Rhode Island General Laws Title 12. Criminal Procedure § 12-27-3. Court examination--Order of notice

Upon the filing of a petition pursuant to § 12-27-2, the court shall immediately examine the book, print, picture, film, motion picture film, magazine, pamphlet, ballad, printed paper, written material, photograph, figment, or other material alleged to be obscene.  If an examination is not possible, the court may rely upon sworn allegations contained in the petition.  If the court finds no probable cause to believe that the book, print, picture, film, motion picture film, magazine, pamphlet, ballad, printed paper, written material, photograph, figment, or other material is obscene, the court shall dismiss the petition.  If the court finds that there is reasonable cause to believe that the book, print, picture, film, motion picture film, magazine, pamphlet, ballad, printed paper, written material, photograph, figment, or other material is obscene, the court may issue an order of notice returnable in or within thirty (30) days, directed against the book, print, picture, film, motion picture film, magazine, pamphlet, ballad, printed paper, written material, photographs, figment, or other material by name or suitable identity, and addressed to all persons interested in the publication, sale, distribution, or exhibition of it.  The petition shall then come on for a hearing to determine whether or not the book, print, picture, film, motion picture film, magazine, pamphlet, ballad, printed paper, written material, photograph, figment, or other material is obscene.  Notice of the order shall be published once a week for two (2) successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation within the county or city in which the proceeding is filed, and if their names and addresses are known a copy of the order shall be served by registered mail upon the author, publisher, exhibitor, and all other persons interested in the sale or commercial distribution of the book, print, picture, film, motion picture film, magazine, pamphlet, ballad, printed paper, written material, photograph, figment, or other material.