How To Find Court Records In Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, court records refer to the official documentation of legal activity within the state's judicial system. They serve not only as an administrative archive but also as a vital resource that reflects the decisions and processes of the judiciary. Typically, these records may contain case filings, motions, orders, and final judgments, when available.

For individuals seeking access to these records, CourtCaseFinder offers a convenient way to locate case-related information. Our platform provides an Instant Court Case Lookup tool, designed to make searching more accessible and save time and effort compared to manual inquiries at courthouses.

Depending on the availability of records, you may obtain information that reveals the progression of cases, including procedural steps, rulings, and final outcomes. It can also help you gain a clearer understanding of how the courts resolve disputes and uphold the law.

How To Access Rhode Island Public Court Records

CourtCaseFinder simplifies searches by offering quick access to case information, reducing the need to navigate multiple government systems. This ease of use is a significant advantage for many users compared to more formal processes.

However, for those who prefer or require official channels, Rhode Island courts also provide several government-operated methods to access public records.

Online

The Rhode Island Judiciary provides an official online portal for accessing certain public court records. Through the Rhode Island Judiciary Public Portal, you can search for case information from the state's courts when available.

The public portal allows you to view case details such as docket entries, scheduled hearings, and case statuses, when applicable. Among the criteria you can use when searching are party name, case type, warrant information, case number, and court type.

In Person

Rhode Island court records can also be accessed in person at the appropriate courthouse.

Each court in the state maintains its own clerk's office where public records are kept. Visitors may request to view these files during regular business hours. Clerks can also help locate specific records, explain any restrictions that may apply, and assist with obtaining copies of documents, available when applicable.

The Courthouse and Facility Locations page can help you pinpoint the addresses of courthouses across the state.

By Mail

Another option for obtaining Rhode Island court records is to submit a request through the mail.

You can write directly to the court clerk's office where the case was filed. The request should have as much identifying information as possible, such as the case number, names of the parties, and the type of record sought, to help court staff locate the correct file.

When making a mail request, ask about any applicable fees for copies or certification, as payment must usually be included with the request.

Rhode Island Court Records: What is Public and What is Not?

Rhode Island court records are generally considered public under the Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act (APRA). This law establishes the public's right to access government records, including many judicial documents, unless specifically exempted by statute.

Among the information included in the publicly accessible court records in the state are:

• Case numbers and filing dates
• Names of parties involved in the case
• Case type (civil, criminal, family, etc.)
• Docket entries and procedural history
• Court orders and judgments, when applicable
• Scheduled hearings and trial dates
• Final case outcomes or dispositions

Note that not all court records are available to the public. The APRA restricts or seals sensitive matters, which usually include:

• Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
• Adoption proceedings
• Sensitive family court materials, such as custody evaluations or confidential reports
• Mental health and medical records filed with the court
• Victim and witness information is protected by law
• Records sealed by court order
• Expunged or sealed criminal records
• Grand jury proceedings and related materials

Who Oversees the Courts in Rhode Island?

The Rhode Island Judiciary manages the Rhode Island court system. Leadership rests with the Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court, currently Chief Justice Paul A. Suttell, who serves as the administrative head of the judiciary.

Supporting this role is the State Court Administrator, an office established under Rhode Island General Laws Section 8-15-3. The administrator carries out administrative duties as directed by the Chief Justice, with responsibilities that include:

• Overseeing the budgeting and financial management of the courts
• Supervising non-judicial court personnel
• Implementing and monitoring case management systems
• Coordinating the maintenance and use of court facilities
• Assisting in developing policies and procedures for consistent court operations
• Promoting efficiency in the management of judicial resources

What Types of Courts Exist in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island operates under a unified court system. At the top is the Supreme Court, which serves as the state's highest appellate authority and administrative head of the entire judiciary. Beneath it, the state maintains a series of specialized trial and limited-jurisdiction courts, each responsible for handling particular types of cases.

