Connecticut § 54-83 - Testimony in case where crime is punishable by death or life imprisonment without possibility of release.
Full text of Connecticut Connecticut General Statutes § 54-83 — Testimony in case where crime is punishable by death or life imprisonment without possibility of release., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 54-83. Testimony in case where crime is punishable by death or life imprisonment without possibility of release.
Sec. 54-83. Testimony in case where crime is punishable by death or life imprisonment without possibility of release. No person may be convicted of any crime punishable by death or life imprisonment without the possibility of release without the testimony of at least two witnesses, or that which is equivalent thereto.
(1949 Rev., S. 8799; P.A. 80-313, S. 47; P.A. 12-5, S. 29.)
History: P.A. 80-313 substituted “may” for “shall”; P.A. 12-5 added provision re crime punishable by life imprisonment without possibility of release, effective April 25, 2012.
Not necessary that there should be two witnesses to every material fact; true rule stated. 49 C. 385; 77 C. 274; 78 C. 18; 93 C. 246; 97 C. 465; 103 C. 467; 106 C. 705; 122 C. 533; 126 C. 57. Whether requirement is met is for the jury to say. 81 C. 27; 90 C. 126; 93 C. 246; 97 C. 465; 103 C. 467. Charge embodying rule approved. 97 C. 465. Cited. 123 C. 673. If testimony of one or more witnesses tends to prove that a murder has been committed, testimony of only one other witness implicating defendant is sufficient to satisfy statute. 139 C. 475. The proof of all the essential elements of a capital crime charged shall not depend upon the testimony of one witness. 142 C. 113. Cited. 147 C. 95. One witness may testify to some of the essential facts and another to the rest of the essential facts and the statute may be satisfied. Id., 194. Adoption of Wigmore definition of “corpus delicti”; previous cases defining “corpus delicti” overruled. 152 C. 15. Cited. 182 C. 511; 229 C. 125; 230 C. 183; 233 C. 813; 235 C. 206. Confession and independent circumstantial evidence satisfied the two witness rule. 251 C. 285. Death penalty unconstitutional under Art. I, Secs. 8 and 9 of Connecticut Constitution. 318 C. 1.
Evidentiary burden imposed by section is not constitutionally compelled. 121 CA 699.
Source: official Connecticut text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut § 54-83
What does Connecticut General Statutes § 54-83 cover?
Section 54-83 ("Testimony in case where crime is punishable by death or life imprisonment without possibility of release.") 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 § 54-83?
A common citation format is "Connecticut General Statutes § 54-83" (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 § 54-83 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.