Office of the Public Records Administrator

and State Archives

Guide to the Records

of the

Judicial Department

State Archives Record Group No. 3

Second Edition

Connecticut State Library

Hartford, Connecticut

2001

Nancy M. Shader

Archivist

OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS ADMINISTRATOR

AND STATE ARCHIVES

Eunice G. DiBella, Public Records Administrator

Mark H. Jones, State Archivist

STATE LIBRARY BOARD

Ann M. Clark, Chair

Judge Joseph P. Flynn

Judge Francis X. Hennessy

Joy Hostage

Dr. Mollie Keller

Larry Kibner

E. Frederick Petersen

Dr. Betty Sternberg

Dr. Edmund B. Sullivan, Vice Chair

Edwin E. Williams

LIBRARY ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Kendall Wiggin, State Librarian

Richard Kingston, Director, Administrative Services

Lynne Newell, Director, Information Services

Sharon Brettschneider, Director, Division of Library Development

Office of the Public Records Administrator

and State Archives

Guide to the Records

of the

Judicial Department

State Archives Record Group No. 3

Second Edition

Connecticut State Library

Hartford, Connecticut

2001

- ii -

Preface

Since 1855, the Connecticut State Library has acquired government archival records documenting the

evolution of state government and the formation and implementation of its policies, the rights and claims of

citizens, and the history of its institutions, economy, ethnic and social groups, politics, families and

individuals. In 1909, the General Assembly recognized the State Library’s unique role by making it the

official repository, or State Archives, for historical public records. Today the Office of the Public Records

Administrator and State Archives carries out that important function.

Records of the Judicial Branch of State government form one of the premier collections of the State

Archives. For decades, acquisition of historical court records has been a priority. Since the Library received

the first transfer of files and books, court records have been in high demand. Today these records are in

even higher demand with growing interest in genealogy and Native American ancestry.

Due to this ongoing interest in court records, the State Archives has given court records a high

processing priority. This second edition of the Guide to the Records of the Judicial Department builds upon

work created by members of the State Archives (specifically former Assistant State Archivist, Lizette

Pelletier) and projects funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).

This updated guide owes much of its new information to detailed inventories created by student workers

Elizabeth Brettschneider, Edward Gutiérrez, Adam Palmer and Lawrence Urrichio,

This summary guide gives an overview of all records of the Judicial Department in the custody of the

State Archives, with the exception of records from the Probate Court (separate finding aids are available for

Probate Court records). Detailed container lists are so extensive they were not published as part of this

overview. These lists are available from the State Archives and will be posted on the State Library’s web

page at www.ctstatelibrary.org.

The State Archives welcomes comments about this guide from researchers and will carefully consider

suggestions for changes that will increase the ease of access. Send comments to: State Archives,

Connecticut State Library, 231 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT 06106. Comments may also be submitted via our

web page.

Mark H. Jones, State Archivist

Records of the Judicial Department, 1636-1991

State Archives Record Group No. 003

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Table of Contents

Preface ................................................................................................................................. ii

History of the Judicial Department ................................................................................... 1

Timeline: Key Dates in the History of Connecticut’s Courts .......................................... 3

Scope and Content Note ..................................................................................................... 5

Provenance .......................................................................................................................... 6

Restrictions .......................................................................................................................... 6

Research Tips ...................................................................................................................... 6

Related Materials ............................................................................................................... 7

List of Records

Part I: Early Records, 1636-1879; 1901 9

General Court (General Assembly), 1636-1820 ....................................... 9

Supreme Court of Errors, 1784-1901 ....................................................... 9-10

Particular Court, 1639-1665..................................................................... 10

Court of Assistants, 1665-1711 ................................................................ 10

Superior Court, 1711-1879 ...................................................................... 11-12

Part II: County Courts, 1666-1977 13

Fairfield County

Supreme Court of Errors, 1822-1964 ................................................... 13

Superior Court, 1711-1944 ................................................................... 13-14

County Court, 1701-1835 ..................................................................... 14-15

Maritime Court, 1777-1783 .................................................................. 15

Court of Common Pleas, 1879-1943 .................................................... 15-16

County Commissioners, 1889-1937 ..................................................... 16

Bar Association, 1806-1971 ................................................................. 17

Representatives and Senators, 1851-1960 ............................................ 17

Hartford County

Supreme Court of Errors, 1820-1977 ................................................... 17-18

Superior Court, 1711-1969 ................................................................... 18-22

County Court, 1666-1860 ..................................................................... 22-24

Maritime Court, 1776-1783 .................................................................. 24

Court of Common Pleas, 1859-1965 .................................................... 24-25

Unidentified Court, 1888-1908 ............................................................ 25

Various Courts, 1896-1961 .................................................................. 25

County Commissioners, 1890-1950 ..................................................... 25

County Detectives, 1920-1930 ............................................................. 25

Licenses, 1933-1937 ............................................................................. 25

Life Insurance Companies, n.d. ............................................................ 26

State Attorney, 1922-1924.................................................................... 26

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Litchfield County

Supreme Court of Errors, 1853-1880 ................................................... 26

Superior Court, 1752-1945 ................................................................... 26-27

County Court, 1751-1897 ..................................................................... 28-29

Maritime Court, 1782-1787 .................................................................. 29

District Court, 1872-1912..................................................................... 29

Circuit Court, 1962-1973 ..................................................................... 29

Court of Common Pleas, 1877-1949 .................................................... 29-30

Middlesex County

Supreme Court, 1819-1934 .................................................................. 30

Superior Court, 1786-1958 ................................................................... 30-31

County Court, 1785-1855 ..................................................................... 31-32

New Haven County

Superior Court, 1712-1944 ................................................................... 33-34

County Court, 1666-1862 ..................................................................... 34-36

Maritime Court, 1776-1783 .................................................................. 36

Court of Common Pleas, 1869-1945 .................................................... 36

New London County

Supreme Court of Errors, 1819-1932 ................................................... 36

Superior Court, 1711-1969 ................................................................... 37-38

County Court, 1661-1873 ..................................................................... 39-40

Maritime Court, 1781-1784 .................................................................. 40

Court of Common Pleas, 1870-1969 .................................................... 40-41

County Commissioners, 1768-1873 ..................................................... 41

Tolland County

Supreme Court of Errors, 1819-1942 ................................................... 41

Superior Court, 1787-1945 ................................................................... 42

County Court, 1786-1855 ..................................................................... 42-43

Windham County

Supreme Court of Errors, 1820-1886 ................................................... 43

Superior Court, 1726-1947 ................................................................... 43-45

County Court, 1726-1855 ..................................................................... 45

Court of Common Pleas, 1941-1945 .................................................... 45

Part III: District and Municipal Courts, 1716-1946 .................................................. 47-54

Part IV: Judges’ Notes, Dockets, and Drafts, 1845-1891 .......................................... 55

Part V: Justice of the Peace Courts, 1729-1936 ....................................................... 57-61

Part VI: Naturalization Records, 1700-1900 ............................................................. 63

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Part VII: State Bar Examining Committee, 1890-1984 ............................................... 65

Part VIII: Coroners, 1883-1980 ..................................................................................... 67

Fairfield County (Bridgeport), 1883-1979 ............................................... 68-69

Hartford County (Hartford), 1883-1979 .................................................. 69-70

Litchfield County (Torrington), 1883-1979 ............................................. 70

Middlesex County (Middletown), 1951-1979 .......................................... 70-71

New Haven County (New Haven), 1883-1980 ........................................ 71

New Haven County (Waterbury), 1917-1979 .......................................... 72

New London County (New London), 1883-1979 .................................... 73

Tolland County (Rockville), 1883-1979 .................................................. 73-74

Windham County (Putnam), 1883-1979 .................................................. 74

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ................................................................................ 75

Glossary of Selected Terms ................................................................................................ 77-80

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Records of the

Judicial Department 1636-1991

State Archives Record Group No. 003

History

First Connecticut Judicial Proceedings

The first Connecticut judicial proceeding were probably held on April 26, 1636 at “A Corte holden in

Newtown” (Hartford) under the commission granted to eight leaders by the General Court of Massachusetts

Bay.

In 1638, the General Court established the Particular Court (often called the “Quartet Court” because it

was required to meet every three months). While the General Court, later called the General Assembly,

controlled the administration of justice, the Particular Court was the principal body until the union of the New

Haven and Connecticut colonies and the granting of the Charter from King Charles II in 1662.

In 1665, with the new Charter, the Particular Court was abolished and two new levels of courts were

established: the Court of Assistants in 1665, and the county courts one year later. Separate probate courts were

established in 1698 to handle such matters as wills and estates.

The Court of Assistants was abolished in 1711. Its powers of original and appellate jurisdiction were

assumed by the newly created Superior Court, the forerunner of the sole trial court of general jurisdiction,

which exists in Connecticut today.

Creation of an Independent Judiciary

During the period between the Revolutionary War and the adoption of the Connecticut Constitution in

1818, significant developments in the direction of creating an independent judiciary took place.

In 1784, the Supreme Court of Errors was created as the highest appellate tribunal of the state, with the

power to review lower court cases based on a writ of error, a power previously held by the General Assembly.

In 1818, the first Connecticut Constitution was adopted, setting forth the doctrine of separation of

powers and establishing the three separate branches of government. This constitution created “…a Supreme

Court of Errors, a Superior Court, and such inferior courts as the general assembly shall from time to time

ordain and establish.”

County courts were abolished in 1855 and their functions were transferred to a strengthened Superior

Court. As the volume of cases continued to increase, however, the General Assembly found it necessary to

create a series of Courts of Common Pleas.

Justices of the Peace

Justices of the Peace have played a vital part in the judicial system, beginning in 1686. By the end of

the seventeenth century, justices were commonly authorized to take jurisdiction over small actions. As

towns were incorporated, the General Assembly authorized the creation of town and borough courts in order

to handle small cases. Justices of the peace presided over these courts.

History from the State of Connecticut, Judicial Branch website at www.jud.state.ct.us.

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Twentieth Century Developments

In 1939, the trail justice system was enacted, vesting a limited criminal jurisdiction formerly within the

power of all justices of the peace in specially designated trail justices.

In 1921, Connecticut’s first juvenile courts were established in several towns, and in 1942, a statewide

Juvenile Court came into existence.

In 1941, the General Assembly enacted legislation to establish a single Court of Common Please for the

entire state with judges subject to periodic reassignment on a statewide basis. Prior to this legislation, judges

sat only in the counties to which they had been appointed.

When the General Assembly abolished county governments in 1960, the municipal courts and trail

justice system were replaced by a statewide Circuit Court. The three-level system of state, county and

municipal courts was dissolved in favor of a completely state-maintained system.

On December 31, 1974, the Circuit Court was merged with the Court of Common Pleas. The Circus

Court judges were elevated to the Court of Common Pleas. This consolidation was followed four years later

by the merger of the Court of Common Pleas and the Juvenile Court with the Superior Court on July 1, 1978.

Common Pleas and Juvenile Court judges became judges of the Superior Court. The Superior Court thus

became the sole trial court of general jurisdiction in the state, and Connecticut acquired the first unified court

system in the county.

In 1982, the state Constitution was amended to establish the Appellate Court to help alleviate the

caseload burden of the Supreme Court.

Probate Court

In addition to the state-operated courts, Connecticut has probate courts, which have jurisdiction over the

estates of deceased persons, testamentary trusts, adoptions, conservators, commitment of the mentally ill,

guardians of the persons, and estates of minors.

Each probate court has one judge, who is elected to a four-year term by the electors of the probate

district. Probate judges need not be attorneys. They are paid for their services from court fees.

For Records relating to the Probate Courts, see State Archives Record Group Number 004.

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Timeline

Key Dates in the History of Connecticut’s Courts

1636: First judicial proceeding held in the state by the General Court.

1638: Particular Court established (also called the “Quarter Court”).

1639: Town courts established.

1642: Particular Court required to meet every three months (called “Quarter Court” during such sessions;

called

“Particular Court” when meeting at irregular times).

1662: General Court becomes known as the General Assembly.

1665-66: Particular Court abolished and replaced with Court of Assistants (1665) and the county courts

(1666).

1686: Justices of the Peace first appointed.

1698: Probate courts established to handle such matters as wills and estates. Justices of the Peace formally

recognized.

1704: General Assembly orders appointment of prosecuting attorneys for each county (previously,

prosecutors were appointed on a case-by-case basis).

1711: Court of Assistants abolished. The newly created Superior Court assumes its powers.

1784: Supreme Court of Errors created to review lower court cases on appeal. City courts established to hear

civil cases involving their residents or matters occurring within their boundaries.

1785: General Assembly required written opinions by the judges of the Superior Court in all cases decided in

Connecticut. This was the first publication of its kind in the United States.

1789: Ephraim Kirby, of Litchfield, publishes the first volume of reports of cases decided in Connecticut.

This was the first publication of its kind in the United States.

1814: First appointment of the Reporter of Judicial Decisions. The reports of cases decided in Connecticut

hereafter known as the Connecticut Reports.

1818: First Connecticut Constitution adopted setting forth the doctrine of separation of powers and

establishing the judiciary as one of three separate branches of government.

1819: A new act called for the Supreme Court of Errors to be held once a year in each county in the state.

1855: General Assembly abolishes county courts and jurisdiction split between municipal courts and superior

courts. Position of Commissioner of the Superior Court created: duties included authorization to sign writs

and subpoenas and to administer oaths. Today, all attorneys admitted to practice in Connecticut are

Commissioners of the Superior Court.

Provided by the External Affairs Division, Office of the Chief Court Administrator.

Loomis, Dwight Hon. and J. Gilbert Calhoun, The Judicial and Civil History of Connecticut. Boston:

Boston History Comp, 1895.

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1870: First Courts of Common Pleas established in Hartford and New Haven counties.

1883: Court of Common Pleas established in Litchfield County.

1889: Appointments of state referees authorized.

1921: First Juvenile Court created.

1929: Traffic Court of the District of Danbury created.

1939: Trial justice system enacted which vested the limited criminal jurisdiction formerly within the power of

all justices of the peace in specially designated trial justices.

1941: Single Court of Common Pleas established for the entire state with judges subject to periodic

reassignment on a statewide basis. Prior to this legislation, judges sat only in the counties to which they had

been appointed.

1942: Juvenile Court becomes first state-maintained juvenile court in the nation.

1950: Circuit Court replaces municipal courts and trial justice system.

1955: Office of the Chief Court Administrator created.

1977: Circuit Court merged with Court of Common Pleas.

1978: Court of Common Pleas and Juvenile Court merged with the Superior Court.

1982: Appellate Court established.

1983: Appellate Court begins operations.

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Scope and Content

This record group consists of all types of legal documents relevant to court action, including but not

limited to dockets, formal decisions, rules, appointments, judges’ notes and opinions, indexes, case files,

record books, executions, reports, and administrative papers, as well as materials from related entities such as

the State Bar Examining Committee, Coroners, and Medical Examiners. The records date from 1636 to the

late 20th century with the bulk from the 17th through the 19th century. Most extant state court records prior

to 1870 are in the State Archives along with a substantial volume of municipal and justice court records. The

collection also includes probate records (wills, inventories, bonds, administration reports, etc.) until 1698,

when the General Assembly established the separate probate court system see Records of the Probate Court

(RG 004).

