Rhode Island Civil Litigation Lawyers
Under Rhode Island's law, civil litigation is a legal process brought by a private or public entity, which is not concerned with criminal activity.
Rhode Island civil litigation serves the purpose of providing persons with compensation for legal injustices or wrongs that have been committed against them.
In Rhode Island, the general purpose of civil litigation is not punishment or deterrence. Both of those goals are the province of the criminal justice system. Alternatively, civil litigation in Rhode Island is meant to provide the victims of wrongdoing with tangible (usually monetary) redress.
What Are Common Subjects of Civil Litigation in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island civil litigation can come up in practically any context. However, some situations are more likely to lead to civil litigation than others:
Personal Injury: Personal injury in Rhode Island is probably the issue that most frequently leads to civil litigation. When someone is physically injured because of the intentional or negligent conduct of another, they have a right to recover the costs associated with the injury, such as medical expenses, lost wages, etc.
Employment: It's also common for the employment relationship to lead to civil litigation in Rhode Island. This relationship can become very combative at times, so this shouldn't come as a surprise. Unlawful practices like racial discrimination, and failing to pay at least minimum wage, are prevalent sources of civil litigation in Rhode Island.
Family Disputes: Most people in Rhode Island know that the family relationship can be convoluted, to say the least. Disputes involving divorce, community property, and child custody can quickly lead to civil litigation in Rhode Island.
Do I Need a Rhode Island Civil Litigation Attorney?
In Rhode Island, many people get engaged in civil litigation, thinking that a lawsuit is something that would happen to someone else, but not them. And the issues involved in civil litigation are almost always extremely complicated.
A reliable civil litigation attorney in Rhode Island can help you navigate these complicated issues, so if you believe that you might be involved in civil litigation soon, consulting with an attorney is an excellent idea.
Interesting Facts About Rhode Island
Rhode Island is situated along the eastern portions of the United States. It has the second highest population density of all U.S. states, although it has the smallest total area. There are no county governments in the state, as Rhode Island is divided into municipalities which oversee government matters for the state's 39 towns and cities.
As one of the older U.S. states, Rhode Island played a major part in the development of early American laws and government structure. Today it is often at the forefront of legal and legislative trends. For example, Rhode Island was the second U.S. state to abolish capital punishment. Out of the 50 states, Rhode Island has one of the most complex body of tax laws.
Rhode Island's highest court divisions are the Supreme Court of Rhode Island and the Superior Court. Below these levels, Rhode Island operates District Courts and Municipal Courts. Rhode Island's judiciary is distinct in that it also has a separate Worker's Compensation Court. Many landmark cases have been heard at Rhode Island's Supreme Court. An important Rhode Island case is Picard v. Barry Pontiac-Buick, Inc. (1995, often cited in law schools as the standard example of battery.
Lawyers in Rhode Island practice law according to strict professional standards and guidelines. This helps to boost the degree of professionalism for Rhode Island lawyers. Continuing Legal Education Programs help attorneys in Rhode Island sharpen their legal skills.
