(a)  Proceedings under this chapter shall be filed, heard and determined in the district court of the division in which the moving party resides except when either party is a juvenile. Any proceedings under this chapter shall not preclude any other available civil or criminal remedies. A party filing a complaint under this chapter may do so without payment of any filing fee. There shall be no minimum residence requirements for the bringing of an action under this chapter.

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Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 11-37.2-1

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Summons: Another word for subpoena used by the criminal justice system.

(b)  Answers to the summons and complaint shall be made within ten (10) days of service upon the defendant and the action shall take precedence on the calendar. If no answer is filed within the time prescribed, judgment shall enter forthwith.

History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 239, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 240, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 216, § 2; P.L. 2010, ch. 236, § 2.