reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-13 - Relief of Poor Debtors › Section 10-13-3. - Citation to creditor to show cause against debtor’s oath.

§ 10-13-3. Citation to creditor to show cause against debtor’s oath.
The justice shall forthwith issue a citation to the creditor, if within this state, or if the creditor does not live within this state, then to his or her agent or attorney of record within this state, or if he or she has no agent or attorney, then to the creditor without the state, to appear at the time and place as the justice shall appoint, to show cause, if any he or she have, why the person complaining as provided in § 10-13-1 should not be admitted to take the poor debtor’s oath.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 260, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 326, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 377, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 563, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 10-13-3; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 34.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-13 - Relief of Poor Debtors › Section 10-13-4. - Service of citation on creditor.

§ 10-13-4. Service of citation on creditor.
The citation shall be served on the creditor, his or her agent or attorney as provided in § 10-13-3, seven (7) days at least before the time appointed as provided in § 10-13-3, by reading the citation to him or her, or by leaving an attested copy with some person living at his or her last and usual place of abode, by a member of the division of sheriffs or either of the town sergeants or constables in the county in which the creditor, his or her agent or attorney, shall reside. If the creditor does not live or have any agent or attorney within this state, the service shall be made upon the creditor by any disinterested person.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 260, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 326, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 377, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 563, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 10-13-4; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 34; P.L. 2012, ch. 324, § 28.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-13 - Relief of Poor Debtors › Section 10-13-5. - Citations to state as creditor.

§ 10-13-5. Citations to state as creditor.
Every person imprisoned or liable to be imprisoned in any suit in favor of the state, entitled to the oath prescribed in § 10-13-8, may apply for and have a citation to the state, to show cause why he or she should not be admitted to take the debtor’s oath.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 260, § 25; G.L. 1909, ch. 326, § 25; G.L. 1923, ch. 377, § 25; G.L. 1938, ch. 563, § 25; G.L. 1956, § 10-13-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-13 - Relief of Poor Debtors › Section 10-13-6. - Service of citation on attorney general.

§ 10-13-6. Service of citation on attorney general.
The citation described in § 10-13-5 shall be issued to and served upon the attorney general, in the same manner and with the same effect as is provided in the case of creditors other than the state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 260, § 26; G.L. 1909, ch. 326, § 26; G.L. 1923, ch. 377, § 26; G.L. 1938, ch. 563, § 26; G.L. 1956, § 10-13-6; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 34.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-13 - Relief of Poor Debtors › Section 10-13-7. - Administration of oath — Assignment of estate.

§ 10-13-7. Administration of oath — Assignment of estate.
The justice of any district court in the county where the prisoner is committed may at the time and place appointed examine the return of the citation, and if it shall appear to have been duly served, may administer the oath prescribed in § 10-13-8 to the party imprisoned as provided in § 10-13-5, if, after fully examining the prisoner under oath and hearing the parties, the justice shall think it proper so to do; provided, the applicant shall then and there first make and execute a deed of assignment of all his or her estate of every kind and wherever the estate may be, except what is exempted from attachment by law, other than debts secured by bills of exchange or negotiable promissory notes, to the warden and his or her successor in his or her office and his or her heirs and assigns, in trust for the benefit of all his or her creditors in proportion to their respective demands.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 260, § 4; C.P.A. 1905, § 1233; G.L. 1909, ch. 326, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 377, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 563, § 4; impl. am. P.L. 1956, ch. 3721, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 10-13-7; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 34.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-13 - Relief of Poor Debtors › Section 10-13-8. - Form of debtor’s oath.

§ 10-13-8. Form of debtor’s oath.
The oath to be administered in such a case shall be as follows: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I have not any estate, real or personal, in possession, remainder, or reversion over $ 10.00 (or except what is exempt from attachment by law not herein enumerated) nor any debts secured by bills of exchange or negotiable promissory notes, and that I have not, since the commencement of this suit against me or at any other time, directly or indirectly, sold, leased, or otherwise conveyed or disposed of to, or intrusted any person or persons whomsoever with, all or any part of the estate, real or personal, whereof I have been the lawful owner or possessor, with any intent or design to secure the property or to receive or to expect any profit or advantage therefrom for myself or for any of my children or family or any other person, or have caused or suffered to be done anything else whatsoever whereby any of my creditors may be defrauded, so help me God (or this affirmation I make and give upon peril of the penalty of perjury)”.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 260, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 326, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 377, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 563, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 10-13-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-13 - Relief of Poor Debtors › Section 10-13-9. - Certificate of justice as to oath.

