reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
RI Gen L § 9-14-1 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-14 - Equity Practice|Section 9-14-1 - Statutory proceedings following course of equity.

§ 9-14-1. Statutory proceedings following course of equity.Subject to applicable procedural rules, all petitions for the enforcement of mechanics' liens, petitions for divorce, and statutory proceedings so prescribed by statute, shall follow the course of equity so far as it is applicable.History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 304; G.L. 1909, ch. 289, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 339, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 528, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 9-14-1; P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 27.
RI Gen L § 9-14-2 - 9-14-8 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-14 - Equity Practice|Section 9-14-2 - 9-14-8 - Repealed.

§ 9-14-2 — 9-14-8. Repealed.History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, §§ 305 — 309, 318, 319; G.L. 1909, ch. 289, §§ 2 — 6, 15, 16; G.L. 1923, ch. 339, §§ 2 — 6, 15, 16; G.L. 1938, ch. 528, §§ 2 — 6, 15, 16; Repealed by P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 28, effective January 10, 1966.
RI Gen L § 9-14-9 - 9-14-10 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-14 - Equity Practice|Section 9-14-9 - 9-14-10 - Repealed.

§ 9-14-9 — 9-14-10. Repealed.History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 317; G.L. 1909, ch. 289, § 14; G.L. 1923, ch. 339, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 528, § 14; G.L. 1956, §§ 9-14-9, 9-14-10; P.L. 1966, ch. 1, § 8); Repealed by P.L. 1979, ch. 373, § 5. For present law, see Rule 13 of the Rules of Procedure for Domestic Relations.
RI Gen L § 9-14-11 - 9-14-24 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-14 - Equity Practice|Section 9-14-11 - 9-14-24 - Repealed.

§ 9-14-11 — 9-14-24. Repealed.History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, §§ 310-315, 320, 322-324, 327, 354; P.L. 1907, ch. 1459, § 9; G.L. 1909, ch. 289, §§ 7-12, 17, 19-21, 24; G.L. 1909, ch. 291, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 339, §§ 7-12, 17, 19-21, 24; G.L. 1923, ch. 341, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 528, §§ 7-12, 17, 19-21, 24, 27, 28; P.L. 1951, ch. 2745, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 28, effective January 10, 1966.
RI Gen L § 9-14-25 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-14 - Equity Practice|Section 9-14-25 - Expenses and counsel fees paid out of decedent's or trust estate.

§ 9-14-25. Expenses and counsel fees paid out of decedent's or trust estate.In any civil action or other proceeding wherein construction of a will or trust deed or any part thereof is asked, there may be allowed to each of the parties defendant brought in by the action or other proceeding, applying therefor, such reasonable sum for expenses and on account of counsel fees as the court in which the case is pending shall deem proper; the allowance shall be taxed as costs in the cause and be paid out of the estate or fund in the hands of the complainant concerning which estate or fund the construction is asked.History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 325; G.L. 1909, ch. 289, § 22; G.L. 1923, ch. 339, § 22; G.L. 1938, ch. 528, § 22; G.L. 1956, § 9-14-25; P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 27.
RI Gen L § 9-14-26 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-14 - Equity Practice|Section 9-14-26 - Master's conveyance of property.

§ 9-14-26. Master's conveyance of property.If a judgment directs a party to execute a conveyance of land or to deliver deeds or other documents or to perform any other specified acts and the party fails to comply within the time specified, the court may direct the act to be done at the cost of the disobedient party by a master in chancery or some other person appointed by the court, and the act when so done has like effect as if done by the party.History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 326; G.L. 1909, ch. 289, § 23; G.L. 1923, ch. 339, § 23; G.L. 1938, ch. 528, § 23; G.L. 1956, § 9-14-26; P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 27.
RI Gen L § 9-14-27 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-14 - Equity Practice|Section 9-14-27 - Repealed.

§ 9-14-27. Repealed.History of Section.G.L. 1923, ch. 339, § 39 P.L. 1929, ch. 1338, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 528, § 25; P.L. 1940, ch. 934, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 9-14-27; Repealed by P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 28, effective January 10, 1966.
RI Gen L § 9-14-28 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-14 - Equity Practice|Section 9-14-28 - Court rule or order varying forms of process or mode of proceeding.

§ 9-14-28. Court rule or order varying forms of process or mode of proceeding.The superior court may, by general rule or by special order, vary the forms of process, mode of proceeding, or of decree, heretofore in use, in such manner as may be necessary to carry into effect the provisions of any statute of this state.History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 321; G.L. 1909, ch. 289, § 18; G.L. 1923, ch. 339, § 18; G.L. 1938, ch. 528, § 18; G.L. 1956, § 9-14-28.
RI Gen L § 9-15-1 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-15 - Referees, Auditors, And Masters In Chancery|Section 9-15-1 - Reference by agreement of parties.

