Providence County Superior Court
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Case Law
- 2 copies
Courtesy copies
- 2 copies • Mail
- 2 copies • When Fully Briefed
- Email • When Fully Briefed
Legal Authorities
- Within 30 Days Before Hearing
Motion, Brief, Affidavit, Objection
- 2 copies
Adjournments
- Every request to continue a dispositive motion requires approval from the Business Calendar Justice.
- Every request to continue a non-dispositive motion requires Clerk approval.
- Deadlines in the order may be extended only by the Court and only for good cause shown.
- +15 more
Request must include
- The continuance email must be sent no later than 4:00 PM two business days before the motion's scheduled hearing day.
- An extension of a filing deadline must be requested at least seven days before the deadline and approved by the Hearing Justice.
- A continuance of a hearing date must be requested at least fourteen days before the hearing and approved by the Hearing Justice.
Communication
Clerk6 contacts
- courtroom4@courts.ri.gov
- fsccalendar@courts.ri.gov
- kentmotions@courts.ri.gov
- washingtonmotions@courts.ri.gov
- newportmotions@courts.ri.gov
- provmotions@courts.ri.gov
Chambers2 contacts
- rlicht@courts.ri.gov
- dailycrim9@courts.ri.gov
Other Contacts1 contacts
- scexcusal@courts.ri.gov
Page & Word Limits1 rule
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
When a party requests findings of fact and conclusions of law or an opinion supporting an award, the requested material may not exceed two pages.
No findings of fact and conclusions of law or opinions supporting an award are required unless requested by a party which in no event shall exceed two (2) pages.
Award
2 pages
Document Format Requirements18 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Every memorandum of law must be printed or typewritten, distinctly legible, signed as required, and include a concise case statement, numbered questions, and the point with supporting authorities.
Every memorandum of law filed with the court shall be printed or typewritten, shall be distinctly legible, shall be signed by the attorney presenting it in accordance with Art. X, Rule 7 of the Rhode Island Supreme Court Rules Governing Electronic Filing, and shall contain: (1) A brief and concise statement of the case; (2) The specific questions raised duly numbered; and (3) The point made, together with the authorities relied on in support thereof.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A scheduling order must follow the attached format and be emailed to Justice Licht in Word format before e-filing.
Scheduling Orders will be in the format attached hereto and shall be submitted by email to Justice Licht in word format prior to e-filing.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An electronic signature required by the Superior Criminal Rules must appear as “/s/ NAME” unless otherwise stated.
(I) Signature. Where the Super.R.Crim.P. require an electronic signature on any document, the signature shall be reflected as /s/ NAME unless stated otherwise.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A motion generally must be in writing, but the court may permit an oral motion; motions made during a trial or hearing are excepted.
A motion other than one made during a trial or hearing shall be in writing unless the court permits it to be made orally.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Case filings must conform to the Superior Court's Electronic Filing System Guidelines.
The format of the case filings shall be in accordance with the Superior Court's Electronic Filing System Guidelines.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Scheduling orders and amended scheduling orders must follow the Exhibit C template.
All scheduling Orders and Amended Scheduling Orders will follow the template attached hereto as Exhibit C.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
The proposed scheduling order must be submitted in Word format.
Prior to the initial status conference, the parties shall submit a proposed scheduling order to the Med/Mal Supervising Judge by e-mail in Word format.
DOCX
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Note
The criminal information package or indictment may be filed as one PDF with a Table of Contents as its first page.
The information package or indictment may be filed in one PDF with a Table of Contents as the first page.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Note
For extensively briefed matters, parties are requested to submit electronic Word-format copies to the Formal and Special Cause Calendar Clerk by email to assist with bench-memo preparation.
For matters extensively briefed, it is also requested that the parties submit electronic copies in Word format to the Formal and Special Cause Calendar Clerk at the applicable email address in order to assist the Court in expediting the preparation of a bench memo.
DOCX
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Note
Parties are requested, rather than required, to email Word-format electronic copies to the Motion Calendar Clerk to assist preparation of the bench memo.
(e) The parties are requested to submit electronic copies in Word format to the Motion Calendar Clerk at the applicable email address in order to assist the Court in expediting the preparation of a bench memo.
DOCX
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
The complaint shall be in a form approved by the District Court.
Summary: A criminal complaint must use a form approved by the District Court.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
(F) Documents filed in a fillable portable document format (PDF);
Summary: Documents may not be filed in a fillable PDF format and may be rejected on that basis.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
The label on the icon of the Word Document shall state a brief name of the case and the C.A. number.
Summary: The Word document icon label must state the case's brief name and C.A. number.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
(E) Documents scanned and filed that are unreadable or illegible;
Summary: An unreadable or illegible scanned document is grounds for EFS rejection.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
(D) Documents, including any required documents, attachments, or exhibits, scanned in the wrong orientation, e.g., upside down or backwards;
Summary: Documents, attachments, or exhibits scanned upside down or backwards are grounds for EFS rejection.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
(K) The document was improperly scanned or uploaded;
Summary: A document improperly scanned or uploaded is grounds for EFS rejection.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
(F) Documents filed in a fillable portable document format (PDF);
Summary: A document filed in fillable PDF format is grounds for EFS rejection.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
For matters extensively briefed, it is also requested that the parties submit electronic copies in Word format to the Motion Calendar Clerk at the applicable email address in order to assist the Court in expediting the preparation of a bench memo.
Summary: For extensively briefed matters, parties are requested to email electronic Word-format copies to the Motion Calendar Clerk to assist bench-memo preparation.
DOCX
Document Filing Requirements90 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An attorney-excusal submission must certify service on every adverse attorney of record for an assigned cause during the requested excuse period.
(7) A certification that the movant has served a copy of the submission on each attorney of record for each of the adverse parties whose cause is assigned during the period for which the excuse is sought.
Document Type
Excusal Request
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
When examination of record evidence may be necessary, each party's brief must identify the leading established facts and cite the pages containing supporting evidence.
In cases where it may be necessary for the court to go into an examination of record evidence, each party shall briefly specify in his or her brief the leading facts which the party deems established by the evidence, with a reference to the pages where the evidence of such facts may be found.
Document Type
Brief
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A memorandum of law must state the point made and the authorities supporting it.
(3) The point made, together with the authorities relied on in support thereof.
Document Type
Memorandum Of Law
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
All parties must provide the court with a pre-trial memorandum before a non-jury civil matter may proceed to trial or disposition.
No cause assigned to the civil trial calendar which is to be tried on the merits to the court without the intervention of a jury shall proceed to trial or disposition until all of the parties to the cause shall have provided the court with a pre-trial memorandum.
Document Type
Pretrial Memorandum
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Counsel must complete every part of the referral form before submitting it.
Counsel are required to fill out the entire referral form prior to submission.
Document Type
Referral Form
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Parties must sign the Certificate of Completion and Medical Malpractice Trial Request before trial assignment.
Require the parties to sign a Certificate of Completion, attached hereto as Exhibit A, and a Medical Malpractice Trial Request form, attached hereto as Exhibit B, before the case is assigned to a justice for trial.
Document Type
Certificate Of Completion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The parties must submit a proposed scheduling order before the initial status conference.
Prior to the initial status conference, the parties shall submit a proposed scheduling order to the Med/Mal Supervising Judge by e-mail in Word format.
Document Type
Proposed Scheduling Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
After completing discovery and mediation, the parties must execute a Certificate of Completion before the case can be assigned a trial date certain.
Once the parties have completed discovery and mediation, they will execute a Certificate of Completion, and the case will be eligible to be assigned to a trial date certain.
Document Type
Certificate Of Completion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
After executing the Certificate of Completion, the parties must complete the Medical Malpractice Trial Request Form.
After the parties execute the Certificate of Completion, the parties shall fill out the Medical Malpractice Trial Request Form.
Document Type
Medical Malpractice Trial Request Form
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Completed Disposition paperwork must be submitted to the Courtroom 4 Clerk before the judge takes the bench.
Counsel shall submit completed Disposition paperwork to the Courtroom 4 Clerk before the Judge takes the bench.
Document Type
Disposition Paperwork
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Parties that reach a resolution must file a dismissal stipulation.
If the parties reach a resolution, they must advise the Court by email to Courtroom4@courts.ri.gov and file a dismissal stipulation.
Document Type
Dismissal Stipulation
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Mediation may be granted only if the parties agree to participate and file a completed mediation form.
Mediations may be granted provided the parties have agreed to participate in a mediation and the mediation form is completed and filed.
Document Type
Mediation Form
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A request to waive service must satisfy specified writing, addressee, dispatch, attachment, disclosure, dating, response-period, and extra-copy requirements.
The notice and request: Page 5 of 101 February 2024 ===== PAGE 6 ===== (A) Shall be in writing and shall be addressed directly to the defendant, if an individual, or else to an officer or managing or general agent (or other agent authorized by appointment or law to receive service of process) of a defendant subject to service under the laws of this state; (B) Shall be dispatched through the EFS, first-class mail, or other reliable means; (C) Shall be accompanied by a copy of the complaint, Language Assistance Notice, and all other required documents and shall identify the court in which it has been filed; (D) Shall inform the defendant of the consequences of compliance and of a failure to comply with the request; (E) Shall set forth the date on which the request is sent; (F) Shall allow the defendant a reasonable time to return the waiver to the plaintiff, which shall be at least thirty (30) days from the date on which the request is sent, or sixty (60) days from that date if the defendant is addressed outside the United States; and (G) If needed, shall provide the defendant with an extra copy of the notice and request, as well as a prepaid means of compliance in writing.
Document Type
Waiver Of Service Request
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Papers requiring service must be filed with a certificate of service within a reasonable time after service, while the listed discovery materials need not be filed until used in the proceeding or ordered filed by the court.
