Rhode Island Mock Trial Rules

Northeast

RI · Capital: Providence

Evidence Rules

Rhode Island Rules of Evidence

Citation: R.I. R. Evid. [rule number]

Rhode Island Rule 702 applies the Daubert standard but with heightened reliability requirements under DiPetrillo v. Dow Chemical
Rule 804(b)(6) forfeiture by wrongdoing exception is interpreted more narrowly than the federal counterpart
Rhode Island maintains broader physician-patient privilege protections than federal courts recognize
Prior inconsistent statements under Rule 801(d)(1)(A) are more restricted in use as substantive evidence

Rule	Description
R.I. R. Evid. 702	Expert testimony governed by Daubert with enhanced DiPetrillo reliability analysis specific to Rhode Island
R.I. R. Evid. 501	Privilege rules governed by Rhode Island common law and statutes, including broad physician-patient and psychotherapist privileges
R.I. R. Evid. 803(6)	Business records exception requiring testimony or certification, with stricter foundation requirements for electronic records

Civil Procedure

Rhode Island Superior Court Rules of Civil Procedure

Criminal Procedure

Rhode Island Superior Court Rules of Criminal Procedure

Rhode Island uses a Calendar Call system for trial scheduling with strict compliance requirements
The state has a mandatory pretrial order requirement in all civil cases set for trial
Rhode Island employs a centralized calendar management system through the Presiding Justice

Civil Jury Size

Criminal Jury Size

Yes

Unanimity Required

Civil juries of 6 members with no alternates under standard procedure
Criminal juries of 12 require unanimous verdicts for all felony offenses
Rhode Island allows jury trials for misdemeanors carrying imprisonment over 6 months

Experience a realistic courtroom simulation using Rhode Island rules and procedures.