Santiago v. Commissioner of Correction: CT Date Governs Motion Deadlines

• The "officially released" date on a Connecticut appellate opinion signifies its publication in the Connecticut Law Journal or its release as a slip opinion.
• This specific date is crucial as it initiates all time periods for filing post-opinion motions.
• Similarly, the "officially released" date dictates the start of all deadlines for submitting petitions for certification.
• Even though opinions may undergo technical corrections, this initial release date remains the operative one for procedural deadlines.

The "officially released" date is the definitive starting point for calculating all time periods related to the filing of post-opinion motions.

The "officially released" date, prominently displayed near the beginning of a judicial opinion, holds significant weight within Connecticut appellate procedure. This specific date serves a dual purpose: it signifies either the opinion's formal publication in the Connecticut Law Journal or its initial dissemination as a slip opinion. For legal practitioners navigating the complexities of the state's judicial system, understanding the precise meaning and implications of this date is paramount, as highlighted by the procedural context surrounding cases like Santiago v. Commissioner of Correction.

This designated release date is not merely an administrative timestamp; it functions as a critical marker in the lifecycle of a judicial decision. It represents the moment a court's ruling is formally made public, thereby becoming accessible to the legal community and the public at large. The distinction between a slip opinion and its eventual Connecticut Law Journal opinion release is important, yet for procedural purposes, both are tied to this singular "officially released" date.

The true procedural significance of the "officially released" date lies in its direct impact on subsequent legal actions. This specific date is the definitive starting point for calculating all time periods related to the filing of post-opinion motions. Whether parties intend to seek reargument, clarification, or other forms of reconsideration, their deadlines are strictly governed by this initial release. Attorneys must meticulously note this date to ensure compliance with stringent post-opinion motion filing deadlines, as any miscalculation could lead to the forfeiture of critical appellate rights.

Furthermore, the "officially released" date also dictates the commencement of all time periods for submitting petitions for certification. These petitions, often a prerequisite for further review by a higher court, operate under strict timelines that begin precisely on the "officially released" date. This makes the accurate identification of the slip opinion officially released date indispensable for practitioners engaged in Connecticut appellate procedure, directly influencing case law publication dates and the finality of judicial pronouncements. Adherence to these timelines is non-negotiable, underscoring the date's foundational role in the appellate process.

Despite the definitive nature of the "officially released" date for procedural timelines, it is crucial to recognize that judicial opinions are not immutable upon their initial release. All opinions remain subject to potential modification and technical correction. This means that while the substance of a ruling is made public, minor errors, typographical mistakes, or even slight linguistic adjustments might occur before the opinion's final publication.

However, the possibility of such revisions does not alter the operative nature of the initial "officially released" date for deadline calculations. Regardless of any subsequent technical corrections, the original slip opinion officially released date remains the fixed reference point for all post-opinion motion filing deadlines and certification petition timelines. This emphasizes the need for legal professionals to act promptly based on the initial release, even while acknowledging the inherent dynamic aspect of judicial pronouncements prior to their ultimate finalization in official reporters.

This article provides critical procedural guidance on interpreting the 'officially released' date for Connecticut opinions, which directly governs the commencement of all time periods for filing post-opinion motions and petitions for certification. Lawyers must accurately note this date to ensure compliance with filing deadlines.

Source: Guidance from Connecticut appellate procedure