reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-16 - Commission on Judicial Tenure and Discipline › Section 8-16-7.1. - Confidentiality of supreme court review of recommendation of private reprimand.

§ 8-16-7.1. Confidentiality of supreme court review of recommendation of private reprimand.
Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 8-16-6 and 8-16-7, all papers filed with, proceedings before, and decisions of the supreme court on review of a commission recommendation of a private reprimand pursuant to § 8-16-4(d) shall be kept confidential.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 492, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-16 - Commission on Judicial Tenure and Discipline › Section 8-16-8. - Discipline of judges upon indictment or conviction for a crime.

§ 8-16-8. Discipline of judges upon indictment or conviction for a crime.
(a)
The supreme court on its own motion shall suspend, pending the prosecution of an appeal, any judge of any court when it is shown by the certified record of a court of competent jurisdiction that he or she either pleaded guilty or no contest or was found guilty of a crime punishable as a felony under the laws of this state, any other state, or the United States, or of any other crime that involves moral turpitude. The suspension shall be without compensation, except where the judge involved is a justice of the supreme court. Whenever, upon appeal, the conviction is reversed, the suspension shall terminate and the judge involved shall be paid the salary that would have been paid him or her during the period of suspension.
(b)
Where, after an appeal, a conviction has become final, the judge involved shall be removed from office either by the supreme court in appropriate cases or, in the case of a justice of the supreme court, by action pursuant to the provisions of § 8-16-7(b).
(c)
A judge is hereby disqualified and prohibited from performing his or her judicial duties while there is pending against him or her an indictment charging him or her with the commission of a crime punishable as a felony under the laws of this state, any other state, or the United States. The suspension shall be without loss of compensation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 136, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-16 - Commission on Judicial Tenure and Discipline › Section 8-16-9. - Retirement of judges for incapacity or disability.

§ 8-16-9. Retirement of judges for incapacity or disability.
(a)
Whenever the commission shall, after investigation and hearing, determine that a judge has a physical or mental disability that seriously interfered and will continue to interfere with the performance of his or her duties, it may recommend to the supreme court the retirement of the judge, saving to the judge all retirement benefits that have accrued to him or her, if any. The investigation, hearing, and recommendation shall be confidential. A justice of the supreme court may not be retired under this section without his or her consent, and where consent to the retirement is withheld, a further recommendation shall be made to the speaker of the house of representatives to initiate proceedings for the removal of the judge pursuant to the provisions of article X, § 4 of the constitution.
(b)
Whenever any judge has served in judicial office without having reached the prescribed age that would entitle him or her to retirement benefits, the commission, proceeding pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, may recommend to the supreme court that the judge be retired and that his or her pension rights be accelerated to become effective as of the date of his or her retirement. The supreme court may endorse the recommendation and may forward the recommendation to the general assembly for appropriate legislative action in order that his or her pension rights be so accelerated. Judges retired under this section shall be deemed to have retired voluntarily. Any judge shall be disqualified and prohibited from acting in his or her judicial capacity while any recommendation for his or her retirement, based upon physical or mental disability, is pending before the supreme court; provided, however, that the disqualification shall be without loss of compensation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 136, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 204, § 2; P.L. 1987, ch. 492, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 30, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-16 - Commission on Judicial Tenure and Discipline › Section 8-16-10. - Disqualification from acting as a commissioner.

§ 8-16-10. Disqualification from acting as a commissioner.
(a)
No judge who is a member of the commission or of the supreme court shall participate as a member of the commission or the supreme court in any proceeding regarding his or her removal, suspension, immediate temporary suspension, reprimand, retirement, or censure.
(b)
No member of the commission or of the supreme court shall participate in any decisions of the commission or the supreme court involving the removal, suspension, immediate temporary suspension, reprimand, retirement, or censure of a judge who is related to him or her within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity or where the one complaining of the actions of a judge against whom proceedings are being taken is related to the member of the commission.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 136, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 312, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-16 - Commission on Judicial Tenure and Discipline › Section 8-16-11. - Papers and testimony privileged.

§ 8-16-11. Papers and testimony privileged.
The filing of papers with or the giving of testimony before the commission or supreme court shall be privileged in any action for defamation. No other publication of such papers or proceedings shall be so privileged, except any record, pleading, or brief filed by the commission in the supreme court continues to be privileged.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 136, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-16 - Commission on Judicial Tenure and Discipline › Section 8-16-12. - Rules of practice and procedure — Confidentiality of proceedings.

