reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-4.1 - Court Clerks’ Incentive Pay › Section 8-4.1-2. - Eligibility for plan.

§ 8-4.1-2. Eligibility for plan.
(a)
Any full time clerk of the supreme, superior, family, or district court or administrators of the workers’ compensation court shall be eligible for the plan established by this chapter provided he or she:
(1)
Has, on or before July 5, 1994, acquired the requisite degree as set forth in § 8-4.1-3; or
(2)
Has, on or before July 5, 1994, accumulated at least fifty percent (50%) of the credits necessary to receive either degree as set forth in § 8-4.1-3 and thereafter receives that degree; or
(3)
Is, on July 5, 1994, enrolled in a degree program, completion of which will entitle him or her to either degree as set forth in § 8-4.1-3, and thereafter receives that degree.
(b)
The clerk, within thirty (30) days after July 5, 1994, must submit to the court administrator a certified copy of a transcript from a college or university as evidence of such credits. Provided, however, notwithstanding any general or public law to the contrary, incentive payments shall not be continued to any person in the future when the person no longer holds a clerk position as set forth in this section. Additionally, no clerk hired after July 5, 1994, shall be eligible to receive incentive payments under the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 205, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 227, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 125, 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-4.1 - Court Clerks’ Incentive Pay › Section 8-4.1-3. - Incentive steps.

§ 8-4.1-3. Incentive steps.
Advancement to each of the incentive salary steps shall be based on the following accomplishments in either administration of justice or law enforcement, or a baccalaureate degree acceptable for admission to a law school accredited by the council of Legal Education of the American Bar Association.
Incentive
Increase Above
Degree
Steps
Basic Salary
Required
1
$2,000
Associate Degree
2
$3,200
Baccalaureate Degree
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 205, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 125, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-4.1 - Court Clerks’ Incentive Pay › Section 8-4.1-4. - Eligible education.

§ 8-4.1-4. Eligible education.
No credit shall be granted for any degree other than in the major concentration of court administration or law enforcement or a baccalaureate degree acceptable for admission to a law school accredited by the council of Legal Education of the American Bar Association.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 205, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 549, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-4.1 - Court Clerks’ Incentive Pay › Section 8-4.1-5. - Appropriation.

§ 8-4.1-5. Appropriation.
The state of Rhode Island shall bear the expense of incentive payments. The general assembly shall annually appropriate such sums as it may deem necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter; and the controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of such sum or so much thereof as may be required from time to time upon receipt by him or her of duly authenticated vouchers.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 205, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-4.1 - Court Clerks’ Incentive Pay › Section 8-4.1-6. - Additional credit for masters degree.

§ 8-4.1-6. Additional credit for masters degree.
Any other provision of this chapter to the contrary notwithstanding, every full time clerk of the supreme, superior, family, or district court who earns the degree of master in public administration shall be paid, in addition to basic salary and any other credit to which he or she is entitled hereunder, the additional sum of seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) each year.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 409, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-4.1 - Court Clerks’ Incentive Pay › Section 8-4.1-7. - Effective date.

§ 8-4.1-7. Effective date.
Sections 8-4.1-1 — 8-4.1-3 shall not take effect for any existing court clerks or administrators presently receiving an incentive pay under this chapter until the expiration of any collective bargaining agreement in existence on July 5, 1994. However, upon the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement which is in effect at the time of July 5, 1994, §§ 8-4.1-1 — 8-4.1-3 shall apply to all existing clerks receiving an incentive under this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 125, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-5 - Court Secretaries, Court Reporters, and Electronic Court Reporters › Section 8-5-1. - Supreme court secretary and assistant.

§ 8-5-1. Supreme court secretary and assistant.
The supreme court may appoint a secretary and an assistant secretary, each of whom shall hold office during its pleasure and shall perform such duties as may be required by the court.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 69; G.L. 1909, ch. 278, § 1; P.L. 1920, ch. 1894, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 328, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 503, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 8-5-1; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 6; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-5 - Court Secretaries, Court Reporters, and Electronic Court Reporters › Section 8-5-2. - Superior court secretary and assistants.

§ 8-5-2. Superior court secretary and assistants.
The justices of the superior court, or a majority of them, may appoint a secretary of the court and five (5) assistant secretaries, who shall hold office during the pleasure of the court and shall perform such duties as may be required by the court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1910, ch. 556, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 328, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 503, § 2; P.L. 1952, ch. 3030, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 8-5-2; P.L. 1974, ch. 175, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 217, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-5 - Court Secretaries, Court Reporters, and Electronic Court Reporters › Section 8-5-3. - Appointment of superior court reporters and electronic court reporters.

