664.
Presumption under this statute contrasted with other presumptions. 118 C. 58, 64; 130 C. 188. By pleading decedent's lack
of contributory negligence plaintiff waived right to benefit of presumption that decedent exercised due care. 119 C. 339;
123 C. 463. Trial court need not refer to statute or charge in terms that there is presumption of due care by deceased if it
makes clear the effect of statute. 123 C. 28. Statute procedural, does not change substantive law that plaintiff cannot recover
if his own negligence materially contributed to produce his injuries. 118 C. 537. Presumption does not affect plaintiff's
burden of establishing defendant's negligence and that his conduct was proximate cause of injury. 129 C. 385. Where
plaintiff alleged due care by intestate and defendant did not affirmatively plead contributory negligence, burden of proof
is on plaintiff. 118 C. 471; 129 C. 29. But under such pleading it is erroneous to charge that contributory negligence need
not be considered. 126 C. 398. Plaintiff cannot complain of charge that defendant has burden of proving contributory
negligence, without charging re quantum of proof required. 118 C. 212. Charge that burden of proving contributory negligence is on defendant by statute is sufficient when court also charges that party having burden of proof on any issue must
meet it by fair preponderance of evidence. 119 C. 278. Where person charged with negligence also died as result of accident,
plaintiff has burden of proving his decedent's freedom from contributory negligence. 117 C. 273. Statute not so limited
in scope as to apply only to period immediately incident to accident. 118 C. 135. Not inaccurate to charge that doctrine of
last clear chance need not be considered unless jury found defendant had maintained burden of proving contributory
negligence. 130 C. 316. Mere production of evidence tending to prove contributory negligence does not cause burden of
proof to revert to plaintiff. 132 C. 465, overruling 131 C. 540. How to charge jury on this statute. 133 C. 590. Cited. 134
C. 692. If defendant offers no evidence or fails to prove by a fair preponderance of evidence that plaintiff was negligent,
the plaintiff is entitled to prevail. 136 C. 171. Court may disregard evidence offered by defendant or hold it insufficient to
sustain burden. Id., 550. Cited. 137 C. 551. Cited. 138 C. 313; Id., 381; Id., 508. Defendant must plead and prove contributory
negligence. Id., 557. No contributory negligence as matter of law under circumstances. Id., 712. Cited. 139 C. 228; Id.,
350; Id., 527. Cited. 140 C. 274; Id., 319. Cited. 141 C. 250. Cited. 142 C. 521. Burden of proof as to contributory negligence
rests throughout on defendant. 145 C. 146. Cited. 148 C. 447. Trier's conclusion on contributory negligence should stand
unless the conduct involved is contrary to that of a reasonably prudent man. 154 C. 490. Where action by administrator
of decedent's estate for negligently causing death in collision was tried together with action by defendant against administrator for personal injuries, both parties were entitled to benefit of statutory presumption, original charge to jury re effect of
presumption was adequate and court's failure to repeat effect in response to plaintiff's oral request to charge was not error.
156 C. 40. Cited. 159 C. 507. Cited. 174 C. 200. Cited. 179 C. 406. Cited. 188 C. 607. Cited. 217 C. 12. Cited. 225 C. 637.
Appropriate method for conveying effect of this section to a jury is to articulate the burdens that it imposes upon the parties.
Those burdens are that plaintiff must prove defendant's negligence, and defendant must prove plaintiff's contributory
negligence if defendant has pleaded it. 281 C. 29.
Application to specific facts: Cellar explosion. 118 C. 128. Malpractice. Id., 471. Burning rubbish. 129 C. 26. Drowning.
130 C. 309. Collision between vehicles. 117 C. 271; 123 C. 49; 126 C. 396; 129 C. 11; Id., 378; 132 C. 461. Pedestrian.
116 C. 150; Id., 716; 118 C. 210; 119 C. 699; 123 C. 25; 128 C. 53; Id., 605; 132 C. 420; 133 C. 329. Motorcycle officer.
117 C. 484. Policeman. 128 C. 332. Highway worker. 126 C. 27. Minor. 119 C. 277; 125 C. 526; 127 C. 297; 128 C. 182.
Application of statute in automobile collision case. 147 C. 540.
Cited. 11 CA 1; Id., 348. Cited. 15 CA 668. Cited. 17 CA 268. Cited. 29 CA 552; Id., 791. Cited. 33 CA 714. Cited.
43 CA 294. Presumption of plaintiff's reasonable care is proper for jury to consider only when defendant affirmatively
pleads contributory negligence. 86 CA 310.
Cited. 4 CS 224. Cited. 8 CS 110. Cited. 12 CS 239. Where plaintiff alleged that she exercised due care, she assumed
the burden of proof on that issue and this section did not apply. 14 CS 232. History reviewed. 16 CS 144. When section
not applicable. 18 CS 124. Presumption does not affect the obligation of a plaintiff to sustain burden of establishing
negligence of defendant and that the conduct complained of was the proximate cause of injury. Id., 247. Although New
York rule requires plaintiff to prove freedom from contributory negligence, in suit instituted in Connecticut resulting from
accident in New York, the plaintiff was not required to so plead. 20 CS 382. Cited. 21 CS 282. Cited. 23 CS 132; Id., 134.
In suit brought against municipal employee under section 7-465, burden of alleging and proving contributory negligence
remains with employee in accordance with this section. Id., 228. Burden of proof, in the sense of risk of nonpersuasion,
is on defendant, although in some instances, as where the facts raise a presumption of negligence, the plaintiff may have
the burden of going forward with the evidence. Id., 435. When plaintiff fails to show negligence, question of contributory
negligence becomes moot. 25 CS 164. After defendant had affirmatively pleaded contributory negligence of plaintiff and
all evidence had been presented she could not move for directed verdict upon claim that Rhode Island law controlled and
plaintiff had burden of proving freedom from contributory negligence. 27 CS 508. Section, establishing presumption of
due care on part of injured person, is applicable to suit against town and its employee under section 7-465, which imposes
indemnification liability on municipality. 28 CS 506. Cited. 29 CS 75; Id., 518.
