(a)  No complaint or pleading in an action of contract or tort for personal injury, injury to property, or wrongful death shall contain an ad damnum or monetary amount claimed against any defendant or defendants; provided, however, that in any action brought before the superior court, the complaint shall state that the monetary amount claimed is sufficient to establish the jurisdiction of the superior court.

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Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 9-1-30

  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • 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.
  • Tort: A civil wrong or breach of a duty to another person, as outlined by law. A very common tort is negligent operation of a motor vehicle that results in property damage and personal injury in an automobile accident.

(b)  Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, a complaint or pleading in an action of contract or tort for personal injury, injury to property, or wrongful death in any action brought before the district court shall state the monetary amount claimed.

History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 244, § 8; P.L. 1977, ch. 77, § 4; P.L. 1978, ch. 149, § 2; P.L. 1987, ch. 522, § 7; P.L. 1988, ch. 393, § 1.