Are there any rules or limitations on witnesses testifying in a small claims court case?

Yes, there are rules and limitations on witnesses testifying in a small claims court case in Rhode Island. Witnesses must be able to give firsthand information that is relevant and material to the case. That means the witness should be able to provide direct evidence or other testimony that has a bearing on the case. Witnesses must also testify under oath, meaning they must swear to tell the truth. Rhode Island Code of Civil Procedure section 9-19-10 requires all witnesses to take an oath or affirmation before they can testify. The oath must be administered either by an officer authorized to administer oaths or by the court itself. Witnesses may not be related to either party in the case or have a direct financial interest in the outcome of the case. Additionally, a witness must have personal knowledge of the facts relevant to the case. Witnesses cannot be called to testify if their testimony would be based on hearsay, which is information learned from someone else and not based on the witness’s firsthand knowledge. If a witness is called to testify, the court may decide to limit the scope of their testimony. The judge will ask questions to determine what information the witness can reasonably provide. The court can also limit the amount of time a witness is allowed to testify. In summary, witnesses testifying in small claims court in Rhode Island must be able to provide direct evidence or testimony that is relevant to the case, take an oath to tell the truth, not be related to either party in the case, and have personal knowledge of the facts relevant to the case. The court may also limit the scope of the witness’s testimony and the amount of time the witness is allowed to testify.

Are there any rules or limitations on witnesses testifying in a small claims court case?

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