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Legal Information: Rhode Island

Litigation Abuse

Laws current as of July 19, 2024

How can a judge stop abusive litigation?

If a judge decides that litigation is abusive, s/he can dismiss or deny the case or legal request “with prejudice.” This means the abuser cannot file it again.1 

A judge can also give an order restricting abusive litigation. The order could make the abuser do any or all of the following:

  • pay your attorney’s fees and other legal costs of responding to the abusive litigation;
  • reimburse you for expenses like:
    • court fees;
    • lost wages;
    • transportation costs; and
    • childcare costs; and
  • get a judge’s permission before filing any new cases against you or your children, known as a “pre-filing restriction;” and
  • follow any other condition that the judge believes is necessary and appropriate.2 

1 R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-8.4-4(a)
2 R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-8.4-4(b)

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