Superior Court gives domestic violence cases a priority calendar

Rhode Island Superior Court provides a separate calendar to hear and decide domestic violence cases within its jurisdiction. The calendar includes felony domestic violence cases, certain related felonies involving protective or no-contact orders or weapons, and other related criminal proceedings the court finds appropriate. It shares jurisdiction with other Superior Court calendars over specified criminal actions involving domestic violence. The presiding justice assigns staff as warranted and may keep case assignments consistent where practicable. Cases receive priority while respecting the parties’ rights. The court may add other criminal proceedings related to a domestic violence matter when it finds that appropriate. The law took effect upon passage.

The Superior Court has a magistrate position appointed by the presiding justice with the Senate’s advice and consent. The position is within the Rhode Island Superior Court. The appointee must be a member of the Rhode Island bar. The magistrate has the duties, powers, and benefits authorized by Rhode Island law. The presiding justice may reappoint the magistrate for additional ten-year terms, subject to Senate advice and consent. The law took effect upon passage.