§ 8-5-3. Appointment of superior court reporters and electronic court reporters.
(a)
The justices of the superior court, or a majority of them, shall appoint competent shorthand writers or stenotypists, known as court reporters, for regular service in the superior court, and one or more such persons for occasional service therein in the absence of other appointees, who shall be known as court reporters. They shall serve during the pleasure of the court and where designated by the presiding justice; provided, that when any justice of the court has retired from active service, and with his or her own consent on request of the presiding justice of the court is assigned to perform service as an associate justice of the court, one of the court reporters or electronic court reporters defined in subsection (b), appointed for occasional service shall, during the time any such justice is so assigned and performing service, be appointed for regular service in the court, and when performing such regular service, shall receive the same compensation authorized to be paid to court reporters or electronic court reporters appointed for regular service.
(b)
The presiding justice shall have sole discretion to employ and assign persons to record court proceedings by electronic means as in his or her judgment may be necessary for the conduct of the business of the superior court. Such persons employed and assigned by the presiding justice shall be known as electronic court reporters.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 70; P.L. 1907, ch. 1420, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 278, § 2; P.L. 1913, ch. 907, § 1; P.L. 1922, ch. 2162, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 328, § 3; P.L. 1929, ch. 1401, § 1; P.L. 1930, ch. 1541, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 503, § 3; P.L. 1946, ch. 1668, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 8-5-3; P.L. 1990, ch. 206, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-5 - Court Secretaries, Court Reporters, and Electronic Court Reporters › Section 8-5-4. - Court reporters and electronic court reporters — Supplies and preservation of notes and other materials.

§ 8-5-4. Court reporters and electronic court reporters — Supplies and preservation of notes and other materials.
All books, papers, recording media, and supplies necessary for use by court reporters and electronic court reporters shall be furnished by the state, and the notebooks used and notes and recordings taken by them shall be the property of the state and be deposited with the clerk of the court in Providence county; provided, the clerk shall not be required to preserve the notebooks and notes and recordings beyond the period of fifteen (15) years.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 70; P.L. 1907, ch. 1420, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 278, § 2; P.L. 1913, ch. 907, § 1; P.L. 1922, ch. 2162, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 328, § 3; P.L. 1929, ch. 1401, § 1; P.L. 1930, ch. 1541, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 503, § 3; P.L. 1946, ch. 1668, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 8-5-4; P.L. 1981, ch. 110, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 206, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-5 - Court Secretaries, Court Reporters, and Electronic Court Reporters › Section 8-5-4.1. - Freelance court reporters and electronic court reporters.

§ 8-5-4.1. Freelance court reporters and electronic court reporters.
(a)
All stenographic notes of freelance court reporters or recordings and notes of freelance electronic court reporters pertaining to all proceedings which have been completely transcribed may be destroyed after seven (7) years, unless otherwise ordered by any court.
(b)
Stenographic notes of freelance court reporters and recordings and notes of freelance electronic court reporters, pertaining to all proceedings which have not been transcribed or which have been partially transcribed, may be destroyed after ten (10) years unless otherwise ordered by any court.
(c)
Provided, however, depositions taken under the federal rules of civil procedure shall not be destroyed at any time.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 178, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 206, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-5 - Court Secretaries, Court Reporters, and Electronic Court Reporters › Section 8-5-5. - Reports of superior, family and district court and traffic tribunal.

