(a) 
Organization. There shall be a Probate Court consisting of one (1) Judge who shall be appointed by the Town Council at its first (1st) meeting in January, to serve for a term of two (2) years. All the jurisdiction, power, and authority of said court shall be vested in said Judge who need not be required to devote full time to the duties of the office.
(b) 
Qualifications. The Probate Judge shall be an attorney-at-law in good standing who has been admitted to the practice of law in the State at least five (5) years prior to his/her appointment.
(c) 
Powers and Duties. The Probate Judge shall have such powers and duties as may be prescribed by State law.
(d) 
Clerk of Probate Court. The Town Clerk or the Clerk's Deputy shall serve as the Clerk of the Probate Court.
(e) 
Compensation. The Probate Judge shall receive such compensation as may be set by the Town Council at the time of the Judge's appointment.
(f) 
Vacancies. If during the term in office the Probate Judge dies, resigns, or fails to meet the qualifications of the office, the position shall thereupon be declared vacant by the Town Council and the vacancy shall be filled for the remainder of the term in the same manner as the original appointment.
(g) 
Acting Judge of Probate. Whenever the Probate Judge is a party to or interested in any proceeding about to be heard by the Probate Court or is absent or unable to perform the duties of the office, or there is a vacancy in such office, the duties of the Judge shall be performed by the Town Solicitor. The fact of such interest, absence, inability or vacancy shall be recorded in the records of the Probate Court.
[Amended 11-4-2008]
(a) 
Creation. The Town Council may, by Ordinance, create a Municipal Court, consisting of one (1) Judge who shall be appointed by the Town Council at its first (1st) meeting in January to serve a term of two (2) years. All the jurisdiction, power, and authority of said court shall be vested in said Judge who need not be required to devote full time to the duties of the office.
(b) 
Qualifications. The Municipal Judge shall be an attorney-at-law in good standing who has been admitted to the practice of law in this State at least five (5) years prior to his/her appointment.
(c) 
Seal, Oaths. The Municipal Court shall have a Seal which shall contain such words and device as the Court shall adopt. Any Judge shall have the power to administer oaths and affirmations, compel the attendance of witnesses, punish persons for contempt, and impose fines and other penalties as provided by Ordinances, by-laws, and regulations of the Town and General Laws of the State of Rhode Island.
(d) 
Jurisdiction. The Municipal Court shall have jurisdiction of all offenses and violations against the Ordinances, by-laws, rules, and regulations of the Town and shall have jurisdiction as provided for under the laws of the State of Rhode Island.
(e) 
Costs. The Town Council may, by ordinance, assess court costs consistent with the General Laws of the State of Rhode Island.
(f) 
Compensation/Fees. The Municipal Court Judge shall receive such compensation as may be set by the Town Council at the time of the Judge's appointment. Records shall be kept by the Clerk of the Municipal Court of all fees and money collected by said Court which shall then be remitted to the Finance Director.
(g) 
Clerical Assistance. The Town Council shall have authority to provide clerical assistance to the Municipal Court to record, copy, index, and attend to the usual duties and files of the court.
(h) 
Autonomy. The affairs of the Municipal Court shall not be subject to supervision by the Town Council or any other Town agency official, provided, however, that the Town Council shall designate the location, dates, and times of the sessions of the Court.
(i) 
Vacancy. If during a term of office a Municipal Court Judge dies, resigns, or ceases to meet the qualifications of the office, the position shall thereupon be declared vacant by the Town Council and the vacancy shall be filled for the remainder of the term in the same manner as the original appointment by the Town Council.