Connecticut Supreme Court ‘On Circuit’

The Connecticut Supreme Court’s On Circuit program brings the court to the UConn School of Law and other university, college, and law school audiences, providing an opportunity to observe oral arguments in actual court cases. On November 30, 2024, the court heard these cases:

Kayla Suprynowicz, et al. v. Narendra B. Tohan

The plaintiff brought an action against the defendant doctor, alleging, among other things, that the doctor used his own sperm in providing fertility services to her parents. At issue is whether the trial court properly struck plaintiffs’ claims as sounding in wrongful life; whether the trial court properly struck plaintiffs’ claims for not alleging “extraordinary damages”; and whether Connecticut law should recognize wrongful life claims. Briefs.

State of Connecticut v. Richard G. Dabate

The second case received national attention as the “Fitbit Murder.” At issue is whether the prosecutor’s alleged failure to make required disclosures, objectionable cross-examination questions and inflammatory closing argument warrant reversal of conviction; whether a police interview of the defendant at a hospital amounted to custodial interrogation; and whether evidence of the victim’s movements recorded by Fitbit was sufficiently reliable and accurate to be admitted. Briefs.