§ 8-5-5. Reports of superior, family and district court and traffic tribunal.
Court reporters shall report stenographically or electronic court reporters or similar recording personnel shall report electronically the proceedings in the trial of every action or proceeding, civil or criminal, in the superior court, family court, district court and traffic tribunal. Each court reporter or electronic court reporter or similar recording personnel shall also, upon the order of any justice of the court, transcribe or otherwise reproduce his or her report to be filed with the papers in the case. He or she shall also make a transcript of or otherwise reproduce the whole or any part of the report upon the written request, filed with the clerk, by either party to the action or proceeding, and when completed and within the time limited by the court for filing the transcript, shall immediately deliver the transcript to the party ordering it, or to the attorney of record of the party, and in the case of transcription by court reporters for such service shall be paid a reasonable compensation, not less than five dollars ($5.00) and not exceeding three dollars ($3.00) per page for originals and one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) per page for copies thereof, to be allowed by the court; and, in case the transcript is used in subsequent proceedings in the cause, the cost of the transcript may be allowed as a part of the costs. In the case of electronic court recordings the person making the recordings or another person so designated by the court may be requested or ordered, in lieu of making a transcript, to reproduce the recording and certify its authenticity, and in such case each party requesting the reproduction shall pay to the court the sum of ten dollars ($10.00) per cassette.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 71; G.L. 1909, ch. 278, § 3; P.L. 1909, ch. 421, § 1; P.L. 1916, ch. 1402, § 1; P.L. 1920, ch. 1895, § 1; P.L. 1921, ch. 2041, § 1; P.L. 1921, ch. 2086, § 5; P.L. 1922, ch. 2164, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 328, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 503, § 4; P.L. 1956, ch. 3763, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 8-5-5; P.L. 1966, ch. 1, § 3; P.L. 1972, ch. 29, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 320, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 174, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 206, § 2; P.L. 1995, ch. 95, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 5, § 4; P.L. 1999, ch. 473, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-5 - Court Secretaries, Court Reporters, and Electronic Court Reporters › Section 8-5-6. - Appointing court reporter and electronic court reporter for grand jury proceedings.

§ 8-5-6. Appointing court reporter and electronic court reporter for grand jury proceedings.
Whenever the attorney-general shall make request in writing to the presiding justice of the superior court, he or she shall designate a court reporter or electronic court reporter or similar recording personnel to attend such sittings of any grand jury as the attorney-general may designate and to report stenographically in the case of the court reporter or electronically in the case of an electronic court reporter or similar recording personnel the testimony given before the grand jury, and it shall be lawful for the court reporter or electronic court reporter or similar recording personnel to attend such sittings for such purpose; provided, that the court reporter or electronic court reporter or similar recording personnel shall not be present during the deliberations of the grand jury or other proceedings, except during the taking of testimony. The court reporter or electronic court reporter or similar recording personnel shall, in all cases, before entering upon such duties, be first sworn by the clerk of the court to secrecy. He or she shall transcribe such testimony as the attorney-general may direct, and all such transcripts or recordings shall be delivered forthwith to the attorney-general.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 70; P.L. 1907, ch. 1420, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 278, § 2; P.L. 1913, ch. 907, § 1; P.L. 1922, ch. 2162, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 328, § 3; P.L. 1929, ch. 1401, § 1; P.L. 1930, ch. 1541, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 503, § 3; P.L. 1946, ch. 1668, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 8-5-6; P.L. 1972, ch. 169, § 2; P.L. 1990, ch. 206, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-5 - Court Secretaries, Court Reporters, and Electronic Court Reporters › Section 8-5-7. - Appropriations for court reporters and electronic court reporters.

§ 8-5-7. Appropriations for court reporters and electronic court reporters.
The general assembly shall annually appropriate such sum as it may deem necessary to compensate the stenographers, court reporters, and electronic court reporters and similar recording personnel for their services; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her order upon the general treasurer for the payment of that sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary for that purpose, upon vouchers approved by the clerk of the superior court for the counties of Providence and Bristol.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 71; G.L. 1909, ch. 278, § 3; P.L. 1909, ch. 421, § 1; P.L. 1916, ch. 1402, § 1; P.L. 1920, ch. 1895, § 1; P.L. 1921, ch. 2041, § 1; P.L. 1921, ch. 2086, § 5; P.L. 1922, ch. 2164, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 328, § 4; P.L. 1935, ch. 2250, § 149; G.L. 1938, ch. 503, § 4; P.L. 1956, ch. 3763, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 8-5-7; P.L. 1990, ch. 206, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-5 - Court Secretaries, Court Reporters, and Electronic Court Reporters › Section 8-5-8.1. - Waiver of interpreter/transliterator and CART provider.

§ 8-5-8.1. Waiver of interpreter/transliterator and CART provider.
(a)
A non-English speaking person may at any point in the proceeding waive the right to the services of an interpreter/transliterator or a CART provider, but only when: (1) The waiver is approved by the appointing authority after explaining on the record to the non-English speaking person through an interpreter/transliterator or a CART provider the nature and effect of the waiver; (2) The appointing authority determines on the record that the waiver has been made knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily; and (3) The non-English speaking person has been afforded the opportunity to consult with his or her attorney.
(b)
At any point in any proceeding or hearing, for good cause shown, a non-English speaking person may retract his or her waiver and request an interpreter/transliterator or a CART provider.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 179, § 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 218, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-5 - Court Secretaries, Court Reporters, and Electronic Court Reporters › Section 8-5-8.2. - Privileged communications.