§ 8-16-12. Rules of practice and procedure — Confidentiality of proceedings.
The supreme court shall make and promulgate rules governing the practice and procedure under this chapter before the commission, and the supreme court shall insure the confidentiality of all proceedings involving complaints against a member of the judiciary, except for those proceedings that are expressly made public by this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 136, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 492, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-16 - Commission on Judicial Tenure and Discipline › Section 8-16-13. - Closed meetings of the commission — Public hearings — Evidence to remain confidential until made public at hearing.

§ 8-16-13. Closed meetings of the commission — Public hearings — Evidence to remain confidential until made public at hearing.
The commission is hereby expressly authorized and permitted to conduct closed meetings for the conduct of all of its business other than public hearings held pursuant to § 8-16-4(c). All evidence obtained by the commission, and all evidence that the judge obtains from the commission through discovery or otherwise, shall remain confidential until it becomes the subject of testimony at the public hearing or is introduced into evidence at the public hearing.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 136, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 492, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 332, art. 1, § 13; P.L. 1996, ch. 312, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-16 - Commission on Judicial Tenure and Discipline › Section 8-16-13.1. - Related judicial proceedings — Confidentiality.

§ 8-16-13.1. Related judicial proceedings — Confidentiality.
Judicial proceedings in aid of or ancillary to a public hearing of the commission shall be open to the public, and all papers filed in connection with such judicial proceedings shall be public documents. All other judicial proceedings in aid of or ancillary to a commission proceeding, and all papers filed in connection with such judicial proceedings, shall be confidential.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 492, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-16 - Commission on Judicial Tenure and Discipline › Section 8-16-14. - Reasonable counsel fees.

§ 8-16-14. Reasonable counsel fees.
Any judge who has been complained against under the provisions of this chapter and who has engaged the services of counsel to respond to the complaint, and where the complaint has been dismissed by the commission, shall be entitled to have his or her reasonable counsel fees paid by the state for those legal services rendered after October 1, 1983.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 396, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 312, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-16.1 - Judicial Selection › Section 8-16.1-1. - Definitions.

§ 8-16.1-1. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:
(1)
“Attorney” means a resident of the state of Rhode Island who is licensed to practice law in the state of Rhode Island and who is a current member in good standing of the Rhode Island bar association; and
(2)
“Member of the general public” means a person who is a resident of the state of Rhode Island and who is not a licensed member of any bar association.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 42, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-16.1 - Judicial Selection › Section 8-16.1-3. - Reimbursement.

§ 8-16.1-3. Reimbursement.
Members of the commission shall not be compensated but shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the carrying out of their official duties by the department of administration.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 42, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-16.1 - Judicial Selection › Section 8-16.1-4. - Criteria for selection of best qualified nominees.

§ 8-16.1-4. Criteria for selection of best qualified nominees.
(a)
The commission shall consider, but is not limited to, the following factors in selecting the best qualified nominees: intellect, ability, temperament, impartiality, diligence, experience, maturity, education, publications, and record of public, community, and government service. Every person shall, at the time of consideration by the commission, be an attorney and licensed to practice law in the state of Rhode Island and be a current member of the Rhode Island bar association in good standing.
(b)
The commission shall exercise reasonable efforts to encourage racial, ethnic, and gender diversity within the judiciary of this state. To further this goal, on an annual basis, the commission shall report to the general assembly and to the governor on (i) the statistics regarding the race, ethnicity and gender of applicants considered by the commission in the previous year and (ii) efforts made by the commission during the previous year to encourage racial, ethnic and gender diversity within the judiciary of this state. The form of the report and the means by which the commission shall request the necessary information from applicants shall be determined by the commission pursuant to its rule-making authority, except that no applicant shall be required to provide the information as a prerequisite to consideration, and the identifying information with respect to race, ethnicity and gender shall be collected anonymously from applicants. The report shall be made available to the public. The commission shall also consider the candidate’s sensitivity to historically disadvantaged classes, and may disqualify any candidate with a demonstrated history of bias towards any of these classes.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 42, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 126, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 385, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-16.1 - Judicial Selection › Section 8-16.1-7. - Tenure of justices.

§ 8-16.1-7. Tenure of justices.
The justices of the supreme court, the superior court, the family court, the district court, the workers’ compensation court, and the traffic tribunal shall hold office during good behavior.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 42, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 334, § 2; P.L. 2007, ch. 402, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-17 - Retired Justice Trial Act › Section 8-17-1. - Retired justice program.