§ 10-13-9. Certificate of justice as to oath.
The oath being administered and taken by the prisoner, the justice shall deliver to him or her a certificate thereof under, his or her hand and seal, in the following form:
To .......... warden of the correctional institution at .......... in the county of .......... I, the subscriber, authorized by the statute in such case made and provided, do certify that .......... a poor prisoner confined upon mesne process (or otherwise, as the case may be) in the correctional institution at .......... aforesaid, has caused .......... the party at whose suit he or she was so confined, to be notified according to law, of his or her the said .......... desire of being admitted to take the poor debtor’s oath; that in my opinion the said .......... has not any estate, either real or personal, except what is exempt from attachment by law (or, over $10.00, as the case may be), and that he or she has not conveyed or concealed his or her estate with design to secure the same to his or her own use or to defraud his or her creditors; and that I have, after due caution to the said .......... administered to him or her the oath (or, affirmation,) prescribed by law to be administered to poor debtors.
Witness, my hand and seal, this .......... day of .......... A.D., .......... Justice of the District Court of the  .......... Judicial District.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 260, § 6; C.P.A. 1905, § 1154; G.L. 1909, ch. 326, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 377, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 563, § 6; impl. am. P.L. 1956, ch. 3721, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 10-13-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-13 - Relief of Poor Debtors › Section 10-13-10. - Discharge of prisoner.

§ 10-13-10. Discharge of prisoner.
Whenever any prisoner shall present a certificate, as is prescribed in § 10-13-9, to the warden of the institution in which he or she is imprisoned, the warden shall immediately discharge him or her from his or her commitment at the suit of the creditor named in the certificate.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 260, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 326, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 377, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 563, § 7; impl. am. P.L. 1956, ch. 3721, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 10-13-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-13 - Relief of Poor Debtors › Section 10-13-11. - Detainment for fees prohibited.

§ 10-13-11. Detainment for fees prohibited.
No person who has been admitted to take the oath as provided in § 10-13-8 shall be retained in a correctional institution for the prison fees or for the fees of the justice before whom he or she may have taken such oath.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 260, § 8; G.L. 1909, ch. 326, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 377, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 563, § 8; impl. am. P.L. 1956, ch. 3721, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 10-13-11; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 34.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-13 - Relief of Poor Debtors › Section 10-13-12. - Responsibility of warden for property — Assignment to or on direction of creditor.

§ 10-13-12. Responsibility of warden for property — Assignment to or on direction of creditor.
No warden of any institution receiving an assignment under § 10-13-7 shall be held responsible to any person for any property of any assignor, except such as he or she has actually received into his or her possession; provided, that he or she shall assign all the interest he or she shall obtain thereby to the committing creditor, if a resident of this state, on his or her request, or to such person, being a resident thereof, as the creditor shall name, to be held by the creditor or person, his or her heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, for the purposes and trusts set forth in the deed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 260, § 9; G.L. 1909, ch. 326, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 377, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 563, § 9; impl. am. P.L. 1956, ch. 3721, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 10-13-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-13 - Relief of Poor Debtors › Section 10-13-13. - Second citation to creditor by debtor not admitted to oath.

§ 10-13-13. Second citation to creditor by debtor not admitted to oath.
If a debtor take out a citation to his or her committing creditor and have the citation served and subsequently withdraw the citation, or if upon trial he or she shall not be admitted to take the oath prescribed in § 10-13-8, he or she shall not be entitled to another citation to the same creditor unless on proof of some change of circumstances after the taking out of the first citation, a statement of which change of circumstances shall be annexed to, or cited in, the second citation and form a part thereof.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 260, § 11; G.L. 1909, ch. 326, § 11; G.L. 1923, ch. 377, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 563, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 10-13-13; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 34.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-13 - Relief of Poor Debtors › Section 10-13-14. - Administration of debtor’s oath pending original action.

§ 10-13-14. Administration of debtor’s oath pending original action.
The court before which any action is pending for the recovery of any debt or demand for which the defendant, if committed to a correctional institution thereon, would be entitled to be admitted to take the oath as provided in § 10-13-8, may administer the oath to the defendant as provided in this chapter.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 260, § 12; C.P.A. 1905, § 1234; G.L. 1909, ch. 326, § 12; G.L. 1923, ch. 377, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 563, § 12; impl. am. P.L. 1956, ch. 3721, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 10-13-14; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 34.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-13 - Relief of Poor Debtors › Section 10-13-15. - Citation to show cause against oath by defendant.

