The Connecticut Supreme Court’s February term begins today and ends on Thursday with the Court hearing six cases this week.
Tuesday, February 21st
The Court starts the term by hearing oral argument in Lyme Land Conservation Trust, Inc. v. Beverly Platner et al., SC 19797, where the Court will consider whether the plaintiff-land trust and the Attorney General proved at trial that the defendant’s landscaping activities on residential property violated a “conservation restriction” contained in the deed to preserve the property in its natural condition.
The second case of the day is State v. Jerzy G., SC 19641, where the issue is whether a defendant who has been deported has the right to appeal his criminal conviction. In State v. Aquino, 279 Conn. 293 (2006), the Supreme Court had held that when a defendant is deported, any challenge to the conviction becomes moot because there is no “practical relief” available to the deportee. In Jerzy G., the Supreme Court is being asked to reconsider that decision.
Wednesday, February 22nd
The Court hears two cases, Sepega v. LeLaura, SC 19683, and Lund v. Milford Hospital, SC 19834, where it is being asked to interpret the scope of the “firefighters rule.” The rule holds that firefighters and police officers cannot sue a property owner for injuries suffered during the performance of their duties on the premises. In both Sepega and Lund, the plaintiff-police officers claim that the rule should be limited only to premises liability cases and should not bar claims alleging other negligence on the part of the property owner.
Thursday, February 23rd
The Court end its February term with two habeas cases. In Anthony A. v. Commissioner of Correction, SC 19565, the Court will decide whether a prisoner can use a writ of habeas corpus to seek removal of a sex offender registry requirement. In Nelson v. Commissioner of Correction, SC 19830, the Court will consider whether a prisoner’s agreement not to file future habeas petitions challenging his conviction is enforceable.