All papers after the complaint required to be served upon a party, together with a Certificate of Service in accordance with Rule 1(b)(1)(B) shall be filed with the court within a reasonable time after service, but the following discovery requests and responses shall not be filed with the court until they are used in the proceeding or the court orders their filing: (1) Interrogatories; (2) Requests for documents or to permit entry upon land; (3) Requests for admission; (4) Answers and responses to items (1) through (3) above; (5) Notices of deposition; and (6) Transcripts of depositions.
Document Type
Papers After Complaint
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Every pleading must include a caption identifying the court, county, action title, file number, and the required Rule 7(a) designation.
Every pleading shall contain a caption setting forth the name of the court, the county, the title of the action, the file number, and a designation as in Rule 7(a).
Document Type
Pleading
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Every pleading, written motion, and other paper submitted by a represented party must be personally signed by an attorney of record and include that attorney's address, email address, bar number, and telephone number.
In accordance with Art. X, Rule 7 of the Rhode Island Supreme Court Rules Governing Electronic Filing, every pleading, written motion, and other paper of a party represented by an attorney shall be personally signed by at least one (1) attorney of record in the attorney's individual name and shall state the attorney's address, email address, bar number, and telephone number.
Document Type
Pleading Written Motion Or Other Paper
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A motion or answer asserting failure to state a claim must include a short, concise statement of the grounds for that defense.
A motion or an answer presenting the defense of failure of a pleading to state a claim upon which relief can be granted shall be accompanied by a short, concise statement of the grounds on which such defense is based.
Document Type
Motion Or Answer
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A motion under Rule 26(a)(2) must certify that the movant attempted in good faith to confer with the other parties about an electronically stored information discovery plan.
(F) Any motion under Rule 26(a)(2) must include a certification that the movant has in good faith conferred or attempted to confer with the other party or parties in an effort to agree upon a plan relating to the discovery of electronically stored information without court action.
Document Type
Motion Under Rule 26 A 2
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
When electronically stored information discovery is reasonably likely, the parties must develop and memorialize a proposed discovery plan.
(C) If discovery of electronically stored information is reasonably likely to be sought, then: (i) The parties shall develop and memorialize a proposed plan relating to discovery of the information; and
Document Type
Proposed Discovery Plan
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A motion to compel discovery must include a good-faith conferral or attempted-conferral certification.
The motion must include a certification that the movant has in good faith conferred or attempted to confer with the person or party failing to make the discovery in an effort to secure the information or material without court action.
Document Type
Discovery Motion
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Every subpoena must be issued by an authorized officer, identify the court and action, state the required command, and include the text of Rule 45(c) and (d).
45. Subpoena. — (a) Form; Issuance. (1) Every subpoena shall: (A) Be issued by the clerk of court or a notary public or other officer authorized by statute; (B) State the name of the court from which it is issued; (C) State the title of the action, the name of the court in which it is pending, and its civil action number; (D) Command each person to whom it is directed to attend and give testimony or to produce and permit inspection, copying, testing, or sampling of designated documents, electronically stored information, or tangible things in the possession, Page 67 of 101 February 2024 ===== PAGE 68 ===== custody, or control of that person or to permit inspection of premises at a time and place therein specified; and (E) Set forth the text of subdivisions (c) and (d) of this rule.
Document Type
Subpoena
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A default judgment requires an affidavit by a competent person with personal knowledge stating facts showing that the defendant is not in military service, unless the court orders otherwise under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no judgment by default shall be entered until the filing of an affidavit made by some competent person on the affiant's own knowledge, setting forth facts showing that the defendant is not a person in military service as defined in the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 Page 79 of 101 February 2024 ===== PAGE 80 ===== U.S.C.A. App. § 501, et seq.), except upon order of the court in accordance with that Act.
Document Type
Affidavit
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The court may require a temporary-receiver decree to include the prescribed matters, but a conforming decree is mandatory when the temporary receivership has lasted more than 30 days.
The court may in its discretion require that a decree appointing a temporary receiver shall include the matters provided for in this rule, and in every case where a temporary receivership shall have continued for a period of more than thirty (30) days a decree shall be entered in accordance with the provisions of this rule.
Document Type
Temporary Receiver Decree
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A permanent-receiver decree must address operation of the business if sought and establish definite deadlines for the receiver's inventory, financial-condition statements, creditor reports, and creditor or claimant claims.
(d) Form of Decree. The decree appointing a permanent receiver shall include, among other matters, orders with respect to the operation of the business by the receiver if such operation is sought, and shall definitely fix: (1) The time for filing of an inventory by the receiver; (2) The time for filing of statements of assets and financial condition of the receivership; (3) The time for filing of reports respecting creditors, debtors, and claimants; and (4) The time within which creditors and claimants shall file their claims.
Document Type
Permanent Receiver Decree
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Unless the court orders otherwise, the receiver must file a report every 30 days describing the receivership's financial condition and recommending either the business's continued operation or the disposition of assets when the business is not operating.
(e) Reports of Condition. Reports shall be filed in court by the receiver, unless otherwise ordered, every thirty (30) days, setting forth the financial condition of the receivership and, in case the receiver is operating the business, the receiver's recommendations as to its further continuance, and, if the receiver is not operating the business, the receiver's recommendations as to the disposition of the assets.
Document Type
Receivership Condition Report
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A denied ex parte temporary-receiver application may not be submitted to another judicial officer absent a material change in circumstances, and the original judicial officer must note the action in the case file.
If an application for the ex parte appointment of a temporary receiver is made to and denied by one (1) judicial officer of the court such application shall not be again made to any other judicial officer unless there is a material change in circumstances. The judicial officer to whom such application was originally presented shall note the judicial officer's action in the case file containing such application.
Document Type
Case File Containing Ex Procedente Temporary Receiver Application
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
When the court requires a written order, an interested party choosing to file it must include a certificate of service confirming that a copy was sent to every other party.
Whenever a written order is required by the court, any interested party may file in the clerk's office an order carrying the same into effect with a Certificate of Service in accordance with Rule 1(b)(1)(B) that a copy has been sent to all the other parties.
Document Type
Written Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Each pleading, motion, and other paper must be signed individually by at least one attorney of record, followed by the attorney's address, email address, bar number, and telephone number.
3. Each pleading, motion, and other paper is to be signed in the individual name by at least one (1) attorney of record (Rule 11). The attorney's name is to be followed by his or her address, email address, bar number, and telephone number.
Document Type
Pleading Motion Other Paper
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The complainant must swear under oath to the facts stated in the criminal complaint before a judicial or warrant-issuing officer.
A judicial officer of the District Court or an officer empowered to issue warrants against persons charged with committing criminal offenses shall require the complainant to swear to the facts of the complaint under oath.
Document Type
Criminal Complaint
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An arrest warrant must be signed by the issuing judicial officer, identify the defendant by name or a reasonably certain description, and describe the offenses charged in the complaint.
The arrest warrant shall be signed by the judicial officer issuing it and shall contain the name of the defendant or, if the defendant's name is unknown, any name or description by which the defendant can be identified with reasonable certainty. The arrest warrant shall describe the offense(s) charged in the complaint.
Document Type
Arrest Warrant
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The criminal complaint must be a written statement of the charged offense and must be certified by the Office of the Attorney General or authorized law enforcement agency.
The complaint is a written statement setting forth the offense charged and shall be certified by the Office of the Attorney General or the authorized law enforcement agency.
Document Type
Criminal Complaint
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
When the defendant is not in custody or before the court, the complainant and any witnesses must be examined under oath and their statements reduced to writing, subscribed, and sworn.
If the defendant is not in custody or before the court, the judicial officer or other officer shall examine under oath the complainant and any witnesses and shall require their statements be reduced to writing and be subscribed and sworn to by the persons making them.
Document Type
Witness Statement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A criminal summons must use a District Court-approved form, describe the charged offenses, and require the defendant to appear at a stated time and place before the appropriate judicial officer.
The summons shall be in a form approved by the District Court, describe the offense(s) charged in the complaint, and shall summon the defendant to appear at a stated time and place before a judicial officer of the District Court for the division in which the offense is alleged to have been committed.
Document Type
Summons
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The Office of the Attorney General or authorized law enforcement agency must obtain the defendant's signature on the summons or an acknowledgment that the defendant refused to sign.
The Office of the Attorney General or the authorized law enforcement agency shall have the defendant sign the summons or acknowledge that the defendant refused to sign.
Document Type
Summons
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
After receiving notice of an insanity defense, the Attorney General must file and serve a written witness notice on the defendant no later than 30 days before trial.
In the event the defendant gives notice that the defendant intends to rely on the defense of insanity, the Attorney General shall, not later than thirty (30) days prior to commencement of trial, file with the court and serve upon the defendant a written notice stating the names and addresses of persons whom the State intends to call as witnesses to establish the defendant's sanity at the time of the alleged offense.
Document Type
State Notice Of Sanity Witnesses
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A defendant intending to rely on the defense of insanity must file a written notice with the court and serve the Attorney General within 30 days after entering the plea.
If a defendant who pleads not guilty intends to rely in any way on the defense of insanity, the defendant shall no later than thirty (30) days after the defendant enters the defendant's plea file a written notice of such intention with the court and serve a copy thereof upon the Attorney General.
Document Type
Notice Of Intention To Rely On Insanity Defense
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Every witness subpoena must be issued by an authorized officer, identify the court and action, and command the witness to attend and testify at the specified time and place.
Every subpoena shall be issued by the clerk of court or a notary public or other officer authorized by statute, shall state the name of the court and the title of the action, and shall command each person to whom it is directed to attend and give testimony at a time and place therein specified.
Document Type
Subpoena
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A motion must particularize its grounds and identify the relief or order sought; it may be supported by affidavit, and the writing requirement may be satisfied by a written notice of the motion hearing.
The motion shall state with particularity the grounds upon which it is made and shall set forth the relief or order sought. It may be supported by affidavit. The requirement of writing is fulfilled if the motion is stated in a written notice of the hearing of the motion.