§ 8-5-8.2. Privileged communications.
In the trial of every cause, both civil and criminal, no interpreter/transliterator for the deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind shall be competent to testify concerning any statement made to him or her in connection with the interpreter’s or transliterator’s interpretation or transliteration for the deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind, without the consent of the person making the statement. No duly licensed interpreter/transliterator for the deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind shall be allowed, in giving testimony to disclose any confidential communication, properly entrusted to him or her in his or her professional capacity, and necessary and proper to enable him or her to discharge the functions of his or her office in the usual course of practice or discipline, without the consent of the person making the communication.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 179, § 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 218, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-5 - Court Secretaries, Court Reporters, and Electronic Court Reporters › Section 8-5-8.3. - Visual recording of testimony.

§ 8-5-8.3. Visual recording of testimony.
At the request of any party to the proceeding or the hearing or on the appointing authority’s initiative, the appointing authority may order that the testimony of the person who is deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind and the interpretation/transliteration of the proceeding by the qualified interpreter/transliterator be visually recorded for use in verification of the official transcript of the proceeding or hearing.
In any judicial proceeding involving a capital offense, the appointing authority may order that the testimony of the person who is deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind and the interpretation/transliteration of the proceeding or the hearing by the qualified interpreter/transliterator be visually recorded for use in verification of the official transcript of the proceeding or the hearing.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 179, § 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 218, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-5 - Court Secretaries, Court Reporters, and Electronic Court Reporters › Section 8-5-9. - Right to stenographic record.

§ 8-5-9. Right to stenographic record.
(a)
Where not already provided by law, any party to any legal action shall have the right to have a stenographer present provided that the party bears the expense of the stenographer, his or her transcription, and any other expenses incidental thereto. For purposes of this section the term “legal action” shall include all formal proceedings before any court or quasijudicial authority, all administrative hearings described in § 42-35-9, all zoning hearings, all district court trials, and all workers’ compensation formal proceedings.
(b)
It shall be the duty of the party desiring the services of a stenographer to secure the presence of the stenographer, and there shall be no right to a continuance because of the unavailability of a stenographer.
(c)
The provisions of this section shall not be construed to permit stenographers to attend grand jury proceedings as a matter of right.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 382, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-6 - General Powers of Supreme and Superior Courts › Section 8-6-1. - Judgments, decrees, and orders — Writs and process — Punishment of contempt.

§ 8-6-1. Judgments, decrees, and orders — Writs and process — Punishment of contempt.
The supreme and superior courts shall have power to enter such judgments, decrees, and orders, and to frame and issue such citations, executions, and other writs and processes, as may be necessary or proper to carry into full effect all the powers and jurisdiction which are or shall be conferred upon them respectively by the constitution or by law. They shall have power to punish, by fine or imprisonment, or both, all contempts of their authority.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 33; G.L. 1909, ch. 274, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 324, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 497, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 8-6-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-6 - General Powers of Supreme and Superior Courts › Section 8-6-2. - Rules of practice and procedure.

§ 8-6-2. Rules of practice and procedure.
(a)
The supreme court, the superior court, the family court, the district court, and the workers’ compensation court, by a majority of their members, shall have the power to make rules for regulating practice, procedure, and business therein. The chief magistrate of the traffic tribunal shall have the power to make rules for regulating practice, procedure, and business in the traffic tribunal. The rules of the superior, family, district court, workers’ compensation court, and the traffic tribunal shall be subject to the approval of the supreme court. Such rules, when effective, shall supersede any statutory regulation in conflict therewith.
(b)
In prescribing such rules, the court shall have regard to the simplification of the system of pleading, practice, and procedure in the courts in which the rules shall apply in order to promote the speedy determination of litigation on the merits; provided, however, that each respective court shall not in the rules of procedure require a party to a civil action to produce either by discovery, motion to produce or interrogatory an income tax return, W-2 statement, or copies thereof. The rules presently in effect in the courts of the judicial system shall remain and continue in force and effect until revised, amended, repealed, or superseded by rules adopted in accordance with this section.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 34; G.L. 1909, ch. 274, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 324, § 7; P.L. 1930, ch. 1613, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 497, § 7; P.L. 1940, ch. 943, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 8-6-2; P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 2; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 2; P.L. 1971, ch. 111, § 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 222, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 5, § 8; P.L. 2008, ch. 1, § 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 29, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 44, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 234, art. 2, § 3, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-6 - General Powers of Supreme and Superior Courts › Section 8-6-3. - Filing and publication of rules.