§ 10-13-15. Citation to show cause against oath by defendant.
The defendant in such case may apply to the court in which the action is pending for a citation to the creditor to appear at the court to show cause why the defendant should not be admitted to take the oath.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 260, § 13; C.P.A. 1905, § 1155; G.L. 1909, ch. 326, § 13; G.L. 1923, ch. 377, § 13; G.L. 1938, ch. 563, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 10-13-15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-13 - Relief of Poor Debtors › Section 10-13-16. - Service of citation.

§ 10-13-16. Service of citation.
The citation shall be served by any deputy sheriff, town sergeant, or constable, at least four (4) days before the time therein appointed for taking the oath, by reading the citation to the plaintiff or by leaving an attested copy thereof at his or her last and usual place of abode in this state, with some person living there, and the citation shall be returned to the court in which the action is pending. If the plaintiff does not reside in this state, service of the citation may be made in like manner upon the agent or attorney of record of the plaintiff in this state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 260, § 14; C.P.A. 1905, § 1156; G.L. 1909, ch. 326, § 14; G.L. 1923, ch. 377, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 563, § 14; G.L. 1956, § 10-13-16; P.L. 2012, ch. 324, § 28.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-13 - Relief of Poor Debtors › Section 10-13-17. - Examination of defendant and administration of oath.

§ 10-13-17. Examination of defendant and administration of oath.
If it shall appear to the court in which the action is pending that notice has been given as provided in § 10-13-16, the court shall examine the defendant on his or her oath concerning his or her estate and effects and the disposal thereof and may also receive any other evidence offered by the defendant or by the plaintiff, and upon the examination the court may, in its discretion, administer to the defendant the oath.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 260, § 15; C.P.A. 1905, § 1234; G.L. 1909, ch. 326, § 15; G.L. 1923, ch. 377, § 15; G.L. 1938, ch. 563, § 15; G.L. 1956, § 10-13-17; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 34.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-13 - Relief of Poor Debtors › Section 10-13-18. - Effect of execution after debtor’s oath.

§ 10-13-18. Effect of execution after debtor’s oath.
If the debtor’s oath be administered, the execution which may be issued against the defendant in the action shall run against the goods and chattels or real estate of the defendant and not against his or her body.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 260, § 16; G.L. 1909, ch. 326, § 16; G.L. 1923, ch. 377, § 16; G.L. 1938, ch. 563, § 16; G.L. 1956, § 10-13-18.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-13 - Relief of Poor Debtors › Section 10-13-19. - Application for oath after judgment and before commitment.

§ 10-13-19. Application for oath after judgment and before commitment.
Every defendant in any execution, who would, if committed to a correctional institution thereon, and every person against whom final judgment has been rendered in any civil action, who would, if committed to a correctional institution on execution to be issued thereon, be entitled to be admitted to take the oath as provided in this chapter, may apply in the manner as provided in this chapter, for a citation to his or her creditor to show cause why he or she should not be admitted to take the debtor’s oath.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 260, § 17; G.L. 1909, ch. 326, § 17; G.L. 1923, ch. 377, § 17; G.L. 1938, ch. 563, § 17; impl. am. P.L. 1956, ch. 3721, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 10-13-19; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 34.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-13 - Relief of Poor Debtors › Section 10-13-20. - Service of citation.

§ 10-13-20. Service of citation.
The citation as described in § 10-13-19 shall be served in the same manner as is provided in § 10-13-16.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 260, § 18; G.L. 1909, ch. 326, § 18; G.L. 1923, ch. 377, § 18; G.L. 1938, ch. 563, § 18; G.L. 1956, § 10-13-20; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 34.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-13 - Relief of Poor Debtors › Section 10-13-21. - Administration of oath.

§ 10-13-21. Administration of oath.
Upon the return of the citation, the magistrate authorized to administer the oath by § 10-13-7, in the county in which the defendant is liable to be imprisoned, may administer the oath to the defendant, if upon examination of the defendant on oath, and of such other evidence as either party may produce, he or she shall think proper.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 260, § 19; G.L. 1909, ch. 326, § 19; G.L. 1923, ch. 377, § 19; G.L. 1938, ch. 563, § 19; G.L. 1956, § 10-13-21.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-13 - Relief of Poor Debtors › Section 10-13-22. - Effect of execution after oath.