Document Type
Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A request for leave to represent multiple defendants must be made by a motion in the court-approved form, signed by the movant and assented to by the represented defendant and Rhode Island associate trial counsel.
Leave to represent more than one defendant shall be granted by the Superior Court, in its discretion, upon motion in the form approved by the court, signed by the movant, and assented to by the defendant being represented and by Rhode Island associate trial counsel.
Document Type
Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A pro hac vice admission request must be made by a signed miscellaneous petition in the approved form, supported by certifications from the attorney and Rhode Island associate counsel and assented to by the represented party in a client certification.
Subject to the limitations and exceptions set forth in Article II, Rule 9 of the Supreme Court Rules for the Admission of Attorneys and Others to Practice Law, leave shall be granted by the Superior Court in its discretion upon a miscellaneous petition signed by the petitioner in a form approved by the Supreme Court, supported by certifications of the attorney seeking admission pro hac vice and of Rhode Island associate counsel, and assented to by the party being represented in a client certification.
Document Type
Miscellaneous Petition
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An electronic signature required by the Arbitration Rules must appear in the form '/s/ NAME' unless otherwise stated.
(H) Signature. Where the Arbitration Rules require an electronic signature on any document, the signature shall be reflected as /s/ NAME unless stated otherwise.
Document Type
Document Requiring Electronic Signature
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The Examiner's Report must state the length of the search performed.
the Examiner’s Report shall include a notation of the length of search performed.
Document Type
Examiner Report
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The pre-hearing scheduling email must identify the case number and name in the subject line and include contact information, motion title, motion status, and the requested hearing type.
The subject line of the email shall reference the case number and case name (listing the case number first in the following format: PC-2023-01234) and shall include the following information: (i) Contact information for all counsel and self-represented litigants; (ii) Title of motion; (iii) Status of the motion, e.g., pass, order to enter by agreement, continued by agreement, formal/uncontested, ready/contested; (iv) Type of hearing requested: • Remote hearing • In-person hearing • Motion to be decided on the filings.
Document Type
Pre Hearing Scheduling Email
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The scheduling email must include contact information for all counsel and self-represented litigants.
(i) Contact information for all counsel and self-represented litigants;
Document Type
Scheduling Email
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Any reply by the moving party must state the hearing date shown on the omnibus form.
(a) The moving party’s reply, if any, shall note the hearing date set forth on the omnibus form; and
Document Type
Reply
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An objection to a dispositive motion must state the hearing date shown on the omnibus form.
(a) Objections to dispositive motions shall note the hearing date set forth on the omnibus form;
Document Type
Objection
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A party seeking to submit further briefing must request leave using the procedure prescribed for extensions and continuances.
(d) Parties wishing to supply further briefing shall request leave for same in the same manner as set forth below for Extensions and Continuances.
Document Type
Request For Leave To Brief
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Further briefing is prohibited unless the court grants leave.
(c) No further briefing is permitted without leave of Court.
Document Type
Further Briefing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An order resolving a motion by agreement must be titled Consent Order and state that it is by agreement of the parties.
If a motion is resolved by an agreement among the parties, the Order shall be entitled “Consent Order” and the body of the Order shall include a statement that the Order is “by agreement of the parties . . .”
Document Type
Consent Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Rule of Court orders must be signed and entered by the Motion Calendar Clerk, not the Hearing Justice.
Orders granted by “Rule of Court” shall be signed and entered by the Motion Calendar Clerk and not by the Hearing Justice presiding over the motion calendar.
Document Type
Rule Of Court Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Rule of Court orders must state that the matter was scheduled for hearing and clearly state that it is granted by Rule of Court, without stating that the matter was heard.
Orders for Rule of Court motions pursuant to Super. R. Civ. P. 7(b)(3) similarly shall not state the matter “was heard” and instead shall state that the matter “was scheduled for hearing” and shall clearly state that the matter is granted by “Rule of Court.”
Document Type
Rule Of Court Order
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
After the supervising judge returns the proposed order, the parties must electronically file it.
The proposed Order will be e-mailed to the Med/Mal Supervising Judge and his/her clerk. The Med/Mal Supervising Judge shall approve and/or amend the proposed order as well as setting the date for the next conference. He/She shall return it to the parties who will then e-file it.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026
Page 2 | III. Scheduling Orders
Electronic filing through the Rhode Island Judiciary's Electronic Filing System is mandatory for all parties, except for incarcerated individuals and parties granted a waiver.
electronic filing is mandatory for cases in the Superior Court using the Rhode Island Judiciary's (Judiciary) Electronic Filing System. All parties are required to use the Judiciary's Electronic Filing System except for incarcerated individuals or where a waiver is granted in accordance with Art. X, Rule 3(c).
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026
Page 1 | I. Scope of Rules and Mandatory Electronic Filing—One Form of Action
Incarcerated individuals, attorneys with an Article X, Rule 3(c) waiver, and self-represented litigants who do not elect electronic filing may submit the complaint and required documents with the fee by mail to the clerk or at the clerk's office.
Incarcerated individuals, attorneys who are granted a waiver pursuant to Art. X, Rule 3(c) of the Rhode Island Supreme Court Rules Governing Electronic Filing, and self- represented litigants who do not elect to electronically file pursuant to Art. X, Rule 3(b) may deposit the complaint and all other required documents with said fee in the mail addressed to the clerk or file the documents at the clerk's office.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026
Page 4 | II. COMMENCEMENT OF ACTION; SERVICE OF PROCESS, PLEADING, MOTIONS, AND ORDERS
When using the EFS, all pleadings, motions, and other papers must be filed under Rule 1(b)(3).
(c) Electronic Filing of Pleadings, Motions, and Other Papers. When using the EFS, all pleadings, motions, and other papers shall be filed in accordance with Rule 1(b)(3).
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Page 16 | (c) Electronic Filing of Pleadings, Motions, and Other Papers
When using the EFS, all counterclaims and cross-claims must be filed in accordance with Rule 1(b)(3).
(j) Electronic Filing of Counterclaims and Cross-claims. When using the EFS, all counterclaims and cross-claims shall be filed in accordance with Rule 1(b)(3).
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Page 23 | II. Commencement of Action; Service of Process, Pleading, Motions, and Orders
The Office of the Attorney General must initiate criminal cases electronically, with the content and format determined by the Superior Court.
The Office of the Attorney General shall initiate the criminal case through electronic means. The electronic content and format shall be determined by the Superior Court.
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Page 1 | I. SCOPE, PURPOSE, AND CONSTRUCTION
Subsequent pleadings, motions, and other papers must be submitted individually through the EFS, with related documents uploaded as separate files in the same submission or filing.
(2) Electronic Filing of Documents. When using the EFS: (A) All subsequent pleadings, motions, and other papers, shall be submitted individually with related documents submitted as separate files within the same submission or filing (for example, a motion and memorandum or other supporting attachments or exhibits filed in support of a motion); and
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Page 3 | II. PRELIMINARY PROCEEDINGS
The criminal information or indictment must be filed through the EFS as the lead document within two business days after eCharging acceptance.
(2) Criminal Information or Indictment. The criminal information or indictment shall be filed through the EFS as the lead document within two (2) business days of when the case is accepted by the court through eCharging.
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Page 4 | II. PRELIMINARY PROCEEDINGS
Every criminal case must be initiated through eCharging.
(1) Mandatory eCharging. All criminal cases shall be initiated through eCharging.
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Page 4 | II. PRELIMINARY PROCEEDINGS
Two sets of the criminal information package or indictment must be filed separately through the EFS as attachments.
(3) Criminal Information Package or Indictment. Two (2) sets of the criminal information package or indictment shall be filed separately through the EFS as attachments.
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Page 4 | II. PRELIMINARY PROCEEDINGS
Electronic filing through the Rhode Island Judiciary's Electronic Filing System is mandatory for arbitration cases, except for incarcerated individuals and filers granted a waiver.
(f) Mandatory Electronic Filing. In accordance with Article X of the Rhode Island Supreme Court Rules Governing Electronic Filing, electronic filing is mandatory for arbitration cases in the Superior Court using the Rhode Island Judiciary's (Judiciary) Electronic Filing System. All parties are required to use the Judiciary's Electronic Filing System except for incarcerated individuals or where a waiver is granted in accordance with Article X, Rule 3(c).
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Page 2 | Rule 1(f). Mandatory Electronic Filing
Documents required to be filed under the Arbitration Rules must be filed electronically through the EFS unless otherwise stated.
(D) Filing. Where the Arbitration Rules require a document to be filed, it shall mean electronic filing using the EFS unless stated otherwise.
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Page 3 | Electronic Filing System (EFS)
Orders must be filed electronically within ten of the motion hearing and ruling.
Orders shall be filed electronically within ten (10) of the hearing and ruling on a motion.
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Page 9 | III. ORDERS AND JUDGMENTS (ALL COUNTIES): A. Filing of Orders
The Court may permit certain time-sensitive orders to be submitted by hand or emailed to the Motion Calendar Clerk.
The Court, in its discretion, may allow certain time-sensitive Orders to be presented in hand to the Court or by email to the Motion Calendar Clerk; for example, Orders or commissions to take discovery out of state.
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Page 9 | III. ORDERS AND JUDGMENTS (ALL COUNTIES): A. Filing of Orders
Self-represented litigants may electronically file documents but are not required to use electronic filing.
Self-represented litigants may electronically file documents in accordance with Art. X, Rule 3(b) but are not required to do so.
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Page 1 | I. Scope of Rules and Mandatory Electronic Filing—One Form of Action
Self-represented litigants are permitted, but not required, to file documents electronically.
Self-represented litigants may electronically file documents in accordance with Article X, Rule 3(b) but are not required to do so.
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Page 2 | Rule 1(f). Mandatory Electronic Filing
The Omnibus form, motion and memorandum, and supporting exhibits must be electronically filed and served at least 30 days before the dispositive-motion hearing.
