This statute authorizes the superior court to develop rules for a voluntary or mandatory arbitration program for civil actions. The statute also limits the arbitration fee charged to the parties to $300, and allows the court to charge parties sanctions if they reject the arbitral award and a resulting trial does not result in a more favorable settlement.
Rhode Island Statute 8-6-5: Arbitration of civil actions
State of Rhode Island General Assembly. Jan. 1, 1970http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE8/8-6/8-6-5.HTM