§ 8-17-1. Retired justice program.
There is hereby authorized and established a program of litigating civil trials, including domestic relations matters, whereby the litigants, by agreement, may retain the services of any retired justice of the supreme court or superior court or retired judge of the family court or district court to hear the merits of the issues before the court, all without a jury. Such trials shall be conducted in private, the cost of the proceedings shall be borne by the parties, and any judgments issued thereunder shall have the same effect as judgments of a court of competent jurisdiction and may be appealed to the supreme court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 412, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 131, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 327, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 232, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-18 - State and Municipal Court Compact › Section 8-18-1. - Legislative findings.

§ 8-18-1. Legislative findings.
It is hereby found and declared as follows:
(1)
The general assembly has authorized the establishment of municipal courts, in order to promote the health and safety of the residents of each city or town and to insure compliance with any and all local ordinances.
(2)
In furtherance of this finding there is hereby created a compact between the state courts and agencies and the local municipal courts to establish and define jurisdictional responsibility for law enforcement powers within the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 488, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 650, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-18 - State and Municipal Court Compact › Section 8-18-2. - Universal summons.

§ 8-18-2. Universal summons.
All state agencies and municipalities that have law enforcement powers shall be issued and authorized a form for summons and complaint to be used for all violations specified in chapters 27, 41.1 and 41.2 of title 31 and no other summons shall be substituted except as provided by § 31-12-12. All fines, assessments, fees, and other financial charge or any other responsibility not changed by the following shall be deemed enforceable even when the summons is issued by a municipality and adjudicated by a municipal court, or issued by state agencies or a municipality without a court and adjudicated by the traffic tribunal. All summonses, once issued, must be recorded by the traffic tribunal prior to a hearing, arraignment, or trial. If the summons is answered by payment without personal appearance pursuant to § 31-41.1-2, it shall be recorded by the traffic tribunal upon return from the financial institution.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 488, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 5, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 144, art. 9, § 12; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 48.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-18 - State and Municipal Court Compact › Section 8-18-3. - Jurisdiction for certain violations.

§ 8-18-3. Jurisdiction for certain violations.
(a)
Subject to subsection (b) of this section, jurisdiction over the adjudication of matters relating to violations enumerated in the following sections of the general laws is hereby conferred upon the municipal courts and the traffic tribunal:
31-13-4
31-13-9
31-13-11
31-14-3
31-14-9
31-15-1
31-15-3
31-15-4
31-15-5
31-15-6
31-15-7
31-15-9
31-15-11
31-15-12
31-15-13
31-16-1
31-16-2
31-16-4
31-16-5
31-16-7
31-16-9
31-17-1
31-17-2
31-17-4
31-17-6
31-17-7
31-18-12
31-20-1
31-20-2
31-20-9
31-21-4
31-22-2
31-22-4
31-22-5
31-22-6
31-22-7
31-22-8
31-22-9
31-23-1
31-23-8
31-23-13
31-23-14
31-23-15
31-24-1
31-24-4
31-24-5
31-24-7
31-24-12
31-38-4
31-12-12
37-15-7
31-3-29
31-3-30
31-3-34
31-3-35
31-8-1
31-10-32
31-10.1-1
31-10.1-4
31-10.1-5
31-10.1-6
31-13-6
31-15-8
31-23-45
31-14-1
31-17-3
31-23-4
31-23-10
31-23-17
31-23-19
31-23-20
31-23-26
31-23-27
31-23-40
31-23-42.1
31-3-18
31-10-27
31-18-3
31-10.1-7
31-38-3
31-14-12
31-17-5
31-25-9
31-25-11
31-25-12
31-25-12.1
31-25-10
31-22-1
31-24-34
31-27-9
31-3-9
31-15-10
31-18-8
31-25-17
31-10.1-4
31-23-43
31-23-29
31-24-45
31-17-8
31-24-10
31-23-47
31-12-9
31-15-16
24-10-18
31-19-5
31-3-12
31-24-9
31-22-22
31-28-7
31-28-7.1
31-3-32
31-18-424-10-18
31-18-5
31-18-15
31-18-18
31-21-14
31-22-3
31-23-16
31-24-6
31-24-8
31-24-31
31-27-16
31-22-23
31-10-30
31-10-10
31-19-3
31-3-40
31-22-24
31-23-51
31-7-1
31-15-2
31-15-12.1
31-16-8
31-20-17
31-24-16
31-24-17
31-24-20
31-24-22
31-24-23
31-24-24
31-24-25
31-24-26
31-24-27
31-24-28
31-24-29
31-24-30
31-24-32
31-24-33
31-24-36
31-24-38
31-24-39
31-24-40
31-24-41
31-24-42
31-24-43
31-24-46
31-24-49
31-24-51
31-24-53
31-26-3.1
31-27-17
31-27-19
31-33-2
31-45-1
4-1-26
31-10.1-2
31-20-10
31-22-13
31-24-13
31-27-10
31-41.1-4
(Speeding (A)).
(b)
Except as provided in §§ 8-18-9, 8-18-10, and 31-41.1-11 jurisdiction over violations enumerated in subsection (a) shall be exercised as follows:
(1)
By the traffic tribunal over all violations for which the summons is issued by a state agency;
(2)
By the traffic tribunal over all violations for which the summons is issued by a city or town which has not established a municipal court; and
(3)
By the municipal court over all violations for which the summons is issued by a city or town which has established a municipal court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 488, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 5, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 650, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-18 - State and Municipal Court Compact › Section 8-18-4. - Adjudication of summonses by municipal courts.