This guide utilizes the same record descriptions used by the records creators as closely as possible:

records (or sometimes trials or minutes) are official records of court proceedings, entered chronologically in

bound volumes; files or judgments are papers received or created by the court session and arranged

numerically; dockets are lists of cases scheduled or heard. Materials grouped under Papers by Subject were

removed from the files, sorted and classified in the Library in the 1910s and 1920s; they are filed by subject,

with indicative titles, and thereunder either chronologically or alphabetically

. A glossary of commonly used

terms and list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about court records are at the end of this guide. This

record group contains 4881.5 cubic feet of materials.

The record group is organized into eight headings:

I Early Records, 1636-1901

II County Courts, 1666-1969

III District and Municipal Courts, 1716-1962

IV Judges’ Notes, Dockets and Drafts, 1845-1891

V Justice of the Peace Courts, 1729-1936

VI Naturalization Records, 1700-1900

VII State Bar Examining Committee, 1918-1984

VIII Coroners, 1883-1979

Early Records (1636-1901) contains materials from the General Court (General Assembly), the

Supreme Court of Errors, the Particular Court, the Court of Assistants, and the Superior Court. Please see the

administrative history and timeline in this guide for information regarding these early courts.

County Courts (1666-1969) by far the largest collection of court records at the State Archives, contains

records generated by the various courts within each county including Supreme Court of Errors, Superior

Court, County Court

, Maritime Court, and Court of Common Pleas.

District and Municipal Courts (1716-1962) includes records created by the now defunct district and

municipal courts that were presided over by the Justices of the Peace. When the county government system

was abolished in 1960, these courts were replaced by the statewide circuit court.

Judges’ Notes, Dockets and Drafts (1845-1891) contains various records from different courts that

were not included in the “official” records of those courts. It is unclear if the materials were transferred to the

State Library at another time (and were therefore considered a separate collection) or if they were included

with the other records of the various courts but were not incorporated into those files by the court clerk. Some

also came with private manuscript collections.

Not all materials were removed to Papers by Subject. Researchers should check original files for any

additional cases of interest.

County Courts were created in 1666 and abolished in 1855 with their functions transferred to the Superior

Court.

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Justice of the Peace Courts (1729-1936) includes writs and dockets which contain only minimal

information including name and residence of the accused, the complaint, the trail date, name of the justice and

a note on serving of the writ. See also the district and municipal court records for materials relating to Justice

of the Peace.

Naturalization Records (1700-1900) document naturalization proceedings that occurred in various

Superior Courts, Courts of Common Pleas, county District Courts, and Municipal courts. Included are

declaration of intention, petitions for naturalization, indexes, and related materials.

State Bar Examining Committee (1918-1984) consists of correspondence, minutes and applications.

For information on admissions to the bar prior to 1918, see County and Superior Court records for appropriate

jurisdiction.

Coroners (1883-1979) records consist of several series including Records, Case Files, Hearings,

Medical Examiner Reports, Coroner’s Reports, and Administrative files. A detailed scope and content note is

available at the beginning of list of Coroner’s Records (section VIII).

Provenance

Since the establishment of the Connecticut State Library in 1854, the Judicial Branch has transferred its

records to the State Library. One of the first guides to the State Library’s manuscript collection (1916) lists a

substantial collection of early court records. The first half of the twentieth century saw the continued growth

of the State Library’s collection of judicial records with materials deposited with the Library from various

courts throughout the state. In the early 1980s, the Judicial Department established its own record center in

Enfield, CT. As a result, the number of accessions transferred to the State Library has significantly decreased.

For access to modern judicial records, contact the individual court for information.

Restrictions

Due to the age, fragile condition, and the intrinsic value of many of the judicial records, portions of this

collection have been restricted for the following reasons.

Use Copies: Researchers must use any microfilm, Photostat, or photocopy when available. Requests to

access the original record must be approved by the State Archivist.

Fragile Materials: Some records are temporarily closed due to their extremely fragile condition. At this

time no use copy is available. The State Archives is investigating ways to make these records available to

researchers in the near future.

Native American Materials: Due to the historic value, and the fragile condition of many of these

records, the State Archives has been systematically photocopying all court documents relating to Native

Americans. The original documents are then restricted.

Privacy Restrictions: Some materials in the State Bar Examining Committee and the Coroner’s Office

contain information that is protected by statute. Access to these records can only be obtained by written

permission from either the State Bar Examining Committee or the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Processing: At times, portions of collections may be temporarily closed for processing projects. Once

the project is completed this guide will be updated and the materials will be made available to researchers.

Any collection that is restricted for any of the above listed reasons will be noted in (Restricted).

Researchers with any questions regarding these restrictions should contact a member of the State Archives

staff.

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Off-site Storage

Due to limited storage space at the 231 Capitol Ave location, the State Archives stores large portions of

Judicial Department records at various off-site facilities. As a result, these materials are not available on a

same day basis. Any materials stored off-site will be noted in (Off-site).

Research Tips

Researchers should consult all types of court records when tracing a case. If the specific court hearing

the case is unknown, researchers should check both County and Superior Court records. If the researcher

knows the case’s approximate date, he/she should scan the docket for that time period to establish the exact

hearing date. Because bound record volumes are arranged chronologically (and occasionally indexed by

name), researchers can check them for a brief case summary. Often the execution is available.

Arranged in

chronological order, an execution provides information on how the court carried out the decision, usually in

the form of a sheriff or constable’s report. If either party appealed the case from the County Court to the

Superior Court, researchers should check the bound appeals volumes. The records usually list the original

writ’s date, the plaintiff’s claims and the appealing party’s bond pledge. These are not, however, available

for all counties.

Individuals looking for a specific case during the 18th century who are uncertain of the original court

should check the Superior Court Records, 1711-1798. These are a good starting point to find such cases

because the books cover all courts. The records are listed chronologically by session and by location of the

court.

In addition to the bound volumes, the collection has a large number of file papers. These consist

primarily of writs of Mittimus or executions used by the sheriff or constable. Researchers may find them

difficult to use because they are tightly folded and packed into metal file drawers or cardboard boxes and

only roughly arranged chronologically or alphabetically. Some boxes have no arrangement at all. Since the

files often contain several papers related to a given case, researchers will find them worth investigating if

the bound records do not provide sufficient information.

The clerks of the court have retained the permanent dockets. Therefore, researchers must obtain

dockets numbers from the particular Superior Court for a case prior to requesting the file. This applies to

most criminal and judgment (divorce) files.

Related Materials

It is important to note that while the records of the judicial department contain a wide variety of

information it may be necessary to check other collections within the State Archives to ensure a complete

search. For example, if a researcher is interested in records relating to wills and estates, please check the

Probate Court Records (RG 004). If a researcher is investigating a case with political ramifications, check

the records of the Governor (RG 005) to see if any correspondence was exchanged regarding this litigation.

In addition to archival collections, researchers should make a point to visit the Law and Legislative

Reference Unit (LLR) of the State Library. The collections in that Unit include the official court reports

(decisions) of state and federal courts as well as their digests (indexes). The records and briefs for the U.S.

Supreme Court and Connecticut Supreme and Appellate Court cases may also give valuable background

information for cases appealed to higher courts. The Unit has biographical files and resources, which

include attorneys and judges of note.

Also please note that the New Haven County Superior Court transferred some of its historical records

to the New Haven Colony Historical Society when it moved from its former location on the Green to

Church Street. A list of the records located at the Society is available from the Archives Staff.

A record of when and how a writ was completed, not to be confused with capital punishment.

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Container Lists

In the List of Records, there are references to separate container lists (e.g. See container list Superior

No. 2). These lists are box level inventories of materials in this collection. The lists are too numerous to be

included in this published volume. For copies of these container lists please contact the State Archives.

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List of Records

Part I. Early Records, 1636-1901

A. General Court (General Assembly) 1636-1820

1. Records, 1636-1776 Main Vault

See: Early General Records, RG 1, volumes 1 - 11. Also published in

The Public Records of the Colony of Connecticut, J. Hammond

Trumbull and Charles J. Hoadly, eds. Hartford, 1850-1890, 15

volumes.

Hist Ref Conn Doc G25

2. Files, 1636-1820 Main Vault

See: Early General Records, RG 1, also known as the Connecticut

Archives. Available on microfilm. Judicial records are found

throughout several series but the most significant are:

Crimes and Misdemeanors, 1st series, 1663-1789. 6 volumes.

Crimes and Misdemeanors, 2d series, 1671-1820. 5 unbound volumes.

Private Controversies, 1st series, 1639-1717. 6 volumes.

Private Controversies, 2d series, 1636-1811. 31 unbound volumes.

Note: Separate index volumes and slips are also available. (microfilm)

B. Supreme Court of Errors, 1784-1901

1. Reasons of Court, 1786-1807 Main Vault

1786-1797. 0.10 cubic feet. Accession: 1919-003 Box 1

1803-1807. 1 volume. Accession: 1919-001 Vol 97

2. Records, 1810-1817 Main Vault

1 volume. 0.05 cubic feet. Accession: 1919-002 Vol 98

3. Files, 1784-1819 Main Vault

Chronological. 5 cubic feet. See container list Early Records No. 1.

4. Dockets, 1785-1819, 1825 Main Vault

0.10 cubic feet. Accession: 1919-003 Box 1

5. Miscellaneous Papers, 1799-1901 Main Vault

Includes Appointments of Court Reporter, 1820-1854; Decisions (Judges' Box 1

Notes), 1822-1873; Rules, 1819-1874; List of Weights and Measures, n.d.; Lists

of Cases, 1830-1858; Letters, Notes, Bills, Receipts, etc., 1799-1901.

0.05 cubic feet. Accession: 1919-003

6. Judges' Notes and Opinions, 1872-1875 Main Vault

Two notebooks containing notes and drafts of opinions in Supreme Court cases, Box 1

by Judges James Phelps and Lafayette S. Foster. 1.5 inches. Accession: 1919-003.

7. Court Reporters' Notes, 1858-1893 Main Vault

Notes of Court Reporter John Hooker, 37 volumes, 2 cubic feet. Accession: 1985-001

1858-1861 Box 1

1861-1866 Box 2

1866-1871 Box 3

After 1819, Supreme Court justices met in the Superior Courts, which maintained the records of these

deliberations.

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1871-1875 Box 4

1875-1881 Box 5

1881-1888 Box 6

1888-1893 Box 7

C. Particular Court, 1639-1665

Records, 1639-1665

Main Vault

See: Early General Records, RG 1: Records of the Colony of

Connecticut, Vol. 1, 1639-1649 (indexed by subject); Vol. 55,

1650-1663 and Vol. 56, 1663-1665. (indexed by name).

Published versions of Vols. 55 and 56 are available on microfilm.

A separate manuscript index to Vol. 55 is available, Main Vault

974.6 qC71p Index. Records prior to April 1663 were published

in Records of the Particular Court of Connecticut, 1639-1663.

Connecticut Historical Society Collections. Vol. 22 (Hartford,

1928). Hist Ref F 91 C7

D. Court of Assistants, 1665-1711

1. Records, 1665-1711 Main Vault

See: Early General Records, RG 1: Vol. 53, 1669-1686, 1696-1701;

Vol. 56, 1665-1677; Vol. 58, 1687-1696, 1702-1711. (All

indexed by name.)

Vols. 53 (LH4419/20) and 56 (Orange tape

974.6 C762crp Mfilm) are on microfilm.

2. Files, 1665-1711

1665-1711 Main Vault

See: General Court (General Assembly) Files above.

1699-1706 Main Vault

See: Early General Records, RG 1, the Connecticut Archives: Court

Papers, 1649-1709 (mostly 1699-1706). 1 volume.

(Indexed) (microfilm)

1705-1711 Alphabetical by plaintiff, followed by miscellaneous

material Main Vault

(inquests, boundaries of Rye, etc.) 1.25 cubic feet. Box 37

Accession: 1919-006

E. Superior Court, 1711-1879

1. Records, 1711-1798 Main Vault

1711-1717, 1748-1749

See: Early General Records, RG 1, Vol. 58, 1711-1715; Vol. 57,

1711-1715, 1748-49. (Indexed by name)

1714-1798. 31 volumes. 4 cubic feet.

See container list Early Records No. 2.

1774-1796. Chancery cases. 1 volume. Accession: 1919-007 Vol 95

2. Executions, 1784-1798 Main Vault

1747-1734. See above Records of Supreme Court, container list Early Records No. 2.

For case files, see under the individual counties. Records for the Particular Court of the Andros period,

1687-1688, are part of the County Court records for Hartford County.

Norbert B. Lacy transcribed records for the period 1665-1711 in 1937. A copy of this transcript (2

volumes) is in Box 648 – Main Vault.

For other papers of the Superior Court, see under individual county names. The volumes cover all of the

courts chronologically by session.

Records of the Judicial Department, 1636-1991

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1784-1798. 1 volume. Accession: 1919-009 Vol 96

3. Reasons of Court, 1786-1797 Main Vault

0.25 cubic feet. Accession: 1919-010 Box 47

4. Docket Books, 1798-1867

Main Vault

Includes: 1 volume, 1805-1815. Jacob Loomis(?). Superior Court and County Box 47

Court in Windham, New London, Tolland and Hartford Counties; 1 volume, 1810-

1812. William Dixon. Superior Court and County Court in Hartford and Tolland

Counties; 1 volume, 1798-1809. Superior Court, New London County and Circuit

Court, New Haven and Hartford; 1 volume, 1816-1834. Superior Court and County

Court, Tolland County; 5 volumes. 1846-1856, 1858-1861. Superior Court and

County Court, Hartford County; 1 volume, 1865-1867. Superior Court, Hartford

County. 10 volumes. 5 cubic feet. Accession: 1919-010

5. Reports, 1800-1801 Main Vault

Fairly complete (compared to the published reports for other years) reports of Box 47

cases heard from the Middletown term, July 1800 through the Fairfield term,

January 1801. 1 volume. (plus unbound Photostat copy). 0.05 cubic feet.

Accession: 1919-010

6. Administrative Papers, 1760-1879 Main Vault

Miscellaneous correspondence, notes, bills, and receipts, probably from the Box 47

several court clerks (George Pitkin, 1798; Winthrop Saltonstall, 1798-1808; and

others.) Included are a few depositions and other papers filed with the Court. 0.5

cubic feet. Accession: 1919-010

Acquired from various sources, these books were probably personal rather than official records.

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[This page is blank.]

Records of the Judicial Department, 1636-1991

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Part II. County Courts, 1666-1969

A. Fairfield County

1. Supreme Court of Errors, 1822-1964

a. Case notes, 1822-1824 Main Vault

See: Early Records. Supreme Court of Errors. Miscellaneous Papers.

b. Dockets, 1841-1964 Off-site

Bridgeport. See container list Fairfield Supreme No. 1.

c. Records, 1894-1943 Off-site

Bridgeport. 5 cubic feet. Accession: 1997-082

1894-1912 Vol 1

1912 Vol 2

1923 Vol 3

1933 Vol 4

1943 Vol 5

2. Superior Court, 1711-1944

a. Records, 1756-1939

1756-1769 Main Vault

Fragmentary coverage for Feb. 1756, Aug. 1757, Aug. 1759, and Feb. Box 51

1769.These seem to be first drafts of the official records located in RG 1

bound volumes with the exception of February, 1769. 0.5 cubic feet.

Accession: 1919-021

1798-1939

See container list Fairfield Superior Court No. 1. Main Vault

b. Files, 1712-1939

1712-1869. Chronological then some alphabetical. 37 cubic feet. Main Vault

See container list Fairfield Superior Court No. 2.

