Connecticut Supreme Court: Post-Opinion Motions Filing Deadline Clarified

• The officially released date in an opinion marks the start of time periods for filing post-opinion motions and certifications.
• This date is tied to the publication date in the Connecticut Law Journal or release as a slip opinion.
• Opinions are subject to modification and technical correction after initial release, but this new operative date clarifies filing deadlines.

The officially released date that appears near the beginning of an opinion is the date the opinion will be published in the Connecticut Law Journal or the date it is released as a slip opinion.

A development in Connecticut's appellate procedure, clarified around December 2010 and exemplified by the State v Bennett case, has significant implications for lawyers and litigants navigating post-opinion motions and petitions for certification. The officially released date, which appears near the beginning of an opinion, marks the start of all time periods for filing these types of motions and certifications. This date is now tied to the publication date appearing in the Connecticut Law Journal or the release as a slip opinion.

According to court documents, opinions are subject to modification and technical correction after their initial release. However, this new operative date clarifies that post-opinion motions and petitions for certification must be filed within the specified time frame from the officially released date.

The State v Bennett case is a notable example of the importance of accurately tracking court opinions and their publication dates. The Connecticut Law Journal, which publishes official opinions, plays a crucial role in providing timely access to these documents. Lawyers must stay informed about changes to filing deadlines and procedures to ensure they meet the requirements for post-opinion motions and petitions for certification.

In the context of US case law, this development highlights the need for litigants to carefully review court opinions and accompanying documentation to avoid missing critical deadlines.

The new operative date for post-opinion motions and petitions for certification has far-reaching implications for lawyers and their clients. By tying this deadline to the officially released date, the court aims to promote clarity and consistency in the filing process. This change requires litigants to be more vigilant in tracking court opinions and publication dates, ensuring they meet the necessary time frames for post-opinion motions and certifications.

As a result, lawyers should take note of this development and adjust their strategies accordingly. The officially released date is now a critical milestone in the post-opinion motion and certification process.

Lawyers should note the new operative date for post-opinion motions and petitions for certification, which is now tied to the officially released date appearing in the opinion.

Source: Original reporting via State v. Bennett