Rhode Island § 10-3-8 - Arbitration

§ 10-3-8. Arbitrators’ hearing — Summons of witnesses.

When more than one arbitrator is agreed to, all the arbitrators shall sit at the hearing of the case, unless, by consent in writing, all parties shall agree to proceed with the hearing with a less number. The arbitrators selected either as prescribed in this chapter or otherwise, or a majority of them, may summon in writing any person, to attend before them or any of them as a witness, and in a proper case to bring with him, her, or them any book, record, document or paper, which may be deemed material as evidence in the case. The fees for such attendance shall be the same as the fees of witnesses in the superior court. The summons shall issue in the name of the arbitrator or arbitrators, or a majority of them, and shall be signed by the arbitrator or arbitrators, or a majority of them, and shall be directed to the person to be summoned and shall be served in the same manner as subpoenas to appear and testify before superior court. If any person or persons, so summoned to testify, shall refuse or neglect to obey the summons, upon petition the court may compel the attendance of the person or persons before the arbitrator or arbitrators or punish the person or persons for contempt, in the same manner now provided for securing the attendance of witnesses or their punishment for neglect or refusal to attend superior court.