Cited. 4 Conn. Cir. Ct. 217. Jury could reasonably conclude negligence of defendant was proximate cause of injury to
plaintiff when plaintiff lit the pilot in defendant's bake oven which defendant had wrongfully assured him was free of gas.
Id., 563.
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Sec. 52-115. Pleading charters. All acts of incorporation passed by the General
Assembly may be declared on or pleaded as public acts.
(1949 Rev., S. 7837.)
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Sec. 52-116. Transferred to Chapter 897, Sec. 52-73a.
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Sec. 52-117. Action on probate bond. (a) In any action upon a bond taken in a
court of probate, not brought by a representative of the estate in connection with which
the bond was given or by some person in his own behalf and that of all other persons
interested in the estate, the plaintiff shall state in his complaint or reply, (1) the persons
for whose special benefit the action is prosecuted, (2) how such persons are interested
in the action, and (3) how the act or neglect of the defendant has injured their rights or
affected their interests.
(b) The judgment rendered in any such action shall not, in any future proceedings,
by scire facias or otherwise, bar or conclude the rights of other persons interested in
the bond.
(1949 Rev., S. 7839; P.A. 82-160, S. 48.)
History: P.A. 82-160 rephrased the section and inserted Subsec. indicators.
See Sec. 45a-144 re action on probate bond by aggrieved person.
See Sec. 52-74 re action on foreign probate bond.
Amount of recovery is limited to possible right of person for whose special benefit action is brought. 120 C. 346.
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Sec. 52-118. Action by assignee of chose in action. The assignee and equitable
and bona fide owner of any chose in action, not negotiable, may sue thereon in his own
name. Such a plaintiff shall allege in his complaint that he is the actual bona fide owner
of the chose in action, and set forth when and how he acquired title.
(1949 Rev., S. 7840; P.A. 82-160, S. 36.)
History: P.A. 82-160 rephrased section.
Who may sue under this section. 36 C. 88; Id., 296; 39 C. 375; 99 C. 451; 102 C. 434; 106 C. 69. It does not preclude
suit in name of assignor. 39 C. 349; 99 C. 451; 102 C. 434. Plaintiff held, on averments of answer, not to be a bona fide
owner of the claim. 49 C. 487. Assignee has only equitable title. 52 C. 173. Mere loan of a chose in action insufficient to
constitute holder a bona fide owner. 55 C. 127. Ordinarily assignee stands in shoes of assignor. 64 C. 544; 70 C. 277; 79
C. 575; 82 C. 152; 85 C. 429. Cited. 65 C. 115. Omission of statutory averment is a formal defect of pleading. 71 C. 616.
A "bona fide owner" defined. 72 C. 703. Assignee may sue under this section or at common law, in assignor's name. Id.,
261; 79 C. 693. Assignment of proceeds of note, not assignment of note; assignment of note before receiver is appointed
as bar to action by him. 74 C. 317. Effect of denial of bona fide ownership. 75 C. 675; burden of proof and evidence. 88
C. 368. Attorney may purchase claim and sue in his own name. 85 C. 260. Rights of assignee of judgment. 82 C. 208.
Changing parties where assignment made after action begun. 73 C. 378. Assignment merely to confer jurisdiction not bona
fide; 72 C. 701; 78 C. 495; 121 C. 343; nor one to effect illegal purpose. 77 C. 457. Assignee of claims as collateral may
be bona fide owner. 78 C. 211; Id., 679; 79 C. 208. That assignor retains interest in proceeds may not prevent bona fide
ownership of assignee. 76 C. 229; 87 C. 50. As to waiving lack of allegation, see 71 C. 613; 75 C. 256. Right of assignor
to sue. 71 C. 616; 74 C. 320. Raising question by plea in abatement. 85 C. 260; 121 C. 343. Assignment pending action
will not defeat it. 92 C. 428. See note to section 52-131. Common law rule as to champerty and maintenance does not
obtain in Connecticut; question is whether transaction is opposed to public policy. 106 C. 69. While under the acts of
congress an assignment made simply for the purpose of creating a diversity of citizenship will not afford a basis of removal
from the state to the federal courts, an assignment made to avoid such a diversity will be effective to prevent a removal.
122 C. 588. Assignment for purpose of preventing removal to federal court does not give assignee equitable and bona fide
ownership on which he could sue in Connecticut. Id. Cited. 123 C. 376. Buyer of entire business may enforce by action
in own name restrictive covenant of former employee. 126 C. 515. Omission of allegation of "bona fide" ownership is
merely defect of pleading challengeable by demurrer but not by a postjudgment motion. 167 C. 334. Cited. 219 C. 465.
Cited. 5 CA 427.
Omission in complaint of the averment that plaintiff was the actual and bona fide owner of the chose in action held a
formal defect in pleading. 10 CS 367. Cited. 11 CS 164.
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Sec. 52-119. Pleading to be according to rules and orders of court. Parties failing to plead according to the rules and orders of the court may be nonsuited or defaulted,
as the case may be.
(1949 Rev., S. 7841.)
See Sec. 51-59 re hours of operation of court clerks' offices.
See Sec. 52-190 re actions upon probate bonds and required endorsement of writ.
See Sec. 52-197 re rules governing orders to disclose facts, papers, books, documents, etc.
Party cannot refuse obedience to order of court because he deems it erroneous, or because it is erroneous; until revoked
or reversed it is the law of the case. 63 C. 566. See notes to sections 52-80, 52-84. Statute does not require nonsuit to be
granted where to do so would run counter to sound principles of procedure. 130 C. 654. Cited. 180 C. 223. Cited. 188 C. 145.
Judgment on the pleadings not proper in absence of responsive pleading by plaintiff to special defense. 24 CS 494.