This structure combines a general jurisdiction trial court with specialized courts dedicated to family and labor-related matters and a statewide tribunal focusing exclusively on traffic issues. Together, these courts provide comprehensive coverage, addressing everything from constitutional appeals to small claims disputes in the appropriate forum.

The table below provides an overview of Rhode Island's court system, outlining the jurisdiction of each court and the common types of cases they handle:

Court Type	Jurisdiction	Common Case Types
Rhode Island Supreme Court	The highest appellate authority in Rhode Island reviews decisions from lower courts and oversees the administration of the state judiciary.	Appeals from trial courts, constitutional questions, professional disciplinary proceedings, and advisory opinions requested by the Governor or Legislature
Rhode Island Superior Court	Trial court of general jurisdiction; operates statewide with locations in each county.	Felony criminal cases, civil matters over $5,000, equity cases, and appeals from certain administrative agencies or boards
Rhode Island Family Court	Statewide jurisdiction over family and juvenile matters.	Divorce, child custody and support, adoption, juvenile delinquency, domestic violence protective orders, and paternity cases
Rhode Island District Court	Limited jurisdiction trial court with several divisions across the state.	Misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases up to $5,000, small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, and preliminary hearings for felony cases
Rhode Island Workers' Compensation Court	Specialized statewide court for workplace-related disputes.	Workers' compensation claims, employer liability for workplace injuries, and related appeals
Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal	Statewide tribunal with exclusive jurisdiction over most motor vehicle and traffic matters.	Traffic violations, license suspensions, DUI-related administrative matters, and regulatory offenses concerning motor vehicles

What Federal Courts Are In Rhode Island?

While state courts handle cases arising under Rhode Island law, federal courts address issues that fall under the United States Constitution and the authority of federal statutes. They typically hear cases involving federal crimes, constitutional challenges, disputes between parties from different states (when specific criteria are met), and matters involving federal agencies.

In Rhode Island, the federal courts that serve the state are the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Rhode Island.

The table below outlines the federal courts in the state, their jurisdiction, and their locations with contact information:

Federal Court	Jurisdiction	Location & Contact Information
U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island	Original jurisdiction over federal civil and criminal cases in Rhode Island, including constitutional issues, federal statutes, treaties, and diversity jurisdiction matters involving parties from different states.	One Exchange Terrace Federal Building and Courthouse Providence, RI 02903 Phone: (401) 752-7200
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Rhode Island	Exclusive jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases filed under Chapters 7, 11, 12, and 13 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and related creditor and debtor proceedings.	380 Westminster Street, 6th Floor, Providence, RI 02903 Phone: (401) 626-3100

If you wish to appeal a decision made by either the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island or the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Rhode Island, take the case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.

How Many Cases Are Handled Annually in Rhode Island Courts?

The Rhode Island Judiciary manages a steady and significant volume of cases every year across all levels of the state court system. The courts collectively process hundreds of thousands of filings and dispositions, reflecting the diverse legal matters that come before them.

According to the Rhode Island Judiciary 2024 Annual Report, the following are the caseload statistics of each of the state courts:

• Supreme Court: ~400 filings and ~360 dispositions
• Superior Court: ~15,000 filings and ~16,000 dispositions
• Family Court: ~13,000 filings and ~12,000 dispositions
• District Court: ~57,000 filings and ~54,000 dispositions
• Workers' Compensation Court: ~8,000 filings and ~8,000 dispositions
• Traffic Tribunal: ~111,000 filings and ~109,000 dispositions

The table below provides a more detailed look at the types of cases filed in the trial courts and appellate courts, breaking down the filings by court and case type, with approximate numbers.