1869-1939. Arranged by year or term. 369 cubic feet. Off-site

See container list Fairfield Superior Court No. 3.

c. Papers by Subject, 1711-1799 Main Vault

Arranged alphabetically by subject. Includes Appointments; Chancery Cases;

Common Fields; Conservators and Guardians; Costs; Court Expenses; Confiscated

Estates and Loyalists; Divorces; Executions; Inquests; Jurors; Miscellaneous; Militia;

Travel; and Partition Land. 8 cubic feet.

See container list Fairfield Superior Court No. 4.

d. Dockets, 1712-1908 Main Vault

1712-1798. .75 cubic feet. Accession: 1919-021 Box 51

1858-1908. See container list Fairfield Superior Court No. 5. Main Vault

e. Criminal Files, 1928-1944

Bridgeport

1926-1932. Prohibition and Union Activity Cases, 1 cubic foot. Main Vault

See container list Fairfield Superior Court No. 6.

1928-1944. Arranged by date and docket number, 14 cubic feet. Main Vault

See container list Fairfield Superior Court No. 7.

The State Archives has only those criminal files transferred by the Judicial Department. Some criminal

files may remain with the courts or at the Judicial Department’s Superior Court Records Center in Enfield.

Due to past record keeping practices, some gaps may exist within this record series.

Records of the Judicial Department, 1636-1991

State Archives Record Group No. 003

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RG003_Judicial_Dept.doc

Fairfield County

f. Defaults, 1841-1882 Main Vault

1.5 cubic feet. Accession: 1997-066

1841-1858 Vol 1

1859-1869 Vol 2

1870-1882 Vol 3

g. Divorces, 1853-1940

Records, 1853-1940. Arranged chronologically. Includes alphabetical Main Vault

name index. See container list Fairfield Superior Court No. 8.

See also: Superior Court Files, 1869-1939 Off-site

h. Executions, 1712-1820 Main Vault

1712-1798 See Papers by Subject – Executions. Box 612

1790-1807 Vol 1 & 2

1808-1811 Vol 3

1811-1819 Vol 4

1819-1820 Vol 5

1.5 cubic feet. Accession: 1997-073

i. Foreclosures, 1884-1960 Main Vault

Records, 1884-1908. 2.5 cubic feet. Accession: 1997-068

1884-1892 Vol 1

1896-1903 Vol 2

1903-1909 Vol 3

Files, 1895-1960. See container list Fairfield Superior Court No. 9. Off-site

j. Judgments, 1865-1948 Main Vault

3 cubic feet. Accession: 1997-071

1865-1899 Vol 1

1901-1933 Box 1

1933-1948 Box 2

k. Indexes, 1854-1939 Main Vault

Plaintiff/Defendant, 1 volume. Accession: 1997-067

l. Court Appointments, 1861-1932 Main Vault

Appointments of Deputy Sheriffs, 1861-1901, 1915-1923, 3 volumes.

Appointments of Justices of the Peace, 1911-1932, 1 volume.

2 cubic feet. Accession: 1997-074

m. Notary Publics and Commissioners, 1907-1922 Main Vault

1 volume. Accession: 1997-084

n. State Highway Commission, 1929-1939 Off-site

Civil Cases. 1 cubic foot. Accession: 1997-044 Box 11-28A

3. County Court, 1701-1881

a. Records, 1702-1851

Main Vault

See container list Fairfield County No. 1.

Records for the period 1666-1702 appear lost, except for those included in the records of the Court of

Assistants listed in Part I.

Records of the Judicial Department, 1636-1991

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Fairfield County

b. Files, 1701-1881 Main Vault

Parts of this series are disarranged and most of it is in poor physical condition.

Papers for 1701, and 1713-1748 have been processed (unfolded, arranged and identified.)

Boxes 125-147 contain items (in rough chronological order) to be inter-filed, 1749-1881.

Box 162 contains fragments and unidentified papers. 66 cubic feet.

See container list Fairfield County No. 2.

c. Papers by Subject, 1740-1835 Main Vault

Other court records relating to these topics may remain in the main file Box 163

listed above. Papers by Subject is not conclusive. Includes Appointment

of Officers; Bills and Receipts; Common Lands; Confiscated Estates and

Loyalists; Conservators and Guardians; Costs; Court Expenses; Divorce;

Indians; Jails; Jurors; Licenses; Meeting House; Militia; Partition Land;

Shipping; Travel. 1 cubic foot. Accession: 1919-033.

Original Native American materials restricted. Photocopies available for research.

d. Defaults, 1851-1855 Main Vault

1 volume. Accession: 1997-079

e. Dockets, 1848-1855 Main Vault

2 volumes. Accession: 1997-078

f. Executions, 1730-1807 Main Vault

1730-1785 See County Court Records, container list Fairfield County No. 1.

1785-1807 2 volumes. Accession: 1997-077

4. Maritime Court, 1777-1783

a. Records, April 1779-October 1782 Main Vault

One record book and one register book, 0.25 cubic feet. Accession: 1980-036 Box 649

Original restricted, photocopy available.

b. Files, 1777-1783 Main Vault

Approximately chronological. 2 cubic feet Accession: 1980-036

Volumes 1-35 Box 649

Volumes 36-end Box 650

Original restricted, photocopy available.

c. Index, 1777-1783 Main Vault

Alphabetical by name for vessel and subject.

0.25 cubic feet Box 649

Accession: 1980-036

5. Court of Common Pleas, 1879-1958

a. Criminal Files, 1889-1918

Off-site

Bridgeport. Arranged chronologically. 13 cubic feet.

See container list Fairfield Common Pleas No. 1.

Prepared in 1980 by Patricia Q. Wall.

Some criminal files remain with the courts or at the Judicial Department’s Superior Court Records Center

in Enfield. Due to past record keeping practices, some gaps may exist within this record series.

Records of the Judicial Department, 1636-1991

State Archives Record Group No. 003

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RG003_Judicial_Dept.doc

Fairfield County

b. Civil Dockets, 1917-1958 Off-site

Bridgeport. Arranged chronologically with some overlap. 4 cubic feet.

Accession: 1985-007

September 1917-September 1947 Box 30-7B

September 1947-September 1953 Box 30-8A

October 1870- 1920 Box 30-8B

January 1921-September 1932 Box 30-9A

c. Discontinued Cases, 1899-1943 Off-site

Bridgeport. 2 cubic feet. Accession: 1985-007

1899-1943 Box 30-9A

1918-1921 Box 30-9B

d. Daily Blotters (Entries), 1904-1977 Main Vault

2 cubic feet. Accession: 1997-070

1904-1956 Box 1

1957-1977 Box 2

e. Default, 1870-1909 Main Vault

2 cubic feet. Accession: 1997-083

1870-1876 Vol 1

1876 Vol 4

1880 Vol 8

1888 Vol 11

f. Disposition of Liquor, 1929-1931 Main Vault

1 volume. Accession: 1997-080

g. Appeals, 1907-1975 Main Vault

Logs, 1941-1960 and Appeals to the Supreme Court, 1907-1975.

1 volume. Accession: 1997-085

h. Foreclosures, 1880-1903 Main Vault

1 cubic foot. Accession: 1997-081

1880 Vol 7

1885 Vol 10

1891 Vol 12

1900 Vol 14

1903 Vol 15

6. County Commissioners, 1889-1937

Minutes and records, 1 cubic foot. Accession: 1997-072 Main Vault

With the abolition of county government on October 1, 1960, records created by the county were

distributed to various local and state agencies. In some cases, County Commissioner records were

transferred to the courts. Additional County Commissioner records may be found in County Government

(RG 061).

Records of the Judicial Department, 1636-1991

State Archives Record Group No. 003

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Fairfield and Hartford Counties

7. Bar Association, 1806-1971 Main Vault

Scrapbook 1928-1971, includes annotated printed list of members, 1 volume. Box 1

Bar Record 1806-1808, includes regulations and adopted fees, 1 volume.

Bar Record 1867-1887, loose pages documenting regulations, 1 folder

Record of Meetings, 1891-1912, meeting minutes, 1 volume.

Record of Meetings, 1917-1934, meeting minutes, 1 volume.

Record of Meetings, 1933-1957, meeting minutes, 1 volume.

Accession: 1997-047

8. Representatives and Senators, 1851-1960

Meeting minutes of Representatives and Senators to the General Assembly. Main Vault

1851-1917 Vol 1

1918-1949 Vol 2

1950-1960 Vol 3

Accession: 1997-075

B. Hartford County

1. Supreme Court of Errors, 1820-1977

a. Files, 1820-1977

1820-1894. Alphabetical by plaintiff. 3.75 cubic feet. Accession: 1932-003 Main Vault

A-Bri Box 14

Bro-Con Box 15

Coo-F Box 16

G-Hi Box 17

Ho-L Box 18

M-Phe Box 19

Phe-Se Box 20

Se-T Box 21

U-Z Box 22

1890-1977. Chronological by case number.

104 cubic feet. Off-site

See container list Hartford Supreme No. 1.

b. Dockets, 1820-1932

1820-1894 Main Vault

Printed and annotated dockets, Accession: 1932-003 Box 23

1879-1931

Printed dockets, 6 cubic feet. Accession: 1987-078 Off-site

1879-1893 Box 14-71A

1894-1907 Box 14-70A

1907-1916 Box 11-71B

1916-1931 Box 14-71A

1930-1932 Box 15-61A

c. Correspondence, 1848-1890 Main Vault

Judges. 0.05 cubic feet. Accession: 1932-003 Box 23

d. Records, 1820-1935

2 cubic feet. Accession: 1987-081 Off-site

1894-1925 Box 14-70A

1925-1935 Box 14-71A

There are no cases for the years 1943-1964.

Records of the Judicial Department, 1636-1991

State Archives Record Group No. 003

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RG003_Judicial_Dept.doc

Hartford County

e. Transcripts, 1969-1973 Off-site

Case number 6363, State vs. Vernard, 2 cubic feet. Accession: 1987-083 15-25B &

15-26A

f. Decisions, 1894-1946

3 cubic feet. Accession: 1987-077 Off-site

1894-1925 Vol 1

1926-1935 Vol 2

1935-1940 Vol 3

1940-1946 Vol 4

g. Briefs, 1929-1968

Printed briefs, years overlap, 11 cubic feet. Accession: 1987-076 Off-site

1929-1940 Box 1

1962-1966 Box 2

1785-1855 Box 3

1785-1856 Box 4

1785-1857 Box 5

1785-1858 Box 6

1785-1859 Box 7

1785-1860 Box 8

1785-1861 Box 9

1785-1862 Box 10 & 11

h. Statistical reports, c. 1965-1959 Off-site

1 cubic foot. Accession: 1987-082 Box 1

i. Hartford Housing Authority, 1950-1955 Off-site

Building files, 1 cubic foot. Accession: 1987-080 Box 1

2. Superior Court, 1711-1969

a. Records, 1798-1952 Main Vault

1798-1827. 5 volumes. 2 cubic feet. Accession: 1932-002

1798-1804 Vol 1

1804-1810 Vol 2

1810-1816 Vol 3

1817-1821 Vol 4

1821-1827 Vol 5

1830-1952. 44 cubic feet. Off-site

Also includes Criminal Records, 1875-1942. 8 cubic feet.

See container list Hartford Superior No. 1.

b. Files, 1711-1899

Chronological until 1874, then by case number. 298 cubic feet. Main Vault

See container list Hartford Superior No. 2. & Probate

See also Case Notes, 1932-1933.

c. Discontinuances, 1836-1922 Main Vault

Chronological then alphabetical. 24 feet.

See container list Litchfield Superior No. 3.

d. Executions, 1772-1891 Main Vault

1793-1797. Register kept by John Cotton Smith. Accession: 1927-005

1772-1798. Chronological than alphabetical. Box 291

1853-1891. Chronological then alphabetical. 1 cubic foot. Accession: 1927-006

1853-1859. A-Z Box 291

1860-1869. A-Z, 1870-1891 A-G Box 292

1870-1891. H-Z Box 293

e. Depositions, 1830-1915 Main Vault

Chronological. 2 cubic feet. Accession: 1927-007

1830-1865 Box 294

1866-1877 Box 295

1878-1889 Box 296

1890-1897 Box 297

1897-1899 Box 298

1900-1915 Box 299

The State Archives has only those criminal files transferred by the Judicial Department. Some criminal

files may remain with the courts or at the Judicial Department’s Superior Court Records Center in Enfield.

Due to past record keeping practices, some gaps may exist within this record series.

Records of the Judicial Department, 1636-1991

State Archives Record Group No. 003

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RG003_Judicial_Dept.doc

Litchfield County

f. Papers by Subject, 1751-1920 Main Vault

Includes but not limited to Admissions to the Bar; Confiscated Estates and

Loyalists, 1753-1876; Conservators and Guardians, 1753-1876; Costs, 1752-1902;

Court Expense, 1752-1910; Divorces, 1752-1922 (microfilm); Indians, 1753-

1856; Inquests, 1751; Insolvents, 1810-1841, 1863; Jurors, 1752-1907; Justices of

the Peace, 1851-1895; Medical Examiners and Coroners' Reports, 1841-1843,

1883-1905, 1910-11, 1915; Meeting House, 1752-1919; Militia, 1753-1856;

Miscellaneous, 1752-1919, 1811-1892; Miscellaneous Papers: Seth P. Beers, Silas

E. and D.E. Judd, 1898; Miscellaneous Receipted Bills, 1808-1816; Partition

Land, 1752-1915; Receipted Bills: W.J. Bissell, Receiver for C.M. Cheney, and

Beeman and Hollister; Travel, 1760-1876. 56 feet.

Original Native American materials restricted. Photocopies available for research.

See separate container list Litchfield Superior No. 4.

g. Dockets, 1752-1909 Main Vault

1752-1798. 3 inches, Accession: 1927-009 Box 104

1798-1909. Criminal and Civil Dockets, 26 volumes Main Vault

See container list Litchfield Superior No. 5.

h. Short Calendar, 1898-1906 Main Vault

0.25 cubic feet. Accession: 1928-002

1898 March- 1902 February Vol 1

1902 March- 1906 February Vol 2

i. Clerk's Receipts, 1900-1905 Main Vault

Chronological. 1 volume. Accession: 1928-012

j. Cost Books, 1833-1903 Main Vault

Includes both the Superior and County Courts. 11 volumes

See container list Litchfield Superior No. 6.

k. Juries Impaneled, 1884-1899 Main Vault

1 cubic foot, Accession: 1928-004

1884 April-1887 April Vol 1

1887 June-1890 May Vol 2

1890 June-1893 November Vol 3

1894 April-1895 June Vol 4

1895 October-1899 April Vol 5

l. Case Notes, 1932-1933 Main Vault

Case notes relating to criminal trails under Judge Ernest A. Inglis. 1 volume Accession: 1928-011

m. Liquor Licenses, 1897-1903 Main Vault

Liquor Licenses, 1897-1903. 1 volume

Appeal by Julius Scoville regarding liquor license, July 1903. 1 volume

Accession: 1928-010

n. Index to Records, 1855-1887 Main Vault

August 1855-June 1887. 1 volume. Accession: 1928-005

Records of the Judicial Department, 1636-1991

State Archives Record Group No. 003

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RG003_Judicial_Dept.doc

Litchfield County

3. County Court, 1751-1897

a. Index to Records, 1751-1855 Main Vault

Chronological order, 11 volumes.

See container list Litchfield County No. 1.

b. Records, 1751-1855 Main Vault

1751-1855. Chronological. 22 volumes.