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Sec. 52-120. Pleading filed by consent after expiration of time. (a) Whenever
any party or parties to a civil action, or his or their attorney, desires to file any pleading
or amendment to any pleading which might properly be filed except for the fact that
according to the rules of court the time within which the pleading or amendment may
be filed has passed, the pleading or amendment may be filed with the clerk of the court,
without an order of the court and without penalty, if the party or parties, or his or their
attorney, obtains the written consent of the adverse party or parties or his or their attorney
to the filing.
(b) Upon the filing of the written consent and the pleading or amendment with the
clerk of the court, the pleading or amendment shall become in all respects a proper
pleading for the consideration of the court, as though filed within the time prescribed
by the rules of court.
(1949 Rev., S. 7842; P.A. 82-160, S. 49.)
History: P.A. 82-160 rephrased the section and inserted Subsec. indicators.
Cited. 8 CS 510.
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Sec. 52-121. Pleading may be filed after expiration of time fixed, but prior to
hearing on motion for default judgment or nonsuit. Judgment or penalty for failure
to plead. (a) Any pleading in any civil action may be filed after the expiration of the
time fixed by statute or by any rule of court until the court has heard any motion for
judgment by default or nonsuit for failure to plead which has been filed in writing with
the clerk of the court in which the action is pending.
(b) No judgment of nonsuit or default, in any case in which appearance has been
entered by the defendant, may be entered by the clerk of any court for failure to plead
within the time fixed by statute, or by any rule of any court, until an order for it has been
passed by the court after reasonable notice to the opposing counsel and hearing thereon.
(c) No penalty for failure to plead within the time provided by any rule relating to
the filing of any pleading may be imposed upon any party to any action unless the failure
is a violation of an order or judgment made by the court after notice and hearing thereon.
(1949 Rev., S. 7843; 1953, S. 3150d; P.A. 82-160, S. 50.)
History: P.A. 82-160 rephrased the section and inserted Subsec. indicators.
Granting motion for judgment which was not for judgment by default or nonsuit for failure to plead violates statutory
guaranty of right to plead further. 131 C. 266. Judgment by default invalid where court refused to hear counsel. 133 C.
696. Cited. 181 C. 607.
Cited. 39 CA 306.
Time for filing plea in abatement not extended. 3 CS 312; not applicable to pleadings of the same kind as others which
have been disposed of. 8 CS 511. Cited. 10 CS 304. Cited. 15 CS 35. Cited. 17 CS 46. Cited. 19 CS 116. Defendant's right
to plead over after a demurrer has been sustained continues until the court has heard a proper written motion for default
for failure to plead. 20 CS 17. Cited. 21 CS 352. Inapplicable to motions for disclosure of defense and judgment. 32 CS 581.
Subsec. (a):
Cited. 22 CA 4. Trial court did not abuse its discretion in precluding third-party defendant from filing special defenses
where trial court finds prejudice and possible delay. 53 CA 72. Trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying defendant's
motion to set aside the default which was filed, with defendant's answer, more than two years after the return date. 78 CA 590.
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Sec. 52-122. Procedure in certain actions not changed. Sections 52-1, 52-45a,
52-45b, 52-91, 52-97 and 52-279 shall not affect flowage petitions, or proceedings in
paternity, replevin, summary process, habeas corpus, mandamus, ne exeat, quo warranto, forcible entry and detainer or peaceable entry and forcible detainer, or for the
payment of rewards.
(1949 Rev., S. 7844; February, 1965, P.A. 574, S. 40; P.A. 81-410, S. 13; P.A. 82-160, S. 51.)
History: 1965 act deleted obsolete reference to repealed Sec. 52-129; P.A. 81-410 deleted reference to Sec. 52-312;
P.A. 82-160 rephrased section, deleted references to repealed sections and deleted "prohibition".
Flowage petitions may still be served by citation. 49 C. 348. Cited. 54 C. 319. Quo warranto. 55 C. 121. Cited. 66 C.
512. Cited. 69 C. 22; Id., 498. Cited. 104 C. 294. Summary process. 131 C. 531. Cited. 134 C. 435. Cited. 217 C. 52.
Listed sections have nothing to do with appellate procedure. 15 CS 273. Cited. 17 CS 34. Cited. 36 CS 47. Cited. 38
CS 389.
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Sec. 52-123. Circumstantial defects not to abate pleadings. No writ, pleading,
judgment or any kind of proceeding in court or course of justice shall be abated, suspended, set aside or reversed for any kind of circumstantial errors, mistakes or defects,
if the person and the cause may be rightly understood and intended by the court.
(1949 Rev., S. 7845.)
This section was originally enacted as a separate act, applicable both to civil and criminal procedure, and so remained
until the revision of 1821, when it was incorporated into the present title. It does not affect the right to demur. 40 C. 158.
It will help out a plea in abatement. 34 C. 180; 45 C. 479; 60 C. 371. Pleas in abatement in the inferior courts must be filed
at an early stage. 21 C. 510. A defendant in an action on contract may plead in abatement the want of service on codefendant.
45 C. 477; but see now Sec. 52-108; 76 C. 628. Plea in abatement will not lie for immaterial variance between writ and
copy. 65 C. 539. Error in date of summons not a ground of abatement. 70 C. 351. Appeal from former board of relief; form
of process. 72 C. 329. Appealing from justice court to wrong return day. 77 C. 38. Allowance by clerk of appeal from
judge as special statutory tribunal. 68 C. 418. Change of return day after issuance of writ. 74 C. 38. Failure of indifferent
person making arrest in bastardy to make sworn return. 85 C. 327. In supreme court; appeal to term already past; 67 C.
19; not stating time and place of sitting; 70 C. 329; 82 C. 386; to wrong return day; 74 C. 438; 77 C. 38; 83 C. 134; 85 C.