§ 10-13-22. Effect of execution after oath.
If the defendant be admitted to take the oath, he or she shall thereafter be exempt from imprisonment on the execution or any future execution that may be issued on such judgment, and execution on such judgment shall issue only against the goods and chattels and real estate of the defendant.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 260, § 20; G.L. 1909, ch. 326, § 20; G.L. 1923, ch. 377, § 20; G.L. 1938, ch. 563, § 20; G.L. 1956, § 10-13-22.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-13 - Relief of Poor Debtors › Section 10-13-23. - Certificate as to oath — Certificate of discharge.

§ 10-13-23. Certificate as to oath — Certificate of discharge.
The justice administering the oath as provided in § 10-13-7, pursuant to the provisions of § 10-13-21, shall give a certificate to that effect, under his or her hand and seal, to the defendant. In all cases the justice who commences the examination under the provisions of this chapter shall alone have the power to sign and seal the certificate of discharge.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 260, § 21; G.L. 1909, ch. 326, § 21; G.L. 1923, ch. 377, § 21; G.L. 1938, ch. 563, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 10-13-23; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 34.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-13 - Relief of Poor Debtors › Section 10-13-24. - Assignment for benefit of creditors upon administration of oath.

§ 10-13-24. Assignment for benefit of creditors upon administration of oath.
Whenever the oath as provided in this chapter shall be administered to any defendant, under the provisions of §§ 10-13-14 — 10-13-23 he or she shall then and there make an assignment of all his or her estate, real and personal, not exempted from attachment by law, to some responsible inhabitant of this state, his or her heirs and assigns, to be approved by the magistrate administering the oath, in trust for the benefit of all his or her creditors in proportion to their demands, and a copy of the assignment shall be filed by the assignee in the office of the clerk of the court issuing the execution.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 260, § 22; G.L. 1909, ch. 326, § 22; G.L. 1923, ch. 377, § 22; G.L. 1938, ch. 563, § 22; G.L. 1956, § 10-13-24; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 96.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-13 - Relief of Poor Debtors › Section 10-13-25. - Party deemed creditor — Effect of executions subsequent to oath.

§ 10-13-25. Party deemed creditor — Effect of executions subsequent to oath.
The person to whom the debt appears, by the process, to belong at the time complaint is made, shall be deemed the creditor within the meaning of the provisions of this chapter. Neither the commitment of the prisoner, nor his or her discharge, shall be a satisfaction of the debt for which he or she was committed. If committed on execution, the plaintiff may take out another execution, which shall not, however, run against the body of the defendant. If suit is brought on the judgment, execution in the suit shall not run against the body of the defendant, nor shall the defendant be held to bail on the writ in such case. If the defendant is committed on mesne process, when he or she receives a certificate as provided in § 10-13-23, if that fact is shown by plea to the court before which the action is pending, then execution shall not issue against the body of the defendant, but in all such cases execution shall issue against the goods and chattels and real estate of the defendant.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 260, § 23; C.P.A. 1905, § 1234; G.L. 1909, ch. 326, § 23; G.L. 1923, ch. 377, § 23; G.L. 1938, ch. 563, § 23; G.L. 1956, § 10-13-25; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 96.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-13 - Relief of Poor Debtors › Section 10-13-26. - Adjournment of hearings.

§ 10-13-26. Adjournment of hearings.
Any judge of the district court, who shall be present at the time and place to which any citation in behalf of any poor prisoner, issued under the provisions of this chapter, shall be duly returned, may, in the absence of another magistrate, adjourn the hearing thereon to any other time or place, as he or she may think proper, with the same effect as if another judge were present.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 260, § 24; C.P.A. 1905, § 1233; G.L. 1909, ch. 326, § 24; G.L. 1923, ch. 377, § 24; G.L. 1938, ch. 563, § 24; G.L. 1956, § 10-13-26; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 23.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-13 - Relief of Poor Debtors › Section 10-13-27. - Petition for discharge by prisoner unable to pay tort judgment.