§ 8-18-4. Adjudication of summonses by municipal courts.
(a)
All summonses to be adjudicated by a municipal court shall be forwarded to the municipal court.
(b)
Summonses to be adjudicated by a municipal court shall be adjudicated by a judge of the municipal court pursuant to § 31-41.1-6 and the rules established by the chief magistrate of the traffic tribunal subject to the approval of the supreme court pursuant to § 8-6-2. Municipal courts shall have jurisdiction over matters brought pursuant to § 31-41.1-7.
(c)
If a motorist fails to appear to answer a summons before a municipal court, the municipal court may proceed pursuant to § 31-41.1-5 to enter a default judgment and determine whether the charges have been established. Where a determination is made that a charge has been established, an appropriate order shall be entered and the motorist’s license and registration privileges may be ordered by the municipal court to be suspended by the division of motor vehicles as provided by law.
(d)
All summonses which have been adjudicated by the municipal court and entered into the data electronic system shall be returned to the traffic tribunal for storage as required by § 8-14-1.
(e)
All municipal courts shall be courts of record, shall tape record all sessions, maintain dockets, and adjudicate all violations on the summonses and shall be responsible for data entry into an electronic data processing system of all citations heard and decided by said municipal courts pursuant to procedures and rules promulgated by the chief magistrate of the Rhode Island traffic tribunal subject to the approval of the supreme court pursuant to § 8-6-2.
(f)
Municipal court judges may, in their discretion, order driver retraining courses in appropriate cases.
(g)
A thirty-five dollar ($35.00) hearing fee shall be assessed by both municipal courts and the traffic tribunal against each person pleading guilty to or found guilty of a traffic offense or violation, as provided in the general laws. In no case shall any municipal court exercising jurisdiction pursuant to this chapter impose or assess any fees or costs except as expressly authorized by state law.
(h)
If a payment for any fine assessed in the municipal court for any violation is attempted with a check written against insufficient funds, then an additional penalty not to exceed twenty-five dollars ($25.00) may be added to the amount due.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 488, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 5, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 437, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 1, § 8; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 12, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 415, § 14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-18 - State and Municipal Court Compact › Section 8-18-5. - Administration of funds.

§ 8-18-5. Administration of funds.
The cities and towns and the state shall enter into an agreement which will authorize the transfer of funds and guarantee against misuse, misdirection, and nontransference of funds owed to the appropriate jurisdiction by means of a financial institution compact.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 488, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-18 - State and Municipal Court Compact › Section 8-18-6. - Joint violation fines — Distribution of funds.

§ 8-18-6. Joint violation fines — Distribution of funds.
Cities or towns with municipal courts shall dedicate four dollars ($4.00) for reimbursement from each summons to the general fund. Cities or towns without a municipal court shall dedicate six dollars ($6.00) for reimbursement from each summons to the general fund. State agencies shall dedicate twenty-two dollars ($22.00) from each summons to the general fund. Provided that cities, towns and state agencies shall also dedicate all revenues generated directly as a result of fee increases effective July 1, 2002 and July 1, 2008 to the general fund.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 488, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 5, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 65, art. 13, § 23; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 12, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-18 - State and Municipal Court Compact › Section 8-18-7. - Repealed.

