Connecticut House Bill HB06239

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/15
• Refer: 1/22/15

Caption

An Act Concerning Bifurcated Trials For Negligence Actions.

Impact

If enacted, HB 06239 would alter the way negligence cases are handled in the courts of Connecticut. By separating the determination of negligence from the assessment of damages, the bill aims to simplify the trial process for jurors, potentially leading to more focused deliberations. Proponents of bifurcated trials may argue that this structure could allow juries to concentrate solely on the facts of whether negligence occurred before considering compensation, which could reduce juror confusion and result in fairer outcomes.

Summary

House Bill 06239 proposes the establishment of a bifurcated trial system specifically for negligence actions. The bill aims to amend section 52-205 of the general statutes to allow courts to order that negligence cases be divided into two distinct phases when tried before a jury. During the first phase, the jury will address the issue of negligence, while the second phase will focus on determining damages. This bifurcation is intended to streamline the judicial process and potentially enhance the clarity of jury decisions.

Contention

While the proponents of HB 06239 advocate for a clearer judicial process, there may be concerns surrounding its implementation. Critics might argue that bifurcated trials could lead to increased litigation time and costs, as two separate phases for the same case may necessitate additional court resources and prolong legal proceedings. Furthermore, the necessity of separating negligence from damages in trials may raise questions about the potential impact on jury dynamics and their ability to fully grasp the nuances of a case in a split structure.