§ 9-15-1. Reference by agreement of parties.Any court may permit the parties in any civil action pending therein to enter into a rule of court to refer the action to the decision of one or more referees, to be agreed on by the parties, and also to refer in the same rule any other actions, causes of action, or suits that may exist between them, either jointly or severally, generally or specially.History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 406; G.L. 1909, ch. 293, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 343, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 532, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 9-15-1; P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 29.
RI Gen L § 9-15-2 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-15 - Referees, Auditors, And Masters In Chancery|Section 9-15-2 - Reference without action or suit brought.

§ 9-15-2. Reference without action or suit brought.Though no action or suit is brought or pending, as provided in § 9-15-1, the district court may permit any persons or corporations who have any cause or causes of action not following the course of equity and the superior court may permit any persons or corporations who have any cause or causes of action, existing between them, to enter into a rule of court to refer the cause or causes of action to the decision of one or more referees, as provided in § 9-15-1, either jointly or severally, generally or specially; provided, that no rule entered into in the district court under the provisions of this chapter shall be made for any claim or claims which exceed in amount the sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000).History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 407; G.L. 1909, ch. 293, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 343, § 2; P.L. 1929, ch. 1331, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 532, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 9-15-2; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 10; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 81.
RI Gen L § 9-15-3 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-15 - Referees, Auditors, And Masters In Chancery|Section 9-15-3 - Certification of rule to another county.

§ 9-15-3. Certification of rule to another county.Leave may be given under § 9-15-2, in the superior court, to enter the rule in any county, to be certified to the county where the matter more properly belongs.History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 408; G.L. 1909, ch. 293, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 343, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 532, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 9-15-3.
RI Gen L § 9-15-4 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-15 - Referees, Auditors, And Masters In Chancery|Section 9-15-4 - Contents and effect of agreement of reference - Majority report of referees.

§ 9-15-4. Contents and effect of agreement of reference — Majority report of referees.The parties to any rule shall agree upon the mode of procedure, the defraying of expenses, the time when and manner in which the referees shall make their report, and the time and manner of issuing execution on the judgment or decree which the court shall enter, upon the coming in of the report; and every such agreement shall be conclusive upon the parties and upon their heirs, executors, administrators, and successors, and, if involving real estate, when notice thereof is duly recorded, upon their assigns, and a majority report of referees shall be binding and conclusive.History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 409; G.L. 1909, ch. 293, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 343, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 532, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 9-15-4.
RI Gen L § 9-15-5 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-15 - Referees, Auditors, And Masters In Chancery|Section 9-15-5 - Oath of referee.

§ 9-15-5. Oath of referee.Every referee, before he or she proceeds to the business of the reference, shall be sworn to perform his or her duties faithfully and impartially as referee.History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 412; G.L. 1909, ch. 293, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 343, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 532, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 9-15-5.
RI Gen L § 9-15-6 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-15 - Referees, Auditors, And Masters In Chancery|Section 9-15-6 - Judgment and execution on report.

§ 9-15-6. Judgment and execution on report.Upon the coming in of the report of referees, the court shall enter judgment or decree thereon and in conformity thereto and issue execution accordingly.History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 410; G.L. 1909, ch. 293, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 343, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 532, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 9-15-6.
RI Gen L § 9-15-7 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-15 - Referees, Auditors, And Masters In Chancery|Section 9-15-7 - Discharge or recommission of rule.

§ 9-15-7. Discharge or recommission of rule.The court may, at any time in its discretion, on motion of either party, discharge a rule or recommit a rule and report to the same referees, or, with consent of the parties, to other referees; but a rule shall remain in full force until so discharged, and shall be continued without continuance fees, until report shall be made thereon.History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 411; G.L. 1909, ch. 293, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 343, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 532, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 9-15-7.
RI Gen L § 9-15-8 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-15 - Referees, Auditors, And Masters In Chancery|Section 9-15-8 - Recording of decisions involving real estate.

§ 9-15-8. Recording of decisions involving real estate.Whenever any rule, entered into under the provisions of this chapter, shall concern the title to real estate, the referees shall report their proceedings, with a plat of the real estate in question showing the title as affected by their decisions; and if their report is finally received, a copy of the report and plat, certified by the clerk of the court where the rule is entered, shall be recorded in the records of land evidence in the town or city in which the estate shall be, and the expense of the record shall be a part of the costs of the party against whom the referees shall have decided, unless otherwise agreed.History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 414; G.L. 1909, ch. 293, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 343, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 532, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 9-15-8.
RI Gen L § 9-15-9 - 9-15-17 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-15 - Referees, Auditors, And Masters In Chancery|Section 9-15-9 - 9-15-17 - Repealed.