§ 8-18-7. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 488, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1999 ch. 218, § 2, effective July 1, 1999.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-18 - State and Municipal Court Compact › Section 8-18-8. - Judicial conduct.

§ 8-18-8. Judicial conduct.
All judges of any municipal court which exercises jurisdiction under the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to and governed by the canons of judicial ethics or code of judicial conduct in effect at the time, as prescribed by the Rhode Island supreme court, and the provisions of chapter 16 of this title.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 488, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-18 - State and Municipal Court Compact › Section 8-18-9. - Appeals.

§ 8-18-9. Appeals.
Any person desiring to appeal from an adverse decision of a municipal court pursuant to the provisions of this chapter may seek review thereof pursuant to the procedures set forth in § 31-41.1-8.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 488, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 5, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-18 - State and Municipal Court Compact › Section 8-18-10. - Exclusive jurisdiction.

§ 8-18-10. Exclusive jurisdiction.
The universal summons shall also be used for any violations of those sections not listed in § 8-18-3; provided, however that the following violations shall remain the exclusive jurisdiction of the traffic tribunal or the other state courts and shall not be within the jurisdiction of any municipal court:
31-11-16
31-11-17
31-11-18
31-11-19
31-11-20
31-12-3
31-14-1
31-20-12
31-26-1
31-26-2
31-26-4
31-26-5
31-27-1
31-27-2
31-27-4
31-26-3
31-3-1
31-8-2
31-8-3
31-9-1
31-9-2
31-9-5
31-9-6
31-10-1
31-10-28
31-11-12
3-8-9
31-8-10
31-38-9
31-41.1-1
31-25-13
31-25-4
31-25-5
31-25-6
31-25-7
31-27-6
31-25-24
31-23-37
31-24-37
31-25-20
31-25-3
31-25-16
31-25-19
11-44-29
31-22-21.1
31-27-2.1
11-44-22
31-19.1-2
31-19.2-2
31-9-3
31-10-26
31-27-2.3
31-36.1-17
31-9-1—
31-4-3
31-11-18.1
31-9-11
31-27-1.1
31-27-2.2
31-15-14
31-23-49
31-12-26
31-22-13
31-22-14
31-23-28
31-27-5
31-23-13.1
31-27-2.7
31-27-2.4
31-41.1-4
(Speeding
(B)).
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 488, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 5, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 445, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 86, § 20.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-18 - State and Municipal Court Compact › Section 8-18-11. - Municipal court adherence to promulgated procedures.

§ 8-18-11. Municipal court adherence to promulgated procedures.
All municipal courts which shall hear and decide traffic matters pursuant to the authority of this chapter shall do so in a manner consistent with the procedures of the traffic tribunal. If it shall appear to the chief magistrate of the traffic tribunal that said procedures are not being followed by any municipal court he or she shall inform the municipal court in question that it appears that it is not in compliance with the procedures of the traffic tribunal. If, thereafter, the chief magistrate is not satisfied that compliance is forthcoming he shall have standing under § 8-1-2 to petition the supreme court for appropriate relief.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 5, § 3; P.L. 2008, ch. 119, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-19 - Language Interpreters — Use of Language Interpreters in Legal Proceedings › Section 8-19-1. - Legislative declaration — Intent.

§ 8-19-1. Legislative declaration — Intent.
(a)
It is hereby declared to be the policy of the state of Rhode Island to guarantee the rights of persons who, because of a non-English speaking background, are unable to readily understand or communicate in the English language, and who consequently need the assistance of an interpreter to be fully protected in legal proceedings in matters before the Rhode Island unified state court system. Court interpretation requires not only a full command of two (2) languages, but also a knowledge of courtroom procedure, legal vocabulary, the overall court and legal systems, and an understanding that the role of an interpreter consists not of abridging or editorializing, but of exactly interpreting every word that is spoken without emendation or amendment.
(b)
It is the intent of the legislature, by the enactment of this chapter, to provide interpreters to limited-English-proficient persons in proceedings before the state courts in Rhode Island and to establish a procedure for the certification and appointment of interpreters.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 340, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 415, § 15; P.L. 2014, ch. 79, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 88, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-19 - Language Interpreters — Use of Language Interpreters in Legal Proceedings › Section 8-19-2. - Definitions.