§ 10-13-27. Petition for discharge by prisoner unable to pay tort judgment.
Whenever any person shall have been imprisoned for six (6) months upon a writ of arrest, mesne process, execution, or upon surrender or commitment by bail in any action on any penal statute, actions sounding in tort, including actions for possession of land or trespass to land in which title to the land is not in dispute, or other civil action in which such person is not now entitled to his or her discharge, upon being admitted to take the poor debtor’s oath, the person so imprisoned may petition the justice of the district court in the county in which he or she is imprisoned, setting forth that he or she is detained in prison, the term of his or her imprisonment, the cause of his or her committal, and the name and residence of the person at whose suit he or she was committed, and that he or she is unable to pay the judgment upon which he or she is committed, and to pay his or her prison charges: provided, however, that any person who shall have been imprisoned as provided in this chapter upon a writ issued out of a district court or upon execution wherein the debt or damages and costs shall not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) may petition as provided in this chapter after ninety (90) days of imprisonment.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 261, § 4; C.P.A. 1905, § 1158; G.L. 1909, ch. 327, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 378, § 1; P.L. 1929, ch. 1331, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 564, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 10-13-27; P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 56.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-13 - Relief of Poor Debtors › Section 10-13-28. - Examination of tort debtor — Assignment of property — Administration of oath.

§ 10-13-28. Examination of tort debtor — Assignment of property — Administration of oath.
Upon the receipt of any petition of any poor tort debtor under the provisions of § 10-13-27, the justice to whom the petition shall be addressed shall fix a time and place for the hearing of the petition, and shall issue a citation, directed to the committing creditor or to his or her attorney of record in the suit, or if the committing creditor be deceased, to the legal representative of the deceased creditor, which citation shall be served upon one of the persons to whom it is directed at least six (6) days before the return day thereof. Upon the return of the citation duly served, the justice shall cause the petitioner to be brought before him or her upon habeas corpus at the time and place named in the citation, and either then or at such other time as the justice shall appoint, shall proceed to examine the petitioner and to hear the evidence which may be properly adduced in favor of and against the granting of the prayer of the petition, and if it shall be made to appear that the petitioner has no property, rights, or credits with which to pay prison charges, or which is not exempt by law from attachment, and that the debtor has made an assignment to the warden in the manner prescribed in § 10-13-7, if the justice shall be of the opinion that the petitioner can truly take the oath prescribed in § 10-13-8, the justice may administer to the petitioner the oath, and the like certificate shall be issued thereof, and the certificate shall have the like effect in all respects with reference to the discharge of the petitioner from the correctional institution, and the issue of execution, or of alias or pluries execution, upon the judgment shall be in the form and with the like effect, as if the petitioner had been entitled to and admitted to take the poor debtor’s oath under the provisions of §§ 10-13-1 — 10-13-26.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 261, § 5; C.P.A. 1905, § 1159; G.L. 1909, ch. 327, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 378, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 564, § 2; impl. am. P.L. 1956, ch. 3721, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 10-13-29.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-13 - Relief of Poor Debtors › Section 10-13-29. - Costs paid by debtor.

§ 10-13-29. Costs paid by debtor.
The cost of the service of citation and the writ of habeas corpus issued under the provisions of §§ 10-13-27 and 10-13-28 shall be paid by the petitioner for relief hereunder.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 261, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 327, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 378, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 564, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 10-13-29.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-14 - Quo Warranto › Section 10-14-1. - Equity petition in supreme court.

§ 10-14-1. Equity petition in supreme court.
The title to any office, to determine which the writ of quo warranto lies at the common law, may be brought in question by petition to the supreme court.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 263, § 1; C.P.A. 1905, § 1160; G.L. 1909, ch. 328, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 379, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 585, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 10-14-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-14 - Quo Warranto › Section 10-14-2. - Issues determinable in proceedings in nature of quo warranto — Parties.

§ 10-14-2. Issues determinable in proceedings in nature of quo warranto — Parties.
In any proceeding upon writ of quo warranto, or by information or by petition in the nature of quo warranto, the court may determine the title of the relator or petitioner as well as that of the respondent; and in any such proceeding, all or any persons claiming the same office by whatever title, or claiming different offices depending upon the same election or appointment, may be made parties, and their respective rights may be ascertained and determined; and the court may consolidate for the purposes of healing and adjudication all such proceedings if brought separately.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 263, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 328, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 379, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 585, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 10-14-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-14 - Quo Warranto › Section 10-14-3. - Enforcement of judgments — Order of new elections.

§ 10-14-3. Enforcement of judgments — Order of new elections.
In all proceedings under this chapter, the court shall enforce its judgment by appropriate process; and whenever it shall find that no election was made, it may order a new election in all cases where new elections are required by law to be held upon failure to elect in the first instance.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 263, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 328, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 379, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 585, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 10-14-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-15 - Receivers of Joint Estates › Section 10-15-1. - Appointment to receive income from joint or common property.

