Rhode Island § 47-3-2 - Criminal Offenses

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 47-3-2 — Criminal Offenses, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 47-3-2. Criminal Offenses

R.I. Gen. Laws § 47-3-2

§ 47-3-2. Use of unsealed weights or measures — Alteration — Refusal to allow examination — Adjustable face.

Every person engaged in the trade of buying and selling, or of selling, or as a public weigher, who shall use or permit to be used for him or her, or have in his or her possession at his or her place of business, or upon any cart, wagon, or other vehicle which is used by him or her in carrying on his or her business, or upon his or her person while engaged in his or her business, any weight, measure, balance, or scale of whatever description, unless the weight, measure, balance, or scale shall have been duly sealed in conformity with the provisions of chapters 1 and 2 of this title, and every person who alters any weight, measure, balance, or scale after it has been duly sealed, so that it does not conform to the United States standard, or has in his or her possession any weight, measure, balance, or scale, which has been so altered, and every person who shall use or permit to be used for him or her, or have in his or her possession, as aforesaid, any weight, measure, balance, or scale which he or she has refused to allow to be examined or sealed by the sealer of weights and measures, or deputy sealer, according to the provisions of chapters 1 and 2 of this title, or who shall use or permit to be used for him or her or have in his or her possession any spring balance having a sliding or adjustable face plate or index, or any measure not made of the shape or dimensions required by law, shall be fined the sum of one hundred dollars ($100) for each offense, one-half (½) thereof to the use of the town or city in which the offense shall have been committed, and one-half (½) thereof to the complainant.

History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 167, § 16; P.L. 1902, ch. 974, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 194, § 16; G.L. 1923, ch. 221, § 16; G.L. 1938, ch. 407, § 15; G.L. 1956, § 47-3-2; P.L. 1980, ch. 340, § 1.

Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 47-3-2

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 47-3-2 cover?

Section 47-3-2 ("Criminal Offenses") 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 § 47-3-2?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 47-3-2" (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 § 47-3-2 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.