R.i. Sup. Ct. R. 26B

As amended through June 7, 2024
Rule 26B - Signing of Papers; Sanctions

In accordance with Article X, Rule 7 of the Rhode Island Supreme Court Rules Governing Electronic Filing, every paper of a party represented by an attorney shall be personally signed by at least one (1) attorney of record in the attorney's individual name and shall state the attorney's address, email address, bar number, and telephone number. A self-represented litigant shall personally sign all papers and state the self-represented litigant's address, email address (if electing to utilize the electronic filing system), and telephone number.

The signature of an attorney, self-represented litigant, or party constitutes a certificate by the signer that the signer has read the paper; that to the best of the signer's knowledge, information, and belief formed after reasonable inquiry the paper is well grounded in fact and is warranted by existing law or a good faith argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law, and that the paper is not interposed for any improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation. If a paper is not signed, unless signed promptly after the omission is called to the attention of the pleader or movant, or is signed with intent to defeat the purpose of this rule, the paper shall be stricken. If a paper is signed in violation of this rule, the Supreme Court, upon motion or upon its own initiative, may impose upon the person who signed the paper, a represented party, or both, any appropriate sanction, which may include an order to pay to the other party or parties the amount of the reasonable expenses incurred because of the filing of the paper, including a reasonable attorney's fee.

R.i. Sup. Ct. R. 26B

Adopted effective 6/19/2020; Revised 10/1/2023.