§ 8-19-2. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1)
A “limited-English-proficient person” means any person whose primary language is not English and who does not have the ability to adequately understand or communicate effectively in English.
(2)
A “qualified interpreter” is a person who is able to interpret simultaneously and consecutively and sight translate from English into a foreign language and from said language into English but who is not certified pursuant to this chapter.
(3)
A “certified interpreter” is one who is able to interpret simultaneously and consecutively and sight translate from English to the language of the person needing an interpreter, and from said language to English, and who has been certified pursuant to the provision of § 8-19-5.
(4)
“Legal proceedings” means any proceeding in the Rhode Island state court system.
(5)
“Appointing authority” means the judicial officer presiding at a legal proceeding.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 340, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 79, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 88, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-19 - Language Interpreters — Use of Language Interpreters in Legal Proceedings › Section 8-19-3. - Appointment of certified or qualified interpreters.

§ 8-19-3. Appointment of certified or qualified interpreters.
(a)
When a limited-English-proficient person is a party, or the parent or legal guardian of a party, to a legal proceeding, or an alleged victim in a criminal proceeding, the appointing authority shall appoint a certified interpreter to assist such person during the legal proceeding. The state court administrator’s office shall maintain a list of Rhode Island certified and qualified interpreters from which the appointing authority shall make its appointments.
(b)
The appointing authority may appoint a qualified interpreter in place of a certified interpreter when:
(1)
A good-faith effort has been made to locate and obtain the services of a certified interpreter and one is not available; and
(2)
The appointing authority makes a finding that the proposed qualified interpreter appears to have adequate language skills; knowledge of interpreting techniques; familiarity with interpreting in a court or hearing; and that he/she has read, understands, and will abide by an established code of ethics for language interpreters pursuant to this chapter; and
(3)
The proceeding is one of a preliminary nature and of a short duration. Proceedings of a preliminary nature may include but not be limited to:
(i)
Arraignments;
(ii)
Costs, restitution, and/or fine reviews;
(iii)
Probation reviews;
(iv)
Preliminary hearings on pretrial motions; and
(v)
Appearances before the court on bench warrants or arrest warrants.
(c)
If any relationship between the interpreter and any of the parties, attorneys, witnesses, victims, or any other persons involved in the proceeding exists, the nature of that relationship shall be disclosed to the appointing authority on the record and the appointing authority may in its discretion excuse the interpreter from said proceeding.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 340, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 415, § 15; P.L. 2014, ch. 79, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 88, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-19 - Language Interpreters — Use of Language Interpreters in Legal Proceedings › Section 8-19-4. - Compensation of interpreters.

§ 8-19-4. Compensation of interpreters.
Interpreters appointed pursuant to this chapter shall be paid by the state in accordance with a fee schedule that shall be established by the supreme court. The state court administrator is hereby empowered to establish policies and procedures governing the appointment, service, and payment of interpreters appointed under this chapter and is further empowered to enter into service contracts with certified and qualified interpreters.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 340, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 79, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 88, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-19 - Language Interpreters — Use of Language Interpreters in Legal Proceedings › Section 8-19-5. - Certification of interpreters — Establishment and procedure.

§ 8-19-5. Certification of interpreters — Establishment and procedure.
The administrative office of state courts, with the approval of the supreme court, shall promulgate standards, criteria, and testing methods for the certification of foreign language interpreters under this chapter. The regulations promulgated shall address but not be limited to:
(1)
Developing testing procedures for proficiency in the foreign language for which the interpreter is seeking certification;
(2)
Developing testing procedures for proficiency in the English language;
(3)
Developing testing procedures for knowledge of legal proceedings and legal terminologies;
(4)
Developing standards for the approval of courses and/or curricula at colleges and universities and other institutes of higher learning that wish to offer courses in foreign language interpreting;
(5)
Establishing minimum competency requirements for state certification as a foreign language interpreter;
(6)
Establishing re-certification procedures and continuing educational requirements for certified and qualified interpreters;
(7)
Establishing procedures for the termination, cancellation, or suspension of certificates issued to foreign language interpreters under this chapter;
(8)
Establishing a code of ethics for foreign language interpreters;
(9)
Establishing procedures for the recognition of foreign language interpreters who have been certified in other states or by the federal court;
(10)
Establishing a procedure for the compilation and maintenance of statistics on the frequency and use of foreign language interpreters appointed under this chapter and the need for foreign language interpreters in other languages; and
(11)
Establishing a procedure for the creation of a list of the names and contact information of all certified interpreters and qualified interpreters and making said list available to all courts covered by this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 340, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 79, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 88, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-19 - Language Interpreters — Use of Language Interpreters in Legal Proceedings › Section 8-19-6. - Severability.

