Rhode Island § 12-20-7 - Costs

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 12-20-7 — Costs, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 12-20-7. Costs

R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-20-7

§ 12-20-7. Witness fees.

(a) The fees of witnesses shall be:

(1) For every day’s attendance before the supreme or superior court, or before any other tribunal or magistrate, including attendance in giving depositions, except that no officer or other employee of the state or of any city or town shall be entitled to receive a fee for attendance if he or she attends during his or her regular hours of employment for which he or she is entitled to receive his or her ordinary salary or if he or she appears outside his or her regular hours of employment and is entitled to receive additional compensation from his or her employer for attendance: $ 10.00

(2) For every mile’s travel: $ 0.10

(3) For every day’s commitment in jail upon default to enter into recognizance with surety: $ 2.00

(4) For any witness who shall come from without the jurisdiction of the state to testify in behalf of the state, in any criminal proceedings, any sum, in addition to this travel and attendance, that the court before which the proceedings are had shall deem proper.

(b) In addition to the fees provided in subsection (a) of this section, witnesses summoned and testifying as experts in behalf of the state, or any person acting as an interpreter, before the supreme, superior, or district court, may be allowed and paid any sum that the court may deem just and reasonable.

History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 295, § 10; C.P.A. 1905, § 1199; G.L. 1909, ch. 364, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 417, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 633, § 10; P.L. 1939, ch. 715, § 7; P.L. 1956, ch. 3624, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 12-20-7; P.L. 1974, ch. 153, § 2; P.L. 1984, ch. 182, § 1.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 12-20-7

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 12-20-7 cover?

Section 12-20-7 ("Costs") 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 § 12-20-7?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 12-20-7" (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 § 12-20-7 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.