§ 21-28.2-7. Application for hearing or jury trial. Upon demand by the alleged narcotic addict or anyone on his or her behalf, the court shall, or it may upon its own motion, issue an order directing the hearing of the application before the court unless the alleged addict requests a hearing before a jury. If the proceeding is in the district court, upon request, the matter shall be transferred to the superior court for the hearing and determination. The order shall be served upon the parties interested in the application and upon any other person that the court, in its discretion, may name. If the alleged addict elects a hearing before the court, he or she shall not be entitled to a jury trial. If a jury is requested, it shall be held in accordance with the rules of the superior court. At the time and place designated for the hearing by the appropriate court, it and the jury, if requested, shall proceed to hear the testimony introduced for and against the application, and the alleged narcotic addict may be examined, if deemed advisable. The court may issue subpoenas for attendance of witnesses at the hearing or trial and the alleged narcotic addict shall have the right to have subpoenas issued for this purpose. At the hearing or trial the alleged narcotic addict shall have the right to be represented by counsel, to present witnesses on his or her behalf, and to cross-examine witnesses. For purposes of this section, in a proceeding in which the alleged addict's spouse is the petitioner, no communication made by the alleged addict to the spouse shall be deemed confidential within the provision of the general laws relating to confidential communications between husband and wife. If, from the facts ascertained upon the hearing, the proofs produced, the petition, and the report of the medical examination, the jury or, if there is no jury, the court, shall determine that the person is a narcotic addict, the court shall immediately issue an order certifying that person to the care and custody of the department for the period provided in § 21-28.2-8, provided that facilities are available.

History of Section. (P.L. 1970, ch. 163, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 140, § 4.)