Rhode Island § 10-16-1 - Small Claims and Consumer Claims
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 10-16-1 — Small Claims and Consumer Claims, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 10-16-1. Small Claims and Consumer Claims
R.I. Gen. Laws § 10-16-1
§ 10-16-1. Actions subject to chapter.
In all ex contractu civil actions and in any action to recover the amount of any tax for money only not in excess of five thousand dollars ($5,000) exclusive of interest and costs, and in all actions or suits to recover damages resulting from a retail sale of tangible personal property to a member of the general public or from services rendered to a member of the general public in which the plaintiff seeks to recover an amount of money only not in excess of five thousand dollars ($5,000) exclusive of interest and costs, and in all actions or suits based upon a negotiable instrument involving an amount of money only not in excess of five thousand dollars ($5,000) exclusive of interest and costs, the procedure shall, at the plaintiff’s election, shown by his or her waiver of appeal, be as provided by this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1596, § 1; P.L. 1933, ch. 2022, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 592, § 1; G.L.
1956, § 10-16-1; P.L. 1959, ch. 68, § 1; P.L. 1962, ch. 19, § 1; P.L. 1969, ch. 130,
§ 1; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 12; P.L. 1970, ch. 214, § 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 232, § 1; P.L.
1976, ch. 192, § 2; P.L. 1982, ch. 332, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 77, § 2; P.L. 1991, ch.
244, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 212, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 300, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 143, §
1, effective July 3, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 144, § 1, effective July 3, 2021.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 10-16-1
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 10-16-1 cover?
Section 10-16-1 ("Small Claims and Consumer Claims") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 10-16-1?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 10-16-1" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 10-16-1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.