§ 8-6-3. Filing and publication of rules.
All rules shall be filed in the office of the secretary of state and shall be effective upon filing unless with respect to any rule the court adopting the rule shall specify a later date as the effective date thereof, in which case the rule shall be effective upon the date so specified. With each publication of the public laws as required by § 43-2-7, the secretary of state shall include all rules adopted since the last prior publication thereof.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 497, § 7; P.L. 1940, ch. 943, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 8-6-3; P.L. 1985, ch. 150, § 15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-6 - General Powers of Supreme and Superior Courts › Section 8-6-4. - Rules of criminal procedure.

§ 8-6-4. Rules of criminal procedure.
The rules of criminal procedure of the superior court and the district court, which are to go into effect on September 1, 1972, shall govern practice and procedure in criminal proceedings in those courts and before justices of the peace and bail commissioners and shall remain and continue in force and effect until revised, amended, repealed, or superseded by rules adopted in accordance with the authority granted to those courts.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 169, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-6 - General Powers of Supreme and Superior Courts › Section 8-6-6. - Filing and publication of rules and regulations.

§ 8-6-6. Filing and publication of rules and regulations.
Upon the approval of the supreme court, all rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to § 8-6-5 shall be filed in the office of the secretary of state and shall be effective upon filing unless with respect to any such rule or regulation the presiding justice of the superior court shall specify a later date as the effective date thereof, in which case the rule or regulation shall be effective upon the date so specified. With each publication of the public laws as required by § 43-2-7, the secretary of state shall include all such rules and regulations adopted since the last prior publication thereof.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 522, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-7 - Sessions of Supreme and Superior Courts › Section 8-7-1. - Supreme court sessions.

§ 8-7-1. Supreme court sessions.
The supreme court shall be in session at Providence from the first Monday in October in each year to the second Monday in July in the succeeding year and at such other times as the court shall deem proper, with a recess from the third Monday in February to the first Monday in March; provided, that the court may hold sessions at other places within the state whenever it may deem advisable.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 37; G.L. 1909, ch. 275, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 325, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 498, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 8-7-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-7 - Sessions of Supreme and Superior Courts › Section 8-7-2. - Sessions of superior court.

§ 8-7-2. Sessions of superior court.
The superior court shall be in session every year as follows:
(1)
At Providence, for the counties of Providence and Bristol, on a continuous basis; provided, that the presiding justice shall determine the duration of the various court calendars;
(2)
Within and for the county of Newport, for a period of not less than thirty-six (36) weeks during the court year;
(3)
Within and for the county of Kent, for a period of not less than thirty-six (36) weeks during the court year;
(4)
Within and for the county of Washington, for a period of not less than thirty-six (36) weeks during the court year;
(5)
At such other times and places as the presiding justice shall fix and determine; provided, that the superior court held within and for the counties of Providence and Bristol shall from time to time make up lists of causes to be tried at Woonsocket and shall sit at Woonsocket for a term of not less than twelve (12) weeks during the court year; and provided, further, that any trial in any of the counties commenced within any regular or special session may be continued thereafter with the consent of the court.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 38; P.L. 1907, ch. 1441, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 275, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 325, § 2; P.L. 1931, ch. 1775, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 498, § 2; P.L. 1939, ch. 704, § 1; P.L. 1955, ch. 3498, § 1; P.L. 1956, ch. 3729, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 8-7-2; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 51; P.L. 1971, ch. 76, § 1; P.L. 1974, ch. 243, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 255, § 2; P.L. 1985, ch. 429, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-7 - Sessions of Supreme and Superior Courts › Section 8-7-3. - Superior court motion days.

§ 8-7-3. Superior court motion days.
The superior court shall be in session for the purpose of hearing motions in the various counties during the calendar year at such times and places as the presiding justice shall fix and determine.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 40; P.L. 1907, ch. 1441, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 275, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 325, § 4; P.L. 1931, ch. 1775, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 498, § 4; P.L. 1956, ch. 3729, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 8-7-3; R.P.L. 1957, ch. 30, § 1; P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 3; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 51.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-7 - Sessions of Supreme and Superior Courts › Section 8-7-4 - — 8-7-6. Repealed.

