Rule 63-10. Preargument Conferences

The chief justice or the chief judge or a designee may, in cases deemed appropriate, direct that conferences of the parties be scheduled in advance of oral argument. All noncriminal cases are eligible for preargument conferences except habeas corpus appeals, appeals involving juvenile matters, including child protection appeals as defined in Section 79a-1, summary process appeals, foreclosure appeals, and appeals from the suspension of a motor vehicle license due to operating under the influence of liquor or drugs. In order for an eligible case to receive a preargument conference, the appellant shall file a preargument conference statement pursuant to Section 63-4

(b) (1) certifying that all parties who are participating in the appeal are interested in attending a preargument conference. In any exempt case, all parties appearing and participating in the appeal may file a joint request for a preargument conference. In a foreclosure case, the request for a preargument conference is sufficient if jointly submitted by the owner of the equity and the foreclosing party. In any exempt case, however, the chief justice or the chief judge or a designee may, if deemed appropriate, order a preargument conference. The chief justice may designate a judge of the Superior Court, a senior judge or a judge trial referee to preside at a preargument conference. The scheduling of or attendance at a preargument conference shall not affect the duty of the parties to adhere to the times set for the filing of briefs. Failure of counsel of record to attend a preargument conference may result in the imposition of sanctions under Section 85-2. Unless other arrangements have been approved in advance by the presiding judge, parties shall be present at the preargument conference site and available for consultation. When a party against whom a claim is made is insured, an insurance adjuster for such insurance company shall be available by telephone at the time of such preargument conference unless the presiding judge, in his or her discretion, requires the attendance of the adjuster at the preargument conference. The preargument conference proceedings shall not be brought to the attention of the court by the presiding judge or any of the parties unless the preargument conference results in a final disposition of the appeal. The following matters may be considered:

(1) Possibility of settlement;

(2) Simplification of issues;

(3) Amendments to the preliminary statement of issues;

(4) Transfer to the Supreme Court;

(5) Timetable for the filing of briefs;

(6) En banc review; and

(7) Such other matters as the presiding judge shall consider appropriate. All matters scheduled for a preargument conference before a judge trial referee are referred to that official by the chief court administrator pursuant to General Statutes § 52-434a, which vests judge trial referees with the same powers and jurisdiction as Superior Court judges and senior judges, including the power to implement settlements by opening and modifying judgments. CHAPTER 64 PROCEDURE CONCERNING MEMORANDUM OF DECISION

Committee Notes

(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 4103.) (Amended July 21, 1999, to amended July 31, 2019, to take effect Jan. 1, 2020; amended