Rhode Island General Laws 12-17-11. Commitment of witness on presumption of perjury
Whenever it shall appear to any court of record that any witness or party who has been legally sworn or affirmed and examined or has made an affidavit in the proceeding before the court has testified in such a manner as to induce a reasonable presumption that he or she has been guilty of perjury in the proceeding, the court may immediately commit the witness or party by an order or process for that purpose, or may take a recognizance with surety for his or her appearance to answer an indictment or information for perjury.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 285, § 22; G.L. 1909, ch. 354, § 22; G.L. 1909, ch. 354, § 72; P.L. 1915, ch. 1261, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 407, § 72; G.L. 1938, ch. 625, § 65; G.L. 1956, § 12-17-11; P.L. 1974, ch. 118, § 13.
Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 12-17-11
- Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
- Affirmed: In the practice of the appellate courts, the decree or order is declared valid and will stand as rendered in the lower court.
- Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
- Indictment: The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.