§ 8-7-4 — 8-7-6. Repealed.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, §§ 41 — 43; P.L. 1907, ch. 1441, §§ 3, 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 275, §§ 5 — 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 325, §§ 5 — 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 498, §§ 5 — 7; P.L. 1956, ch. 3729, § 2; G.L. 1956, §§ 8-7-4 — 8-7-6; P.L. 1959, ch. 172, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 52.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-7 - Sessions of Supreme and Superior Courts › Section 8-7-7. - Adjournment in absence of quorum or presiding justice.

§ 8-7-7. Adjournment in absence of quorum or presiding justice.
In the absence of a quorum of the supreme court, the justices in attendance may adjourn. In case of the absence of any justice of the superior court from any trial pending before him or her, any other justice of the court may adjourn the trial.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 44; G.L. 1909, ch. 275, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 325, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 498, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 8-7-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-7 - Sessions of Supreme and Superior Courts › Section 8-7-8. - Adjournment of superior court by clerk.

§ 8-7-8. Adjournment of superior court by clerk.
Whenever, at any time appointed for the sitting of the superior court, no justice thereof shall be in attendance, the clerk may adjourn the court from day to day until otherwise ordered by a justice of the court.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 45; G.L. 1909, ch. 275, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 325, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 498, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 8-7-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-7 - Sessions of Supreme and Superior Courts › Section 8-7-9. - Repealed.

§ 8-7-9. Repealed.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 39; G.L. 1909, ch. 275, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 325, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 498, § 3; P.L. 1956, ch. 3729, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 8-7-9; Repealed by P.L. 1979, ch. 255, § 1. For related provisions see §§ 8-7-2, 8-7-3 and 8-7-10, Super. Ct. R. Civ. P. Rule 77, Super. Ct. R. Cr. P. Rule 56.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-7 - Sessions of Supreme and Superior Courts › Section 8-7-10. - Superior court always open for business.

§ 8-7-10. Superior court always open for business.
The superior court shall be always open for the transaction of all business; but no business shall be transacted on Sunday or on a legal holiday, unless the court shall deem it necessary, with the exception of the twenty-second day of February (as Washington’s birthday) and the fourth day of May (as Rhode Island Independence Day).
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 46; G.L. 1909, ch. 275, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 325, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 498, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 8-7-10; P.L. 1968, ch. 4, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-7 - Sessions of Supreme and Superior Courts › Section 8-7-11. - Repealed.

§ 8-7-11. Repealed.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 47; P.L. 1908, ch. 1533, § 12; G.L. 1909, ch. 275, § 11; G.L. 1923, ch. 325, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 498, § 11; P.L. 1939, ch. 704, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 8-7-11; P.L. 1967, ch. 92, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1979, ch. 255, § 1. For present law see RP 1.4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-8 - District Court › Section 8-8-1. - District Court established — Chief and associate justices.

§ 8-8-1. District Court established — Chief and associate justices.
There is established a district court for the state of Rhode Island which shall consist of a chief judge and fourteen (14) associate judges. The district court shall be a court of record and shall have a seal with such words and devices as it shall adopt.
History of Section.
P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 4; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 5, § 5; P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 15, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 231, art. 11, § 1, effective June 27, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-8 - District Court › Section 8-8-2. - Divisions.

§ 8-8-2. Divisions.
(a)
For the distribution of court business, the state is divided into four (4) divisions as follows:
(1)
Second division.
The second division consists of the city of Newport and the towns of Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Portsmouth, and Tiverton. Appeals and transfers in cases arising in the enumerated cities and towns of the second division shall be transmitted by the clerk of the Second Division District Court to the clerk of the Newport County Superior Court.
(2)
Third division.
The third division consists of the city of Warwick and the city of Cranston and the towns of Coventry, East Greenwich, Foster, Glocester, Johnston, Lincoln, North Kingstown, North Providence, North Smithfield, Scituate, Smithfield, West Greenwich and West Warwick. Appeals and transfers in cases arising in the enumerated cities and towns of the third division shall be transmitted by the clerk of the Third Division District Court to the clerk of the Kent County Superior Court.
(3)
Fourth division.
The fourth division consists of the towns of Charlestown, Exeter, Hopkinton, Narragansett, New Shoreham, Richmond, South Kingstown, and Westerly. Appeals and transfers in cases arising in the enumerated cities and towns of the fourth division shall be transmitted by the clerk of the Fourth Division District Court to the clerk of the Washington County Superior Court.
(4)
Sixth division.
The sixth division consists of the cities of Central Falls, East Providence, Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket and the towns of Barrington, Bristol, Burrillville, Cumberland and Warren. Appeals and transfers in cases arising in the enumerated cities and towns of the sixth division shall be transmitted by the clerk of the Sixth Division District Court to the clerk of the Providence County Superior Court.
(b)
In each division the place or places for holding court shall be designated by the chief judge.
(c)
The district court shall have a seal for each of its divisions, which shall contain the words, “District court of the State of Rhode Island, division.”
History of Section.
P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 4; P.L. 1975, ch. 56, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 61, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 240, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 80, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 85, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 77, § 3, effective June 23, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 78, § 3, effective June 23, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-8 - District Court › Section 8-8-3.1. - Equitable powers as to housing matters.

