§ 9-17-13. Spouses of parties.
In the trial of every civil cause, the husband or wife of either party shall be deemed a competent witness; provided, that neither shall be permitted to give any testimony tending to criminate the other or to disclose any communication made to him or her, by the other, during their marriage, except on trials of petitions for divorce between them, trials between them involving their respective property rights, and under the provisions of § 11-34.1-9.
History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 391; G.L. 1909, ch. 292, § 39; G.L. 1923, ch. 342, § 39; G.L. 1938, ch. 537, § 15; G.L. 1956, § 9-17-13; P.L. 2010, ch. 239, § 16.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally
Section 9-17-1. - Form of subpoena.
Section 9-17-2. - Subpoenas by court clerks and district court judges.
Section 9-17-3. - Subpoenas issued by other officials.
Section 9-17-4. - Service of subpoena.
Section 9-17-5. - Duty to attend when subpoenaed.
Section 9-17-5.1. - Subpoena for production of documentary evidence.
Section 9-17-6. - Tender of fees to certain witnesses not required.
Section 9-17-7. - Attachment to compel attendance.
Section 9-17-8. - Attachment of witness in criminal proceeding.
Section 9-17-9. - Commitment of attached witness — Recognizance.
Section 9-17-10. - Discharge from custody on giving of recognizance.
Section 9-17-11. - Civil liability for failure to attend.
Section 9-17-12. - Competency of parties or interested persons.
Section 9-17-13. - Spouses of parties.
Section 9-17-15. - Effect of conviction for crime.
Section 9-17-17. - Cross-examination not a waiver of exception.
Section 9-17-18. - Certificate of days and mileage as prerequisite to payment of fees.
Section 9-17-19 - — 9-17-21. Repealed.
Section 9-17-22. - Expert fees as costs.
Section 9-17-23. - Privileged communications to clergy.
Section 9-17-24. - Privileged communications to and information obtained by health care providers.