See container list Litchfield County No. 2.

c. Files, 1751-1855 Main Vault

Chronological then alphabetical. 180 cubic feet.

See separate container list Litchfield County No. 3.

d. Discontinuances, 1831-1855 Main Vault

Alphabetical order. 1 cubic foot. Accession: 1928-017.

e. Executions, 1768-1855

1768-1820. Chronological. 5 volumes Main Vault

1795-1855. Chronological then alphabetical. 8 cubic feet.

See container list Litchfield County No. 4.

f. Jurors, 1751-1855 Main Vault

Alphabetical by town. 4 cubic feet. Accession: 1927-014

1754-1854. Barkhamsted-Litchfield Box 167

1756-1854. Litchfield-Roxbury Box 168

1754-1854. Salisbury-Woodbury Box 169

1753-1801. Meetinghouse Box 169

g. Papers by Subject, 1751-1855 Main Vault

Includes Admissions to the Bar, 1796-1855; Appointment of Officers;

Confiscated Estates and Loyalists, n.d.; Conservators and Guardians, 1751-1855;

Costs, 1765-1854; Court Expense, 1821-1854; Indians, 1835-1837; Inquests,

1810; Insolvents, 1764; Licenses, 1751-1839; Meeting House, 1753-1855;

Militia, 1758-1777; Miscellaneous; Travel, 1800-1855. 21 cubic feet.

Original Native American materials restricted. Photocopies available for

research.

See container list Litchfield County No. 5.

h. Papers by Subject, Travel, 1769-1829 Main Vault

Materials separated from Papers by Subject.

1.5 cubic feet Accession: 1927-013

1757-1801; Index 1796-1860 Box 1

1802-1809 Box 2

1809-1908 Box 3

i. Dockets, 1759-1855 Main Vault

1709-1855. Chronological. 19 volumes.

See container list Litchfield County No. 6.

1759-1790. These dockets were used to wrap the County Court Files Box 186

transferred to the State Library in 1927. 1 cubic foot. Accession: 1927-018.

Records of the Judicial Department, 1636-1991

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Litchfield County

j. Appeals, 1798-1854 Main Vault

Chronological. 5 volumes. Accession: 1928-022.

1798 September-1808 December Vol 1

1809 March-1816 December Vol 2

1817 March-1829 September Vol 3

1829 December-1838 October Vol 4

1838 December-1854 October Vol 5

k. Defaults, 1798-1855 Main Vault

Chronological. 16 volumes.

See container list Litchfield County No. 7.

l. Notaries Public, 1871-1897 Main Vault

Chronological. 3 volumes. Accession: 1928-024

1871 November-1880 January Vol 1

1880 January-1889 January Vol 2

1889 January-1897 January Vol 3

m. Cost Books, 1833-1855 Main Vault

County court cost books included with Superior Court Cost Books.

See separate container list Litchfield Superior No. 6.

n. Liquor Licenses, 1879-1903 Main Vault

1 volume. Accession: 1928-023

4. Maritime Court, 1782-1787 Main Vault

Papers. 0.25 cubic feet. Accession: 1927-016 Box 1

5. District Court, 1872-1912

Main Vault

Files, 1872-1912. Chronological. 10 cubic feet.

See container list Litchfield District No. 1.

6. Circuit Court, 1962-1973 Off-site

Files from Circuit Court No. 18 held at Torrington. 3 cubic feet. Accession: 1996-020

1971-1973 Box 1

1962-1968 Box 2

1968-1972 Box 3

6. Court of Common Pleas, 1877-1949

a. Files, 1877-1926 Main Vault

Arranged by case number (#40 – 4399). 64 cubic feet

See container list Litchfield Common Pleas No. 1.

b. Criminal Cases, 1927-1946

Main Vault

Numerical by case number (#1-754). 11 cubic feet.

See container list Litchfield Common Pleas No. 2.

Established in 1872; succeeded in 1883 by the Court of Common Pleas.

The State Archives has only those criminal files transferred by the Judicial Department. Some criminal

files may remain with the courts or at the Judicial Department’s Superior Court Records Center in Enfield.

Due to past record keeping practices, some gaps may exist within this record series.

Records of the Judicial Department, 1636-1991

State Archives Record Group No. 003

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RG003_Judicial_Dept.doc

Litchfield & Middlesex Counties

c. Civil Cases, 1906-1949 Main Vault

Numerical by case number (#1972; #4902-8264). 9.5 cubic feet.

See container list Litchfield Common Pleas No. 3.

D. Middlesex County

1. Supreme Court of Errors, 1819-1934 Main Vault

Records. 1 volume. Accession: 1932-056 Box 1

2. Superior Court, 1786-1958

a. Records (drafts), 1821-1849 Main Vault

1821 October-1849 August. 0.25 cubic feet. Accession: 1932-053 Box X-61

b. Files, 1786-1797 Main Vault

Files. 2 cubic feet. Accession: 1932-053

1786-1789 Box X-63

1790-1797. A-H Box X-64

1790-1797. J-Z Box X-62

c. Criminal Cases, 1873-1945

Main Vault

Numerical by case number. 5 cubic feet. Accession: 1945-001

June 1873-December 1886 Box 1

December 1887-December 1905 Box 2

July 1906-December 1921 Box 3

April 1922-March 1930 Box 4

March 1930-May 1945 Box 5

d. Papers by Subject, 1786-1797 Main Vault

Includes Costs; Court Expenses; Divorces (microfilm); Inquests; Jurors, Box X-65

1786-1789; Miscellaneous, 1786-1789; Partition Land, 1790-1797; and

Travel, 1790-1797. 0.5 cubic feet. Accession: 1932-053

e. Judgments and Defaults, 1798-1904 Main Vault

Similar to "files" in other Superior Courts and include divorces inter-filed

with other documents. Chronological. 75 cubic feet.

See container list Middlesex Superior No. 1.

f. Executions, 1772-1896 Main Vault

Chronological. 6 cubic feet. Accession: 1932-050

1772-1828 Box 1

1829-1844 Box 2

1845-1859 Box 3

1860-1872 Box 4

1873-1881 Box 5

1882-1896 Box 6

g. Withdrawals, 1798-1887 Main Vault

Chronological. 22 cubic feet.

See separate list Middlesex Superior No. 2.

The State Archives has only those criminal files transferred by the Judicial Department. Some criminal

files may remain with the courts or at the Judicial Department’s Superior Court Records Center in Enfield.

Due to past record keeping practices, some gaps may exist within this record series.

Records of the Judicial Department, 1636-1991

State Archives Record Group No. 003

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RG003_Judicial_Dept.doc

Middlesex County

h. Dockets, 1785-1933 Main Vault

3 cubic feet. Accession: 1932-051

1785-1810 Manuscript dockets in chronological order. Box X-100

Printed dockets in chronological order.

1856-1933

1856-1887 Box X-101

1888-1907 Box X-102

1908-1933 Box X-103

1805-1819; 1821-1822 copies of dockets inter-filed with naturalization records.

Accession: 1986-012 Box 1

i. Cost Book, 1853-1860 Main Vault

Criminal cases. 0.25 cubic feet. Accession: 1932-050 Box X-104

j. Appointment Book, 1874-1922 Main Vault

County Commissioners. 0.25 cubic feet. Accession: 1932-050 Box X-104

k. Naturalization Hearings, c. 1880-1890 Main Vault

Bound photocopy.

1 volume. Accession: 1932-050 Box X-104

l. State's Attorney, 1904-1918 Main Vault

Papers from the estate of Judge Frank D. Haines, former State’s Attorney. Arranged in

chronological order. 3 cubic feet. Accession: 1951-002

1904 April-1906 April Box 105

1906 September-1908 September Box 106

1908 December-1911 April Box 107

1911 September-1913 September Box 108

1913 December-1916 June Box 109

Correspondence and memoranda, 1904-1907, reports to the Comptroller of Box 110

"criminal business" and fines collected, 1909-1916, "Law notes et cet,"

miscellaneous notes, memoranda and correspondence, docket book, 1904-1918,

and printed dockets and trial lists, 1899-1901.

m. Sworn Witnesses, 1936-1958 Main Vault

2 cubic feet. Accession: 1958-001

1936 May-1948 October Vol 4

1948 October-1958 August Vol 5

n. Depositions, 1800-1906 Main Vault

0.5 cubic feet. See container list Middlesex Superior No. 3.

3. County Court, 1785-1855

a. Judgments, 1785-1855

1785-1855 Chronological then alphabetical. 5.5 cubic feet Main Vault

Partially restricted. See container list Middlesex County No. 1.

1800-1855. Includes Taverners (1800-1819). Chronological order. Main Vault

6 volumes. Accession: 1932-067

1800 December-1812 November Vol 1

1813 January-1819 October Vol 2

1820 March-1826 April Vol 3

Original is located at the Federal Records Center in Waltham, MA.

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Middlesex County

1826 June-1837 January Vol 4

1837 October-1854 April Vol 5

1854 April-1855 April Vol 6

b. Defaults, 1785-1855

1785-1855. Chronological then alphabetical. 8 cubic feet. Main Vault

Partially restricted. See container list Middlesex County No. 2.

1800-1810. Includes appeals. Chronological order. 1 volume. Main Vault

Accession: 1932-61

1807-1855. Chronological order. 4 volumes. Accession: 1932-063 Main Vault

1807 November-1815 September Box 2

1815 September-1820 September Box 3

1820 September-1833 October Box 4

1833 October-1855 April Box 5

c. No Appearance Files, 1785-1855 Main Vault

Chronological then alphabetical. 5 cubic feet.

See container list Middlesex County No. 3.

d. Executions, 1789-1832 Main Vault

1789-1832. 1 cubic foot. Accession: 1932-065 Box 56

1800-1820. Chronological order, 3 volumes. Accession: 1932-070 Main Vault

1800 December-1811 March Vol 1

1811 March-1819 January Vol 2

1816 October-1820 May Vol 3

e. Papers by Subject, 1785-1855 Main Vault

Includes but not limited to Admissions to the Bar; Conservators and Guardians;

Costs; Court Expenses; Insolvents; Jurors; Licenses; Meeting House; Militia;

Miscellaneous; Revolutionary Pensions; Partitioned Land; and Travel. 8 cubic feet

See container list Middlesex County No. 4.

f. Dockets, 1785-1855 Main Vault

Chronological. 16 volumes.

See container list Middlesex County No. 5.

g. Appeals, 1810-1852 Main Vault

Chronological order, 3 volumes. Accession: 1932-061

1800 December-1810 March, includes defaults. Vol 1

1810 November-1835 October Vol 2

1835 October-1852 April Vol 3

h. Account Book, 1788-1829 Main Vault

1 volume. Accession: 1932-060

Records of the Judicial Department, 1636-1991

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RG003_Judicial_Dept.doc

E. New Haven County

1. Superior Court, 1712-1944

a. Dockets, 1713-1874 Main Vault

1713, 1723-1798. Manuscript dockets. 0.25 cubic feet.

1798-1874. Printed dockets, chronological order. 26 volumes.

See container list New Haven Superior No. 1.

1855-1872. Jury dockets. Chronological. 3 volumes. Accession: 1925-003

1855 October-1859 October

1859 December-1865 September

1865 October-1872 May

b. Papers by Subject, 1712-1900 Probate

Vault

1712-1798. Includes Appointment of Officers; Confiscated Estates and Loyalists; Conservators

and Guardians; Costs, 1742-1798; Court Expenses, 1742-1798; Executions; Indians; Inquests;

Jurors, Alphabetical by Town,

1712-1798; Meeting House; Militia; Partition Land; and Revolutionary Pensions. 3 cubic feet.

1798-1900. Includes Admission to the Bar; Bonds; Court Expenses; Inquests; Jurors;

Miscellaneous; Naturalization; Partition Land; Protections; and Revolutionary Pensions. 1

cubic foot.

See container list New Haven Superior No. 2.

c. Files, 1712-1798 Probate

Vault

Chronological. 6 cubic feet.

See container list New Haven Superior No. 3.

d. Judgments (Civil Case Files), 1798-1944

1798-1899. Chronological. 67 cubic feet. Probate

See separate container list New Haven Superior No. 4.

1900-1944. Chronological then alphabetical by last name. 265 cubic feet. Off-site

See container list New Haven Superior No. 5.

e. No Appearance Files, 1808-1900 Probate

1808-1900. Chronological then alphabetical. 17.5 cubic feet.

See container list New Haven Superior No. 6.

1875-1887. Alphabetical. 4 cubic feet. Main Vault

See container list New Haven Superior No. 7.

f. Criminal Files, 1797-1945

Probate

New Haven

1797-1899. Chronological then alphabetical. 96 cubic feet.

See separate container list New Haven Superior No. 8.

1900-1945. Chronological by file number (#1-7960). 28 cubic feet. Main Vault

See container list New Haven Superior No. 9.

In 1973, the New Haven County Superior Court donated 31 cubic feet of historical court records to the

New Haven Colony Historical Society. The records are in the Society’s Manuscript Collection #3,

“Connecticut Superior Court. Documents for New Haven County.” A copy of the inventory of these

records is available from the History and Genealogy staff.

The State Archives has only those criminal files transferred by the Judicial Department. Some criminal

files may remain with the courts or at the Judicial Department’s Superior Court Records Center in Enfield.

Due to past records keeping practices, same gaps may exist within this record series.

Records of the Judicial Department, 1636-1991

State Archives Record Group No. 003

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RG003_Judicial_Dept.doc

New Haven County

Waterbury

1901-1945. Chronological by file number(#1-6853). 10 cubic feet. Main Vault

See container list New Haven Superior No. 10.

g. Appeals, 1783-1798 Probate

Lists of Appeals from County Court. Accession: 1925-013 Box 699

h. Executions, 1800-1872 Probate

Alphabetical. 3 cubic feet. Accession: 1925-013

1800-1836. A-Z Box 699

1837-1847. A-Z Box 700

1848-1854. A-Z Box 701

1855-1857. A-Z Box 702

1858-1865. A-Rey Box 703

1858-1865. Ric-Z Box 704

1866-1872. A-Z Box 705

i. Travel, 1798-1900 Probate

Alphabetical. 2 cubic feet. Accession: 1925-013

A-D Box 705

E-Mid Box 706

Mil-New Box 707

New Box 708

New-Woo Box 709

j. Insolvents, 1798-1896 Probate

1798-1849;1893-1896. 1 cubic foot. Accession: 1925-013

1798-1839. A-Z Box 712

1840-1896. A-Z Box 713

k. Divorces, 1712-1900 Probate

Researchers must use microfilm. 18 cubic feet.

See container list New Haven Superior No. 11.

l. Assignments, 1838-1844 Main Vault

1774-1797. List of assignments, incomplete. Accession: 1925-013 Box 699

1838-1844. Includes records for both Superior and County Court. Vol 1

1 volume. Accession: 1925-017

2. County Court, 1666-1862

a. Dockets, 1749-1855 Main Vault

1749-1855. Chronological order. 20 volumes.

See container list New Haven County No. 1.

1832-1837. Private docket of Samuel J. Hitchcock, New Haven. 1 volume.

Accession: 1925-015

The New Haven Colony Historical Society has a small collection of miscellaneous New Haven County,

County Court records in Manuscript Group #28, “New Haven City and County Documents.” A copy of the

inventory is available from State Archives staff.

Records of the Judicial Department, 1636-1991

State Archives Record Group No. 003

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RG003_Judicial_Dept.doc

New Haven County

b. Executions, 1700-1855 Main Vault

1764-1820. Chronological. 6 volumes.

