Providence, Rhode Island Civil Procedures

Find the right Litigation attorney in Providence, RI

  • /10
  • Client Overall
    Satisfaction Rate*
*TrustPilot score as of 010118

Litigation Lawyers in Providence

"Civil procedure" in Providence, Rhode Island is a very broad term, and it refers to the wide variety of rules that control how civil litigation is conducted. It is to be distinguished from substantive law, which governs the rights that civil litigation is meant to vindicate.

In Providence, Rhode Island, the civil procedure rules are meant to ensure that the civil litigation system is as efficient, accessible, fair, and cost-effective as possible.

Civil litigation in Providence, Rhode Island is almost never a simple process. So, the rules governing this process can't always be simple, either. Remember, civil procedure covers every single step of the civil litigation process, which can drag on for years.

Major Providence, Rhode Island Civil Procedure Issues

Complaint: When somebody believes that they have suffered a legal wrong in Providence, Rhode Island, and decide to file a lawsuit, the first document that they file with the court is normally the complaint. The complaint is very important, because it can frame the factual and legal issues, and set the tone, for the rest of the process. The complaint usually contains every factual allegation against the defendant that forms the basis of the plaintiff's lawsuit. It also contains a prayer for relief, in which the plaintiff lays out his or her desired remedies, if the court finds the defendant liable.

Answer: Once the complaint is filed, the ball is in the defendant's court, so to speak. In the answer, the defendant has an opportunity to respond to all of the factual allegations made by the plaintiff, normally by denying them. The defendant might also raise affirmative defenses, which could prevent the defendant from being held liable. For example, if the defendant is accused of battery, and he did, in fact, batter the plaintiff, he might admit to that fact, but claim that the plaintiff was the aggressor, and he acted purely in self-defense. If he can show that he acted in self-defense, he likely will not be held liable.

Discovery: Once the complaint and answer have been filed in a Providence, Rhode Island court, the next major civil procedure issue comes up. Discovery is the process in which both sides of the lawsuit are required to disclose required evidence to one another. The lawyers for each side can submit written questions, which the other party is required to answer under oath, unless the information is privileged. Each side can also request any relevant documents, physical evidence, and can conduct depositions of witnesses and parties to the lawsuit.

Trial: it's really very uncommon for lawsuits to go trial in Providence, Rhode Island, because the rules of civil procedure in Providence, and nearly everywhere else, encourage speedy resolution of legal disputes, before they ever see the inside of a courtroom. This is largely accomplished by judges dismissing cases that clearly have no merit, or the parties settling out of court. However, when neither of these things is possible, both sides of the lawsuit will have to hash it out in a trial, which can be the most stressful and expensive step in the process. It involves both sides of the case presenting their evidence and arguments to a jury and judge, and letting them decide the issues.

How Can a Providence, Rhode Island Lawyer Help?

If you're facing a lawsuit in Providence, Rhode Island whether as the plaintiff or defendant, you will have to deal with your jurisdiction's civil procedure rules.

In Providence, Rhode Island, procedural complications can derail an otherwise-valid case. They can also be some of the most obtuse and convoluted issues in the whole case. Thus, you should not go into something like this without the counsel of an attorney.

Talk to a Law Attorney now!

Life in Providence

Providence is the 3rd largest city in New England and known for its jewelry and silverware industry. Providence is known as the "Creative Capital" because the city and its residents emphasize educational and cultural resources within the community. Ivy League Brown University, Johnson Wales University, the Rhode Island School of Design, Providence College, the state's oldest public college named Rhode Island College are all located in Providence. The city is also home to one of the best writer's retreats available in the United States.

Since Providence is such an important community, a number of talented New England lawyers call it home. Providence lawyers are familiar with local Rhode Island State Courts, Providence County Courts, as well as Federal Courts like U.S. Immigration and Bankruptcy courts.

Other major industries in Providence include transportation and trade, education, health services, government, and leisure/hospitality services for tourists. Providence is a major East Coast hub for business and financial services as well.

Clients Rate LegalMatch Attorneys
(click to read reviews)

Howard B.
Howard B.

Business - Litigation

Rye Brook, NY

Mark B.
Mark B.

Business - Litigation

Roseland, NJ

David A.
David A.

Business - Litigation

Walnut Creek, CA