§ 8-19-6. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the chapter or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 340, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-19 - Language Interpreters — Use of Language Interpreters in Legal Proceedings › Section 8-19-7. - Confidential communications.

§ 8-19-7. Confidential communications.
No interpreter/translator appointed pursuant to this chapter to interpret or translate for limited-English-proficient persons in proceedings before the state courts in Rhode Island shall be called upon to testify concerning any statement(s) and/or confidential communications made to them in connection with any interpretation or translation, properly entrusted to the translator in their professional capacity, without the consent of the person making the statement or unless compelled by court order.
History of Section.
P.L. 2018, ch. 164, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 270, § 1; P.L. 2023, ch. 65, § 1, effective June 14, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 66, § 1, effective June 14, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-1. - Action on promissory note.

§ 9-1-1. Action on promissory note.
Whenever any persons or bodies corporate, by themselves or by any person by them lawfully authorized for the purpose, shall make or sign any promissory note whereby the persons or bodies corporate shall promise to pay to any other person or body corporate any sum of money or specific article mentioned in the note, the sum or article shall be taken and construed to be, by virtue thereof, due and payable to the person or body corporate; and the person or body corporate may maintain an action for the sum or article against the person or body corporate who shall have made the promissory note.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 166, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 201, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 228, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 457, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 9-1-1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-2. - Civil liability for crimes and offenses.

§ 9-1-2. Civil liability for crimes and offenses.
Whenever any person shall suffer any injury to his or her person, reputation, or estate by reason of the commission of any crime or offense, he or she may recover his or her damages for the injury in a civil action against the offender, and it shall not be any defense to such action that no criminal complaint for the crime or offense has been made; and whenever any person shall be guilty of larceny, he or she shall be liable to the owner of the money or articles taken for twice the value thereof, unless the money or articles are restored, and for the value thereof in case of restoration.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 236; G.L. 1909, ch. 283, § 16; G.L. 1923, ch. 333, § 16; G.L. 1938, ch. 478, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 9-1-2; P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-2.1. - Civil liability for stalking.

§ 9-1-2.1. Civil liability for stalking.
(a)
Any person who suffers harm pursuant to chapter 59 of title 11 may recover his or her damages in a civil action against the offender.
(b)
As used in this section:
(1)
“Course of conduct” means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, evidencing a continuity of purpose. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of “course of conduct.”
(2)
“Harasses” means following a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person which seriously alarms, annoys, or bothers the person, and which serves no legitimate purpose. The course of conduct must be of a kind that would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, or be in fear of bodily injury.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 198, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 279, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-3. - Liability of parents for torts of minors.

§ 9-1-3. Liability of parents for torts of minors.
The parent or parents of any unemancipated minor or minors, which minor or minors willfully or maliciously cause damage to any property or injury to any person, shall be jointly and severally liable with the minor or minors for the damage or injury to an amount not exceeding fifteen hundred dollars ($1,500) if the minor or minors would have been liable for the damage or injury if they had been adults; provided, nothing herein shall be construed to relieve the minor or minors from personal liability for the damage or injury. The liability herein provided for shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any other liability which may exist at law.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3749, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 9-1-3; P.L. 1974, ch. 137, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 296, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-3.1. - Liability of parents and unemancipated minors for torts to each other.

§ 9-1-3.1. Liability of parents and unemancipated minors for torts to each other.
A parent may be held liable for injuries caused to his or her unemancipated minor child by the parent’s negligent acts or omissions. In all cases in which the injured minor is living, prior to the commencement of any civil action hereunder, a petition shall be brought in the superior court in the county in which the injured minor resides for the appointment of a guardian ad litem to pursue the action on behalf of the minor. The guardian ad litem shall not be a member of the minor’s family. Once appointed, the guardian ad litem shall be empowered to make all decisions on behalf of the minor relating to the cause of action against the parent. If the minor is deceased, the civil action may be commenced by his or her executor or administrator.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 438, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-4. - Statute of frauds.

