Superior Court gives domestic violence cases a priority calendar

The law provides for a separate Superior Court calendar to hear and decide domestic violence cases. The calendar includes felony domestic violence cases, felony violations of related no-contact or protective orders, and felony weapon offenses connected to domestic violence. It also has concurrent authority over specified criminal actions involving domestic violence. The court may include other criminal cases related to the same act or domestic violence matter when it considers that appropriate. Cases on the calendar receive priority in scheduling and decisions, consistent with the parties’ rights. The act takes effect upon passage.

The presiding justice assigns court personnel to hear calendar cases and may keep the same personnel assigned where practical. These assignments concern cases on the domestic violence calendar. Personnel are assigned to the extent warranted. Consistent assignments are permitted where practicable to support ongoing oversight. The act takes effect upon passage.

The law provides for a Superior Court magistrate appointed by the presiding justice with the Senate’s advice and consent. The magistrate serves within the Superior Court and has the duties, powers, and benefits authorized by § 8-2-11.1. The appointee must be a member of the Rhode Island bar. The magistrate serves a ten-year term and may be reappointed for additional ten-year terms with Senate advice and consent. The act takes effect upon passage.