Rhode Island § 8-10-21 - Family Court
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 8-10-21 — Family Court, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 8-10-21. Family Court
R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-10-21
§ 8-10-21. Records of court.
The records of the family court shall be public records, except that records of hearings in matters set forth in § 14-1-5, together with stenographic notes and transcripts of those hearings, shall not be available for public inspection unless the court shall otherwise order. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the records of the family court in criminal matters involving adults shall be public records. The record of delinquent or wayward adjudications of juveniles, or protective orders issued against juveniles, may be accessed by law enforcement personnel to be used for law enforcement purposes only and shall remain otherwise confidential. The attorney general shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to facilitate the purposes of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 220, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 223, § 1; P.L. 2024,
ch. 253, § 1, effective June 24, 2024; P.L. 2024, ch. 254, § 1, effective June 24,
2024.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 8-10-21
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 8-10-21 cover?
Section 8-10-21 ("Family Court") 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 § 8-10-21?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 8-10-21" (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 § 8-10-21 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.