§ 9-15-9 — 9-15-17. Repealed.History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, §§ 415 — 423; G.L. 1909, ch. 293, §§ 10 — 18; G.L. 1938, ch. 532, §§ 10 — 18; Repealed by P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 30, effective January 10, 1966.
RI Gen L § 9-15-18 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-15 - Referees, Auditors, And Masters In Chancery|Section 9-15-18 - Summons of witnesses and administration of oaths.

§ 9-15-18. Summons of witnesses and administration of oaths.Referees and auditors shall have power to administer oaths in all matters tried before them, and also power to compel witnesses to attend and give testimony under oath in matters tried before them, in the same manner and by a similar process as courts of record, and any summons for witnesses may be issued and signed by any referee or auditor, or by any clerk of court, notary public, or justice of the peace.History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 413; G.L. 1909, ch. 293, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 343, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 532, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 9-15-18.
RI Gen L § 9-15-19 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-15 - Referees, Auditors, And Masters In Chancery|Section 9-15-19 - Appointment of masters in chancery - Rules and orders.

§ 9-15-19. Appointment of masters in chancery — Rules and orders.The superior court, by a majority of the justices thereof, shall appoint in each county one or more standing masters in chancery to hold office during the pleasure of the court; and may make all such rules and orders, not contrary to law, with regard to proceedings before masters in chancery, their reports, and exceptions to and hearings on them, as to it shall seem expedient.History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 424; G.L. 1909, ch. 293, § 19; G.L. 1923, ch. 343, § 19; G.L. 1938, ch. 532, § 19; G.L. 1956, § 9-15-19.
RI Gen L § 9-15-20 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-15 - Referees, Auditors, And Masters In Chancery|Section 9-15-20 - Protection of parties and witnesses in referred matters.

§ 9-15-20. Protection of parties and witnesses in referred matters.Masters in chancery, auditors, and referees shall have the same power to issue writs of protection to parties and witnesses in matters pending before them as is possessed by the courts from which they derive their appointment, and the signing of such writs by any one master, auditor, or referee, who has been duly sworn, shall be sufficient.History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 425; G.L. 1909, ch. 293, § 20; G.L. 1923, ch. 343, § 20; G.L. 1938, ch. 532, § 20; G.L. 1956, § 9-15-20.
RI Gen L § 9-15-21 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-15 - Referees, Auditors, And Masters In Chancery|Section 9-15-21 - Stenographic reports and transcripts.

§ 9-15-21. Stenographic reports and transcripts.Masters in chancery, auditors, and referees may employ stenographers to report and transcribe the testimony taken in causes referred to them, and the cost of the reports and transcripts shall be allowed as part of the costs.History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 426; G.L. 1909, ch. 293, § 21; G.L. 1923, ch. 343, § 21; G.L. 1938, ch. 532, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 9-15-21.
RI Gen L § 9-16-1 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-16 - View By Jury|Section 9-16-1 - Court order for view.

§ 9-16-1. Court order for view.In all cases in which it shall seem advisable to the court, on request of either party, a view by the jury may be ordered; and in all such cases, the court shall regulate the proceedings at the view and, in its discretion, accompany the jury.History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 355; G.L. 1909, ch. 292, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 342, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 508, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 9-16-1.
RI Gen L § 9-16-2 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-16 - View By Jury|Section 9-16-2 - Expenses of view.

§ 9-16-2. Expenses of view.To entitle himself or herself to a view, the party moving therefor shall advance such reasonable sum of money to the sheriff, to defray the expenses of the jury on the view, as the court shall order, and the amount of the expenses shall be taxed against the adverse party, if he or she who advanced the expenses shall recover costs in the suit.History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 356; G.L. 1909, ch. 292, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 342, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 508, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 9-16-2.
RI Gen L § 9-17-1 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-17 - Witnesses|Section 9-17-1 - Form of subpoena.

§ 9-17-1. Form of subpoena.The form of subpoena to a witness shall be substantially as follows:Sc. To ..................... of ................ Greeting: You are hereby required, in the name of the state of Rhode Island, to make your appearance before .......... holden at .......... on the .......... day of .......... to give evidence of what you know relative to an action or plea of .......... then and there are to be heard and tried between .......... plaintiff and .......... defendant.  Hereof fail not, as you will answer your default under the penalty of the law in that behalf made and provided.  Dated at .......... the ....... day of .......... in the year ......History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 357; G.L. 1909, ch. 292, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 342, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 537, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 9-17-1; P.L. 2021, ch. 77, § 7, effective June 23, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 78, § 7, effective June 23, 2021.
RI Gen L § 9-17-2 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-17 - Witnesses|Section 9-17-2 - Subpoenas by court clerks and district court judges.

