TITLE 45

Towns and cities

CHAPTER 45-2

General Powers

SECTION 45-2-24



   § 45-2-24  Town of Coventry –

Municipal court. –

(a) The town council of the town of Coventry may establish a municipal court

and confer upon the court original jurisdiction, notwithstanding any other

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

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 minimum

housing ordinances or chapter 24.3 within the jurisdiction of the court, may,

within seven (7) days of the conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to

the Kent County superior court and be entitled in the latter court to a trial

de novo; and provided further, however, that any defendant found guilty of any

violation of a minimum housing ordinance, or of chapter 24.3, may, within seven

(7) days of the conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the third

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 court's jurisdiction, 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 otherwise compel compliance with all of the provisions

of said ordinances and statutes.



   (c) The town council of the town of Coventry is be authorized

and empowered to appoint a judge 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. The municipal court may impose a

sentence not to exceed thirty (30) days in jail and impose a fine not in excess

of three hundred dollars ($300), or both. The court is empowered to administer

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



History of Section.

(P.L. 1985, ch. 203, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 219, § 1.)