§ 8-8-3.1. Equitable powers as to housing matters.
(a)
In addition to the powers heretofore exercised, the district court and any court created by municipal ordinance pursuant to § 8-8-3(a)(4) is hereby empowered, in furtherance of its jurisdiction under § 8-8-3(a)(4), to grant such orders, including temporary restraining orders, and preliminary and permanent injunctions as justice and equity may require.
(b)
Any court created by municipal ordinance pursuant to § 8-8-3(a)(4) is hereby empowered in furtherance of its jurisdiction to order a building into receivership pursuant to the provisions of chapter 44 of title 34 (“abandoned property”).
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 277, § 2; P.L. 1982, ch. 134, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 461, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 474, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-8 - District Court › Section 8-8-3.2. - Record and appeal of housing matters.

§ 8-8-3.2. Record and appeal of housing matters.
(a)
An electronic record shall be made of the proceedings in the trial or hearing of every action in the district court under the provisions of § 8-8-3(a)(4). If ordered by the judge trying or hearing the matter a typewritten transcription of the record shall be made and shall be filed with the papers of the case. The transcript shall be completed and filed within the time allowed by the court. A copy of the transcript shall be delivered forthwith to the attorneys of record and for the typing of the transcript a reasonable fee shall be allowed by the court. In the event the typewritten transcription is used in subsequent proceedings the cost of obtaining the transcript shall be allowed as part of the cost of the case.
(b)
Any party aggrieved by a final judgment, decree, or order of the district court under § 8-8-3(a)(4) may, within twenty (20) days after entry of judgment, petition the supreme court of the state of Rhode Island for a writ of certiorari to review any errors involved. The petition for a writ of certiorari shall set forth the errors claimed. Upon the filing of such a petition with the clerk of the supreme court, the supreme court may, if it sees fit, issue its writ of certiorari to the district court to certify to the supreme court the record of the proceedings in the case together with any transcript of the proceedings furnished by the petitioner at his or her expense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 277, § 2; P.L. 1978, ch. 182, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 134, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-8 - District Court › Section 8-8-3.3. - Equitable powers in residential landlord and tenant matters.

§ 8-8-3.3. Equitable powers in residential landlord and tenant matters.
In addition to the powers heretofore exercised, the district court is hereby empowered, in furtherance of its jurisdiction under § 8-8-3(a)(2), to grant such orders, including temporary restraining orders, and preliminary and permanent injunctions as justice and equity may require.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 200, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-8 - District Court › Section 8-8-3.4. - Equitable powers in abusive litigation matters.

§ 8-8-3.4. Equitable powers in abusive litigation matters.
In addition to the powers heretofore exercised, the district court is hereby empowered in furtherance of jurisdiction under chapter 8.4 of this title to grant such orders, including setting prefiling restrictions on persons found to be abusive litigants, as justice and equity may require.
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 171, § 3, effective June 20, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 172, § 3, effective June 20, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-8 - District Court › Section 8-8-4. - Habeas corpus.

§ 8-8-4. Habeas corpus.
The district court may issue writs of habeas corpus to bring before it any person in jail for trial in any civil or criminal case pending in the court, or to bring in any such person to be examined as a witness in a suit or proceeding, civil or criminal, pending in the court, that the ends of justice may be attained, and for no other purpose.
History of Section.
P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-8 - District Court › Section 8-8-5. - Contempt of court.

§ 8-8-5. Contempt of court.
The district court may punish any contempt of its authority by fine or imprisonment or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-8 - District Court › Section 8-8-6. - Special service of process.

§ 8-8-6. Special service of process.
The district court may order special service of any process, original or auxiliary, in any proceeding within the jurisdiction of the court, by personal notice, notice by mail, or publication in a newspaper within or without the state, for the purpose of dealing with any property, relation, or person subject to the jurisdiction of the court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-8 - District Court › Section 8-8-7. - Judges — Temporary service in other courts.