1700-1855. Chronological. 12 cubic feet. Probate

See container list New Haven County No. 2.

c. Assignments, 1838-1844 Main Vault

Includes records for both County and Superior Court. 1 volume.

Accession: 1936-002

d. Reports of Cases, 1838-1841 Main Vault

Narrative of selected trails by unknown author. Accession: 1936-003

1838 June-November Vol 1

1840 March-April. Includes Naturalization records. Vol 2

1840 November Vol 3

1841 November-December Vol 4

e. Records, 1666-1862 Main Vault

1666-1855. Chronological. Vol. 16 includes appeals, 1812-1818. 24 volumes.

See container list New Haven County No. 3.

1805-1842. Miscellaneous Records. Main Vault

Includes Appointments and Reports of Conservators, Rules, Jail Limits,

Appointment of States Attorney, Tax Collector, Deputy Sheriffs, Inspectors and County

Surveyors, Tanners Licenses, and Appointment and Accounts of Overseers of Turkey Hill

Indians (1811-1839). 1 volume. Accession: 1936-006.

f. Defaults, 1841-1855 Main Vault

1 volume. Accession: 1936-004 Vol. 25

g. Trials and Appeals, 1841-1855 Main Vault

1 volume. Accession: 1936-004 Vol. 26

Includes separate index.

h. Equity Records, 1773-1855 Main Vault

1773-1821. 1 volume. Accession: 1936-005 Vol. 1

1841-1855. 1 volume. Accession: 1936-004 Vol. 27

Includes separate index.

i. Files, 1700-1855 Probate

128 cubic feet. See container list New Haven County No. 4.

j. Papers by Subject, 1700-1855 Probate

Includes Admissions to the Bar; Appointment of Officers; Common Fields;

Confiscated Estates and Loyalists; Conservators and Guardians, 1720-1855;

Costs, 1700-1855; Court Expenses, 1712-1855; Equity Bills, 1784-1794;

Insolvents; Jurors: Alphabetical by Towns, 1700-1855; Justices of the Peace,

1800-1889; Licenses; Meeting House; Militia, 1712-1855; Miscellaneous;

Orders, Bills, etc.; Partition Land; Revolutionary Pensions; and Travel.

25 cubic feet.

See separate container list New Haven County No. 5.

Records of the Judicial Department, 1636-1991

State Archives Record Group No. 003

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RG003_Judicial_Dept.doc

New Haven and New London Counties

k. Summonses, 1774-1792 Probate

Packet in box of Superior Court records. Contains mostly County Court Box 699

summonses but also includes summonses to City and Superior Court.

3. Maritime Court, 1776-1783

a. Files, 1776-1783 Main Vault

Divided into two categories: libels against goods, libels against ships. Box 654 & 655

Original restricted, researchers must use photocopy.

1.25 cubic feet. Accession: 1980-035

b. Index to Files Main Vault

Alphabetical by name, subject and vessel.

A second copy is in the Box 654

classified manuscript collection as 974.61 N42w. 0.25 cubic feet.

Accession: 1980-035

4. Court of Common Pleas, 1869-1945

a. Withdrawn Cases, 1869-1924 Main Vault

Chronological order. 35 cubic feet.

See container list New Haven Common No. 1.

b. Cases Stricken from Docket, 1891-1909 Main Vault

Chronological. 12 cubic feet.

See container list New Haven Common No. 2

c. Judgments, 1869-1945 High Attic

Chronological. 146 cubic feet.

See container list New Haven Common No. 3.

F. New London County

1. Supreme Court of Errors, 1819-1952

a. Trials, 1819-1864 Main Vault

Records. 1 volume. 0.25 cubic feet Item #24

b. Files, 1819-1952 Main Vault

1819-1889. Chronological. 2.25 cubic feet.

1901-1932. Chronological. 8.75 cubic feet.

1932-1952. Chronological. 7.25 cubic feet

See container list New London Supreme No. 1.

c. Dockets, 1819-1875 Main Vault

0.25 cubic feet, Accession: 1932-059 Box 29

d. Court Expense Papers, 1819-1874 Main Vault

0.25 cubic feet, Accession: 1932-059 Box 29

e. Travel Papers, 1831-1847 Main Vault

0.25 cubic feet, Accession: 1932-059 Box 29

Prepared in 1975 by Patricia Q. Wall.

Records of the Judicial Department, 1636-1991

State Archives Record Group No. 003

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RG003_Judicial_Dept.doc

New London County

2. Superior Court, 1711-1969

a. Trials, 1798-1874 Main Vault

1798-1874. Chronological. 14 volumes, 8 cubic feet

See container list New London Superior No. 1.

b. Defaults, 1853-1881 Main Vault

1853-1881. Chronological. 3 volumes. Including Index from 1853-1875. Vol 1 & 2

1.5 cubic feet. Accession: 1921-005

c. Insolvency Cases, 1833-1841 Main Vault

1 volume. 0.25 cubic feet.

Accession: 1921-006

d. Declaration of Intended Citizenship, 1856-1873 Main Vault

Photocopy. August 1856-1873. 1 volume

0.25 cubic feet

Accession: 1921-007

e. Dockets, 1713-1919 Main Vault

1713-1835. Manuscript dockets, chronological order. 0.75 cubic feet. Box 35 &36

Accession: 1921-003

1836-1919. Chronological. 33 volumes. 8 cubic feet. Main Vault

1855-1891. Printed dockets. Chronological. 9 volumes. 2 cubic feet.

See container list New London Superior No. 2.

f. Files, 1711-1891

1711-1875. Chronological. 47.25 cubic feet. Main Vault

1875-1891. Chronological. 15 cubic feet. Main Vault

See container list New London Superior No. 3.

g. Criminal Cases, 1868-1907

Main Vault

1868-1901. Files. 5 cubic feet. Accession: 1932-041

1868-1881 Box 603

1881-1885 Box 604

1885-1889 Box 605

1889-1895 Box 606

1895-1901 Box 607

1879-1881. Criminal decisions. 1 volume. 1.25 cubic feet. Main Vault

Accession: 1921-009

1899-1907. Bill of costs. 2 volumes. 0.25 cubic feet. Accession: 1921-010 Main Vault

1899-1900 Vol 1

1901-1907 Vol 2

h. Passport Lists, 1942-1944 Main Vault

1942 August 13-1944 June 30. 1 volume. 0.25 cubic feet Accession: 1945-002

Original records located at the Federal Regional Archives in Waltham, MA.

The State Archives has only those criminal files transferred by the Judicial Department. Some criminal

files may remain with the courts or at the Judicial Department’s Superior Court Records Center in Enfield.

Due to past records keeping practices, some gaps may exist within this records series.

Records of the Judicial Department, 1636-1991

State Archives Record Group No. 003

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RG003_Judicial_Dept.doc

New London County

i. Papers by Subject, 1711-1900 Main Vault

Includes Admissions to the Bar, 1814-1875; Appointments of Officers, 1713-1881;

Conservators and Guardians, 1870-1871; Costs (Court Expenses), 1716-1879;

Depositions, 1859-1882; Divorces, 1719-1875 (alphabetical) (microfilm);

Executions, 1712-1799, 1832-1879; Indians, 1715-1887; Inquests, c. 1711-1870;

Insolvents, 1808-1841, 1867, 1873-1874; Jurors, 1711-1875 (alphabetical by town);

Jury Warrants, 1840-1881 (incomplete); Militia (missing Jan. '79); Miscellaneous,

1713-1885; Miscellaneous Civil Case Files c. 1850-1900; Partition Land, 1711-1887;

Revolutionary War Pensions, 1821-1840; Travel, 1734-1881. 16 cubic feet.

Original Native American materials restricted. Photocopies available for research.

See separate container list New London Superior No. 4.

For Indian Papers see separate container list New London Superior No. 4a.

j. Civil Case Files, c. 1850-1969 Main Vault

1890-1969. Arranged chronologically from 1890-1906. Arranged by case & Off-site

(docket) number from 1906-1969. Researchers will have to contact the court to

obtain docket numbers. 210 cubic feet.

See container list New London Superior No. 5.

k. Discontinuance/ Withdrawn, 1892-1955 Main Vault

1892-1955. Chronological. 2 boxes. 1 cubic foot. Accession: 1985-042

1892-1899 Box 1

1900-1955 Box 2

l. Dissolutions of Corporations, 1917-1956 Main Vault

1917-1956. Chronological. 1.75 cubic feet. Accession: 1985-043

October 1917- March 1931 Box 1

April 1931- April 1939 Box 2

May 1939- April 1945 Box 3

May 1945- April 1956 Box 4

m. County Jail Warrants, 1881-1896 Main Vault

1881-1896. 0.5 cubic feet. Accession: 1921-013 Box 1

n. Special Police Appointments, 1908-1942 Main Vault

1908-1942. 0.5 cubic feet. Accession: 1985-044 Box 1

o. Justice of the Peace, 1797-1935 Main Vault

Oaths, 1797-1935. 1.25 cubic feet. Accession: 1985-045

1797-1868 Box 1

1868-1887 Box 2

1888-1935 Box 3

p. Survey of Pequot Indian Reservation, 1856 Main Vault

Survey conducted by Isacc Gallup (912.7462 – L51g). Accession: 1921-035.

Original restricted. Photostat available in H&G map cabinet.

Records of the Judicial Department, 1636-1991

State Archives Record Group No. 003

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RG003_Judicial_Dept.doc

New London County

3. County Court, 1661-1873

a. Records copy, 1661-1667 Main Vault

1 volume. 0.25 cubic feet. Accession: 1921-015

b. Trials, 1661-1855 Main Vault

1661-1855. Chronological order, includes index. 35 volumes. 8.5 cubic feet.

The first six volumes available on microfilm (345.42 - fC752ct LH 4416/17).

There is a partial card index in the HG Reading Room.

See container list New London County No. 1.

c. Judgments, 1850-1855 Main Vault

1850 November-1855 July. 1 volume. 0.25 cubic feet. Accession: 1921-017

d. Dockets, 1730-1855

1730-1835. 5 boxes. 2.25 cubic feet. Main Vault

1835-1855. Chronological. 5 volumes. 0.9 cubic feet.

See container list New London County No. 2.

e. Defaults, 1809-1847 Main Vault

Chronological. 5 volumes. 2.5 cubic feet. Accession: 1921-020

1809 December-1815 Vol 1

1816 March-1819 March Vol 2

1819 June-1826 March Vol 3

1826 June-1836 June Vol 4

1837 February-1847 February Vol 5

f. Executions, 1782-1820 Main Vault

Chronological. 5 volumes. 1.25 cubic feet. Accession: 1921-021

1782 January-1790 October Vol 1

1790 July-1799 February Vol 2

1798 December-1810 May Vol 3

1808 November-1816 May Vol 4

1816 March-1820 June Vol 5

g. Appeals, 1809-1855 Main Vault

Chronological. 3 volumes. 1.25 cubic feet. Accession: 1921-022

1809 February-1827 May Vol 1

1827 May-1851 September Vol 2

1852 February-1855 March Vol 3

h. Files, 1691-1855 Main Vault

Chronological. 197 boxes. 98 cubic feet.

See container list New London County No. 3.

Records of the Judicial Department, 1636-1991

State Archives Record Group No. 003

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RG003_Judicial_Dept.doc

New London County

i. Papers by Subject, 1693-1855 Main Vault

Includes Admissions to the Bar, 1753-1855; Appointments of Officers, 1767-1854;

Confiscated Estates and Loyalists, 1781-1782; Conservators and Guardians, 1699-

1855; (Alphabetical); Costs, 1693-1855; Court Expenses, 1755-1855; Executions,

1700-1855; Indians, 1716-1855; Inquests, 1711; Insolvents, 1756-1855; Jurors

(Alphabetical by town), 1700-1855; Jury Warrants, 1844-1855; Licenses, 1702-1855

(Alphabetical); Meeting House, 1749-1817; Militia, 1707-1709, 1833-1834 (2 cases

only); Miscellaneous, 1700-1855

; Partition Land, 1744-1755; Revolutionary War

Pension, 1820-1855; Summons for Evidence, 1700-1768; Travel, 1707-1855.

23 cubic feet.

Original Native American materials restricted. Photocopies available for research.

See separate container list New London County No. 4.

For Papers by Subject: Indians see separate container list New London County No. 4a.

4. Maritime Court, 1781-1784

a. Files, 1781 November-1784 June. 1.25 cubic feet. Main Vault

Researchers must use photocopy. 1.25 cubic feet. Accession: 1980-038.

Name Index (alphabetical by name subject and vessel)

and folders 1-27. Box 656

(A second copy is in the classified manuscripts, 974.61 N446w.)

Folders 28-57 Box 657

Folders 58-73 Box 658

Folders 74-93 Box 659

5. Court of Common Pleas, 1870-1969

a. Records, 1870-1903. 3 cubic feet. Accession: 1921-027 Main Vault

1870 September-1881 February. Records Vol 402

1890 August-1903 August. Records Vol 403

1870 October-1881 April. Court and Jury Trails Vol 404

1870 September-1881 October. Defaults Vol 405

1880 April-1890 April. Court and Jury Trails, Defaults Vol 406

b. Files, 1870-1903 Main Vault

1870 September-1903 August. 16.75 cubic feet.

See container list New London Common Pleas No. 1.

c. Civil Cases, 1903-1969 Main Vault

New London County at New London, 1903-1915

1903-1915. 11 cubic feet.

New London County at Norwich, 1914-1969

1914-1925. Numerical by case (#1-3050). 11 cubic feet.

See container list New London Common Pleas No. 2.

1925-1969. Numerical by case (#3051-21912) 78 cubic feet. Off-site

See container lists New London Common Pleas No. 3.

Largely unsorted and unarranged; a few items and groups have been identified and labeled.

Prepared in 1980 by Patricia Q. Wall.

Records of the Judicial Department, 1636-1991

State Archives Record Group No. 003

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RG003_Judicial_Dept.doc

New London and Tolland Counties

d. Criminal Files, 1895-1915

Main Vault

Chronological. 5 cubic feet.

See container list New London Common Pleas No. 4.

e. Miscellaneous, 1871-1889 Main Vault

Includes dockets, court costs, and some case files. 0.5 cubic feet. Box 1

Accession: 1921-028

f. Jury Warrants, 1870-1886 Main Vault

0.5 cubic feet. Accession: 1921-028 Box 2

g. Executions, 1870-1902 Main Vault

0.5 cubic feet. Accession: 1921-028 Box 3

h. Dockets, 1870-1904 Main Vault

1870-1902. 12 volumes. 2 cubic feet.

1870-1904. Printed. 9 volumes. 1.25 cubic feet.

See container list New London Common Pleas No. 5.

6. County Commissioners, 1768-1873

Main Vault

Includes materials on county meetings, grand lists, and resolutions. Box 405

0.5 cubic feet. Accession: 1921-023

G. Tolland County

1. Supreme Court of Errors, 1819-1942

a. Files, 1858-1942 Main Vault

2.25 cubic feet. Accession: 1942-005.

1858-1875 Box 30

1900-1942

A-G Box 30

Go-L Box 31

M Box 32

M-S Box 33

S-Z Box 33A

b. Miscellaneous Papers, 1819-1915 Main Vault

Includes Sheriff's bills, rules of court, printed documents. 0.1 cubic foot. Box 33

Accession: 1942-005

c. Docket, 1825 Main Vault

Accession: 1919-003 Box 1

See: Supreme Court of Errors. Miscellaneous.