The following documents must be filed and served using the Electronic Filing System (Super R. Civ. P. 1) at least thirty (30) days prior to the hearing date.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | I. DISPOSITIVE MOTIONS — Filing and Scheduling of Dispositive Motions
A required filing is made by electronic transmission through the Judiciary's electronic filing system or by scanning and filing the document at the clerk's office.
Where the Super.R.Civ.P. require a document to be filed, filing shall mean the electronic transmission of a document in electronic form to or from a court/clerk through the Judiciary's electronic filing system or scanned and filed into the Judiciary's CMS at the clerk's office.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | I. Scope of Rules and Mandatory Electronic Filing—One Form of Action
Each case-initiating document, required document, attachment, or exhibit must be submitted as a separate file within the same initial EFS submission.
(A) All Case Initiating Document(s), including any required documents, attachments, or exhibits, shall be submitted individually as separate files within the same initial submission or filing;
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | I. Scope of Rules and Mandatory Electronic Filing—One Form of Action
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
An adverse attorney who objects to an excusal request must email the objection to the presiding justice immediately upon receiving the request.
An attorney of record for an adverse party who objects to the motion shall file an objection by email to the presiding justice at SCExcusal@courts.ri.gov immediately upon receipt of the submission.
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Page 2 | I. GENERAL RULES
The pre-trial memorandum must be filed no later than the Tuesday before the Friday trial-calendar call.
The pre-trial memorandum shall be filed not later than the Tuesday preceding the Friday on which the case is scheduled for a trial calendar call.
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Page 6 | Rule 2.8. Non-jury Matters (a)
The appeal must be dismissed if the transcript is not filed within 60 days of the entry of the appealed judgment, order, or decree, unless good cause is shown.
If the transcript is not filed within sixty (60) days of the entry of the judgment, order, or decree, except for good cause shown, the appeal shall be dismissed.
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Page 7 | Rule 2.9(g)
A notice of appeal must be filed within 20 days after entry of the appealed judgment, order, or decree.
The notice of appeal required shall be filed within twenty (20) days of the date of the entry of the judgment, order, or decree appealed from.
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Page 7 | Rule 2.9(e)
An objection, supporting memorandum, supporting documentation, and bench copies must be filed and delivered no later than 14 days before the hearing.
Objections, supporting memorandum/a, supporting documentation, and bench copies must be filed and delivered no later than fourteen (14) days prior to hearing.
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Page 1 | I. DISPOSITIVE MOTIONS — Objections and Replies
The Clerk must receive a completed Omnibus Calendar Assignment form and assign a hearing date before scheduling a dispositive motion.
No dispositive motion will be scheduled until the Clerk has been presented with a completed Omnibus Calendar Assignment form and assigns a hearing date.
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Page 1 | I. DISPOSITIVE MOTIONS — Filing and Scheduling of Dispositive Motions
Dispositive motions must be scheduled on the Business Calendar before they are filed.
All dispositive motions (Super. R. Civ. P. 12 & 56) shall be scheduled for hearing by the Clerk assigned to the Justice hearing the case on the Business Calendar, prior to filing.
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Page 1 | I. DISPOSITIVE MOTIONS — Filing and Scheduling of Dispositive Motions
A reply, supporting memorandum, supporting documentation, and bench copies must be filed and delivered within seven days after the objection is filed.
Replies, supporting memorandum/a, supporting documentation, and bench copies must be filed and delivered within seven (7) days of the filing of an Objection.
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Page 1 | I. DISPOSITIVE MOTIONS — Objections and Replies
If required papers are not filed within five days after service, the court may order immediate filing and may strike the papers if the order is not obeyed.
If any party to an action fails to file within five (5) days after the service any of the papers required by this rule to be filed, the court, on motion of any party or of its own initiative, may order the papers to be filed forthwith, and if the order be not obeyed, the court may order them to be regarded as stricken and their service to be of no effect.
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Page 13 | II. Commencement of Action; Service of Process, Pleading, Motions, and Orders
A party that received a partial jury demand may serve a demand for a jury trial on any other or all triable issues within ten days after service, or within any shorter period ordered by the court.
If the party has demanded trial by jury for only some of the issues, any other party within ten (10) days after service of the demand or such lesser time as the court may order, may serve a demand for trial by jury of any other or all of the issues of fact in the action.
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Page 62 | VI. TRIALS
A party against whom judgment as a matter of law has been rendered may serve a Rule 59 motion for a new trial no later than ten days after entry of judgment.
The party against whom judgment as a matter of law has been rendered may serve a motion for a new trial pursuant to Rule 59 not later than ten (10) days after entry of the judgment.
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Page 74 | Rule 50(c)(2) Conditional Rulings on Grant of Motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law
A criminal case is initiated upon eCharging submission regardless of court hours, deadline-day filings are timely through 11:59 p.m., and the Judiciary computer’s recorded time and date control.
A criminal case will be deemed to have been initiated on the date and time when it is submitted through eCharging, regardless of whether the court is open for business at the time of submission. Documents will be considered to have been timely filed when submitted at any time up to 11:59 p.m. on a filing deadline day. The time and date registered by the Judiciary's computer shall be conclusive.
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Page 4 | II. PRELIMINARY PROCEEDINGS
A rejected filing is not docketed, the Registered User receives a notice explaining the rejection, and the filer must promptly correct and resubmit it while retaining the initial filing date for statutory and rule-based deadlines.
If rejected, the filing will not be docketed and notice will be sent to the Registered User indicating why the document(s) was returned. The rejection notice shall identify the basis for the rejection in accordance with the rules of the court. A rejected filing shall be promptly corrected and resubmitted and shall be deemed to have been submitted and filed on the initial filing date for purposes of any statutory or rule-based deadline.
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Page 4 | II. PRELIMINARY PROCEEDINGS
A motion to arrest judgment must be made within ten days after the verdict, guilty finding, guilty plea, or nolo contendere plea, unless the court fixes a further time during that period.
The motion in arrest of judgment shall be made within ten (10) days after verdict or finding of guilty, or after plea of guilty or nolo contendere, or within such further time as the court may fix during the ten-day period.
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Page 33 | 34. Arrest of Judgment
A newly discovered evidence motion for a new trial must be filed within three years after entry of judgment, and while an appeal is pending it may be granted only on remand.
A motion for a new trial based on newly discovered evidence may be made only within three (3) years after the entry of judgment by the court, but if an appeal is pending, the court may grant the motion only on remand of the case.
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Page 33 | 33. New Trial
The attorney general may file a motion to increase a sentence within 20 days after a sentence-reduction motion is filed.
Within twenty (20) days after the filing of a motion to reduce a sentence, the attorney general may file a motion for an increase in said sentence.
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Page 34 | 35(b). Increase in sentence
Papers requiring service must be filed before service or within a reasonable time afterward.
All papers required to be served shall be filed with the court either before service or within a reasonable time thereafter.
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Page 43 | 49. Service and Filing of Papers
A party that fails to file required pleadings within five days after service may be ordered to file them immediately; if the order is not obeyed, the pleadings may be stricken and their service declared ineffective.
If any party to an action fails to file within five (5) days after the service any of the pleadings required by this rule to be filed, the court, on motion of any party or of its own initiative, may order the pleadings to be filed forthwith, and if the order be not obeyed, the court may order them to be regarded as stricken and their service to be of no effect.
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Page 44 | 49. Service and Filing of Papers
Accepted documents must be entered on the case docket with the filing date and time determined under Article X, Rule 5(b) of the Rhode Island Supreme Court Rules Governing Electronic Filing.
Upon acceptance, the submitted document(s) shall be entered into the docket of the case and the docket shall reflect the date and time of filing as set forth in Article X, Rule 5(b) of the Rhode Island Supreme Court Rules Governing Electronic Filing.
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Page 3 | (3) Clerk Review; Acceptance/Rejection Procedure
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Service of an attorney-excusal request must comply with Rule 5 and be made on the adverse attorney of record for every trial, hearing, motion, calendar call, status conference, and other pretrial proceeding covered by the request.
An attorney's request to be excused from attendance from the Superior Court shall be submitted by email to the presiding justice at SCExcusal@courts.ri.gov and shall be served in accordance with Rule 5 of the Superior Rules of Civil Procedure upon the attorney of record of the adverse party for all matters the moving attorney is scheduled to attend including every trial, hearing, motion, calendar call, status conference, and other proceeding preliminary to trial on the merits.
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Page 1 | I. GENERAL RULES
Discovery must be served electronically through the EFS unless the discovery consists of non-conforming documents or is too voluminous, in which case conventional service is required.
All discovery on a case shall be electronically served using the EFS except when the discovery is of a type which does not lend itself to electronic service (either because it consists of non-conforming documents or is too voluminous), in which case conventional service shall be used.
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Page 2 | I. Scope of Rules and Mandatory Electronic Filing—One Form of Action
Required notice must be electronic through the EFS unless the governing rule states otherwise.
Where the Super.R.Civ.P. require notice to be given, notice shall mean electronic notice using the EFS unless stated otherwise.
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Page 2 | I. Scope of Rules and Mandatory Electronic Filing—One Form of Action
All other service or notice within a case must be electronic through the EFS unless stated otherwise.
All other service or notice within a case shall be electronic using the EFS unless stated otherwise;
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Page 2 | I. Scope of Rules and Mandatory Electronic Filing—One Form of Action
All process may be served either by a duly authorized officer under Rhode Island law or by a nonparty who is at least 18 years old.
Service of all process shall be made by a duly authorized officer in accordance with Title 9, Chapter 5 (Writs, Summons, and Process) of the Rhode Island General Laws or by any person who is not a party and who is at least eighteen (18) years of age.
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Page 5 | II. Commencement of Action; Service of Process, Pleading, Motions, and Orders
For an incarcerated individual, the court electronically generates the summons and mails it after accepting the complaint and all other required documents.