§ 8-8-7. Judges — Temporary service in other courts.
(a)
A district court judge shall devote full time to his or her judicial duties. He or she shall not practice law while holding office, nor shall he or she be a partner or associate of any person in the practice of law.
(b)
A district court judge shall be eligible to sit in any division, and, on assignment by the chief justice of the supreme court, shall be eligible to sit for temporary periods in the superior and family courts. A district court judge sitting in the superior or family court shall receive the same salary as a superior or family court judge would receive, and if the district court judge sits for only a portion of a two (2) week pay period in those courts, he or she shall be paid for the entire two (2) week period at the higher rate of pay.
(c)
A district court judge, subject to the approval of the chief justice of the supreme court, the presiding justice of the superior court and the chief judge of the district court, may serve on the superior court calendar to preside over district court de novo appeals. A district court judge sitting in the superior court presiding over district court de novo appeals shall receive the same salary as a superior court judge would receive.
History of Section.
P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 4; P.L. 1971, ch. 169, § 1; P.L. 1972, ch. 276, § 1; P.L. 1972, ch. 290, §§ 1, 2; P.L. 1985, ch. 150, § 16; P.L. 1994, ch. 42, § 4; P.L. 2003, ch. 332, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 403, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-8 - District Court › Section 8-8-8. - Engagement and acceptance of appointment.

§ 8-8-8. Engagement and acceptance of appointment.
Every judge accepting the office shall, within thirty (30) days after appointment, take the engagement provided in § 8-3-1 and shall file a written notice of his or her acceptance, together with proof of his engagement upon his or her commission, with the secretary of state.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 118; G.L. 1909, ch. 280, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 330, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 500, § 6; P.L. 1939, ch. 659, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 8-8-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-8 - District Court › Section 8-8-9. - Vacancies.

§ 8-8-9. Vacancies.
(a)
Whenever any person appointed to the office of chief judge or associate judge shall fail to accept and qualify for the office or there is a vacancy in the office caused by death, resignation, retirement, removal, or any other cause whatsoever while the senate is in session, the governor shall appoint some person to fill the vacancy, and submit his or her appointment to the senate for confirmation in accordance with the general laws governing judicial selection.
(b)
Whenever the chief judge shall be unable, by reason of illness, to perform the duties of his or her office, or there is a vacancy in the office, the associate judge having precedence, who is present and qualified to act, shall perform the duties of the office until the inability is removed or, in the case of a vacancy, until the vacancy shall be filled in accordance with the general laws governing judicial selection. In the event that the chief judge determines that his or her absence will prevent him or her from performing the duties of his or her office, he or she shall designate an associate judge to perform those duties during the period of his or her absence.
(c)
The associate judges shall have precedence according to the dates of their commissions, or when the commission of two (2) or more of them bear the same date, according to their ages.
History of Section.
P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 4; P.L. 1977, ch. 263, § 2; P.L. 1982, ch. 349, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 42, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-8 - District Court › Section 8-8-10. - Repealed.

§ 8-8-10. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 4; Repealed by P.L. 2009, ch. 68, art. 7, § 6, effective June 30, 2009.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-8 - District Court › Section 8-8-10.2. - State contributions.

§ 8-8-10.2. State contributions.
The state of Rhode Island shall make its contribution for the maintaining of the system established by § 8-8-10.1 and providing the annuities, benefits, and retirement allowances in accordance with the provisions of this chapter by annually appropriating an amount that will pay a rate percent of the compensation paid after December 31, 1989, to judges engaged after December 31, 1989. The rate percent shall be computed and certified in accordance with the procedures set forth in § 36-8-13 and § 36-10-2 under rules and regulations promulgated by the retirement board pursuant to § 36-8-3 and shall be transmitted on the date contributions are withheld but no later than three (3) business days following the pay period ending in which contributions were withheld.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 494, § 4; P.L. 1990, ch. 507, § 4; P.L. 2019, ch. 205, § 2; P.L. 2019, ch. 271, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-8 - District Court › Section 8-8-11. - Repealed.

§ 8-8-11. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 4; Repealed by P.L. 1987, ch. 381, § 3. Section 7 of P.L. 1987, ch. 381 provides that the repeal of this section by that Act shall take effect on the date that Rhode Island Rules of Evidence adopted by the Supreme Court take effect. Those Rules took effect October 1, 1987.