Rhode Island § 39-4-21 - Hearings and Investigations
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 39-4-21 — Hearings and Investigations, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 39-4-21. Hearings and Investigations
R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-4-21
§ 39-4-21. Privilege against self-incrimination.
No person shall be excused from testifying or from producing any books, accounts, papers, records, or documents in any investigation or inquiry by, or upon any hearing before, the division or member thereof when ordered to do so by the division or member, upon the ground that the testimony or evidence, accounts, papers, records, books, or documents, required of him or her may tend to incriminate him or her or subject him or her to penalty or forfeiture; but no person shall be prosecuted, punished, or subjected to any penalty or forfeiture for or on account of any act, transaction, matter, or thing concerning which he or she shall, under oath, by order of the division or a member thereof, have testified or produced the documentary evidence; provided, that no person so testifying shall be exempt from prosecution or punishment for any perjury committed by him or her in his or her testimony. Nothing contained in this section is intended to give or shall be construed as in any manner giving any corporation immunity of any kind from the law.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 795, § 16; G.L. 1923, ch. 253, § 16; G.L. 1938, ch. 122, § 13; G.L.
1956, § 39-4-21; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 107.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 39-4-21
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 39-4-21 cover?
Section 39-4-21 ("Hearings and Investigations") 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 § 39-4-21?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 39-4-21" (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 § 39-4-21 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.