For incarcerated individuals, a summons shall be generated electronically by the court and mailed to the individual upon the acceptance of the complaint and all other required documents by the court
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Page 5 | II. Commencement of Action; Service of Process, Pleading, Motions, and Orders
A defendant that timely returns a requested waiver before service need not answer until 60 days after the request date, or 90 days for a defendant addressed outside the United States.
A defendant that, before being served with process, timely returns a waiver so requested is not required to serve an answer to the complaint until sixty (60) days after the date on which the request for waiver of service was sent, or ninety (90) days after that date if the defendant was addressed outside the United States.
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Page 6 | II. Commencement of Action; Service of Process, Pleading, Motions, and Orders
The request must allow at least 30 days for a domestic defendant and at least 60 days for a defendant addressed outside the United States.
Shall allow the defendant a reasonable time to return the waiver to the plaintiff, which shall be at least thirty (30) days from the date on which the request is sent, or sixty (60) days from that date if the defendant is addressed outside the United States;
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Page 6 | II. Commencement of Action; Service of Process, Pleading, Motions, and Orders
The waiver-of-service request may be dispatched through the EFS, first-class mail, or another reliable means.
Shall be dispatched through the EFS, first-class mail, or other reliable means;
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Page 6 | II. Commencement of Action; Service of Process, Pleading, Motions, and Orders
For an individual over whom the state court has jurisdiction, out-of-state service may be made through personal delivery by a disinterested person, specified mail or carrier methods, or another court-ordered method that provides notice and time to defend.
When an individual or a foreign corporation is subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of the state, service of process may be made outside the state as follows: (1) Upon an individual by delivery of a copy of the summons, complaint, Language Assistance Notice, and all other required documents to the individual personally by any disinterested person, or by mailing a copy of the summons, Page 7 of 101 February 2024 ===== PAGE 8 ===== complaint, and Language Assistance Notice to the individual by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by express or overnight carrier with a signed receipt of delivery, or by any other method ordered by the court to give such individual notice of the action and sufficient time to prepare any defense thereto.
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Page 7 | II. Commencement of Action; Service of Process, Pleading, Motions, and Orders
Service upon the state is made by delivering the required documents to the attorney general or an assistant attorney general.
Upon the state by delivering a copy of the summons, complaint, Language Assistance Notice, and all other required documents to the attorney general or an assistant attorney general.
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Page 7 | II. Commencement of Action; Service of Process, Pleading, Motions, and Orders
Service on a corporation or public body that has not filed a waiver may be made on specified corporate officers or agents, at an office through an employee, or through an authorized agent, with additional statutory notice when applicable.
Upon a public corporation, body, or authority or a private corporation, domestic or foreign, from which a waiver of service has not been obtained and filed, by delivering a copy of the summons, complaint, Language Assistance Notice, and all other required documents to an officer, director, manager, a managing or general agent, or by leaving a copy of the summons, complaint, Language Assistance Notice, and all other required documents at an office of the corporation with a person employed therein, or by delivering a copy of the summons, complaint, Language Assistance Notice, and all other required documents to an agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive service of process, provided that if the agent is one designated by statute to receive service, such further notice as the statute requires shall be given.
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Page 7 | II. Commencement of Action; Service of Process, Pleading, Motions, and Orders
Service on a competent individual who has not filed a waiver may be made personally, at the individual's dwelling or usual abode through a suitable resident, or through an authorized agent, with additional statutory notice when applicable.
Upon an individual from whom a waiver has not been obtained and filed, other than an incompetent person, by delivering a copy of the summons, complaint, Language Assistance Notice, and all other required documents to the individual personally or by leaving copies thereof at the individual's dwelling house or usual place of abode with some person of suitable age and discretion then residing therein or by delivering a copy of the summons, complaint, Language Assistance Notice, and all other required documents to an agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive service of process, provided that if the agent is one designated by statute to receive service, such further notice as the statute requires shall be given.
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Page 7 | II. Commencement of Action; Service of Process, Pleading, Motions, and Orders
The summons, complaint, Language Assistance Notice, and all other required documents must be served together, with the plaintiff supplying the necessary copies to the person making service.
The summons, complaint, Language Assistance Notice, and all other required documents shall be served together. The plaintiff shall furnish the person making service with such copies as are necessary.
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Page 7 | II. Commencement of Action; Service of Process, Pleading, Motions, and Orders
Out-of-state service on a foreign corporation may be made through specified corporate officers or designated agents, registered or certified mail, or another court-ordered method providing notice and time to defend.
Upon a foreign corporation by delivery of a copy of the summons, complaint, Language Assistance Notice, and all other required documents by any disinterested person to the president, secretary, or treasurer of such corporation or to any agent or attorney for service of process designated by the corporation in the state of incorporation, or by mailing a copy of the summons, complaint, Language Assistance Notice, and all other required documents to any such officer or agent or to the corporation at its business address designated in the state of incorporation by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by any other method ordered by the court to give such corporation notice of the action and sufficient time to prepare any defense thereto.
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Page 8 | II. Commencement of Action; Service of Process, Pleading, Motions, and Orders
Service on an individual outside the United States may use internationally agreed methods or specified foreign-law, foreign-authority, personal-delivery, signed-receipt mail, or court-directed alternative methods, subject to stated legal restrictions and a notice standard.
Unless otherwise provided by state or federal law, service upon an individual from whom a waiver has not been obtained and filed, other than an infant or an incompetent person, may be effected in a place not within the United States: (1) By any internationally agreed means reasonably calculated to give notice, such as those means authorized by the Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents; (2) If there is no internationally agreed means of service or the applicable international agreement allows other means of service, provided that service is reasonably calculated to give notice: (A) In the manner prescribed by the law of the foreign country for service in that country in an action in any of its courts of general jurisdiction; (B) As directed by the foreign authority in response to a letter interrogatory or letter of request; or (C) Unless prohibited by the law of the foreign country, by: (i) Delivery to the individual personally of a copy of the summons, complaint, and Language Assistance Notice; or (ii) Any form of mail requiring a signed receipt, to be addressed and dispatched by the clerk of the court to the party to be served; or (3) By other means not prohibited by international agreement as may be directed by the court.
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Page 8 | II. Commencement of Action; Service of Process, Pleading, Motions, and Orders
Service must be made within 120 days after commencement; otherwise the court may dismiss without prejudice or order service within a specified time, but must extend the period for an appropriate duration when the plaintiff shows good cause, and the rule does not apply to foreign-country service.
(l) Summons: Time Limit for Service. If service of the summons, complaint, Language Assistance Notice, and all other required documents is not made upon a defendant within one hundred and twenty (120) days after the commencement of the action the court upon motion or on its own initiative after notice to the plaintiff, shall dismiss the action without prejudice as to that defendant or direct that service be effected within a specified time; provided that if the plaintiff shows good cause for the failure, the court shall extend the time for service for an appropriate period. This Page 9 of 101 February 2024 ===== PAGE 10 ===== subdivision does not apply to service in a foreign country pursuant to subdivision (g).
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Page 9 | II. Commencement of Action; Service of Process, Pleading, Motions, and Orders
When service cannot be completed with due diligence by another prescribed method, the court orders publication in one or more newspapers, unless an applicable statute specifies the form and manner.
(i) Service by Publication. Whenever in an action described in subdivision (h) of this rule complete service cannot with due diligence be made by another prescribed method, the court shall order service by publication of a notice of the action in one or more newspapers in such form and for such length of time as the court shall direct. If a statute expressly provides for service of process by publication, publication shall be in the form and manner provided by such statute.
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Page 9 | II. Commencement of Action; Service of Process, Pleading, Motions, and Orders
Unless service is waived, proof must be made and returned to the plaintiff or self-represented litigant, non-officer service requires an affidavit, and the proof must be filed within the defendant's response period; failure to make proof does not invalidate service.
(j) Proof of Service. If service is not waived, the person serving the process shall make proof of service thereof on the original process or a paper attached thereto for that purpose, and shall forthwith return it to the plaintiff's attorney or a self- represented litigant. If service is made other than by a duly authorized officer in accordance with Title 9, Chapter 5 (Writs, Summons, and Process) of the Rhode Island General Laws, that person shall make affidavit thereof. A copy of any return receipt received in connection therewith shall be filed by the plaintiff's attorney or a self-represented litigant when returned. The plaintiff's attorney or a self-represented litigant shall, within the time during which the person served must respond to the process, file the proof of service with the court. Failure to make proof of service does not affect the validity of the service.
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Page 9 | II. Commencement of Action; Service of Process, Pleading, Motions, and Orders
Filing Fees and Waivers
A civil action is commenced by filing a complaint, all other required documents, and the legally prescribed fees together.
A civil action is commenced by the filing of a complaint and all other required documents together with the fees prescribed by law.
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Page 4 | II. COMMENCEMENT OF ACTION; SERVICE OF PROCESS, PLEADING, MOTIONS, AND ORDERS
Administrative-review proceedings must be initiated by filing a complaint, required documents, and the fees prescribed by law.
proceedings for such review shall be instituted by the filing of a complaint and any other required documents together with the fees prescribed by law with the court.
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Page 97 | 80. Review of Administrative Action
A party rejecting an arbitrator's award must post a $300 filing fee with the Superior Court Arbitration Office.
(b) Filing Fee. A party rejecting an award shall post a filing fee of $300.00 with the Superior Court Arbitration Office.
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Page 8 | Rule 5(b) Filing Fee
The total reasonable cost of an arbitration conducted under the Arbitration Rules may not exceed $500.
The reasonable cost of an arbitration performed within these Arbitration Rules shall not exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) and shall be apportioned as follows:
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Page 9 | Rule 7.1. Administration and Proration of Reasonable Costs of Arbitration Pursuant to G.L. 1956 § 8-6-5 — (a) Payment Schedule
When an award is rendered for the plaintiff and no rejection is filed, each party must pay $100.
(2) If, at the conclusion of the arbitration hearing an award is rendered for the plaintiff and no rejection is filed, each party shall pay $100.00.
