(a) Time for Argument. Counsel for each party shall be allowed one (1) hour for argument; in cases commenced in district courts the time shall be limited to forty (40) minutes. Before the commencement of argument the court may allow further time. When more than one (1) attorney is to be heard on behalf of the same party, the time may be divided as they may elect.
Rule 51.Argument of Counsel — Instructions to Jury.
Current through February 2024 · Last verified July 8, 2026
In one sentenceRule 51 sets time limits for closing arguments to the jury and explains how parties request jury instructions and must object to them before the jury begins deliberating.
Full Text of Rule 51
(b) Instructions to Jury; Objections. At the close of the evidence or at such earlier time during the trial as the court reasonably directs, any party may file written requests that the court instruct the jury on the law as set forth in the requests. No party may assign as error the giving or the failure to give an instruction unless the party objects thereto before the jury retires to consider its verdict, stating distinctly the matter to which the party objects and the grounds of the party's objection. Opportunity shall be given to make the objection out of the hearing of the jury.
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
Rule 51 gives each side up to one hour for closing argument in cases tried in Superior Court, or forty minutes if the case began in district court, though the judge may allow more time before argument starts. When more than one attorney argues for the same party, they divide that time as they choose.
On instructions, any party may submit written requests asking the judge to instruct the jury on particular points of law, either at the close of the evidence or earlier if the judge sets that schedule. To challenge an instruction the judge gives, or the judge’s refusal to give a requested instruction, a party must object before the jury retires to deliberate, stating distinctly what the objection is and its grounds. The judge must give the party an opportunity to make that objection outside the jury’s hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time do I get for closing argument in Rhode Island Superior Court?
One hour per side. Cases that began in district court are limited to forty minutes, though the judge may allow additional time before argument starts.
How do I preserve an objection to a jury instruction?
You must object before the jury retires to deliberate, stating distinctly what you are objecting to and why. The court must give you the chance to make that objection outside the jury’s hearing.
Can I request specific jury instructions before the evidence closes?
Yes. Rule 51 lets any party submit written requests for jury instructions at the close of the evidence, or earlier if the judge directs.
Source & verification. The rule text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Rhode Island Superior Court Rules of Civil Procedure (R.I. Super. Ct. R. Civ. P. 51). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of Rhode Island (R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-6-2). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 8, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: closing argument time limitjury instruction objectionrequesting jury instructionsargument of counsel Rhode Islandpreserving instruction errortime allowed for closing arguments