§ 9-17-2. Subpoenas by court clerks and district court judges.Clerks of court and judges of the district court may issue subpoenas to witnesses in all cases pending in their own or any other court.History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 358; G.L. 1909, ch. 292, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 342, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 537, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 9-17-2; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 11.
RI Gen L § 9-17-3 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-17 - Witnesses|Section 9-17-3 - Subpoenas issued by other officials.

§ 9-17-3. Subpoenas issued by other officials.Auditors, referees, masters in chancery, and commissioners may issue subpoenas to witnesses in all cases and matters pending before them, respectively; and justices of the peace and notaries public may issue subpoenas to witnesses in any case, civil or criminal, before any court, and in any matter before any body or person authorized by law to summon witnesses.History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 359; G.L. 1909, ch. 292, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 342, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 537, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 9-17-3.
RI Gen L § 9-17-4 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-17 - Witnesses|Section 9-17-4 - Service of subpoena.

§ 9-17-4. Service of subpoena.A subpoena to a witness shall be served by delivering a copy to him or her.History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 361; G.L. 1909, ch. 292, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 342, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 537, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 9-17-4; P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 31.
RI Gen L § 9-17-5 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-17 - Witnesses|Section 9-17-5 - Duty to attend when subpoenaed.

§ 9-17-5. Duty to attend when subpoenaed.Every witness who shall be duly served with a subpoena in behalf of any party to a suit or proceeding, civil or criminal, and shall have his or her lawful fees tendered to him or her for his or her travel from his or her place of abode to the place at which he or she shall be summoned to attend, and for one day's attendance, shall be obliged to attend accordingly.History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 362; G.L. 1909, ch. 292, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 342, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 537, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 9-17-5.
RI Gen L § 9-17-5.1 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-17 - Witnesses|Section 9-17-5.1 - Subpoena for production of documentary evidence.

§ 9-17-5.1. Subpoena for production of documentary evidence.(a) When a subpoena for the production of books, papers, documents, or tangible things is served on a federal or state agency, public utility, national bank, insurance company, financial institution, or a public or private institution of higher education organized under state or federal laws, it shall be deemed a sufficient response to the subpoena if the employee of the entity charged with the responsibility of being custodian of the original records promptly provides the attorney for the party causing service of the subpoena copies of all documents requested by the subpoena. All responses to the subpoena shall contain a certificate which shall be signed before a notary public by the employee of the entity charged with the responsibility of being custodian of the records and shall include a legend substantially to the following effect: "The copies of records for which this certification is made are true and complete reproductions of the original or microfilmed records which are in the possession of (name of entity). The original records were made in the regular course of business, and it was the regular course of (name of entity) to make such records at or near the time of the matter recorded. This certification is given pursuant to Rhode Island general laws § 9-17-5.1 by the custodian of the records in lieu of his or her personal appearance."(b) Documents or records of any federal or state agency, public utility, national bank, financial institution organized under state or federal laws, a public or private institution of higher education, or of a hospital that are susceptible to photostatic reproduction may be proved as to foundation, identity, and authenticity without any preliminary testimony, by use of legible and durable copies, certified in the manner provided in subsection (a) by the employee of the entity charged with the responsibility of being custodian of the originals thereof. The copies may be used in any trial, hearing, deposition, or any other judicial or administrative action or proceeding, whether civil or criminal, in lieu of the original documents or records which, however, the entity shall hold available for inspection and comparison by the court, tribunal, or hearing officer and by the parties and their attorneys of record.(c) In the event any of the entities are unable to provide the documents requested in the subpoena due to the timeliness of the service of the subpoena or for other legal reasons, then the employee charged with the responsibility of being custodian of the records for the entity shall set forth in the certificate required hereunder the specific reasons for the noncompliance, the time of service of the subpoena, and if appropriate the time anticipated in complying with the subpoena.History of Section.P.L. 1988, ch. 161, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 262, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 188, § 22.
RI Gen L § 9-17-6 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally|Chapter 9-17 - Witnesses|Section 9-17-6 - Tender of fees to certain witnesses not required.

§ 9-17-6. Tender of fees to certain witnesses not required.A witness summoned in behalf of the state or, in a criminal proceeding, in behalf of a defendant who the court finds is financially unable to pay witness fees shall have no right to have his or her fees paid or tendered to him or her before he or she shall be bound to obey the summons.History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 363; G.L. 1909, ch. 292, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 342, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 537, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 9-17-6; P.L. 1972, ch. 169, § 6.