The State Archives has only those criminal files transferred by the Judicial Department. Some criminal

files may remain with the courts or at the Judicial Department’s Superior Court Records Center in Enfield.

Due to past records keeping practices, same gaps may exist within this records series.

With the abolition of county government on October 1, 1960, records created by the county were

distributed to various local and state agencies. In some cases, County Commissioner records were

transferred to the courts. Additional County Commission records may be found in County Government (RG

061).

Records of the Judicial Department, 1636-1991

State Archives Record Group No. 003

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RG003_Judicial_Dept.doc

Tolland County

2. Superior Court, 1787-1945

a. Files, 1787-1937

1787-1910. Chronological. 24.75 cubic feet. Main Vault

1807-1910. Mittimus cases. Alphabetical. 9.25 cubic feet.

1911-1937. Chronological by case number (#1307-4035). 18.75 cubic feet.

See container list Tolland Superior No. 1.

b. Papers by Subject, 1787-1940 Main Vault

Includes Admission to the Bar; Appointments of Officers; Conservators and Guardians;

Costs; Court Expenses; Depositions; Divorces (microfilm); Executions; Insolvents; Jail

Bills; Jurors; Justice Files; Liquor License; Meeting House; Partition Land; Prison

Commitments; Revolutionary War Pensions; and Travel 9.25 cubic feet.

See container list Tolland Superior No. 2.

c. Miscellaneous Documents, 1787-1940 Main Vault

Includes subpoenas, bills, withdrawn cases, and warrants. As well as records Box 46-48

from the county and the City Court of Rockville. Materials have not been processed

but are in roughly alphabetically order. 1.25 cubic feet. Accession: 1942-004

d. Inquests, 1890-1929 Main Vault

Includes coroner's and medical examiner's reports and related papers.

Chronological with some alphabetical sections within. 2.5 cubic feet.

See also: Part VIII. Coroners, 1883-1979.

See container list Tolland Superior No. 3.

e. Dockets, 1787-1923

1787-1855. 0.75 cubic feet. Main Vault

1787-1830 Box 55

1831-1855 Box 56

1916-1923. Private. 0.5 cubic feet. Accession: 1942-002 Box 57

f. Records, 1876-1900 Main Vault

Printed records. 0.5 cubic feet. Accession: 1942-002 Box 58

g. Criminal Files, 1900-1945

Main Vault

Numerical by case number (#1-1275). 3 cubic feet.

1900 September-1921 April. (#1-450) Box 1

1921 April-1932 March. (#451-875) Box 2

1932 March-1945 February. (#876-1275) Box 3

Accession: 1978-007

3. County Court, 1786-1855

a. Files, 1786-1855 Main Vault

Chronological. 14.75 cubic feet.

See container list Tolland County No. 1.

The State Archives has only those criminal files transferred by the Judicial Department. Some criminal

files may remain with the courts or at the Judicial Department’s Superior Court Records Center in Enfield.

Due to past records keeping practices, same gaps may exist within this records series.

Records of the Judicial Department, 1636-1991

State Archives Record Group No. 003

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RG003_Judicial_Dept.doc

Tolland and Windham Counties

b. Papers by Subject, 1786-1855 Main Vault

Includes Admissions to the Bar; Appointments of Officers; Conservators and

Guardians (alphabetical); Court Expenses; Executions; Inquests; Insolvents;

Jurors, 1786-1855; Licenses; Meeting House; Miscellaneous; Revolutionary War

Pensions; and Travel, 1786-1855. 3.75 cubic feet.

See container list Tolland County No. 2.

c. Dockets, 1786-1855 Main Vault

Chronological. 1.5 cubic feet.

1786-1839 Box 86

1840-1855 Box 87

Accession: 1942-009

d. Executions, 1786-1793. Main Vault

1 volume. 0.25 cubic feet. Accession: 1942-009 Box 86

H. Windham County

1. Supreme Court of Errors, 1820-1886

a. Files, 1820-1886 Main Vault

Chronological. 1.25 cubic feet. Accession: 1932-042

1820-1843 Box 34

1844-1886 Box 35

b. Dockets, 1823-1883 Main Vault

0.25 cubic feet. Accession: 1932-042 Box 36

c. Expenses, 1820-1849 Main Vault

0.25 cubic feet. Accession: 1932-042 Box 36

2. Superior Court, 1726-1947

a. Dockets, 1844-1923

1726-1872. 1.75 cubic feet. Accession: 1932-043 Main Vault

1726-1850 Box 39 & 40

1850-1872 Box 41 & 42

1844-1923. Chronological. Includes some County and Superior Court Main Vault

dockets. 21 volumes. 4 cubic feet.

See container list Windham Superior No. 1.

b. Trials, 1798-1871 Main Vault

8 volumes. 2 cubic feet.

See container list Windham Superior No. 2.

c. Defaults, 1872-1883. Main Vault

1 volume. 1 cubic foot.

See container list Windham Superior No. 2.

d. Insolvent debtors, 1828-1841. Main Vault

1 volume. 1 cubic feet.

See container list Windham Superior No. 2.

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Windham County

e. Notaries Public, 1870-1935 Main Vault

1870-1872. Certificates. 1 volume.

1913-1935. 2 volumes

1913-1918 Vol 1

1926-1935 Vol 2

Accession: 1915-003

e. Appointments, 1886-1915 Main Vault

Includes Justices of the Peace, Notaries Public, Commissioners of the Vol B

Superior Court and Licenses, and Medical Examiners. 1 volume.

0.75 cubic feet. Accession: 1915-004

f. Clerk of the Court, 1912-1927 Main Vault

Quarterly accounts. 2 volumes. 1 cubic foot. Accession: 1932-046

1912 Vol. 1

1924-1927 Vol. 2

g. Files, 1726-1913 Main Vault

Chronological. 56.75 cubic feet.

Some material restricted due to fragile condition.

Numerical by case number (#901-1859). 5 cubic feet.

See container list Windham Superior No. 3.

h. Criminal Cases, 1883-1947

Main Vault

1883-1911. Chronological. 7.25 cubic feet.

1911-1925. Chronological. 3.25 cubic feet.

1927-1947. Chronological by case number. 3 cubic feet.

See container list Windham Superior No. 4.

i. Papers by Subject, 1726-1907 Main Vault

Includes Applications for Admission to the Bar, 1800-1885; Appointments to Office,

1752-1873; Boundary, Lebanon-Norwich, 1755; Confiscated Estates and Loyalists;

Conservators and Guardians, 1836-1877; Costs, 1748-1897; Court Expenses, 1735-

1883; Divorces, 1726-1907 (Alphabetical by name) (microfilm); Executions, 1730-

1901; Hartford and Fishkill RR Co., c. 1853-1855 (restricted); Inquests, c. 1799-1840;

Insolvents, 1763-1901; Jurors, 1726-1887 (Alphabetical by town); Licenses, c. 1895;

Meeting House, 1803-1804; Militia, 1783-1862; Miscellaneous, c. 1850-1880; Name

Changes, 1862-1886; Partition Land, 1792-1870; Prosecuting Agents' Reports, 1887-

1893; Revolutionary War Pension Applications, 1789; and Travel, 1760-1901. 11.25

cubic feet.

See container list Windham Superior No. 5.

j. Mittimus Cases, 1886-1904

Alphabetical. 4.25 cubic feet. Main Vault

See container list Windham Superior No. 6.

l. Discontinued Cases, 1891-1903. Main Vault

0.75 cubic feet. Accession: 1915-011 Box 13 & 14

The State Archives has only those criminal files transferred by the Judicial Department. Some criminal

files remain with the courts or at the Judicial Department’s Records Center in Enfield. Due to past records

keeping practices, same gaps may exist within this records series.

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Windham County

m. Civil Cases, 1913-1921

Numerical by case number (#1860-3129). 6.75 cubic feet. Main Vault

See container list Windham Superior No. 7.

3. County Court, 1727-1855

a. Records, 1726-1855 Main Vault

Includes trials, land executions, defaults and appeals. 35 volumes. 3 cubic feet.

See separate container list Windham County No. 1.

b. Files, 1726-1855

Chronological. 23 cubic feet. Main Vault

See container list Windham County No. 2.

c. Papers by Subject, 1727-1855 Main Vault

Including Applications for Admission to the Bar, 1769-1852; Appointments to

Office, 1789-1854; Confiscated Estates and Loyalists, 1779; Conservators and

Guardians, 1726-1855; Costs, 1727-1855; Executions, 1726-1855; Insolvents, 1782;

Jurors, 1717-1852 (alphabetical by town); Licenses, 1726-1855; Meeting house,

1749-1818; Militia, 1728-1759; Miscellaneous; Partition Land; Revolutionary War

Pension Applications, 1820-1831; Travel, 1726-1855. 10 cubic feet.

See container list Windham County No. 3.

d. Dockets, 1726-1855 Main Vault

Chronological. 2.5 cubic feet. Accession: 1915-015

1726-1805 Box 257

1806-1855 Box 258

e. Executions, 1726-1764 Main Vault

0.75 cubic feet. Accession: 1915-016 Box 259 & 260

See also: Towns and Boroughs (RG 62).

Salisbury, 1757-1850 Main Vault

2 cubic feet. Boxes 576 &

577

Saybrook, 1819 Main Vault

1 document. 0.05 cubic feet. Boxes 578

Sharon

See: Towns and Boroughs (RG 062).

Simsbury

See: Towns and Boroughs (RG 062).

Somers

See: RG 62, Towns and Boroughs (RG 062).

Southbury

See: 1788-1915. RG 62. Restricted due to condition.

Stafford, 1796-1809 Main Vault

Justice Eleazar W. Phelps, 1796-1807. Box 578

Justice Jesse Cady, 1798-1809. 2 volumes. 0.05 cubic feet.

Stonington, 1769-1855 Main Vault

Justice Nathaniel Minor, 1769-1794. Box 579

Justice Francis Sheffield, 1848-1855. 1.5 cubic feet. Box 579

Tolland

See: Towns and Boroughs, (RG 62).

Torrington, 1789-1927 Main Vault

2 cubic feet. Boxes 580

& 581

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Union, 1774-1802 Main Vault

1774. 1 document. 0.05 cubic feet. Box 582

Justice Solomon Wales. 0.05 cubic feet. Box 582

Wethersfield

See: Towns and Boroughs (RG 62).

Winchester, 1874-1888 Main Vault

1874-1885. Justice George M. Carrington. 0.05 cubic feet. Box 582

Windham, 1729-1875 Main Vault

1729-1875. 2 cubic feet. Boxes 583

&584

Justice Jedediah Morse, 1784-1801, includes Woodstock. 0.05 cubic feet. Box 584

See also: Chester Hunt Papers, Manuscript Collection (RG 069:079).

Windsor Locks

See: Towns and Boroughs (RG 062).

Wolcott

See: Towns and Boroughs (RG 062).

Woodbury

See: Towns and Boroughs, (RG 62).

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Part VI. Naturalization Records, 1700-1900

Naturalization records of non-Federal courts in Connecticut were transferred in 1984 to the National Archives

and Records Administration (NARA) branch in Waltham, MA. The records document naturalization

proceedings that occurred in various superior courts, courts of common pleas, county district courts, and municipal

courts. Included are declarations of intention, petitions for naturalization, indexes, and related materials. Pre-1906

records are primarily record and ledger books.

For a complete list of records transferred to NARA, see container list Naturalization No. 1.

For a copy of the NARA finding aid please see appendix A of this guide.

The following materials are available at the Connecticut State Archives:

Middlesex County. Superior Court

Naturalization Hearings, c. 1880-1890 Main Vault

1 volume. Photocopy Box X-104

New London County. Superior Court

Declaration of Intended Citizenship, 1856-1873 Main Vault

1 volume. Photocopy

Microfilm of some materials transferred to NARA are available.

See container list Naturalization No. 2.

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Part VII. State Bar Examining Committee, 1890-1984

History

In May, 1708, the General Court resolved that “no person, except in his own case, shall be admitted to make any

plea at the bar, without being first approved of by the court before whom the plea is to be made...”

The 1750

Statutes vested the authority for appointment of attorneys in the County Courts. From 1808 to 1821, the Superior

Court also exercised the power to recognize attorneys. Since the abolition of the County Courts in 1855, the

Superior Court has administered the procedures under a statute enacted that year.

Since about 1890, the Bar

Examining Committee has had responsibility for conducting examinations. It currently holds exams twice a year.

Scope and Content

The records consist of correspondence, minutes and applications after 1890 as listed below. Researchers

interested in admissions to the bar in the 18th and 19th centuries should consult County and Superior Court records

for the appropriate jurisdiction in Part II of this guide.

Provenance

The Bar Examining Committee regularly transfers minutes, applications and supporting documents to the State

Library.

Restrictions

Minutes and applications less than 75 years old are restricted by an agreement with the Bar Examining

Committee.

Application files over 75 years old are partially restricted. The application form is open but all letters

of recommendation, regardless of age, are permanently restricted. Any questions regarding access to these materials

should be directed to the State Archives staff.

Series List

A. Correspondence, 1926-1937 Main Vault

From Treasurer concerning applications. 3 inches. Accession: 1978-004

B. Minutes, 1890-1977 Main Vault

Arranged chronologically. 11 volumes. Accession: 1978-001 Partially Restricted.

C. Applications, 1911; 1918-1984 High Attic

Applicants including supporting documentation, arranged chronologically by court session and then by

county or by surname. 256 boxes. Partially Restricted.

See container list State Bar No. 1.

Colonial Record, Volume 48.

See General Statutes Revised to 1993, Sec. 51-80; a good brief history is in 129 Connecticut Reports 52-

53.

In 1973, the New Haven County Superior Court donated historical court records to the New Haven

Colony Historical Society. These records are found in the Society’s Manuscript Collection #3,

“Connecticut. Superior Court. Documents for New Haven County” and include admissions to the bar (no

dates given) and records of the county bar association.

See Agreement Between the State Library and Bar Examining Committee, November 1990.

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Part VIII. Coroners, 1883-1980

History

On 20 February 1639 members of the General Court requested the Deputy “to consider of some orders

concerning an inquiry into the death of any that happen either accidentally or by violence ... and present it to the next

Court. . . .”

The Code of Laws adopted in May 1650 included provision that in case of any “very sudden, untimely

or unnatural death, some Magistrate or the Constable of that Town shall forthwith summon a Jury of six or twelve

discreet men to inquire of the cause and manner of their death, who shall present a true verdict thereof unto some

near Magistrate upon their oath.”

For more that two hundred years this arrangement changed little. A justice of the peace or a grand juror, acting

as a coroner, would convene a jury to make inquiry, take evidence, and report to the court as appropriate. The files

of the Superior Court and the County Courts during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries usually include some

papers pertaining to “Inquest.”

The General Assembly formally established the office of coroner on 1 May 1883.

Judges of the superior court

appointed one coroner for each county, on the recommendation of the state’s attorneys, for a term of three years.

Each coroner then appointed a medical examiner for each town, who was to make immediate inquiry into any

“sudden, violent or untimely death” or death of unknown causes. If the medical examiner could not certify that

someone’s “criminal act, omission or carelessness” caused the death, he referred the matter to the coroner for

inquiry. The coroner could summon a jury of six to assist him. If warranted, he referred its verdict or his report to a

grand juror or a prosecuting attorney. Afterward, the coroner was to transmit inquiry records and findings to the

clerk of the superior court.

In 1969, the General Assembly established a Commission on Medicolegal Investigation and an Office of the

Chief Medical Examiner that reported to the commission.

