Rhode Island General Laws 5-5.1-5. Subpoenas, oaths, and contempt
(a) The attorney general, or his or her designee, shall have the power and authority to issue subpoenas and to compel the attendance of witnesses at any place within this state; to administer oaths; and to require testimony under oath. The attorney general may serve his or her process or notices in a manner provided for the service of process and notice in civil actions in accordance with the rules of court.
Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 5-5.1-5
- Attorney General: means the attorney general of the state of Rhode Island. See Rhode Island General Laws 5-5.1-2
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- 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.
- Service of process: The service of writs or summonses to the appropriate party.
- Subpoena: A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.
- Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
(b) If a witness refuses to obey a subpoena or to give any evidence relevant to proper inquiry by the attorney general, the attorney general may petition a court of competent jurisdiction within the state to compel the witness to obey the subpoena or to give the evidence. The court shall promptly issue process to the witness and hold a hearing on the petition as soon as possible. If the witness refuses, without reasonable cause or legal grounds, to be examined or to give evidence relevant to proper inquiry by the attorney general, the court may cite the witness for contempt.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 112, § 1.