618; taken after time fixed by law; 79 C. 526; 82 C. 376; referring to county, not district; 79 C. 710; defect of parties; 73
C. 432; failure of request for finding to include claims of law. 66 C. 551. See note to Sec. 52-91. Applicable to bastardy
complaint addressed to a justice of the peace but in fact presented and sworn to before a commissioner of the superior
court. 104 C. 126. Cited. 115 C. 705. Cited. 122 C. 154. Cited. 178 C. 472. Cited. 211 C. 78. Limited in application to
defects in the writ. Id., 431. Provides relief from defects in texts of writs such as designations of transportation commissioner
as transportation commission. 212 C. 381. Cited. 217 C. 520. Designation of department of transportation in the summons
rather than the commissioner is a misnomer falling within purview of the statute. 228 C. 343. "Circumstantial error"
discussed. 232 C. 392. Purpose of section is to afford relief from defects found in text of writ itself. 268 C. 541.
Cited. 3 CA 566. Cited. 5 CA 540. Cited. 23 CA 188. Cited. 31 CA 260. Case remanded for determination of whether
naming former plaintiff in motion for deficiency judgment constituted circumstantial defect. 47 CA 459. Correction of the
name of substitute plaintiff falls within category of circumstantial errors that can be cured pursuant to section. 56 CA 161.
Section is a remedial statute and therefore "must be liberally construed in favor of those whom the legislature intended to
benefit." 81 CA 486. Because trade name is not an entity with legal capacity to sue, corporation had no standing to litigate
merits of case when it brought an action solely in its trade name, without corporation itself being named as a party. 87 CA
474. Use of incorrect docket number is a circumstantial defect and does not deprive court of jurisdiction. Statute applies
to petitions for continued commitment. 92 CA 143. Plaintiff's attorney's failure to sign civil summons form was a circumstantial defect that did not deprive court of personal jurisdiction over defendants because the attorney directed a process
server to serve defendants. 96 CA 320.
The omission of the name of the issuing authority is not an error to abate the pleading. 1 CS 21. Cited. 6 CS 183. Cited.
24 CS 295. Savings clause of this section does not save from a demurrer a plea in abatement which fails to pray for judgment.
34 CS 251. Cited. 38 CS 712. Listing address of property that was the subject of the zoning appeal in the citation and
complaint, rather than plaintiff's business address, was a circumstantial defect even under common law and did not deprive
court of subject matter jurisdiction. 50 CS 513. Absence of a recognizance or a defective one in citation is circumstantial
defect. Id.
Failure to set out address of defendant in writ is mere circumstantial defect and does not go to jurisdiction of court. 4
Conn. Cir. Ct. 468, 470, 472. Where defendant was served personally, failure to set out his address in writ is circumstantial
defect and does not go to jurisdiction of court. 5 Conn. Cir. Ct. 235.
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Secs. 52-124 and 52-125. Plea in abatement; issue of fact; answer over. Amendment after plea in abatement. Sections 52-124 and 52-125 are repealed.
(1949 Rev., S. 7846, 7847; 1961, P.A. 517, S. 133; P.A. 78-379, S. 26, 27.)
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Sec. 52-126. Action not abated on account of marriage. An action commenced
by a single person shall not abate on account of the person's marriage. The marriage of
the person may be noted on the record and the action may then proceed in the same
manner as if the action was commenced after the marriage.
(1949 Rev., S. 7848; P.A. 74-77; P.A. 82-160, S. 52.)
History: P.A. 74-77 removed distinction based on sex of person commencing action, substituting "single person" for
"single woman" and "such person's marriage" for "her marriage"; P.A. 82-160 rephrased the section.
Cited. 15 C. 569.
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Sec. 52-127. Process not to be drawn or filled out by officer. Any process or
complaint drawn or filled out by a state marshal or constable, except in such marshal's
or constable's own cause, shall abate; but process shall not abate on account of any
alteration between the time of signing and of serving it.
(1949 Rev., S. 7849; P.A. 82-160, S. 53; P.A. 00-99, S. 110, 154; P.A. 01-195, S. 59, 181.)
History: P.A. 82-160 rephrased the section; P.A. 00-99 replaced references to sheriff and deputy sheriff with state
marshal, effective December 1, 2000; P.A. 01-195 made a technical change for purposes of gender neutrality, effective
July 11, 2001.
Cited. 4 D. 436. Cited. 2 C. 377. Cited. 5 C. 538.
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Sec. 52-128. Amendment of pleadings by plaintiff; costs. The plaintiff may
amend any defect, mistake or informality in the writ, complaint, declaration or petition,
and insert new counts in the complaint or declaration, which might have been originally
inserted therein, without costs, within the first thirty days after the return day and at any
time afterwards on the payment of costs at the discretion of the court; but, after any such
amendment, the defendant shall have a reasonable time to answer the same.
(1949 Rev., S. 7850; 1967, P.A. 742, S. 3.)
History: 1967 act deleted provision that amendment and insertion of new counts be within first 30 days of court to
which action is returnable, substituting it be within first 30 days after return day.
Statutes allowing amendments to be liberally construed; 32 C. 108; 39 C. 535; 75 C. 541; apply in United States courts.
101 U.S. 263. History and extent of right in general. 73 C. 10; Id., 585. Oral waiver of damages is not an amendment. 69
C. 440. Ordinarily allowance rests in court's discretion. 10 C. 472; 11 C. 386; 13 C. 471; 39 C. 535; 68 C. 375; 74 C. 62;
Id., 126; 75 C. 45; id., 308; 76 C. 680; 83 C. 417; Id., 477; 85 C. 271; refusal to allow amendments as insufficient in law;
72 C. 167; 76 C. 329; 77 C. 15; 78 C. 310; 79 C. 401, 405; Id., 458; 86 C. 327; 91 C. 23; if it would lay the basis for no
evidence not otherwise admissible, its refusal would be harmless; 82 C. 479; but it is error to refuse an amendment whereby
the plaintiff is prevented from presenting his real case. 86 C. 561. Amendment not adding any material allegation properly
refused; 91 C. 84; so one not altering real effect of pleading. 93 C. 65. Amendment cannot set up new cause of action; 60
C. 398; thus common counts cannot be replaced by cause of action not generally alleged in them; 86 C. 308. If one count
of amendment is proper, others may be added. 72 C. 172; 73 C. 17; Id., 585. Amendments considered with relation to
identity of cause of action. 18 C. 387; 21 C. 180; 24 C. 39; 26 C. 201; 30 C. 309; 32 C. 376; 33 C. 337; 39 C. 356; Id., 534;