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Page 9 | Rule 7.1(a)(2) Payment Schedule
When an arbitrator will be selected or appointed within 30 days, required funds must be paid before notice of the selection or appointment is given.
(2) As to all cases designated to arbitration or otherwise placed into arbitration where the arbitrator is to be selected or appointed within thirty (30) days, the funds due must be paid before the arbitrator is notified of the appointment or selection; or
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Page 10 | Rule 7.1(c)(2) Billing
For cases certified to arbitration under Rules 1(a), (b), or (c), all funds due must reach the Arbitration Office within 30 days after the arbitration certificate is received and filed.
(1) As to all cases certified to arbitration pursuant to Arbitration Rules 1(a), (b), and (c), all funds due to the court must be delivered to the Arbitration Office no later than thirty (30) days after the arbitration certificate has been received and filed by the Arbitration Office;
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Page 10 | Rule 7.1(c)(1) Billing
For cases not rejected under Rule 5(b), required funds must be paid within 40 days after the Arbitration Office receives and files the arbitrator's award.
(3) As to all cases not rejected under Rule 5(b), the funds due shall be paid no later than forty (40) days after the arbitrator's award was received and filed by the Arbitration Office.
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Page 10 | Rule 7.1(c)(3) Billing
The defendant must pay $200 when the award is rendered for the defendant and no rejection is filed.
(3) If, at the conclusion of the arbitration hearing an award is rendered for the defendant and no rejection is filed, the defendant shall pay $200.00 and the plaintiff will pay no fee.
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Page 10 | Rule 7.1(a)(3) Payment Schedule
The Arbitration Office must collect funds received under the Arbitration Rules and transmit them to the Supreme Court for use exclusively for arbitration purposes.
The Arbitration Office shall be responsible for collecting and transmitting to the Supreme Court all of the funds received by it pursuant to these Arbitration Rules, which shall be maintained and used exclusively for arbitration purposes.
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Page 10 | Rule 7.1(c) Billing
The clerk may not charge fees for amounts disbursed from the court registry, regardless of whether the deposited funds belong to a public or private entity.
(c) Registry Fees. No fees shall be charged by the clerk in any county from amounts disbursed from the registry of court for any funds deposited in said registry by any person, firm, corporation, or agency, whether public or private.
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Page 90 | 67. Deposit in Court—Registry
Except in the specified consolidated cases, each party, including all plaintiffs collectively and all defendants collectively, must pay $100.
(1) Except in consolidated cases, wherein one (1) or more parties is different, each party, (a party shall be all the plaintiffs and all the defendants, if more than one (1) of each) shall pay $100.00 in accordance with Arbitration Rules 7.1(c) 1 and 2.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 9 | Rule 7.1(a)(1) Payment Schedule
The party or parties taking the appeal must order and pay for the transcript of the proceedings.
The party or parties taking the appeal shall order and pay for a transcript of the proceedings thereon.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 7 | Rule 2.9(b)
A party that rejects an arbitration award is subject to the filing fee prescribed by Arbitration Rule 5(b).
All matters rejected by any party shall be subject to Rule 5(b) regarding the filing fee for rejecting an award.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 10 | Rule 7.1(b) Rejecting an Award
No filing fee is required for an appeal from a magistrate decision.
No filing fee shall be required.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 7 | Rule 2.9(b)
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Bench copies of an objection, its supporting memorandum, and supporting documentation must be delivered no later than 14 days before the hearing.
Objections, supporting memorandum/a, supporting documentation, and bench copies must be filed and delivered no later than fourteen (14) days prior to hearing.
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Page 1 | I. DISPOSITIVE MOTIONS — Objections and Replies
Bench copies of a reply, its supporting memorandum, and supporting documentation must be delivered within seven days after the objection is filed.
Replies, supporting memorandum/a, supporting documentation, and bench copies must be filed and delivered within seven (7) days of the filing of an Objection.
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Page 1 | I. DISPOSITIVE MOTIONS — Objections and Replies
A bench copy of each reply must be sent electronically to the Clerk.
Replies must be filed at least one (1) day prior to the hearing with a bench copy sent electronically to the Clerk.
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Page 2 | II. NON-DISPOSITIVE MOTIONS — Objections and Replies
A bench copy of each objection must be sent electronically to the Clerk.
Objections must be filed and served at least three (3) days prior to the hearing with a bench copy sent electronically to the Clerk.
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Page 2 | II. NON-DISPOSITIVE MOTIONS — Objections and Replies
After all filings are complete, the moving party must submit two tabbed binders containing the motions, objections, memoranda, affidavits, and supporting documents.
(b) submit two (2) hard copies (binders with tabs required) of all motions, objections, memoranda, affidavits, and other supporting documentation once all of the same have been filed with the Court; and
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Page 7 | C. Bench Copies (All Counties)
After all filings are complete, the moving party must email the motions, objections, memoranda, affidavits, and supporting documents to the Motion Calendar Clerk.
(a) email to the Motion Calendar Clerk at the applicable email address all motions, objections, memoranda, affidavits, and other supporting documentation once all of the same have been filed with the Court;
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Page 7 | C. Bench Copies (All Counties)
For significant legal arguments, parties are requested to supply two hard copies of the principal case law relied upon.
For significant legal arguments, the parties are requested to also supply two hard copies of the principal case law relied upon.
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Page 5 | F. Bench Copies (All Counties)
Parties are requested to submit two hard copies of substantive motions and objections, especially when contested.
Parties are requested to submit two (2) hard copies of motions and/or objections of a substantive nature, particularly where motions are contested.
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Page 5 | F. Bench Copies (All Counties)
The two hard-copy sets may be submitted by regular mail, overnight mail, or hand delivery to the applicable County's Motion Calendar Clerk.
(d) The two hard copies may be submitted by regular or overnight mail or by hand-delivery addressed to the Motion Calendar Clerk of the applicable County.
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Page 7 | C. Bench Copies (All Counties)
When an opposing party's papers are voluminous, the required extra chambers copies should be mailed or delivered to the moving party's counsel for inclusion in the comprehensive package.
If an opposing party’s papers are voluminous, it is expected that the required extra “chamber’s copies” should be mailed or delivered to moving party’s counsel to compile into one comprehensive package to bring to the Court.
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Page 7 | C. Bench Copies (All Counties)
The two required hard copies may be submitted by regular mail, overnight mail, or hand delivery to the applicable county's Formal and Special Cause Calendar Clerk.
The two hard copies may be submitted by regular or overnight mail or by hand-delivery addressed to the Formal and Special Cause Calendar Clerk of the applicable County.
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Page 3 | C. The two hard copies
Bench copies of the dispositive motion, memorandum of law, and supporting exhibits must be delivered to the judge's chambers.
Bench copies of the Motion, Memorandum of law and supporting exhibits.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | I. DISPOSITIVE MOTIONS — Filing and Scheduling of Dispositive Motions
A bench copy of each non-dispositive motion must be sent electronically to the Clerk.
The motions shall be filed and served not later than (10) days before the time specified for the hearing. (Super. R. Civ. P. 7) with a bench copy sent electronically to the Clerk.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 2 | II. NON-DISPOSITIVE MOTIONS — Filing and Scheduling of Non-Dispositive Motions
A reply must have one electronic bench copy sent to the Motion Calendar Clerk at least one calendar day before the hearing.
2. Replies: Any replies must be filed and served at least one (1) calendar day before the hearing with a bench copy sent electronically to the Motion Calendar Clerk at the applicable email address.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 4 | E. Objections/Replies (All Counties)
The moving party must submit two tabbed hard copies of the principal relied-upon case law, which may be marked for reference, except that standard-of-review case law is required only when an unusual or novel standard-of-review issue is raised.
(c) submit two (2) hard copies (binders with tabs required) of the principal case law relied upon (which may be highlighted or otherwise marked for ease of reference) except that no case law respecting the standard of review is required unless there is an unusual or novel issue raised with regard to the standard.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 7 | C. Bench Copies (All Counties)
Copies of all principally relied-upon cases must be highlighted or underscored and delivered to the judge's chambers.
Appropriately highlighted or underscored copies of all cases principally relied upon.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | I. DISPOSITIVE MOTIONS — Filing and Scheduling of Dispositive Motions
Parties are requested to submit two hard copies of substantive motions, memoranda, affidavits, and/or objections, particularly for contested motions.
Parties are requested to submit two (2) hard copies of motions, memoranda, affidavits and/or objections of a substantive nature, particularly where motions are contested.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | III. BENCH COPIES (ALL COUNTIES) — A
The two bench-copy hard copies may be submitted by regular mail, overnight mail, or hand delivery to the applicable County's Motion Calendar Clerk.
The two hard copies may be submitted by regular or overnight mail or by hand-delivery addressed to the Motion Calendar Clerk of the applicable County.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | F. Bench Copies (All Counties)
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Of the two EFS sets, one must be non-public and the other public with documents or information redacted under the applicable electronic-filing and public-access rules.
One criminal information package or indictment shall be submitted as a non-public document. The second criminal information package or indictment shall be submitted as public document with documents and/or information redacted in accordance with Article X, Rules Governing Electronic Filing and the Rhode Island Judiciary Rules of Practice Governing Public Access to Electronic Case Information.
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Page 4 | II. PRELIMINARY PROCEEDINGS
A hearing affecting a grand-jury proceeding must be closed to the extent necessary to prevent improper disclosure, except that a right to an open contempt hearing remains applicable.
(5) Closed Hearing. Subject to any right to an open hearing in contempt proceedings, the court shall order a hearing on matters affecting a grand jury proceeding to be closed to the extent necessary to prevent improper disclosure of matters occurring before a grand jury.
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Page 11 | 6. Grand Jury
The judicial officer may order an indictment kept secret until the defendant is in custody, released pending trial, or arraigned or presented; the clerk must then seal it, and no person may disclose its return except as necessary to issue and execute a warrant or summons.
