TITLE 45

Towns and cities

CHAPTER 45-2

General Powers

SECTION 45-2-49



   § 45-2-49  Town of Burrillville –

Municipal court. –

(a) The town council of the town of Burrillville may establish a municipal

court and confer upon that court original jurisdiction, notwithstanding any

other provisions of the general laws, to hear and determine causes involving

violation of any ordinance, including minimum housing ordinances of the town

and any violation of the provisions of chapter 24.3 of this title, entitled the

"Rhode Island Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code"; provided, however, that

any defendant found guilty of any offense, excluding violations of the minimum

housing ordinances or chapter 24.3 of this title, may within seven (7) days of

conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the superior court and be

entitled in the latter court to a trial novo; and provided, further, however,

that any defendant found guilty of any violation of a minimum housing ordinance

or in chapter 24.3 of this title, may within seven (7) days of conviction, file

an appeal from the conviction to the sixth division of the district court and

be entitled to a trial de novo in accordance with §§ 8-8-3(a)(4) and

8-8-3.2.



   (b) With respect to violations of either municipal ordinances

dealing with minimum housing or chapter 24.3 et seq. of this title dealing with

housing maintenance and occupancy, the town council may also confer upon the

municipal court, in furtherance of the jurisdiction conferred by this section,

the power to proceed according to equity:



   (1) To restrain, prevent, enjoin, abate, or correct a

violation;



   (2) To order the repair, vacation, or demolition of any

dwelling, existing in violation; or



   (3) To compel compliance with all of the provisions of those

ordinances and statutes.



   (c) The town council of the town of Burrillville is

authorized and empowered to appoint a judge and clerk of the municipal court.

The town council of the town is authorized and empowered to enact ordinances

governing the personnel, operation, and procedure to be followed in the court

and to establish a schedule of fees and costs and to provide for the operation

and management of the court. The municipal court may impose a fine not in

excess of five hundred dollars ($500). The court is empowered to administer

oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses, and punish persons for contempt.



History of Section.

(P.L. 1999, ch. 399, § 1.)