2024 -- H 7743

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LC004701

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- TRIAL

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Noret, Kazarian, Vella-Wilkinson, Edwards, Corvese,
Hull, Caldwell, Bennett, Cardillo, and Phillips

     Date Introduced: February 28, 2024

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     (Attorney General)

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Section 12-17-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 12-17 entitled "Trial" is

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hereby amended to read as follows:

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     12-17-3. Waiver of jury trial — Special findings and rulings.

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     In all criminal cases the accused may, if he or she shall so elect and with the leave of the

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court, and for cases before the superior court, with the consent of the attorney general, waive a trial

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by jury, and in those cases the court shall have jurisdiction to hear and try the cause without a jury

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and render judgment and pass sentence. In cases so tried the court shall, upon request of the accused,

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make special finding upon any issue of fact and special ruling upon any question of law arising in

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the case.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC004701

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- TRIAL

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     This act would allow a criminal defendant before the superior court to waive their right to

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a jury trial with the consent of the attorney general.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC004701

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