In Rhode Island, the rules of evidence govern proceedings in the courts of the state.  The rules other than those with respect to privileges, which shall apply at all stages of all actions, cases, and proceedings, do not apply in situations such as:

• Preliminary questions of fact;
• Proceedings before grand juries;
• Miscellaneous proceedings such as statutory small claims proceeding in the district court; motions for leave to issue a writ of attachment; applications for a temporary restraining order; applications for the appointment of a temporary receiver; motions for a stay of judgment;; proceedings for extradition or rendition; proceedings for sentencing; issuance of warrants; proceedings with respect to release on bail or otherwise; proceedings for granting of probation or parole; and proceedings on probation or parole violations; and
• Contempt proceedings in which the court may act summarily.

 Table of Contents of Rhode Island Rules of Evidence:

RHODE ISLAND RULES OF EVIDENCE    

ARTICLE I GENERAL PROVISIONS

    Article I General Provisions 

    Rule 100. Title. 

    Rule 101. Scope and applicability of rules. 

    Rule 102. Purpose and construction. 

    Rule 103. Rulings on evidence. 

    Rule 104. Preliminary questions. 

    Rule 105. Limited admissibility. 

    Rule 106. Remainder of or related writings or recorded statements. 

    ARTICLE II JUDICIAL NOTICE

    Rule 201. Judicial notice of adjudicative facts. 

    ARTICLE III PRESUMPTIONS IN CIVIL ACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS

    Rule 301. Presumption and inference defined. 

    Rule 302. Presumptions in civil proceedings. 

    Rule 303. Presumption affecting the burden of producing evidence in civil cases defined. 

    Rule 304. Effect of presumption affecting burden of producing evidence in civil cases. 

    Rule 305. Presumption affecting the burden of persuasion in civil cases defined. 

    Rule 306. Effect of presumption affecting burden of persuasion in civil cases. 

    Rule 307. Presumptions in criminal cases. 

    ARTICLE IV RELEVANCY AND ITS LIMITS

    Rule 401. Definition of “relevant evidence”. 

    Rule 402. Relevant evidence generally admissible; irrelevant evidence inadmissible. 

    Rule 403. [Exclusion] of relevant evidence on grounds of prejudice, confusion, or waste of time. 

    Rule 404. Character evidence not admissible to prove conduct; exceptions; other crimes. 

    Rule 405. Methods of proving character. 

    Rule 406. Habit; routine practice. 

    Rule 407. Subsequent remedial measures. 

    Rule 408. Compromise and offers to compromise. 

    Rule 409. Payment of medical and similar expenses. 

    Rule 410. Inadmissibility of pleas, plea discussions and related statements. 

    Rule 411. Liability insurance. 

    Rule 412. Sexual assault cases: relevance of victim’s past behavior. 

    ARTICLE V PRIVILEGES 

    Rule 501. Existing privileges retained. 

    ARTICLE VI WITNESSES

    Rule 601. General rule of competency. 

    Rule 602. Lack of personal knowledge. 

    Rule 603. Oath or affirmation. 

    Rule 604. Interpreters. 

    Rule 605. Competency of judge as witness. 

    Rule 606. Competency of juror as witness. 

    Rule 607. Who may impeach. 

    Rule 608. Evidence of character and conduct of witness. 

    Rule 609. Impeachment by evidence of conviction of crime. 

    Rule 610. Religious beliefs or opinions. 

    Rule 611. Mode and order of interrogation and presentation. 

    Rule 612. Writing used to refresh memory. 

    Rule 613. Prior statements of witnesses. 

    Rule 614. Calling and interrogation of witnesses by the court. 

    Rule 615. Exclusion of witnesses. 

    ARTICLE VII OPINIONS AND EXPERT TESTIMONY 

    Rule 701. Opinion testimony by lay witnesses. 

    Rule 702. Testimony by experts. 

    Rule 703. Bases of opinion testimony by experts. 

    Rule 704. Opinion on ultimate issue. 

    Rule 705. Disclosure of facts or data underlying expert opinion. 

    Rule 706. Court appointed experts. 

    ARTICLE VIII HEARSAY

    Rule 801. Definitions. 

    Rule 802. Hearsay rule. 

    Rule 803. Hearsay exceptions; availability of declarant immaterial. 

    Rule 804. Hearsay exceptions; declarant unavailable. 

    Rule 805. Hearsay within hearsay. 

    Rule 806. Attacking and supporting credibility of declarant. 

    ARTICLE IX AUTHENTICATION AND IDENTIFICATION

    Rule 901. Requirement of authentication or identification. 

    Rule 902. Self-authentication. 

    Rule 903. Subscribing witness’ testimony unnecessary. 

    ARTICLE X CONTENTS OF WRITINGS, RECORDINGS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

    Rule 1001. Definitions. 

    Rule 1002. Requirement of original. 

    Rule 1003. Admissibility of duplicates. 

    Rule 1004. Admissibility of other evidence. 

    Rule 1005. Public records. 

    Rule 1006. Summaries. 

    Rule 1007. Testimony or written admission of party. 

    Rule 1008. Functions of court and jury