The Chief Medical Examiner investigated all violent,

sudden, unexpected or suspicious deaths (and other categories) and filed the findings and reports. The coroners

continued to exercise their functions as before, but gradually it became evident (as it had in other states) that the

office had become superfluous. In 1979, the General Assembly abolished the office of coroner on 1 October 1979.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner now carries out investigations and reports its findings, when appropriate,

to the state’s attorney.

Scope and Content

Because each county coroner’s office operated autonomously, each county managed its records in a slightly

different way. Each county, however, has the following basic record series, record books, hearings (also known as

coroner’s findings), case files, and administrative files. Record Books (1883-1979) arranged chronologically by date

of death, includes the official copy of the medical examiners’ report and may also include a copy of the coroners’

reports or findings (if a formal inquiry into the death was held), as well as any autopsy or laboratory reports.

Hearings (1898-1979) consist of the transcript of the coroner’s inquiry into the death and a copy of the coroner’s

report or finding. In some cases, these materials were filed separately. In those instances, the official transcript is

listed under Hearings and the report is listed under Coroners Reports. Please note that a formal inquiry was only held

if the Medical Examiner believed the death was “caused by the criminal act, omission, or carelessness of any other

person or persons.” Case Files (1949-1979) include police investigation reports comprised of photographs and

witnesses’ testimony, coroners’ notes and reports, and copies of medical examiners’ reports and hearing transcripts.

These files were established it the latter half of the twentieth century. In most deaths prior to 1960 no case file was

created.

C.R.I., 42.

C.R.I., 523.

Public Acts 1883, Chapter 118.

Public Act 699; 1969.

Public Act 79-619.

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In addition to these series, some county coroners also contained additional copies of materials that were later

incorporated into the official Record Books. These series include Medical Examiner Reports, Coroners Reports, and

various Laboratory Reports. In most cases these small series are duplicates. Researchers should access the record

book first and check these series only if these materials are noted but not included in the record books. It is also

important to note that the amount of records for each county coroner varies greatly. For example the State Archives

has an almost complete set of records for the Hartford County Coroner but very little for the Middlesex County

Coroner.

Provenance

The bulk of these records arrived at the State Library as a result of a memorandum issued by the Deputy Court

Administrator on 1 August 1979 directing the coroners to turn over all records except for financial materials. During

the next fourteen months, the State Archives received records from various sources including former coroners, court

clerk and the Court Records Center. The latest accession of materials occurred on 30 August 1995 when the Fairfield

Superior Court transferred 123 volumes of records from 1883-1948.

In 1973, the New Haven County Superior Court donated historical judicial records to the New Haven Colony

Historical Society. They are found in Manuscript Collection #3, “Connecticut. Superior Court. Documents for New

Haven County.” The collection includes inquests, 1790-1882, boxes 4-7 and Coroner’s Reports and Inquests, 1883-

1899, boxes 8-25. Researchers should contact the Society directly for access to these records.

Restrictions

Please note: Records in possession of the State Library from the coroner’s office are open, public records,

except those records received by the coroner’s office from the office of the medical examiner on or after July 1, 1970

are not available to the public through the State Library but only through the Office of the Medical Examiner.

Researchers must obtain written permission from the Medical Examiner to obtain access.

Please note: Due to the age, condition, and the intrinsic value of many records in this group, researchers must

use the available microfilm or Photostat copy when designated. Archival materials including microfilm of the

Connecticut Archives and court records are not available for interlibrary loan. All restricted materials will be noted

in red (Restricted).

Materials stored at an off-site location are not available on a same day basis. Please contact the History and

Genealogy reference staff for further information. All materials off-site are noted (Off-site).

Container List

A. Fairfield County (Bridgeport), 1883-1979

1. Record Books, 1883-1979

Contain medical examiner’s reports, coroner’s findings, pathologist’s findings

and laboratory reports.

1883-1948. 123 volumes. 65 cubic feet. Off-site &

1948-1970. 140 volumes. 50 cubic feet. Partially restricted Main Vault

1970-1979. Unbound materials, no index. 5.5 cubic feet. Restricted

See container list Fairfield Coroner No. 1.

2. Case files, 1968-1979

1954-1966. Homicide cases Main Vault

Alphabetical by name of decedent. 1 box 0.5 cubic feet.

Accession: 1980-025

1977. Homicide case

Opinion of Attorney General Joseph I. Leiberman to State Librarian Richard G. Akeroyd, Jr., May 4,

1987.

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Records relating to single homicide investigation. 3 boxes, 1 rolled. Box 1-3

2 cubic feet. Accession: 1980-026. Restricted

1968-1979. Non-homicide cases Main Vault

Police reports, witness statements, photographs, and copies of coroner’s

findings and medical examiner’s reports. Chronological by year of death then alphabetical by

decedent’s surname. 36 boxes. 36 cubic feet. Partially restricted

See container list Fairfield Coroner No. 2.

3. Coroner’s findings, 1967-1979 Main Vault

Duplicate information from the record books. Includes a list of findings, 1964-1977.

Arranged chronologically by year then alphabetically by decedent’s surname. 1 box.

0.5 cubic feet. Accession: 1980-025. Partially restricted.

4. Hearings, 1967-1979

1908-1965. Typed transcripts of hearings. Off-site

Arranged chronological by hearing date. 57 cubic feet.

See container list Fairfield Coroner No. 3.

1967-1979. Typed transcripts Main Vault

Arranged chronological by hearing date. 2.75 cubic feet. Accession: 1980-027

1967-1968 Box 1

1969-1971 Partially restricted Box 2

1972-1974 Restricted Box 3

1975-1977 Restricted Box 4

1978-1979 Restricted Box 5

1976-1979. Stenographic notes and sound tapes

Stenographer’s note books and audio tapes of hearings. 1 cubic foot. Box 6

Accession: 1980-027. Restricted.

5. Laboratory reports, 1967-1979 Main Vault

1967-1979. 1 box. 1 cubic foot. Accession: 1980-028. Partially restricted.

1973-1979. Reports and related papers. 1 box. 0.50 cubic feet.

Accession: 1980-025. Restricted.

6. Administrative files, 1961-1979 Main Vault

Coroners’ correspondence with deputies, medical examiners, pathologists,

financial records, and an “index” to files, 1883-1955. 1 box. 0.5 cubic feet

Accession: 1980-025. Partially Restricted.

B. Hartford County, 1883-1979

1. Records, 1883-1979 Main Vault

Contain medical examiner’s reports, coroner’s findings, pathologist’s findings

and laboratory reports. Arranged chronologically. 55.5 cubic feet.

1883-1934. Bound volumes, 1883-1930 (microfilm).

1935-1963. Unbound originals.

1964-1979. Unbound originals. Partially restricted

1947-1979. Indices to record books.

See container list Hartford Coroner No. 1.

2. Hearings, 1898-1979 Main Vault

Contains transcript of hearing (also known as Coroner’s Inquiry) and copy of

Coroner’s Report (also known as Coroner’s Findings).

1898-1979. Types transcripts of hearings. 52.25 cubic feet. Partially Restricted

1967-1979. Stenographic notes and audio tapes. Partially Restricted.

See container list Hartford Coroner No. 2.

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3. Case files, 1968-1979 Main Vault

1968-1979. Includes files on homicide and non-homicide cases. Files contain

coroners’ reports, police reports, hearing transcripts, correspondence, and other related records.

Arranged chronologically by death date.

Partially Restricted. See container list Hartford Coroner No. 3.

4. Medical Examiner Reports, 1892-1935 Main Vault

Original handwritten reports of medical examiner to coroner, information later

transcribed and put in official Record Book (see above).

See container list Hartford Coroner No. 4.

5. Medical Examiner Appointments, 1883-1932 Main Vault

Record book listing appointments to position of town medical examiner by the

Hartford County Coroner. 1 volume. Accession: 1986-050A.

C. Litchfield County (Torrington), 1883-1979

1. Records, 1883-1979 Main Vault

Contains medical examiner’s reports, coroner’s findings, pathologist’s findings

and laboratory reports. Arranged chronologically by medical examiner’s report.

1883-1944. Bound volumes, 1883-1930 (microfilm).

1952-1979. Unbound originals. 6 cubic feet. Partially Restricted.

See container list Litchfield Coroner No. 1.

2. Hearings, 1917-1979 Main Vault

Contains transcript of hearing (also known as Coroner’s Inquiry) and copy of

Coroner’s Report (also known as Coroner’s Findings). 7 cubic feet.

Partially Restricted. See container list Litchfield Coroner No. 2.

3. Case files, 1951-1978 Main Vault

Includes files on homicide and non-homicide cases. Files contain coroners’ reports,

police reports, hearing transcripts, correspondence, and other related records.

Arranged alphabetically by year. 19.25 cubic feet.

Partially Restricted. See container list Litchfield Coroner No. 3.

4. Medical Examiner Reports, 1903-1928 Main Vault

Duplicate copies of materials in the Record Books (see above).

1 cubic foot. Accession: 1979-013

1903 April 1-1910 June 28 Box 1

1927 January 2-1928 March 24 Box 2

3. Administrative files, 1950-1979 Main Vault

Includes correspondence, administrative papers, and reference materials. Box 1

1 cubic foot. Accession: 1979-009

D. Middlesex County (Middletown), 1951-1979

1. Records, 1963-1966;1977 Main Vault

Contains medical examiner’s reports, coroner’s findings, pathologist’s findings

and laboratory reports. Arranged chronologically by medical examiner’s report.

2 cubic feet. Accession: 1979-015

1963 January-1964 October Box 1

1964 November-1965 December Box 2

1966 January-December Box 3

1977 January-August Restricted Box 4

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2. Hearings, 1967-1970 Main Vault

Transcripts of Coroner’s Hearings. Arranged chronological by date of hearing.

0.75 cubic feet. Accession: 1979-015

1967 January-1969 December Box 1

1970 February-1971 April Partially Restricted Box 2

3. Case files, 1953-1979 Main Vault

Includes coroners’ notes and reports, police and medical examiners’ reports,

laboratory reports, photographs, hearing transcripts, etc. Arranged into three groups.

10 cubic feet. Partially Restricted

See contain list Middlesex Coroner No. 1.

4. Administrative files, 1951-1979 Main Vault

Office files including correspondence, directives, supply orders, receipts for valuables

and various reports including police, toxicological and autopsy reports. 0.75 cubic feet.

Accession: 1979-015.

1953-1978. Files Partially Restricted Box 1

1951-1979. Reports Partially Restricted Box 2

E. New Haven County (New Haven), 1883-1980

1. Record books, 1883-1979 Main Vault

Contains medical examiner’s reports, coroner’s findings, pathologist’s findings

and laboratory reports. Arranged chronologically. 51 cubic feet.

1883-1935 April. Bound volumes, 1883-1931 (microfilm).

1935 July-1979. Unbound originals. Partially Restricted.

See container list New Haven Coroner No. 1.

2. Coroner’s Findings, 1975-1979 Main Vault

Report issued by coroner after inquiry. 0.25 cubic feet. Accession: 1979-036 Box 1

Partially Restricted

3. Hearings, 1962-1978 Main Vault

Transcripts of Coroner’s Inquiry. Arranged chronologically by death date.

Partially Restricted.

See container list New Haven Coroner No. 2.

4. Case Files, 1969-1979 Main Vault

State Police investigation files of automobile accidents only. Files contain eyewitness

interviews, lab reports, medical examiner and coroner’s findings, diagrams and

photographs. 3 cubic feet. Accession: 1979-033.

1968 January-1974 December Partially Restricted Box 1

1976 June-1979 February Restricted Box 2

1976 August-1979 December Restricted Box 3

5. Toxicological Reports, 1976-1980. Main Vault

Copies of toxicological reports. 0.25 c.f. Accession: 1979-035 Restricted Box 1

6. Administrative files, 1961-1979. Main Vault

Correspondence and administrative instructions. 0.50 cubic feet. Box 1

Accession: 1979-034 Partially Restricted

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F. New Haven County (Waterbury), 1917-1979

1. Record books, 1917-1970 Main Vault

Contains medical examiner’s reports, coroner’s findings, pathologist’s findings

and various laboratory reports. Arranged chronologically by medical examiner’s

report. 96 cubic feet.

1917-1935 June. Bound volumes. (1917-1931 microfilm)

1935 July-1945 December Unbound originals

1945 December-1970 September Bound volumes. Partially restricted

1971 January-1979 August Unbound originals. Restricted

1917-1979. Index

See container list Waterbury No. 1

2. Coroner’s Findings, 1923-1935 Main Vault

Report issued by coroner after inquiry. Copy often availed in record books.

2 cubic feet. Accession: 1979-030

1923 December-1927 November Box 1

1927 November-1933 September Box 2

1933 September-1935 July Box 3

1933-1936 Miscellaneous findings Volume 11

3. Hearings, 1917-1979 Main Vault

Transcripts of Coroner’s Inquiry. Arranged chronologically by death date.

Partially restricted. See container list Waterbury No. 2.

4. Case files, 1949-1979 Main Vault

Includes police reports, photographs, hearing transcripts, coroner’s notes and

reports. Arranged alphabetically by year with some overlap. 25 cubic feet.

Partially restricted. See container list Waterbury No. 3.

5. Medical Examiner’s Reports, 1922-1935 Main Vault

Duplicate copies of materials in the Record Books (see above). 2.5 cubic feet.

Accession: 1979-030

1922 January-1929 June Box 1

1929 June-1934 November Box 2

1934 November-1935 June Box 3

6. Toxological Reports, 1970-1975 Main Vault

Copies of toxological reports. 0.25 cubic feet. Accession: 1979-030 Box 1

Restricted.

7. Personal Effects, 1959-1970 Main Vault

Receipts for valuables. 0.5 cubic feet. Accession: 1979-030 Box 1

8. Administrative Files, 1919-1976 Main Vault

Office files including correspondence, directives, supply orders, photographs and

various reports including police, toxicological and autopsy reports.

1.25 cubic feet. Accession: 1979-030

1919-1936. Financial records Box 1

1947-1976. Miscellaneous correspondence. Partially restricted. Box 2

1954-1967. Box 3

1968-1972. Partially restricted. Box 4

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G. New London County (New London), 1883-1979

1. Records, 1883-1969 Main Vault

Contains medical examiner’s reports, coroner’s findings, pathologist’s findings

and laboratory reports. Arranged chronologically by medical examiner’s report.

1883-1935. Bound volumes (1883-1932 microfilm)

1935-1969. Unbound originals.

See container list New London Coroner No. 1.

2. Hearings, 1928-1957 Main Vault

Transcripts of Coroner’s Hearings. Arranged chronological by date of hearing.

See container list New London Coroner No. 2.

3. Case files, 1972-1979. Main Vault

Includes police reports, photographs, hearing transcripts, coroner’s notes and reports.

Arranged alphabetically. 8 cubic feet.

See container list New London Coroner No. 3.

4. Medical Examiner Reports, 1893-1935 Main Vault

Duplicate set of Medical Examiner Reports. Materials are unbound and dates are not complete.

See container list New London Coroner No. 4.

5. Appointments, 1883-1939. Main Vault

Record book listing appointments to position of town medical examiner by the Vol. 1

New London County Coroner. Accession: 1979-023

6. Administrative papers, 1973-1979 Main Vault

Contains correspondence, lab reports, coroner’s findings, medical examiner Box 1 & 2

reports and other materials generated by the Coroner’s Office. 1.5 cubic foot.

