R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 34-19 § 34-19-4
Impaneling and oath of jurors
Operative Text
When the jury summoned, or such other jurors as may be taken up on a new venire to be issued by the court if occasion shall require, shall appear, they shall, to the number of twelve (12), be impaneled to inquire into the forcible entry and detainer, or forcible detainer, complained of, and the court shall lay before them the exhibited complaint, and shall administer, or cause to be administered, to them the following oath, to wit: Foreperson's Oath. You, as foreperson of this jury, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will well and truly try whether the complaint of now laid before you is true, according to the evidence; so help you God (or, this affirmation you make and give upon the peril of the penalty of perjury). The Oath of the Other Jurors. The same oath which your foreperson has taken on his or her part, you and every one of you will well and truly observe and keep; so help you God (or, this affirmation you make and give upon the peril of the penalty of perjury).
Rhode Island General Laws § 34-19-4 establishes the procedural steps for empaneling a jury in forcible entry and detainer cases. Once twelve jurors are assembled—whether from the original summons or a new venire issued by the court—the court presents them with the written complaint and administers a formal oath to each juror, including a separate oath for the foreperson. The oath binds jurors to evaluate the complaint truthfully based on the evidence, with affirmation available as an alternative to swearing.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 34-19-4, when a forcible entry and detainer action proceeds to a jury trial, the court manages the empaneling process and the administration of oaths—landlords do not control these procedural steps. Compliant operators generally ensure their written complaint is properly filed and exhibited to the court, since that document is formally laid before the jury as part of this statutory procedure. Understanding that the jury will evaluate the complaint as submitted underscores the importance of accurate and complete documentation in any forcible detainer proceeding.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 34-19-4 governs how a jury is formed and sworn in a forcible entry and detainer case brought against a tenant in Rhode Island. The provision ensures that twelve jurors are formally bound by oath to evaluate the complaint based on evidence, which is a procedural protection built into the jury trial process. Tenants facing such proceedings may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to understand how the jury trial process under this chapter may be relevant to their situation.
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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