63 C. 369; 66 C. 500; 71 C. 623; 81 C. 702. Question is, is real object the same. 81 C. 433. See note to section 52-131.
Distinction between defective statement of cause of action, and statement of defective cause of action. 87 C. 634. Amendment not possible, if there is no original pleading, as where writ is served without complaint. 97 C. 399. At law, matters
subsequent to the bringing of the action cannot be brought in. 71 C. 418; 73 C. 385; but, as to equitable action. 76 C. 292.
Amendment to avoid variance allowable, when. 63 C. 166. Tribunal lacking jurisdiction cannot allow amendment setting
it up. 85 C. 517; Id., 530. Amendment destroying jurisdiction after defendant's appearance. 75 C. 621. Amending prayer
for relief. 72 C. 201. Appeal from disallowance of claim against insolvent estate. 72 C. 167; 73 C. 582; 81 C. 433. See
section 52-131. Condemnation proceedings. 69 C. 469. Petition for new trial. 83 C. 477; 91 C. 23. Is allowable at any time
before final judgment. 69 C. 554; 83 C. 417. Is of right within thirty days of return day. 75 C. 544; after demurrer sustained
is of right; 92 C. 277; thereafter is in court's discretion; 70 C. 700; 81 C. 474. After demurrer sustained. 75 C. 308; 91 C.
25. After plea in abatement. K. 5; 2 R. 525. After report of committee. 25 C. 528. On trial. 2 R. 406; 3 D. 315; 64 C. 556;
69 C. 264; Id., 404, 74 C. 62; 76 C. 680; 82 C. 343; Id., 479; 83 C. 311; Id., 417; Id., 634; Id., 671; 85 C. 90; 91 C. 453.
On trial where cross-examination of defendant shows falsity of account he had rendered and plaintiff had accepted. 94 C.
313. Amendment is of right during trial to accord to proof, but requires opportunity to defendant to amend answer. 96 C.
394. Amendment after default judgment; 86 C. 308; after hearing in damages; 69 C. 554; after argument of case; 90 C.
283; after judgment of accounting; 76 C. 292; after motion in arrest; K. 344; 13 C. 471; 31 C. 447; 39 C. 357; on new trial;
51 C. 398; 74 C. 689; 75 C. 42; 77 C. 677; 86 C. 55; after supreme court has given its advice on a reservation; 27 C. 470;
60 C. 85; where it grants new trial nisi; 89 C. 255; after stay of action under bankruptcy law; 74 C. 616; after repeated
amendments over long space of time; 81 C. 451; after several demurrers have been sustained. 66 C. 284. Refusal two
weeks after final argument is in discretion of court. 90 C. 281. When too late to bring new action. 4 D. 42; 10 C. 473. Effect
of amendment as relating back to beginning of action. 5 C. 590; 22 C. 232; 32 C. 207; 69 C. 554; 105 C. 642; 109 C. 524.
Right of defendant to alter plea. 52 C. 4; 45 C. 299; 61 C. 577; 69 C. 555. Discretion of court as to costs; 43 C. 201; cannot
be recovered back on final judgment. 50 C. 521. On filing substitute, original pleading drops out of case, when. 67 C. 377;
71 C. 424; 74 C. 128. Amendment waives right to review rulings on original. 75 C. 643; 79 C. 79; 80 C. 348; Id., 549; 81
C. 415; Id., 474; 90 C. 261; 93 C. 479. Consent to filing not waiver of defects. 72 C. 257. Immaterial amendment no excuse
for refiling defense once held insufficient. 92 C. 342. Application of this section to filing of substitute complaint in place
of common counts. 93 C. 357. In action for recovery of money obtained by undue influence, another count asking recovery
for money loaned may be allowed by way of amendment. 98 C. 206. Amendment may be allowed after appeal from
judgment of city court to court of common pleas for judicial district of Waterbury. 104 C. 298. Allowance of amendment
to pleading, already sufficient before amendment, is no abuse of discretion if it does not surprise other party. 109 C. 303.
Relates back to beginning of action and so may cure errors in admission of evidence under pleadings as they stood before
amendment. Id., 524. As special count alleging goods sold and delivered to defendant's wife could have been joined with
common counts, joining it later by amendment was allowable. 112 C. 64. Permissible to amend complaint to make pleadings
conform to proof, where cause of action for negligence not changed. 120 C. 599. Not abuse of discretion to disallow
amendment offered after arguments, when case tried on theory opposed to that of amendment. 124 C. 10. Nor to allow
during trial a far-reaching amendment as to damages where defendant given choice of mistrial or continuance. 131 C. 232.
Fact that court could have permitted amendment to cure defect does not deprive adverse party of right to take advantage
of defect by plea in abatement. 131 C. 658. Cited. 133 C. 73. Court may in its discretion allow the filing of amendments
to pleadings before, during and after trial. 135 C. 170. Filing of supplemental complaint after demurrer sustained held to
waive any claim of error by court in sustaining demurrer. 145 C. 579. Amended complaint may or may not have the effect
of stating a new cause of action. Id. Cited. 147 C. 153. Cited. 173 C. 408. Cited. 187 C. 180. Cited. 191 C. 201. In conjunction
with Sec. 52-130 court held intent of legislature for this statute to apply only when trial has not commenced at time
amendment is offered. 192 C. 553. Cited. 205 C. 413.