(4) Sealed Indictments. The judicial officer to whom an indictment is returned may direct that the indictment be kept secret until the defendant is in custody or has been released pending trial or arraigned or presented on said indictment before a judicial officer. Thereupon the clerk shall seal the indictment and no person shall disclose the return of the indictment except when necessary for the issuance and execution of a warrant or summons.
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Page 11 | 6. Grand Jury
Records, orders, and subpoenas relating to grand-jury proceedings must remain sealed only as long and to the extent necessary to prevent improper disclosure of grand-jury matters.
(6) Sealed Records. Records, orders, and subpoenas relating to grand jury proceedings shall be kept under seal to the extent and for such time as is necessary to prevent improper disclosure of matters occurring before a grand jury.
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Page 11 | 6. Grand Jury
If any portion of a presentence report is withheld, the court must notify the parties, explain the withholding, seal the entire report with the withheld portions identified, and preserve it for appellate review.
If the court withholds any portion of a report, it shall apprise the parties of that fact and state the reasons why the court has not made the entire report available. The court shall then seal the entire report, indicating thereon the portions that were withheld, and order it preserved in the records of the court to be made available to the appellate court in the event of an appeal by the defendant.
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Page 32 | VII. JUDGMENT
Information subject to a privilege or protection claim must be presented to the court under seal and remain unused or undisclosed until the claim is resolved.
(ii) Present the information to the court under seal for a determination of the claim and not otherwise use or disclose the information until the claim is resolved.
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Page 71
For documents identifying a child victim, a party must submit a redacted or fictitious-name public version and an unredacted confidential-file version.
When applicable, a party submitting material that identifies a victim shall submit two (2) versions of each document to be placed on file: one version from which all victim-identifying information has been redacted or made fictitious, to be placed in the public file; a second version of the same document, unredacted, to be placed in the confidential court file.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 8 | Rule 3.3
Child-victim cases require separate public and confidential court files during prosecution and disposition.
Whenever a child victim is identified in any child molestation sexual assault case, a dual filing system shall be established for that case. During the prosecution and disposition of such a case, a “public file” and a “confidential court file” shall be maintained.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 8 | Rule 3.3
A good-cause statement inspected by the court alone must be sealed and preserved in the court record if a protective order is entered, with access limited to an appellate court on appeal.
The court may permit a party to make a showing of good cause, in whole or in part, in the form of a written statement to be inspected by the court alone. If the court thereafter enters a protective order, the entire text of the party's statement shall be sealed and preserved in the records of the court, to be made available only to an appellate court in the event of an appeal.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it. · Criminal cases
Page 22 | (f) Protective Orders
The court may seal reports upon a duly made application, and sealed reports may be opened or inspected only upon application to the court.
court may, upon application duly made, order that these reports be sealed and be opened and subject to inspection only upon application to the court.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 89 | (f) Filing of Claims; Reports Thereon
When appropriate, identical public-file and confidential-file copies may be submitted for non-victim-identifying documents.
The foregoing does not preclude the submission, when appropriate, of two (2) identical copies of a non-victim-identifying document, one of which is to be placed in the public file and one in the confidential court file.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 8 | Rule 3.3
Filing Bundling Requirements
All case-initiating documents, required documents, attachments, and exhibits must be submitted individually as separate files in the same initial submission or filing.
(A) All Case Initiating Document(s), including any required documents, attachments, or exhibits, shall be submitted individually as separate files within the same initial submission or filing;
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Page 3 | (2) Electronic Filing of Documents
The moving party is responsible for assembling all completed filings into one comprehensive package for submission to the court.
This task is assigned to the moving party to ensure that all filings, once complete, can be brought to the Court in a single comprehensive package to avoid papers being lost and to make it convenient for the Court.
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Page 7 | C. Bench Copies (All Counties)
Counsel should file memoranda for all parties simultaneously and as early as possible.
As the statutory structure will require that memoranda from all parties be filed within prompt, pre-set times, counsel should file memoranda simultaneously and at the earliest possible time.
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Page 1 | Land Use Calendar
Bills, receipts, invoices, photographs, and similar items may be combined into one attachment.
(C) Categories of items such as bills, receipts, invoices, photographs, etc. may be submitted in one attachment.
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Page 3 | I. Scope of Rules and Mandatory Electronic Filing—One Form of Action
Bills, receipts, invoices, photographs, and similar items may be grouped into a single EFS attachment.
(B) Categories of items such as bills, receipts, invoices, photographs, etc. may be submitted in one attachment.
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Page 3 | II. PRELIMINARY PROCEEDINGS
Bills, receipts, invoices, photographs, and similar items may be submitted together in one attachment.
(C) Categories of items such as bills, receipts, invoices, photographs, etc. may be submitted in one attachment.
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Page 3 | (2) Electronic Filing of Documents
A single discovery motion may address multiple parties and discovery requests, and one order may memorialize all resulting rulings.
4. Discovery motions may address multiple parties and multiple discovery requests in a single motion, and a single order may be presented to memorialize all rulings made on a discovery motion.
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Page 4 | D. Motions Involving Discovery Disputes (All Counties)
An administrative-appeal assignment must be accompanied contemporaneously by each party's memorandum of law and the complete administrative-agency record.
No cause requiring the court to review the decision of a state or municipal agency shall be assigned to a justice or magistrate unless the assignment to the justice is accompanied contemporaneously by the memorandum of law of each party and the entire record of the proceedings before the state or municipal agency.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | Rule 2.8. Non-jury Matters (b)
Subsequent pleadings, motions, and other papers must be submitted individually, with related documents filed as separate files in the same submission or filing.
(B) All subsequent pleadings, motions, and other papers, shall be submitted individually with related documents submitted as separate files within the same submission or filing (for example, a motion and memorandum or other supporting attachments or exhibits filed in support of a motion); and
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | (2) Electronic Filing of Documents
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Parties must attempt in good faith to resolve discovery disputes before filing discovery motions and discuss the dispute voice-to-voice before the hearing.
1. The parties shall in good faith try to resolve discovery disputes prior to filing discovery motions and must discuss the dispute (voice to voice) prior to the hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 4 | D. Motions Involving Discovery Disputes (All Counties)
Every contested miscellaneous motion not covered by the agreed-submission procedure requires prior court approval before consideration.
All other contested motions will require prior approval from the court before the matter will be considered.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | V. MISCELLANEOUS MOTIONS
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Every request to continue a non-dispositive motion requires Clerk approval.
All requests for the continuance of a non-dispositive motion must be approved by the Clerk.
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Page 2 | II. NON-DISPOSITIVE MOTIONS
Every request to continue a dispositive motion requires approval from the Business Calendar Justice.
All requests for the continuance of a dispositive motion must be approved by the Business Calendar Justice.
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Page 2 | II. NON-DISPOSITIVE MOTIONS
Deadlines in the order may be extended only by the Court and only for good cause shown.
The deadlines established herein may only be extended by the Court for good cause shown and this Order may only be amended by Order of this Court.
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Page 7
Parties must notify the Courtroom 4 clerk by email before the calendar call when they agree to a continuance and must provide the agreed date.
If the parties agree to a continuance, they shall notify the clerk prior to the calendar call by email to Courtroom4@courts.ri.gov, with the agreed upon date.
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Page 1 | I. CRIMINAL MATTERS: Pre-trial Conferences: B.)
A case with a 2019 or older date may not be continued by agreement or through the clerk without first updating the Court on its status by email or court appearance.
Notwithstanding any of the foregoing information regarding continuances, no case that has a 2019 date or older shall be continued by agreement, or through the Clerk, without updating the Court as to the status of the matter. That update may be done by email, or by Court appearance.
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Page 2 | I. CRIMINAL MATTERS: Pre-trial Conferences: B.) 2.)
A continuance may be granted only by motion, upon a showing of good cause, and subject to terms and conditions determined by the court.
(b) Continuances. Continuances shall be granted only upon motion and for good cause shown and upon such terms and conditions as the court shall determine.
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Page 63 | 40. Assignment of Cases for Trial—Continuances.
For a contested continuance request, the email should state the request's nature and the reason for the objection, and the Hearing Justice will decide the request on the original hearing date or sooner if time permits.
If the request for a continuance is contested, the email should indicate the nature of the request and the stated reason for the objection. The Hearing Justice will approve or deny all contested requests for a continuance, which will be considered on the Page 5 of 10 ===== PAGE 6 ===== original hearing date of the motion or sooner if there is sufficient time to schedule such a hearing.
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Page 5 | H. Continuances (All Counties)
Every continuance request for a non-dispositive motion must be emailed to the Motion Calendar Clerk for approval and identify the specific requested hearing date.
All requests for continuance of a non-dispositive motion must be approved by emailing the Motion Calendar Clerk at the applicable email address and include the specific date that is being requested.
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Page 5 | H. Continuances (All Counties)
The continuance email must be sent no later than 4:00 PM two business days before the motion's scheduled hearing day.
This email must be sent no later than 4:00 PM two business days before the day on which a motion is scheduled to be heard.
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Page 5 | H. Continuances (All Counties)
An extension of a filing deadline must be requested at least seven days before the deadline and approved by the Hearing Justice.
3. Requests for extensions of filing deadlines shall be made no fewer than seven (7) days prior to the filing deadline and must be approved by the Hearing Justice.
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Page 8 | D. Extensions and Continuances (All Counties)
An extension or continuance request must state its grounds and whether it is consented to or opposed.
(c) State the grounds for the requested extension or continuance; and (d) State whether the request is consented to or opposed.
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Page 8 | D. Extensions and Continuances (All Counties)
A continuance of a hearing date must be requested at least fourteen days before the hearing and approved by the Hearing Justice.
4. Requests for continuances of hearing dates shall be made no fewer than fourteen (14) days prior to the hearing date and must be approved by the Hearing Justice.
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Page 8 | D. Extensions and Continuances (All Counties)
Extensions or continuances requested outside the stated deadlines will be denied unless extraordinary circumstances exist.
