Rule 51.Argument of Counsel.
Current through February 2024 · Last verified September 12, 2026
Full Text of Rule 51
Amendment History
Rhode Island does not publish a per-rule amendment history inside the compiled rules text reproduced here. The text above is verified current through the source’s own February 2024 printing; for the underlying adopting orders and any later amendments, see the Rhode Island Judiciary’s compiled rules page.
Plain-English Summary
The allotment is per party, not per lawyer. Counsel for each party is allowed one hour for argument, and when more than one attorney will be heard for the same party, that time may be divided among them as they elect. Two lawyers on one side share the hour; they do not get two.
More time is available, but the request has its own moment. The court may allow further time before the commencement of argument, which puts the ask before you start speaking rather than after the hour has run out.
Note where this rule sits in the ruleset. Rules 47 through 50 are reserved, so Rule 51 stands alone as the rule on argument. The rule speaks of argument without limiting it to the close of a trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I get for argument in Rhode Island Family Court?
Counsel for each party is allowed one hour for argument. That is the baseline the rule sets, before any further time the court allows.
Can I get more than an hour to argue?
Yes. The rule lets the court allow further time, and it places that allowance before the commencement of argument.
If two lawyers represent me, do we each get an hour?
No. When more than one attorney is to be heard on behalf of the same party, the one hour may be divided among them as they elect.
Can the judge give me less than an hour?
The rule sets an allowance, not a ceiling for the court to fill in: counsel for each party shall be allowed one hour for argument. The only change it names is further time, and nothing in the rule provides for cutting the hour short.
Does this hour apply to argument on a motion as well as at trial?
The rule allows counsel for each party one hour for argument and does not limit the allowance to the close of a trial. It draws no distinction between argument at trial and argument on a motion.