R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 34-19 § 34-19-9
Certiorari to supreme court
Operative Text
The proceeding may be removed by certiorari into the supreme court, and be quashed for irregularity, if there is any.
Rhode Island General Laws § 34-19-9 establishes that a summary process (eviction) proceeding can be transferred to the Rhode Island Supreme Court through a writ of certiorari, where the higher court may void the proceeding if it finds procedural irregularities. This is a form of appellate review focused on whether the lower proceeding was conducted properly, not necessarily on the underlying merits. The provision creates a legal pathway for scrutinizing whether the original proceeding followed required procedures.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 34-19-9, a landlord who has obtained a favorable outcome in a summary process proceeding should be aware that the matter is not necessarily final, as the opposing party may seek certiorari review in the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Operators who ensure their proceedings are conducted strictly in accordance with procedural requirements reduce the risk of a higher court finding irregularities that could result in the proceeding being quashed. Maintaining thorough documentation of each step in the eviction process is a practice consistent with procedural compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 34-19-9 provides tenants with a potential avenue to challenge a summary process proceeding by petitioning the Rhode Island Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari, particularly when procedural irregularities may have affected the proceeding. This appellate remedy is distinct from other forms of appeal and is focused on whether the process itself was conducted properly. Tenants who believe procedural errors occurred may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to understand whether this remedy may be applicable to their circumstances.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 15, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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