Cited. 5 CA 101. Cited. 19 CA 203. Cited. 23 CA 188. Because plaintiff may amend "any defect, mistake or informality"
of a pleading within thirty days of return date, an amendable summons or complaint should not be rejected by superior
court clerk. 53 CA 725. Section is a curative provision allowing party to amend defective writ or complaint, permits award
of costs in limited instances and makes no reference to sanctions. "Costs" defined. 85 CA 66.
Cited. 6 CS 181; Id., 381. Plaintiff entitled to amend by substituting a new defendant, where defendant originally named
was an individual having the same name as the corporate defendant substituted, and such individual defendant was an
executive officer and principal stockholder of the defendant corporation. 9 CS 307. Where the defect is that the sheriff of
one county is named in the writ but it was served to the sheriff of another county, the defendant cannot attack this collaterally
if he was in fact served. 14 CS 375. Where case is on appeal in superior court motion to amend complaint in probate court
is superfluous. 24 CS 494. Cited. 38 CS 712.
Fact that ad damnum would be increased by amendment sought by plaintiff, necessitating transfer to another court, no
reason to deny motion to amend. 4 Conn. Cir. Ct. 347.
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Sec. 52-129. Amendment of pleadings in appeals from justices. Section 52-129
is repealed.
(1949 Rev., S. 7851; 1959, P.A. 28, S. 204.)
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Sec. 52-130. Amendment of defects, mistakes or informalities. Parties may
amend any defect, mistake or informality in the pleadings or other parts of the record
or proceedings. When either party supposes that in any part of the pleadings he has
missed the ground of his plea, and that he can plead a different plea that will save him
in his cause, he may change his plea, answer, replication or rejoinder, as the case may
be, and plead anew, and the other party shall have reasonable time to answer the same;
and, in any case when a party amends or alters any part of the pleadings or pleads anew,
if it occasions any delay in the trial or inconvenience to the other party, he shall be liable
to pay costs at the discretion of the court. Any court may restrain the amendment or
alteration of pleadings, so far as may be necessary to compel the parties to join issue in
a reasonable time for trial.
(1949 Rev., S. 7852.)
See Sec. 52-72 re amendment of process.
See Sec. 52-190 re actions on probate bonds and required endorsement of writs.
Amending records after term. 4 C. 77; 15 C. 37; 21 C. 530; 25 C. 342. A void process is not amendable. 5 D. 126.
Errors in describing parties. 2 R. 57; 3 C. 159; 13 C. 53; 19 C. 62; 24 C. 13. Date of issuance of process. 41 C. 483. Writ
returnable to term already past not amendable. Id., 539; but see 70 C. 348. Amending officer's return. 65 C. 193. Officer's
return may not be amended after judgment so as to confer jurisdiction. 85 C. 327. Return day in writ may not be changed
after issuance; 74 C. 38; but supreme court allowed an appeal to be amended by substituting one year for another. Id., 438.
Judgment may be amended during term as to error in substance; at any time as to clerical error. 73 C. 497; 76 C. 113; 81
C. 283; Id., 562. Amending memorandum which directs judgment. 74 C. 18. Remittitur and amendment of judgment where
damages are excessive. 75 C. 263. Discretion of court to allow amendment when action has been in court two years, and
complaint repeatedly amended. 81 C. 452. Motion to dismiss amendment improperly allowed, proper. 86 C. 313. Right
to amend to be restrained within reasonable limits; filing cross complaint after reservation. 66 C. 284; 68 C. 369. Amendment
to appeal is to be made in appellate court; 72 C. 86; on return day. 74 C. 438. Amending plea in abatement. 68 C. 474; 73
C. 428; 74 C. 125. Court may correct its records. 76 C. 113; 81 C. 127; 91 C. 383. Amending memorandum of judgment.
74 C. 23. Gives right to amend to accord with proof on trial, subject to right of defendant to amend answer; but court may
refuse to allow demurrer where it would not promote speedy issue. 96 C. 395; And see note to section 52-128. When
amendment offered during trial to remedy mispleading, circumstances of particular case must govern. 115 C. 683. Court
may in its discretion allow the filing of amendments to pleadings before, during and after trial. 135 C. 170. Harm done
defendant by denial of motion far outweighed inconvenience to plaintiff or delay resulting from granting of it and was
abuse of court's discretion. 139 C. 68. Amendment offered during trial which would radically change basis of plaintiff's
cause of action properly refused. Id., 152. Court may in its discretion restrain the amendment of pleadings to prevent
unreasonable delay of the trial. 140 C. 689. The courts have followed a liberal policy relative to permitting amendments
to pleadings after the expiration of the time during which amendments may be filed as a matter of right. 144 C. 126. Failure
to amend complaint at pretrial or within a reasonable time thereafter may constitute sound reason to deny motion. Id., 582.
Denial of amendment to conform allegations to proof. Id., 594. Defendant not permitted to amend its answer during trial
by adding third defense as this would have injected new issue requiring evidence different in character from that already
presented. 155 C. 145. Cited. 177 C. 191. Cited. 187 C. 180. Cited. 192 C. 558. Cited. 215 C.. Cited. 221 C. 14; Id., 356.
Cited. 19 CA 280.
Power of court to restrain the amendment or alteration of pleading is to be sparingly exercised. 17 CS 47. Cited. 27 CS
63. Legislature has prescribed liberal policy toward the allowance of amendments to pleadings. 36 CS 126.
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Sec. 52-131. Amendment of claim against estate of insolvent debtor or deceased person. In any hearing on the estate of an insolvent debtor or a deceased person
before commissioners, or before the Superior Court on appeal from the actions of the
commissioners, the claimant may amend any defect, mistake or informality in the statement of the claim, provided that he does not change the ground of action. Any such
amendment in the Superior Court shall be upon such terms as to costs as the court directs.
(1949 Rev., S. 7853; P.A. 76-436, S. 126, 681; P.A. 82-160, S. 54.)
History: P.A. 76-436 deleted references to unspecified courts other than superior court, reflecting transfer of all trial
jurisdiction to superior court, effective July 1, 1978; P.A. 82-160 rephrased the section.