§ 10-15-1. Appointment to receive income from joint or common property.
Upon the application of any party interested, the superior court may and is hereby authorized to appoint receivers of the rents and profits of estates owned by joint tenants and tenants in common.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 267, § 1; C.P.A. 1905, § 1220; G.L. 1909, ch. 332, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 383, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 596, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 10-15-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-15 - Receivers of Joint Estates › Section 10-15-2. - Duties of receiver.

§ 10-15-2. Duties of receiver.
It shall be the duty of a receiver to take possession of and manage such estates, to lease the estates but not under seal, collect the rents due and as they become due, keep the premises in repair, and distribute the net income among the joint tenants or tenants in common.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 267, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 332, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 383, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 596, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 10-15-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-15 - Receivers of Joint Estates › Section 10-15-3. - Removal and replacement of receiver.

§ 10-15-3. Removal and replacement of receiver.
A receiver may be for cause shown removed by the court and another appointed in his or her place, upon the petition of any party interested in the estate.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 267, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 332, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 383, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 596, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 10-15-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-15 - Receivers of Joint Estates › Section 10-15-4. - Termination of receivership on notice by parties.

§ 10-15-4. Termination of receivership on notice by parties.
A receivership shall terminate upon notice in writing to the receiver by all the parties interested or their duly authorized agents or legal representatives.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 267, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 332, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 383, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 596, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 10-15-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-16 - Small Claims and Consumer Claims › Section 10-16-1. - Actions subject to chapter.

§ 10-16-1. Actions subject to chapter.
In all ex contractu civil actions and in any action to recover the amount of any tax for money only not in excess of five thousand dollars ($5,000) exclusive of interest and costs, and in all actions or suits to recover damages resulting from a retail sale of tangible personal property to a member of the general public or from services rendered to a member of the general public in which the plaintiff seeks to recover an amount of money only not in excess of five thousand dollars ($5,000) exclusive of interest and costs, and in all actions or suits based upon a negotiable instrument involving an amount of money only not in excess of five thousand dollars ($5,000) exclusive of interest and costs, the procedure shall, at the plaintiff’s election, shown by his or her waiver of appeal, be as provided by this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1596, § 1; P.L. 1933, ch. 2022, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 592, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 10-16-1; P.L. 1959, ch. 68, § 1; P.L. 1962, ch. 19, § 1; P.L. 1969, ch. 130, § 1; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 12; P.L. 1970, ch. 214, § 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 232, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 192, § 2; P.L. 1982, ch. 332, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 77, § 2; P.L. 1991, ch. 244, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 212, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 300, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 143, § 1, effective July 3, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 144, § 1, effective July 3, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-16 - Small Claims and Consumer Claims › Section 10-16-2. - Jurisdiction of district court.

§ 10-16-2. Jurisdiction of district court.
The district court shall have full jurisdiction of actions brought under the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1596, § 16; G.L. 1938, ch. 592, § 16; G.L. 1956, § 10-16-2; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-16 - Small Claims and Consumer Claims › Section 10-16-3. - Venue of actions — Rules of practice.

§ 10-16-3. Venue of actions — Rules of practice.
The venue of actions under this chapter shall be the same as in ordinary civil actions, except cases wherein the plaintiff is a corporation, in which event the action must be brought in the division of the district court wherein the defendant resides. If the defendant resides outside the state, then the venue shall be the same as in other civil actions. The laws relating to practice in ordinary civil actions in the district court, which are applicable to this procedure, and not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter, shall apply to cases under this procedure.
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1596, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 592, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 10-16-3; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 12; P.L. 1976, ch. 273, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 77, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-16 - Small Claims and Consumer Claims › Section 10-16-3.1. - Corporations — Representatives.

§ 10-16-3.1. Corporations — Representatives.
(a)
Any corporation with total assets of less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) organized under the laws of this state or licensed to do business under the laws of this state, which is a corporation incorporated as a close corporation pursuant to § 7-1.2-1701, or if the corporation is a close corporation or which is a corporation whose majority stockholders are family members related by blood or marriage, may designate a representative thereof to prosecute claims under this chapter; provided, however, that no representative may be designated to prosecute claims for more than one corporation. The designation authorized by an officer of the corporation shall be filed with the clerk of the district court in which any claim is filed.
(b)
No representative under this section, if not licensed to practice law, shall be deemed to be practicing law without a license.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 265, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 109, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 36, § 10; P.L. 2005, ch. 72, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-16 - Small Claims and Consumer Claims › Section 10-16-4. - Filing fee — Waiver of appeal.

