(a)  In the performance of their duties under this title, the administrator of the division of motor vehicles, or any duly authorized assistant, or hearing officer or officers appointed by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles, may summon witnesses in behalf of the state and may administer oaths and take testimony.

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Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 31-2-17

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Appellate: About appeals; an appellate court has the power to review the judgement of another lower court or tribunal.
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • Testify: Answer questions in court.
  • Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.

(b)  The administrator of the division of motor vehicles, assistant, or hearing officer may also cause depositions to be taken and may order the production of books, papers, agreements, and documents. Failure, without justifiable cause, to appear and testify when summoned in accordance with this section shall be deemed a misdemeanor.

(c)  The fees for the attendance and travel of witnesses shall be the same as for witnesses before the district court. The sixth division of the district court shall have jurisdiction in equity upon application of the division of motor vehicles to enforce all lawful orders of the division of motor vehicles under this section. A party aggrieved by an order of the court may appeal the order to the supreme court in accordance with the procedures contained in the rules of appellate procedure of the supreme court.

History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-17; P.L. 1976, ch. 140, § 12.