R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-15-3
In order to aid in the prompt disposition of judicial business, the chief justice shall have power to assign a judge of any trial court to sit in any other trial courts, subject to the approval of the presiding justice or the chief judge of both the sending and the receiving courts and with the consent of the judge to be assigned; the assignment to be for a designated period which designated period shall be determined by the chief justice subject to the approval of the presiding justice or the chief judge of both the sending and receiving courts and with the consent of the judge to be assigned; provided however, that if the designated period shall expire during a trial the justice may sit until the trial is completed; and, provided further, that the justice shall have the power to sit and exercise the function of a justice of the receiving court for the purpose of rendering a decision or completing any matter pending before him or her as a justice of the receiving court at the expiration of the period. Included in these matters shall be the hearing of motions for new trials, sentencing, and any and all other functions necessary to the conclusion of cases heard before him or her as a justice of the receiving court. The provisions of this section shall be interpreted and construed liberally for the purpose of accomplishing the purpose of this section. No other judge may be assigned to another court other than as provided in this section. The chief justice may terminate the temporary assignment sooner than as agreed upon if he or she determines that the need for the assignment no longer exists.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-15-3