§ 10-16-4. Filing fee — Waiver of appeal.
(a)
The plaintiff shall pay into the court an entry fee of fifty-five dollars ($55.00), of which twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be placed in a “small claims mediation restricted-receipt account” together with an amount equal to the then-prevailing postal rate, for mailing notices in the case, which shall be deemed the beginning of the action. The “small claims mediation restricted-receipt account” shall be established under the control of the state court director of finance; the chief judge of the district court shall be authorized to pay for the services of qualified mediators and other related expenses from the “small claims mediation restricted-receipt account.” In addition to the entry fee, the court shall apply a technology surcharge in accordance with § 8-15-11.
(b)
The plaintiff shall also file with his or her claim a written waiver of right of appeal.
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1596, § 2; P.L. 1932, ch. 1904, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 592, § 2; P.L. 1952, ch. 3024, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 10-16-4; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 12; P.L. 1976, ch. 192, § 2; P.L. 1982, ch. 332, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 77, § 2; P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 6, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 212, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 300, § 2; P.L. 2009, ch. 5, art. 9, § 13; P.L. 2009, ch. 372, § 2; P.L. 2009, ch. 381, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 34, § 6; P.L. 2014, ch. 42, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-16 - Small Claims and Consumer Claims › Section 10-16-5. - Rules of procedure.

§ 10-16-5. Rules of procedure.
(a)
The judges of the district court shall make such orders and rules as they deem necessary concerning the hearing and determination of small claims, including suitable forms of procedure in such cases.
(b)
The chief judge of the district court shall be authorized to establish a system of mandatory mediation for all small claims actions other than actions relating to book accounts for a sum certain. The judges of the district court shall be authorized to make such rules as may be necessary for the establishment of said mandatory mediation system.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 77, § 3; P.L. 2004, ch. 212, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 300, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-16 - Small Claims and Consumer Claims › Section 10-16-6. - Notations in docket — Refusal or return undelivered of notice to defendant.

§ 10-16-6. Notations in docket — Refusal or return undelivered of notice to defendant.
The clerk shall note in the docket or in the papers of the case the mailing date of the notice and the address of the defendant. Notice shall be valid although refused by the defendant, and therefore not delivered. If the notice is returned undelivered without refusal by the defendant, or if in any other way it appears that notice has not reached the defendant, the clerk shall issue at the expense of the plaintiff such further or other notice to appear for hearing at such time as the court may order.
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1596, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 592, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 10-16-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-16 - Small Claims and Consumer Claims › Section 10-16-7. - Judgment on default by defendant.

§ 10-16-7. Judgment on default by defendant.
At the time set for answering, if the defendant does not appear to answer and defend the claim, he or she may then, or thereafter as the court may order, be defaulted, and judgment entered against him or her in favor of the plaintiff for his or her claim, or so much thereof as the court may find to be justly due and owing, or that should be awarded to the plaintiff.
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1596, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 592, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 10-16-7; P.L. 1987, ch. 77, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-16 - Small Claims and Consumer Claims › Section 10-16-8. - Default by plaintiff — Prevention of abuse of procedure by claimants.

§ 10-16-8. Default by plaintiff — Prevention of abuse of procedure by claimants.
(a)
If the plaintiff does not appear at the time set for the hearing, the court may dismiss the claim and action for want of prosecution, or enter judgment for the defendant for his or her costs, or make such other disposition of the case as may be proper.
(b)
If the clerk shall find that the procedure provided by this chapter is sought to be utilized by a claimant for purposes of oppression or harassment, as where the claimant has previously resorted to such procedure on the same claim and has been unsuccessful after hearing thereon, the clerk may in his or her discretion compel the claimant to make application to the court for leave to prosecute the claim under this chapter. The court upon such application shall inquire into the circumstances and, if it shall find that the claim has already been adjudicated, or that the claim is sought to be brought on solely for purposes of oppression or harassment and not under color of right, it may make an order denying the claimant the availability of the procedure provided by this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1596, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 592, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 10-16-8; P.L. 1970, ch. 214, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-16 - Small Claims and Consumer Claims › Section 10-16-9. - Filing of defense — Counterclaim.