5. Extensions or continuances sought outside of these deadlines will not be allowed absent extraordinary circumstances.
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Page 8 | D. Extensions and Continuances (All Counties)
A continuance motion based on the absence of a material witness must be supported by an affidavit stating the witness's identifying information, expected testimony and its basis, procurement efforts, and prospects for obtaining future testimony or deposition; the court need not entertain the motion without that affidavit.
(c) Affidavit or Certificate in Support of Motion. The court need not entertain any motion for a continuance based on the absence of a material witness unless such motion be supported by an affidavit which shall state the name of the witness and, if known, the witness' address, the facts to which the witness is expected to testify and the basis for such expectation, the efforts which have been made to procure the witness' attendance or deposition, and the expectation which the party has of procuring the witness' testimony or deposition at a future time.
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Page 63 | 40. Assignment of Cases for Trial—Continuances.
A continuance motion based on illness must include a practicing physician's certificate stating the illness's existence, kind, degree, and start time, and may be denied if the adverse party was not notified as soon as practicable of the illness and anticipated continuance motion.
A motion for a continuance on the ground of sickness of a party or witness shall be accompanied by a certificate of a practicing physician stating the fact of said sickness, and the kind, degree, and the time of beginning thereof. Such motion may be denied if the moving party shall not have notified the adverse party as soon as practicable of the illness and forthcoming motion for a continuance.
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Page 63 | 40. Assignment of Cases for Trial—Continuances.
Counsel may request a continuance by emailing DailyCrim9@courts.ri.gov, opposing counsel, and the assigned duty judge for the scheduled court date.
Counsel may request a continuance by sending an email to DailyCrim9@courts.ri.gov, opposing counsel, and the assigned duty judge for the scheduled court date.
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Page 3 | VII. CONTINUANCES
When a continuance is agreed to, counsel should identify that fact in the email because the Motion Calendar Clerk may approve it.
If the continuance is by agreement, counsel should indicate as such in the email, in which case, the Motion Calendar Clerk may approve such continuances.
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Page 5 | H. Continuances (All Counties)
A criminal pretrial matter may not be scheduled on a Friday without Court approval.
No criminal pretrial matters should be scheduled on a Friday without Court approval.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | I. CRIMINAL MATTERS: Pre-trial Conferences: B.) 1.)
A written request to enlarge an arbitration hearing by no more than 60 days must be filed with the arbitrator by the prehearing-information-exchange date, and the arbitrator's ruling remains subject to court review.
(1) A written application for an enlargement of time for a hearing, which shall not exceed sixty (60) days, must be filed with the arbitrator and must be served on opposing parties at the earliest practicable time, and no later than the date for prehearing exchange of information under Rule 3(b). The arbitrator will rule on these applications subject to review by the court.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 7 | Rule 3(n) Limits of Hearings
Chambers Communication Rules
An attorney seeking excusal must email the request to the presiding justice and serve the adverse attorney of record for every covered scheduled matter.
An attorney's request to be excused from attendance from the Superior Court shall be submitted by email to the presiding justice at SCExcusal@courts.ri.gov and shall be served in accordance with Rule 5 of the Superior Rules of Civil Procedure upon the attorney of record of the adverse party for all matters the moving attorney is scheduled to attend including every trial, hearing, motion, calendar call, status conference, and other proceeding preliminary to trial on the merits.
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Page 1 | I. GENERAL RULES
Before filing a dispositive motion, email Justice Licht requesting a hearing date and identify the dates for the motion, objection, and reply filings.
To schedule a dispositive motion, prior to filing the motion email Justice Licht at rlicht@courts.ri.gov with a copy to Brittany Moreau at bmoreau@courts.ri.gov requesting a hearing date and providing the dates when the motion, the objection and the reply will be filed and the Court will respond with a hearing date.
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Page 1 | 2. Motions
An agreed continuance must be communicated to the Courtroom 4 clerk by email before the calendar call.
If the parties agree to a continuance, they shall notify the clerk prior to the calendar call by email to Courtroom4@courts.ri.gov, with the agreed upon date.
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Page 1 | I. CRIMINAL MATTERS: Pre-trial Conferences: B.)
Counsel must notify the Court by email if changed circumstances prevent a previously scheduled disposition from proceeding.
Counsel must notify the Court via e-mail at Courtroom4@courts.ri.gov if circumstances have changed regarding any previously scheduled Disposition which would prevent the matter from going forward.
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Page 2 | III. Dispositions
Counsel must give the Court advance notice if a proposed disposition includes terms or considerations outside the normal range for the charges.
Counsel are required to inform the Court ahead of time should the proposed Disposition contain any provisions or considerations that are not within the normal/expected range for the type of charge(s) for which the defendant is entering a plea.
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Page 2 | III. Dispositions: A.)
The moving party must promptly notify the Motion Calendar Clerk, with notice to opposing parties, when a motion will pass, be resolved by agreed order, or be decided on the filings because oral argument is not requested.
1. The moving party shall notify the Motion Calendar Clerk at the applicable email address with notice to the opposing party(ies) as soon as possible if the motion will: (a) pass, (b) be resolved through an agreed order to enter, or (c) if the parties do not request oral argument, in which case the motion will be decided on the filings.
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Page 4 | C. Resolved Motions (All Counties)
A party disputing the moving party's scheduling email must notify the Motion Calendar Clerk and opposing parties by 4:00 PM one business day before the hearing, causing the matter to be treated as ready and contested at an in-person hearing.
2. If any party disagrees with the substance of an email sent by the moving party, that party shall so indicate in an email to the Motion Calendar Clerk at the applicable email address with notice to the opposing party(ies), sent by 4:00 PM one business day before the day on which the motion is to be heard. In such event, the motion shall be considered ready/contested at an in-person hearing.
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Page 4 | C. Resolved Motions (All Counties)
The request must be copied to every party, including self-represented litigants; when an email address is unavailable, it must be sent by the most efficient means reasonably capable of providing notice.
(b) Be copied to all parties in the case, including self-represented litigants. If there is no email address available, then the information must be sent by the most efficient means available to provide reasonable notice.
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Page 8 | D. Extensions and Continuances (All Counties)
A request for a filing-deadline extension or hearing continuance must be emailed to both the Motion Calendar Clerk and the Hearing Justice with the specified information.
1. Parties shall request an extension of a filing deadline or continuance of a hearing date by emailing such request to the Motion Calendar Clerk and Hearing Justice at the applicable email address including the following information:
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Page 8 | D. Extensions and Continuances (All Counties)
A movant may request a hearing date from the Clerk by emailing the request for placement on the Omnibus Calendar Assignment form.
The movant may request a hearing date to be placed on the Omnibus Calendar Assignment form from the Clerk by electronic mail.
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Page 2 | II. NON-DISPOSITIVE MOTIONS — Filing and Scheduling of Non-Dispositive Motions
The movant must electronically notify the Clerk as soon as possible if the motion will pass, will be resolved by agreed order, or will not receive oral argument.
The Movant shall notify the Clerk electronically as soon as possible if a motion will pass, be resolved through an agreed order to enter, or if the parties do not request oral argument.
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Page 2 | II. NON-DISPOSITIVE MOTIONS
When a case is resolved, the parties must immediately notify the Medical Malpractice Supervising Judge and any assigned trial judge, even if the dismissal stipulation is not yet ready for filing.
If a case is resolved, even if dismissal stipulation is not ready for filing, parties shall immediately notify the Med/Mal Supervising Judge and the trial judge if one has been assigned.
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Page 3 | IX. Resolution of a Case Prior to Trial
Counsel should contact the clerk ahead of time to add a beneficial same-day disposition to the calendar.
if circumstances are such that a same-day disposition is beneficial, counsel should make every effort to contact the clerk ahead of time to add the matter to the Disposition calendar.
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Page 3 | I. Criminal Matters
If all parties agree to the Motion to Assign, the appellant must notify the Formal and Special Calendar Clerk by email and copy all other counsel.
If the Motion to Assign is by agreement of all parties, the Appellant shall notify the Formal and Special Calendar Clerk by email (copying all other counsel) that the Motion has been filed and agreed to by all parties.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026
Page 3 | I. AGENCY APPEALS: D.
Procedural questions concerning the Out-County Business Calendar may be emailed to Justice Licht if all other parties are copied.
Any procedural questions concerning the Out-County Business Calendar may be posed to Justice Licht and Ms. Moreau by email, provided all other parties are copied.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | 5. Procedural questions
Counsel may request a remote conference by email in advance of the relevant calendar call for illness or another confidential personal consideration.
Counsel may request a remote conference due to illness, or other personal consideration of a confidential nature, by emailing Courtroom4@courts.ri.gov in advance of the requested calendar that the matter appears on.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026
Page 3 | II. Civil Cases
Defense counsel may email Deputy Clerk Erin Ferns to request that a pending case be scheduled before its presently scheduled hearing date.
If counsel has a pending case and would like it to be scheduled prior to the presently scheduled hearing date, defense counsel may notify Erin Ferns, Deputy Clerk in courtroom 5G via email at eferns@courts.ri.gov. Erin will schedule an agreed upon date for conference with the sitting Magistrate and AG in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines for in-person conferences.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 1 | COURTROOM 5G PROTOCOL
Counsel may submit an agreement reached without court intervention to the court and the assigned duty judge.
If counsel are able to reach an agreement without court intervention, the parties may submit their proposal to the court at DailyCrim9@courts.ri.gov, as well as to the assigned duty judge for the scheduled appearance date.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026
Page 1 | II. SCHEDULED VIOLATION/BAIL VIOLATION/BAIL HEARINGS WITHOUT WITNESSES
The scheduling order must be submitted to Justice Licht by email before it is e-filed.
Scheduling Orders will be in the format attached hereto and shall be submitted by email to Justice Licht in word format prior to e-filing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | 4. Scheduling Orders