Rhode Island General Laws Title 21. Food and Drugs § 21-2-53. Powers of superior court in equity

In addition to any other remedy set forth in this chapter for the enforcement of the provisions of the chapter or any rule, regulation, order, or decision of the director, the superior court shall have jurisdiction in equity, upon a bill of complaint filed by the director or his or her authorized agents, to restrain or enjoin any person, his or her agents, and servants, from committing any act prohibited by this chapter or prohibited by any lawful rule, regulation, order, or decision of the director. If it is established upon hearing that any person charged, himself or herself or by his or her agents and servants, has been or is committing any act declared to be unlawful by this chapter or is in violation of any rule, regulation, order, and decision of the director, the court shall enter a decree enjoining that person, corporation, or trustee from further commission of that act or actions. In case of violation of an injunction issued under this section, the court or any judge of the court shall summarily try and punish the person, or his or her agents and servants, or both, for contempt of court. The existence of other civil or criminal remedies shall be no defense to this proceeding. The director, or his or her authorized agents, shall not be required in that proceeding to give or post a bond when making an application for an injunction, a restraining order, preliminary injunction, or permanent injunction under this section. The court may issue an ex parte restraining order, until further hearing, upon a reasonable showing ex parte that the respondent has been guilty of a violation, and shall have power to enter preliminary injunctions and grant other relief, pendente lite, which may pertain to equity and justice in the premises. All proceedings under this section, and any appellate proceedings which may follow, shall in all respects follow the course of equity.