Amendment held improper as changing the ground of action. 62 C. 373. Substitute statement of claim held allowable.
72 C. 172. "Ground of action" refers to the real object of the creditor in presenting his claim. 73 C. 585; 81 C. 433; Id.,
441; 101 U.S. 263; see note to section 52-128. Cited. 124 C. 51. Court may in its discretion allow the filing of amendments
to pleadings before, during and after trial. 135 C. 170.
Cited. 13 CS 327. Great latitude is allowed court in permitting amendments. 15 CS 34. Cited. 22 CS 247.
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Secs. 52-132 to 52-134. Amendment of ad damnum clause. Relief beyond jurisdiction; transfer of action. Amendment raising damages after appeal from justice.
Sections 52-132 to 52-134, inclusive, are repealed.
(1949 Rev., S. 7854; 7855, 7862; 1959, P.A. 28, S. 109, 204; 1972, P.A. 281, S. 31; P.A. 74-183, S. 83, 291; P.A. 76-436, S. 138, 670, 681.)
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Sec. 52-135. Amendment of pleadings after default or demurrer overruled;
costs. The plaintiff, in any cause of action for unliquidated damages in which a default
has been entered, or in which a judgment has been rendered upon a demurrer to the
complaint overruled, may, at any time before final judgment, amend his complaint on
the payment of costs, at the discretion of the court; but, after any such amendment, the
defendant shall have a reasonable time to file an answer to the same.
(1949 Rev., S. 7856.)
Cited. 69 C. 554. Default admits allegations of original complaint, not those of subsequent substitute. 86 C. 308. Court
may in its discretion allow the filing of amendments to pleadings before, during and after trial. 135 C. 170.
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Sec. 52-136. Amendment from contract to tort and vice versa. The complaint
in an action brought for breach of contract may be amended so as to set forth instead a
cause of action founded on a tort, arising from the same transaction or subject of action;
and any complaint founded on a tort may be amended so as to set forth instead a cause
of action for a breach of contract arising out of the same transaction or subject of action.
(1949 Rev., S. 7857.)
See Sec. 52-244 re circumstances under which plaintiff may not recover costs.
"A cause of action arising from the same transaction" is identical in substance with the term "ground of action". 56 C.
594. Cited. 60 C. 500. Refers not to a new count, but such an amended statement as makes it a statement of a new cause
sounding differently. 63 C. 372. Cited. 66 C. 500. Court may in its discretion allow the filing of amendments to pleadings
before, during and after trial. 135 C. 170.
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Sec. 52-137. Amendment changing the relief sought. If, on the trial upon an issue
of fact or of law of an action in which equitable relief is demanded, it appears that the
plaintiff is not entitled to equitable relief, but may be entitled to legal relief, the court
may allow the complaint to be amended so as to present a proper case for legal relief.
In like manner a complaint demanding legal relief may be amended to entitle the plaintiff
to equitable relief.
(1949 Rev., S. 7858; P.A. 82-160, S. 55.)
History: P.A. 82-160 rephrased the section.
Cited. 60 C. 400. Cited. 99 C. 216. Court may in its discretion allow the filing of amendments to pleadings before,
during and after trial. 135 C. 170. Cited. 163 C. 7.
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Sec. 52-138. Amendment calling for legal relief; jury trial. If any complaint is
so amended as to call for legal instead of equitable relief, the court shall not proceed to
judgment until the defendant has had a reasonable opportunity to put the issue or issues,
on which the new claim for relief may be based, on the jury docket.
(1949 Rev., S. 7859.)
Amendment merely changing date does not give further time in which to claim jury trial. 76 C. 680; 95 C. 576. Court
may in its discretion allow the filing of amendments to pleadings before, during and after trial. 135 C. 170.
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Sec. 52-139. Set-off of mutual debts; procedure. (a) In any action brought for
the recovery of a debt, if there are mutual debts between the plaintiff or plaintiffs, or
any of them, and the defendant or defendants, or any of them, one debt may be set off
against the other.
(b) No debt claimed by assignment may be set off unless the plaintiff had notice,
at the commencement of the action, that the debt was due the defendant.
(c) If it appears upon the trial that the plaintiff is indebted to the defendant, the court
shall give judgment for the defendant to recover the balance due of the plaintiff with
his costs, except that no judgment may be given against the plaintiff to recover the
balance of a debt due only a part of the defendants.
(1949 Rev., S. 7860; March, 1958, P.A. 27, S. 62; 1959, P.A. 28, S. 110; P.A. 82-160, S. 56.)
History: 1959 act deleted reference to judgment by justice of the peace; P.A. 82-160 rephrased the section and inserted
Subsec. indicators.
See Sec. 37-2 re limitation on amount of interest, discount or damages for detention of money which may be recovered
by a borrower.
"Mutual debts" defined. 7 C. 223; 8 C. 328; 81 C. 244; 88 C. 198; 108 C. 499; 114 C. 564. The debt set off must have
been due and payable when the suit was brought. 32 C. 141; but see 108 C. 499. Suit by executor. 34 C. 66; 1 R. 428.
Claims for unliquidated damages. 9 C. 433; 31 C. 343. Suit by receivers of bank, set-off of bills of bank disallowed. 22
C. 644. Interest on balance. 32 C. 564. Judgment debt. 28 C. 120. Demand in plea for judgment for defendant. Id. In a suit
upon a partnership claim, the defendant cannot set off a claim against one of the partners individually. 43 C. 80. Insolvency
of savings bank; debtor cannot set off the amount of his deposit. Id., 155. Obligor in bond to a town in a criminal cause
cannot set off a claim against the town. 45 C. 353. Debt against insolvent estate, barred by failure to present, may still be
used as an offset. 46 C. 277. A defendant pleading set-off is virtually a plaintiff as respects that claim. 49 C. 91. Courts of
equity sometimes allow a set-off where a court of law would not. Id., 569. This statutory right of set-off is reinforced and
extended by Practice Act. 50 C. 301; 108 C. 499. Delinquent tax collector cannot set off his claim for salary. 51 C. 172.
