The Connecticut Judicial Branch adopted its seal in 1997 to promote a better understanding of its role and function as a separate and distinct branch of government.

The seal features a map of Connecticut with the scales of justice overlaid upon it. Above the overlay is a ribbon, cleft at each end, and upon the ribbon the three guiding principles of the Judicial Branch are to be found: "truth, equity and justice." Above the ribbon are oak leaves that symbolize Connecticut’s Charter Oak tree. As you may know, the early colonists of Connecticut hid the original Kings’ Charter in 1687, in an oak tree, when the British sought to revoke its authority. The refusal of our early Connecticut leaders to give up the Charter, despite royal order could have led to a bloody conflict and ultimately could have jeopardized Connecticut’s independence as a colony.

The Connecticut Judicial Branch seal represents the fairness that citizens can expect to receive in our courtrooms.