§ 9-17-23. Privileged communications to clergy.
In the trial of every cause, both civil and criminal, no member of the clergy or priest shall be competent to testify concerning any confession made to him or her in his or her professional character in the course of discipline enjoined by the church to which he or she belongs, without the consent of the person making the confession. No duly ordained minister of the gospel, priest, or rabbi of any denomination shall be allowed in giving testimony to disclose any confidential communication, properly entrusted to him or her in his or her professional capacity, and necessary and proper to enable him or her to discharge the functions of his or her office in the usual course of practice or discipline, without the consent of the person making the communication.
History of Section.P.L. 1960, ch. 109, § 1.
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 Repealed.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.