Court	Case Type	Approx. Annual Volume
Supreme Court	Miscellaneous	~200
	Criminal	~50
	Civil	~150
Superior Court	Civil Appeals	~350
	Contract	~2,800
	Miscellaneous Civil	~3,400
	Probate/Estate	~100
	Real Property	~200
	Tort	~2,500
	Felonies	~4,400
	Misdemeanors	~1,100
Family Court	Wayward/Delinquent	~3,000
	Dependency/Neglect	~800
	Termination of Parental Rights	~100
	Adoption/Guardianship	~400
	Divorce	~2,800
	Abuse	~2,000
	Adult Criminal	~100
	Child Support	~2,500
	Other	~1,400
District Court	Misdemeanor	~18,000
	Felony	~6,000
	Violations and Ordinances	~100
	Small Claims	~2,200
	Civil	~29,000
	Abuse	~900
	Mental Health	~600
Workers' Compensation Court	Employee Petition to Review	~2,900
	Employer Petition to Review	~1,200
	Lump Sum Settlement	~750
	Miscellaneous Petitions	~100
	Original Petitions	~2,100
	Petitions for Medical	~30
	Petitions to Enforce	~1,200
Traffic Tribunal	Insurance	~28,000
	Marijuana/Breathalyzer Refusal	~3,100
	Other	~81,000

NOTE: The table above does not include statistics for all case types. For a comprehensive, official breakdown of Rhode Island courts' caseload (filings and dispositions by court and category), consult theRhode Island Judiciary Annual Reports.

How Do I File a Case in Rhode Island Courts?

Filing a case in Rhode Island is a straightforward process. You first need to identify the correct court for your matter, prepare the necessary forms, and be aware of any filing fees that apply.

The following step-by-step instructions explain how to file a case, what you need to prepare, and the options available for submitting your documents.

Determine the Appropriate Court

Before you file, you must understand which court handles your case to avoid submitting it to the wrong court and causing unnecessary delays. Different courts in Rhode Island handle different types of legal matters. For example:

• Superior Court handles civil cases over $5,000, felony criminal cases, and appeals from certain administrative agencies.
• District Court handles civil cases under $5,000, misdemeanors, small claims, and landlord-tenant disputes.
• Family Court handles divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and juvenile cases.
• The Workers' Compensation Court deals with workplace injury claims.
• Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal handles traffic violations and related regulatory matters.
• The Supreme Court serves as the highest appellate court in the state and reviews decisions from lower courts.

Prepare Your Case Documents

Once you know which court handles your case, the next step is to gather and complete the necessary documents. Typically, this includes a complaint or petition to start your case and any required cover sheets or supporting forms.

Each court provides official forms that you can use for your filing requirements. Check the Rhode Island Judiciary Forms to access the form for your specific case.

Submit Your Filing

After preparing your documents, you can submit them to the court. You may file in person at the appropriate clerk's office or by mail. Depending on your case type and the court's rules, you may also be able to file electronically through the Electronic Filing System (Odyssey File & Serve).

Note that a filing fee is usually required, and the amount varies depending on the court and case type. You can find the current fee schedules for each court on the Rhode Island Judiciary website, including the District Court Civil Fees and Costs and the Superior Court Filing Fee.

Serve the Other Party

After you have filed your case, you are legally required to notify the other parties by serving them with a copy of your documents. This process seeks to inform everyone involved about the case and allow them to respond within the required timeframe.

How Is the Rhode Island Court System Unique?

The Rhode Island court system is unique in its unified structure. Unlike some states, which have multiple layers of courts with overlapping jurisdictions, Rhode Island maintains a streamlined system with six main courts, namely: Supreme Court, Superior Court, Family Court,

District Court, Workers' Compensation Court, and Traffic Tribunal.

The presence of specialized courts and tribunals with statewide jurisdiction, such as the Family Court and the Traffic Tribunal, also distinguishes the system. These courts focus exclusively on particular areas of law, such as family matters, workplace injuries, or traffic violations, which is uncommon in other states.

Rhode Island Courthouses, Sheriff's Offices, Police Departments, Jails, & Prisons

• Bristol
• Kent
• Newport
• Providence
• Washington

Where to Find Additional Information About Rhode Island Courts?

• Rhode Island Courts
• District of Rhode Island
• Rhode Island State Supreme Court
• Rhode Island Bankruptcy Court

FAQs