Connecticut § 52-76 - Actions by and against voluntary associations.
Full text of Connecticut Connecticut General Statutes § 52-76 — Actions by and against voluntary associations., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 52-76. Actions by and against voluntary associations.
Sec. 52-76. Actions by and against voluntary associations. Any number of persons associated together as a voluntary association, not having corporate powers, but known by a distinguishing name, may sue and be sued and plead and be impleaded by such name. A civil action may be brought against such an association by any individual member thereof and such association may bring civil actions against individual members. Civil actions may be brought, both in contract and tort, against such an association and its members, but no such civil action, except on contract, may be brought against the members without joining the association as a party to the action if the association is located or has property subject to attachment in this state.
(1949 Rev., S. 7797; P.A. 82-160, S. 28.)
History: P.A. 82-160 replaced “suits” with “civil actions” and rephrased the section.
See Sec. 52-57(e) re service of process upon presiding officer, secretary or treasurer of voluntary association.
See Sec. 52-292 re attachment in actions against voluntary associations and their members.
See Sec. 52-365 re demand on execution against voluntary association.
Voluntary association cannot, as such, hold real estate. 44 C. 260. When individual members liable for goods purchased. 55 C. 111. Prior to amendment of 1893, a member could not sue the association. 61 C. 227. Association may give note to compromise suit pending against it. 70 C. 636. Includes action for damages for wrongful expulsion of member. 76 C. 649. Quo warranto against “pretended town”. 77 C. 265. Reasons for denying to member of a voluntary unincorporated association a cause of action in negligence against the association do not apply in the case of intentional torts; statute, however, is procedural and creates no substantive right; if the acts of which plaintiff complains occurred in the course of a labor dispute, it is necessary to determine the effect of Sec. 31-114 in determining whether plaintiff has a substantive right of action which he can enforce against the union. 150 C. 266. Cited. 186 C. 725.
A labor union may sue in its own name. 15 CS 321. Cited. 42 CS 336.
Source: official Connecticut text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut § 52-76
What does Connecticut General Statutes § 52-76 cover?
Section 52-76 ("Actions by and against voluntary associations.") is part of the Connecticut General Statutes, the codified statutory law of Connecticut. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Connecticut § 52-76?
A common citation format is "Connecticut General Statutes § 52-76" (Connecticut). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Connecticut law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Connecticut official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Connecticut attorney.
How does Connecticut § 52-76 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Connecticut can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Connecticut.