§ 10-16-9. Filing of defense — Counterclaim.
Prior to or upon the date set for answering the defendant shall in writing file in court his or her answer or defense to the plaintiff’s claim and may claim any counterclaim he or she may have against the plaintiff’s claim, as he or she might plead the claim in an action begun by complaint and summons, and shall file a statement in writing of his or her counterclaim with the court, and the court shall determine which of the parties is entitled to decision against the other, and in what amount, and enter decision accordingly, but not exceeding the sum of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500). If the defendant’s counterclaim shall exceed the sum of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500), and in the opinion of the court there shall be due the defendant thereon an amount greater than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500), the court shall enter decision against the plaintiff as in case of nonsuit, and for the defendant for his or her costs only, and shall not further adjudicate upon the claim of the defendant, whose right to sue for the claim shall remain in the same manner as before the commencement of the action. The court may continue the hearing from time to time as may be necessary.
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1596, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 592, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 10-16-9; P.L. 1959, ch. 68, § 1; P.L. 1962, ch. 19, § 1; P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 57; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 12; P.L. 1976, ch. 192, § 2; P.L. 1987, ch. 77, § 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 255, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 432, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-16 - Small Claims and Consumer Claims › Section 10-16-10. - Amendment of statements — Informality of proceedings — Evidence.

§ 10-16-10. Amendment of statements — Informality of proceedings — Evidence.
The court may at any time after such notice and upon such terms as it shall determine allow any claim or answer to be amended. No formal pleadings other than the statement of their respective claims in writing shall be necessary to define the issue between the parties, and the hearing of all such causes shall be informal with the sole object of dispensing speedy and final justice between the parties. The witnesses in the hearings shall be sworn and depositions may be used at the hearing, provided the depositions have been taken according to law.
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1596, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 592, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 10-16-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-16 - Small Claims and Consumer Claims › Section 10-16-11. - Vacation of decisions or orders — Order of new hearing.

§ 10-16-11. Vacation of decisions or orders — Order of new hearing.
The court may at any time upon motion, and after such notice, by mail or otherwise as it may order for cause shown, vacate any decision, order or judgment entered by it under this procedure for want of actual notice to a party, for error, or for any other cause that the court may deem sufficient, and may stay or vacate execution, and may order a new hearing, upon such terms, costs, and conditions as the court shall deem just and proper.
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1596, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 592, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 10-16-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-16 - Small Claims and Consumer Claims › Section 10-16-12. - Manner of payment of judgment — Stay of execution.

§ 10-16-12. Manner of payment of judgment — Stay of execution.
The court may order that the judgment shall be paid to the prevailing party at such time, or by such instalments, as it shall deem proper, and may stay the issue of execution and other supplementary process during compliance with the court’s order. The stay shall at all times be subject to being modified or vacated by the court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1596, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 592, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 10-16-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-16 - Small Claims and Consumer Claims › Section 10-16-13. - Disbursements allowed as costs.

§ 10-16-13. Disbursements allowed as costs.
The actual cash disbursements of the prevailing party for entry fee, mailing fee, and officers’ and witness fees shall be allowed as costs.
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1596, § 13; G.L. 1938, ch. 592, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 10-16-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-16 - Small Claims and Consumer Claims › Section 10-16-14. - Appeals by defendant.

§ 10-16-14. Appeals by defendant.
(a)
The defendant, if aggrieved by the decision of the district court in a cause brought under the provisions of this chapter, shall have the same right of appeal, and under the same terms and conditions, as are provided under the practice in ordinary civil actions in district courts.
(b)
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in cases in which the plaintiff is the purchaser of a consumer product seeking to recover damages against the seller and/or manufacturer of that product, if the defendant is defaulted for failure to answer and defend the claim, the judgment of the district court shall be final. In such event, the defendant shall be deemed to have forfeited all rights to appeal and shall not be entitled to a trial de novo in superior court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1596, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 592, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 10-16-14; P.L. 1984, ch. 235, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 10 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure in Particular Actions › Chapter 10-16 - Small Claims and Consumer Claims › Section 10-16-15. - Remedies for enforcement of judgments.

§ 10-16-15. Remedies for enforcement of judgments.
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a party obtaining judgment under this chapter shall be entitled to the same remedies, processes, costs and benefits as are given or enure to other judgment creditors including the right to use trustee process in the same small claims action.
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1596, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 592, § 14; G.L. 1956, § 10-16-15; P.L. 1987, ch. 77, § 2.