Rule 8(a) Requires a Cognizable Injury and a Demand for Relief; Repeated Defective Amendments Justify Denial of Further Leave 1. Introduction In Rahim Caldwell v. George Pearson et al. (R.I. June 30,...
Premature Entry of Final Divorce Judgment (Same-Day DPEFJ) Is Procedural Error, Not a Void Judgment Under Rule 60(b)(4) I. Introduction Ana Varela v. Daniel M. Monteiro (R.I. June 30, 2026) arose...
Conditional Suspension Until Full Restitution for Probate Neglect and Mishandled Advanced Fees 1. Introduction In the Matter of Paul B. McCarthy (R.I. June 24, 2026) is an attorney-discipline order...
State v. Vasquez: Smith v. Arizona Does Not Excuse Waiver of Confrontation Clause Objections to Supervisory DNA Testimony 1. Introduction In State v. Francisco Vasquez (R.I. June 18, 2026), the Rhode...
Technology-Competence Duty Expanded: Rhode Island Adds “Benefits and Risks” of Developing Technology to Rule 1.1 and Issues Interim Generative AI Ethics Guidance 1. Introduction In In re Amendments...
“Regular Use” in UIM Policies Is a Fact Question for the Jury—Improper to Discharge the Jury on Contract-Interpretation Grounds I. Introduction In Peter A. O'Rourke v. Nationwide Mutual Insurance...
Conveyance of the Servient Parcel Terminates Prior Permission: Foley Reaffirmed and Distinguished from Hilley/Barrow in Adverse-Possession Hostility 1. Introduction Raymond Desrochers et al. v. Luigi...
Providence-Specific Property-Tax Exemptions: “Located in Providence” Limits the Exemption to Providence Property; Ambiguous Tax-Exemption Statutes Are Resolved for Taxation I. Introduction In The...
Failure to Provide the Hearing Transcript Defeats Appellate Review of Discovery Orders Absent an Adequate Record 1. Introduction In LandingPartners LLC v. Shiva, LLC, et al. (R.I. June 3, 2026), the...
Expert Testimony Required to Establish Real Estate Professionals’ Standard of Care for Tenant Screening (No “Common Knowledge” Internet-Search Duty) Case: David Hurd, Trustee of the Amended and...
DeOliveira v. Trecaso: Low-Threshold Authentication for Unedited Google Earth Images and No “Empty Chair” Inference from “No Experts” Argument Absent an Available Missing Witness 1. Introduction In...
In re E.G.S.: Trial-Judge Primacy Over Expert Opinions in Juvenile Competency and Discretionary Application of § 11-37.1-4(j) in Sex-Offender Registration I. Introduction In In re E.G.S. (R.I. June...
Reinitiation and Valid Waiver After Invoking Counsel: “Can I talk to you?” as a Knowing and Intelligent Waiver Case: State v. Nelson Carreiro (R.I. Sup. Ct. June 1, 2026) Posture: Appeal from...
Attorney Representation Alone Does Not Create “Privity” for Res Judicata in Rhode Island 1. Introduction In Jay Patel v. John O. Mancini et al. (R.I. May 27, 2026), the Rhode Island Supreme Court...
Executor Purchases of Estate Real Estate Require Probate Approval Under § 33-19-9 Despite Will Language 1. Introduction William Fairhurst, Co-Executor, et al. v. James Fairhurst et al. (R.I. May 28,...
Open Meetings Act: Ad Hoc, Volunteer Community Advisory Groups Without Formal Advisory Authority Are Not “Public Bodies” 1. Introduction In Nicole Solas v. South Kingstown School Committee (R.I. May...
Transactional Res Judicata After Default Judgment: Post-Default Contract-Related Claims Must Be Raised in the First Action 1. Introduction In Jay Patel v. LandingPartners LLC et al. (R.I. May 27,...
Scope of Employment Does Not Make a State Employee a “Named Insured” for UM/UIM When Driving a Personal Vehicle; § 27-7-2.1 Does Not Require UM/UIM to Track Liability Coverage 1. Introduction In...
Rhode Island Reaffirms: Personal-Injury/Invasion-of-Privacy Claims Accrue at First Injury and Are Barred After Three Years; Parents Cannot Litigate Minors’ Tort Claims Pro Se 1. Introduction In...
Charging a Garnishee Under § 10-17-15 Requires “Refusal or Neglect,” Not Mere Defective or Late Affidavits 1. Introduction In Joan Strassman v. Karen Howe (R.I. May 22, 2026), the Rhode Island...