Rule 1 - Scope of rules and mandatory electronic filing(a)Scope of Rules. These rules govern procedure in appeals to the Supreme Court from the Superior Court and the Family Court, and in applications for writs or other relief which the Supreme Court is competent to give.(b)Rules Not to Affect Jurisdiction. These rules shall not be construed to extend or limit the jurisdiction of any court as established by law.(c)Definitions. "Trial court" as used in these rules refers to any court whose judgment, decision, order, or any other determination is subject to review.(d)Mandatory Electronic Filing. In accordance with Article X of the Rhode Island Supreme Court Rules Governing Electronic Filing, electronic filing is mandatory for cases in the Supreme Court using the Rhode Island Judiciary's (Judiciary) Electronic Filing System. All parties are required to use the Judiciary's Electronic Filing System except for incarcerated individuals or where a waiver is granted in accordance with Article X, Rule 3(c). Self-represented litigants may electronically file documents in accordance with Article X, Rule 3(b) but are not required to do so. Article I must be read in conjunction with Article X, the Rhode Island Judiciary Rules of Practice Governing Public Access to Electronic Case Information, the Rhode Island Judiciary User Guide for Electronic Filing, and the Supreme Court's Electronic Filing System Guidelines. All papers filed with the Supreme Court are subject to the filing requirements set forth in Rule 18.
Amended effective 6/19/2020; Revised 10/1/2023.