State Codes and Statutes

Statutes > Connecticut > Title52 > Chap900 > Sec52-220

      Sec. 52-220. Hearing in damages: When to jury. In any action at law in which the defendant suffers a default and there is a hearing in damages, the hearing in damages shall be to a jury of six if either party to the action, within thirty days after the default has been entered, files with the clerk of the court in which the action is pending a request in writing that the hearing in damages be to a jury.

      (1949 Rev., S. 7956; 1953, S. 3182d; 1971, P.A. 40, S. 7; P.A. 78-379, S. 20, 27; P.A. 82-160, S. 108.)

      History: 1971 act amended section to specify hearing heard by six-person juries in all cases where previously six-person jury was usual but request could be made for full twelve-person jury; P.A. 78-379 amended section to render provisions inapplicable in actions where judgment is rendered for plaintiff upon a demurrer to the complaint overruled; P.A. 82-160 rephrased the section.

      Not retroactive nor applicable to action pending when statute was enacted. 59 C. 365. A default, and a neglect to answer after demurrer overruled, are not the same in legal effect. 63 C. 261. Notice of intention to suffer a default is not itself a default. 64 C. 487. Cited. 73 C. 684. Justification of entry of judgment; time of filing. 78 C. 289. Liability of defendant not in issue unless notice of intent to contest liability has been given. 138 C. 29. Cited. Id., 35. See note to section 52-84. A defendant who suffers a default is entitled to a hearing in damages in accordance with the statutes and rules of the court. 148 C. 435. Where one defendant defaulted, plaintiffs were not required to proceed to hearing in damages as to him but could properly wait until pleadings had been closed as to remaining defendants and court followed proper procedure in proceeding to trial of all issues raised by appearing defendants. 149 C. 458. Cited. 156 C. 6. When defendant has been defaulted for nonappearance at trial of case which was regularly assigned for trial, court may proceed forthwith to assessment of damages. Such case is to be distinguished from one when defendant defaults at point other than at trial of action. 159 C. 352.

      Cited. 9 CA 1.

      No jury granted for hearing in damages resulting under section 17-320. 14 CS 482.