§ 9-1-4. Statute of frauds.
No action shall be brought:
(1)
Whereby to charge any person upon any contract for the sale of lands, tenements, or hereditaments, or the making of any lease thereof for a longer time than one year;
(2)
Whereby to charge any person upon any agreement made upon consideration of marriage;
(3)
Whereby to charge any trustee under any express trust, or any executor or administrator, upon his or her special promise to answer any debt or damage out of his or her own estate;
(4)
Whereby to charge any person upon his or her special promise to answer for the debt, default, or miscarriage of another person;
(5)
Whereby to charge any person upon any agreement which is not to be performed within the space of one year from the making thereof;
(6)
Whereby to charge any person upon any agreement or promise to pay any commission for or upon the sale of any interest in real estate;
(7)
Except in cases to which the Uniform Commercial Code (title 6A) applies, whereby to charge any person upon any contract for the sale of personal property beyond five thousand dollars ($5,000) in an amount or value of remedy, unless the promise or agreement upon which the action shall be brought, or some note or memorandum thereof, shall be in writing, and signed by the party to be charged therewith, or by some other person by him or her thereunto lawfully authorized.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 226; G.L. 1909, ch. 283, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 333, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 481, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 9-1-4; P.L. 1962, ch. 162, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 19, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 34, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-5. - Liability of landlord for improvements to real estate by tenant by oral lease.

§ 9-1-5. Liability of landlord for improvements to real estate by tenant by oral lease.
The owner of real estate who induces a tenant to occupy it by promising to give him or her a lease of the real estate, the term of which is more than one year, shall be liable, if he or she fails or refuses to fulfill his or her promise, for the cost to the tenant of all improvements, repairs, alterations, betterments, and equipment made to, or placed upon the occupied premises, in reliance upon the promise and with the approval of the owner; provided, however, that this section shall not apply in case of a definite letting where rent is reserved or paid, nor in case the unfulfilled promise of the owner is in writing and is itself legally enforceable, nor in case of original or continued occupancy of the premises under a written instrument, signed by the parties. Such costs shall be recoverable by the tenant, his or her heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns, in a civil action for money had and received, brought against the owner, his or her heirs, executors, administrators, successors, or assigns, commenced within one year after the termination of the original tenancy, and not thereafter. Neither the tender of the promised lease after termination of, or notice of intention to terminate, the original tenancy, nor delay during occupancy to begin suit, shall prejudice or defeat the action.
History of Section.
G.L., ch. 296, § 25, as enacted by P.L. 1932, ch. 1960, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 481, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 9-1-5; P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-6. - Causes and actions surviving death of parties.

§ 9-1-6. Causes and actions surviving death of parties.
In addition to the causes of action and actions which at common law survive the death of the plaintiff or defendant therein, the following causes of action or actions shall also survive:
(1)
Causes of action and actions of waste.
(2)
Causes of action and actions of replevin and for conversion.
(3)
Causes of action and actions for damages to the person or to real and personal estate.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 227; G.L. 1909, ch. 283, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 333, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 512, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 9-1-6; P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-7. - Prosecution and defense of actions by executor or administrator.

§ 9-1-7. Prosecution and defense of actions by executor or administrator.
All the causes of action and actions as provided in § 9-1-6 may be originally brought and prosecuted by and against executors and administrators; and if brought or prosecuted by or against any person in his or her lifetime, the action may be prosecuted or defended by his or her executor or administrator.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 228; G.L. 1909, ch. 283, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 333, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 512, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 9-1-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-8. - Actual damages only to be granted after death of party.

§ 9-1-8. Actual damages only to be granted after death of party.
Whenever any of the causes of action or actions as provided in § 9-1-6 are, originally or by survival, brought or prosecuted by or against the executor or administrator of the party originally liable, the plaintiff shall be entitled to recover only the value of the goods taken, or the damage actually sustained, without any vindictive or exemplary damages, or damages for any alleged outrage to the feelings of the injured party.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 229; G.L. 1909, ch. 283, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 333, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 512, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 9-1-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-9. - Survival of actions for the recovery of possession of land.

§ 9-1-9. Survival of actions for the recovery of possession of land.
Civil actions to recover possession of land shall survive the death of the plaintiff or defendant and may be prosecuted or defended by the heir, devisee, executor, or administrator of the deceased party, as the right may descend or vest.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 230; G.L. 1909, ch. 283, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 333, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 512, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 9-1-9; P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action › Section 9-1-10. - Settlement of real estate title in action involving executor or administrator.

§ 9-1-10. Settlement of real estate title in action involving executor or administrator.
In no case shall the title to real estate be settled or affected, except so far as relates to the case on trial, if and so far as the case on trial shall be prosecuted or defended by an executor or administrator.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 231; G.L. 1909, ch. 283, § 11; G.L. 1923, ch. 333, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 512, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 9-1-10.