Rhode Island § 45-20-1 - Appeals from Police and Fire Departments
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 45-20-1 — Appeals from Police and Fire Departments, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 45-20-1. Appeals from Police and Fire Departments
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-20-1
§ 45-20-1. Petition for judicial review of removal of firefighter.
(a) Any firefighter or firefighters, jointly or severally aggrieved by any decision of the bureau of police and fire or any similar department, board or bureau of a city or town having control of the fire department of the city or town, which decision orders the removal of the person from membership in the fire department based on criminal charges, may present, to the superior court of the state of Rhode Island for the county in which the city or town is located, a verified petition stating that the decision is illegal in whole or in part and specifying the grounds of the illegality. The petition shall be presented to the court within thirty (30) days after the decision of the department, board, or bureau.
(b) Upon the presentation of the petition, the court may allow a writ of certiorari directed to the department, board, or bureau to review its decision, and shall prescribe in the unit the time authorized which a return to the unit must be made, which shall be not less than twenty (20) days and may be extended by the court.
(c) The allowance of the writ does not stay the effect of the decision.
History of Section.
P.L. 1948, ch. 2083, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 45-20-1; P.L. 1968, ch. 242, § 1; P.L. 2021,
ch. 400, § 27, effective July 13, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 401, § 27, effective July 13,
2021.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 45-20-1
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 45-20-1 cover?
Section 45-20-1 ("Appeals from Police and Fire Departments") 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 § 45-20-1?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 45-20-1" (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 § 45-20-1 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.