Lessee of administrator cannot set off debt of intestate against rent. 53 C. 500. Fundamental principles and tests of set-off.
55 C. 127; 108 C. 499. In an action of covenant against encumbrances, unpaid purchase notes of plaintiff may be used as
a set-off. 55 C. 431. Set-off not recognized in an action for tort. 66 C. 508; 82 C. 361; 39 C. 366. In action by trustee in
insolvency. 65 C. 76. Right of set-off in general; in action by receiver of bank. 88 C. 186; Id., 198. Personal debt of trustee
cannot be set off in action by him as trustee. 86 C. 548. Is matter of defense. 82 C. 175. Unliquidated damages in contract
may be set off in action on foreign judgment; equitable rights. 81 C. 244. In action against guarantor, he cannot set off
debt owed him by plaintiff. 68 C. 525. Set-off of mutual debt not matured permitted where one of mutual debtors has been
adjudicated insolvent. 108 C. 499. This statute is not exclusive in its scope. Id. Allegations of answer cannot operate as
claim for set-off unless accompanied by claim for affirmative relief. 109 C. 5. Set-off between parties distinguished from
an accord and satisfaction. Id., 245. Trust company may not set off its own deposits with private banker against certificate
of deposit issued to private banker and deposited with state treasurer in lieu of private banker's bond. 114 C. 560. Where
no equitable considerations are involved, defendant under statute can set off debts only when they are presently due him.
117 C. 280; 128 C. 10. Set-off not allowed bank on note against maker's deposit which, before note matured, was assigned
to one who paid valid consideration, neither maker nor bank being insolvent. Id., 276. Maker of note which had not matured
when trust company suspended held entitled to set off deposit when receiver sued on note. 118 C. 42. Assignee of chose
in action takes subject to equities and defenses arising before receipt of notice of assignment. No set-off against assignee
where defendant at time of notice of assignment had no right to recover from assignor. 128 C. 4. Set-off distinguished
from counterclaim. 130 C. 210. Condition precedent to legal set-off is that it shall be in answer to suit on a debt. Id. Cited.
191 C. 104.
Cited. 6 CA 106; Id., 417. Cited. 12 CA 353. Cited. 15 CA 362. Cited. 44 CA 759.
Cited. 3 Conn. Cir. Ct. 427. Unliquidated assigned claim cannot be set off in action in assumpsit. 4 Conn. Cir. Ct. 581.
Subsec. (a):
Cited. 207 C. 483.
Cited. 40 CA 536.
Subsec. (c):
Cited. 40 CA 536.
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Sec. 52-140. Set-off by defendant in suit by assignee. In any action brought in
his own name by the assignee of a chose in action not negotiable, the defendant, or any
of the defendants, may set off, in the manner and to the extent provided in section 52-139, any mutual debt between him and the plaintiff or any of the plaintiffs, or between
him and the assignors of such chose in action, or any of them.
(1949 Rev., S. 7861.)
See note to Sec. 52-139.
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Sec. 52-141. Set-off in action for trespass or tort. (a) In a civil action for trespass
to real or personal property or for a tort, unaccompanied by force, resulting in consequential injury, a defendant may set off against any judgment rendered against him any
debt which he holds, jointly or severally, against the plaintiff, subject to the conditions
contained in subsections (b) and (c) of this section.
(b) (1) This section shall not apply to a civil action for damages for taking property
exempt from execution.
(2) No debt which was acquired by a defendant by purchase or assignment after the
accruing of the cause of action upon which the judgment is rendered may be allowed
as a set-off under this section.
(3) An assignment of the judgment by the plaintiff shall not affect the right of set-off and any such assignment shall be taken subject to the right of set-off.
(4) Any such set-off shall be claimed by filing a complaint in the court in which
the judgment has been rendered within twenty-four hours after final judgment.
(5) No set-off may be allowed in cases where the defendant had the right of set-off
on the trial of the case.
(c) (1) The court shall make any proper set-off immediately if the debt claimed is
admitted by the plaintiff or evidenced by judgment.
(2) If a claimed set-off is not admitted or evidenced by judgment and is denied by
the plaintiff, it shall not be allowed unless the defendant has instituted a suit therefor
prior to the rendition of judgment in the original action. If any such suit is pending at the
time of rendition of judgment for the plaintiff in the original action, the court rendering
judgment shall stay execution thereon until the final termination of the suit. Upon termination of the suit, the court shall allow the set-off in the original action in accordance
with the amount adjudged to be due on the set-off claim in the suit.
(1949 Rev., S. 7863, 7864; P.A. 82-160, S. 57.)
History: P.A. 82-160 rephrased the section and inserted Subsec. indicators.
No set-off can be allowed in trespass for levying on exempt property, though part of it was not exempt. 33 C. 236.
Construction of clause de "taking" property exempt from execution. 45 C. 567. Set-off in tort actions generally. 66 C. 500;
82 C. 362. Unless procedure followed, right is waived; but equitable principles governing in receiverships may require
set-off to be allowed. 78 C. 443; Id., 450. Cited. 225 C. 146.
Cited. 26 CA 322.
Cited. 5 CS 146.
Subsec. (b):
Subdiv. (4) cited. 221 C. 912; 233 C. 460.
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Sec. 52-142. Joint debtors; discharge; set-off. A discharge to one of several joint
debtors, purporting to discharge him only, shall not affect the claim of the creditor
against the other joint debtors. The other joint debtors may be sued for the debt and may
set off any demand which could have been set off had the action been brought against
all the original joint debtors.
(1949 Rev., S. 7865; P.A. 82-160, S. 58.)
History: P.A. 82-160 rephrased the section.
Effect of statute. 39 C. 575. Declaration against one joint debtor sufficient. 48 C. 43. Cited. 89 C. 84.
Subsec. (c):
Cited. 25 CA 126.
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