CT Appellate Court – Hartford, CT

Connecticut Appellate Court Overview

The Connecticut Appellate Court, located at 75 Elm Street in Hartford, serves as the state’s intermediate level of appellate review. Established in 1983 to alleviate the caseload of the Supreme Court, it reviews decisions made by the Superior Court to determine if errors of law occurred during trial proceedings. The court sits in a historic Georgian-style building that formerly housed the Scottish Union and National Insurance Company, notable for its distinctive architecture and proximity to the State Capitol.

Judicial Functions

• Review of Judgments: Hears appeals from final judgments of the Superior Court in civil, criminal, family, and juvenile matters.
• Oral Arguments: Panels of three judges hear legal arguments from attorneys; no new testimony or witnesses are presented.
• Workers’ Compensation: Reviews decisions made by the Workers’ Compensation Review Board.

Visitor Information

The Appellate Court is open to the public, and oral arguments are generally open for observation. 🏛️ Facility: The courthouse features a specialized courtroom with a curving bench. 📵 Etiquette: Visitors must observe strict decorum; cell phones must be silenced or turned off. 🅿️ Parking: Paid parking is available at the garage on 120 Capitol Avenue, with some metered street parking available in the vicinity. The building is located conveniently near major highway exits and public transportation routes.