Accession: 1979-024

H. Tolland County (Rockville), 1883-1979

1. Record books, 1883-1936; 1968-1978 Main Vault

Contains medical examiner’s reports, coroner’s findings, pathologist’s findings

and laboratory reports. Arranged chronologically by medical examiner’s report.

1883-1936. Bound volumes (1883-1930 microfilm).

1968-1978 August. Unbound originals. Partially restricted.

See container list Tolland No. 1.

2. Hearings, 1931-1969 Main Vault

Transcripts of Coroner’s Hearings. Arranged chronological by date of hearing. 8 cubic feet. Accession:

1979-025

See container list Tolland No. 2

3. Case files, 1964-1979 Main Vault

Includes investigation reports, autopsy and lab reports, correspondence, hearing

transcripts. Arranged by case number see card index listed above. 20 cubic feet. Partially restricted.

See container list Tolland No. 3.

4. Index to Case Files, n.d. Main Vault

Two card index files. One arranged alphabetically by deceased name, the Box 1 & 2

second chronologically then alphabetically. Accession: 1979-026.

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RG003_Judicial_Dept.doc

5. State Police Reports, 1967-1979. Main Vault

State Police reports on untimely deaths, 1967-1979. Arranged chronologically. Box 20

Partially restricted. 0.5 cubic feet. Accession: 1979-025

6. Administrative files, 1964-1978. Main Vault

Includes correspondence and a form file consisting of property receipts and Box 1

toxicology reports. Arranged in a roughly chronological order. 0.50 cubic feet.

Accession: 1979-025

I. Windham County (Putnam), 1883-1979

1. Record books, 1883-1942 Main Vault

Contains medical examiner’s reports, coroner’s findings, pathologist’s findings

and laboratory reports . 4 cubic feet. Volumes. 1-7, 1883-1932. (microfilm).

1883-1935 June. Bound originals

1935 July-1942 June. Unbound originals.

See container list Windham No. 1.

2. Case files, 1960-1979 Main Vault

Includes police reports, photographs, hearing transcripts, coroner’s notes and reports. Arranged

alphabetically. 6 cubic feet. Partially restricted.

See container list Windham No. 2.

3. Medical Examiner Reports, 1927-1928 Main Vault

Manuscript copies of Medical Examiner Reports (duplicate). Box 1

0.5 cubic feet. Accession: 1979-019

4. Hearings, 1961-1965 Main Vault

Transcripts of Coroner’s Inquiry, arranged chronologically with list. Box 1

0.25 cubic feet. Accession: 1979-019

5. Appointments, 1915-1963 Main Vault

Medical examiners appointed by town. 0.25 cubic feet. Accession: 1979-019 Box 1

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FAQ

Judicial Records

Frequently Asked Questions

What are court records?

All types of legal documents relevant to court action including but not limited to dockets, formal

decisions, rules, appointments, judges’ notes and opinions, indexes, case files, record books, executions,

reports, and administrative papers, as well as materials from related entities such as the State Bar

Examining Committee, Coroners and Medical Examiners, County Commissioners, and Sheriffs.

Who uses these historic records?

Researchers interested in a wide variety of subjects use the court records. For example, genealogists

often find a wealth of information about their ancestors in court records. Historically a large portion of

the population used the court system to settle simple civil matters like actions to collect debts in addition

to obtaining a divorce or license. People interested in land boundaries find the court records useful in

determining past litigation surrounding a particular piece of property. Rights of way can also be

researched using court records. Historians use court records to research a wide array of topics from the

history of the judicial system in Connecticut to analyses of early race relations.

Which courts created these records?

State Courts: General Court (General Assembly), 1636-1820; Supreme Court of Errors, 1784-1901;

Particular Court, 1639-1665; Court of Assistants, 1665-1711; and Superior Court, 1711-1879.

Courts at the County Level: (dates vary among the counties) Supreme Court of Errors, 1819-1977; Superior Court,

1711-1969; County Court, 1661-1897; Maritime Court, 1776-1787; and Court of Common Pleas, 1859-1969.

The State Library does not have records from every county’s court. See table below:

Court

Fairfield

Hartford

Litchfield

Middlesex

New Haven

New London

Tolland

Windham

Supreme Court of Errors

Superior Court

County Court

Maritime Court

Court of Common Pleas

How do I determine which court created records relating to my research?

It is sometimes difficult to determine which court heard a particular case, but certain basic guidelines do

apply.

1). The approximate date of the case. It is important to know when the case was heard. The Connecticut

judicial system is not static and has undergone several major organizational changes over the past 350

years. Knowing the date of the case will help determine which court most likely heard the case or at least

help narrow down the possibilities.

2). Was the case criminal or civil? There is often not a clear cut division between the courts (some heard

civil, some heard criminal, some heard both), but knowing the nature of the case can help narrow your

search. The Particular Court and the Supreme Court of Errors heard early criminal cases. Later, these

cases were heard by the individual county courts including the Supreme Court, Superior Court, Court of

Common Pleas, and the Maritime Court. The Particular Court and the Supreme Court of Errors also

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FAQ

heard early civil cases. The Superior Court, County Court, Court of Common Pleas, and the Maritime

Court handled later civil litigation.

3) Once you have determined which court may have heard the individual case, the docket book is the best

place to start. The volumes are arranged chronologically and occasionally indexed by name. Docket

books often contain a brief case summary and the execution is often available. [Note: execution, when

used here, refers to a record of when and how a writ was completed.] Researchers can also determine the

exact hearing date from the docket books. Also request the Trials volume (the brief case summary) for

the time period of your case if it is available. Originally, dockets and trials were put together, but in the

early 19

century, the courts separated them into different volumes.

4) With the hearing date from the docket, researchers can then request the files (also know as case files or

judgments). These files include the papers received or created by the court session, but not transcripts of

the proceedings.

5) In addition to files, researchers should also consult Papers by Subject. This is an artificial collection of

materials removed from the main court files by library staff in the early 20

century. These cases are

sorted by subject and some topics include Appointments, Conservators and Guardians, Divorces,

Executions, Indians, and Travel.

What about divorce records?

Early divorce records can be found in court files (often placed in Papers by Subject). Later cases were

filed separately by some individual courts and are arranged by case number. The clerks of the court have

retained the permanent dockets. Therefore, researchers must obtain docket numbers from the particular

Superior Court for a case prior to requesting the file. The State Library only has divorces till the mid-20

century any divorce after that time is available at the individual court.

Where can I find a will?

Probate courts have jurisdiction over the estates of deceased persons, testamentary trusts, adoptions,

conservators, commitment of the mentally ill, guardians of the persons and estates of minors. Please

check records of the Probate Court (RG 004) for these records.

What about modern court records?

The bulk of the court records held by the State Archives is from the 18

and 19

century. Early 20

century records are available at the State Library but the majority of modern records remain with the

individual courts or have been transferred to the court’s record center in Enfield, CT. Researchers must

contact the individual clerks of the court to obtain access.

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Glossary

Selected Glossary

APPEAL. To resort to a superior court to review the decision of an inferior court or administrative agency.

APPOINTMENT. The designation of a person, by the person or person having authority therefore, to discharge the

duties of some office or trust. For example the County Coroners were given the power, by statute, to appoint Medical

Examiners for every town within their county.

ASSIGNMENT. A transfer or making over to another of the whole of any property, real or personal, in possession

or in action, or of any estate or right therein.

AUDITOR. 1) One who checks the accuracy, fairness, and general acceptability of accounting records and

statements and then attests to them. 2) An officer of the court, assigned to state the items of debit and credit between

the parties in a suit where accounts are in question, and exhibit the balance.

BAR ASSOCIATION. An association of members of the legal profession.

BRIEF. A written statement prepared by the counsel arguing a case in court. It contains a summary of the facts of

the case, the pertinent laws, and an argument of how the law applies to the facts supporting the counsel’s position.

CASE. A general term for an action, cause, suit, or controversy, at law or in equity.

CIVIL CASE. Of or relating to the state or its citizenry. Relating to private rights and remedies sought by civil

actions as contrasted with criminal proceedings.

CLERK. Officer of the court who files pleadings, motions, judgments, etc., issues process, and keeps records of

court proceedings.

COSTS. 1) A pecuniary allowance, made to the successful party (and recoverable from the losing party), for his

expenses in prosecuting or defending an action or a distinct proceeding within an action. 2) Fees and charges

required by law to be paid to the courts or some of their officers.

COURT CALENDAR. A list of cases awaiting trail or other disposition; sometimes called “trail list” or “docket.”

COURT REPORTER. A person who transcribes testimony during court proceedings, or at trail related proceedings

such as depositions.

CORONER. Public official charged with duty to make inquiry into the causes and circumstances of any death which

occurs through violence or suddenly and with marks of suspicion; i.e. unnatural death. The functions and duties of

coroners have been diminished having been replaced by medical examiners.

CORONER’S INQUEST. An inquisition or examination into the causes and circumstance of any death happening

by violence of under suspicious conditions, held by the coroner with the assistance of a jury.

CRIMINAL. That which pertains to or is connected with the law of crimes, or the administration of penal justice, or

which relates to or has the character of crime.

DECISION. A determination of judicial or quasi-judicial nature. A judgment or decree pronounced by a court in

settlement of a controversy submitted to it and by way of authorative answer to the questions raised before it.

Definitions taken from Black’s Law Dictionary (5

Ed) 1979 and (6

Ed) 1990. Examples and other

definitions (records related) provided by State Archives Staff.

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Glossary

DECLARATION. The first of the pleadings on the part of the plaintiff in an action at law, being a formal and

methodical specification of the facts and circumstances constituting his cause or actions.

DEFAULT. The omission or failure to perform a legal or contractual duty, e.g. the failure to appear when

summoned to court.

DEFAULT-JUDGEMENT. Under Rules of Civil Procedure, when a party against whom a judgment for affirmative

relief is sought has failed to plead (i.e. answer) or otherwise defend, he is in default and a judgment by default may

be entered either by the clerk or the court.

DEPOSITION. Testimony of witness, taken in writing, under oath or affirmation, before some judicial officer in

answer to questions or interrogatories. A transcript, word for word account, is made of the deposition.

DISCONTINUED CASE. The cessation of the proceedings in an action where the plaintiff voluntarily puts an end

to it, either by giving notice in writing to the defendant before any step has been taken in the action subsequent to the

answer, or at any other time by order of the court or a judge. A non-suit; dismissal.

DISPOSITION. Act of disposing; transferring to the care or possession of another. The parting with, alienation of,

or giving up property. In criminal procedure, the sentencing or other final settlement of a criminal case.

DISMISSAL. An order or judgment finally disposing of an action, suit, motion, etc., without trial of the issues

involved. Such may be either voluntary or involuntary.

DIVORCE. The legal separation of man and wife, effected by the judgment or decree of a court, and either totally

dissolving the marriage relation, or suspending its effects so far as concerns the cohabitation of the parties.

DOCKET. A formal record, entered in brief, of the proceedings in a court of justice. A book containing an entry in

brief of all the important acts done in court in the conduct of each case, from its inception to its conclusion. The

name of “docket” or “trial docket” is sometimes given to the list or calendar of causes set to be tried at a specified

term, prepared by the clerks for the use of the court and bar.

EXECUTION. Record of when and how a writ was completed, not to be confused with capital punishment.

FILE. Papers received or created by the court session. Also called judgments.

FORECLOSURE. A termination of all rights of the mortgagor or his grantee in the property covered by the

mortgage. Procedure by which mortgaged property is sold on default of mortgagor in satisfaction of mortgage debt.

HABEAS CORPUS. The name given to a variety of writs having for their object to bring a party before a court or

judge.

INSOLVENCY. The condition of a person who is insolvent; inability to pay one’s debts; lack of means to pay one’s

debts.

INQUEST. The inquiry by a coroner or medical examiner, sometimes with the aid of a jury, into the means of death

of any one who has been slain, or had died suddenly or by violence or in prison.

JUDGMENT. The final decision of the court resolving the dispute and determining the rights and obligations of the

parties. Some county courts used the term judgments interchangeably with files meaning the official record of the

proceedings.

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Glossary

JURY. A body of persons selected according to law, and sworn to inquire of certain matters of fact, and declare the

truth upon evidence to be laid before them. This definition embraces the various subdivisions of juries: as grand jury,

petit jury, common jury, special jury, coroner’s jury, and sheriff’s jury.

JURIES IMPANELED. Impanel, the act of the clerk of the court in making up a list of the jurors who have been

selected for the trail of a particular cause. All the steps of ascertaining who shall be the proper jurors to sit in the trail

of a particular case up to the final formation.

LICENSE. The permission by competent authority to do an act which, without such permission, would be illegal, a

trespass, or a tort.

MARITIME COURT. A court exercising jurisdiction over all maritime contracts, torts, injuries, or offenses.

MEDICAL EXAMINER. Public officer charged with responsibility of investigating all sudden, unexplained,

unnatural or suspicious deaths reported to him, including the performance of autopsies and assisting the state in

criminal homicide cases. The medical examiner has replaced the coroner in many states.

MINUTES. A memorandum of what takes place in court, made by authority of the court.

MITTIMUS. 1) The name of a precept in writing, issuing from a court, directed to the sheriff or other officer,

commanding him to convey to the prison the person named therein, and to the jailer, commanding him to receive and

safely keep such person until he shall be delivered by due course of law. 2) Transcript of minutes of conviction and

sentence duly certified by court clerk. 3) A writ enclosing a record sent to be tried in a county, it derives its name

from the Latin word mittmus, “we send.”

NATURALIZATION. The process by which a person acquires nationality after birth and becomes entitled to the

privileges of citizenship.

NO APPEARANCE FILE. Cases in which both parties in lawsuit failed to appear in court.

NOTARY PUBLIC. One who is authorized by the state or federal government to administer oaths, and to attest to

the authenticity of signatures.

PAPERS BY SUBJECT. Materials removed from County Court and Superior Court files by State Library staff and

placed into artificial subject categories.

REASONS OF THE COURT. An inducement, motive, or ground for action, as in the phrase “reasons for an

appeal.”

RECORD. A written account of some act, court proceeding, transaction, or instrument, drawn up, under authority of

the law, by a proper officer, and designed to remain as a memorial or permanent evidence of the matters to which it

relates.

STATE’S ATTORNEY. An officer who represents the State in securing indictments and in prosecuting criminal

cases. Also called the District Attorney or Prosecuting Attorney.

SUMMONS. Writ or process directed to the sheriff or other proper officer, requiring him to notify the person names

than an action has been commenced against him in the court from where the process issues, and that his is required to

appear, on a day named, and answer the complaint in such action.

TAVERNER. In old English law, a seller or wine; one who kept a house or shop for the sale of wine.

TORT. A private or civil wrong or injury, other than breach of contract, for which the court will provide remedy in

the form of an action for damages.

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Glossary

TRANSCRIPT. An official copy of the record of proceedings in a trail or hearing. Word-for-word typing of

everything that was said “on the record” during a trial.

TRIAL. A judicial examination, in accordance with law of the land, of a cause, either civil or criminal, of the issues

between the parties, whether of law or fact, before a court that has proper jurisdiction.

WITNESS. A person whose declaration under oath (or affirmation) is received as evidence for any purpose, whether

such declaration be made on oral examination or by disposition or affidavit.

WRIT. An order issued from a court requiring the performance of a specified act, or giving authority to have it done.

WITHDRAWAL. (of charges) A failure to prosecute by the person preferring charges-distinguished from a

dismissal, which is a determination of their invalidity by the tribunal hearing them.