Rhode Island General Laws Title 28. Labor and Labor Relations § 28-9-6. Trial of issue as to existence of agreement to arbitrate or failure to comply

(a) If evidentiary facts are set forth raising a substantial issue as to the making of the contract or submission or the failure to comply with it, the court or the judge shall immediately proceed to the trial of the issue.

(b) If no jury trial is demanded by either party, the court or the judge shall hear and determine the issue.

(c) Where this issue is raised, any party may, on or before the return day of the notice of application, demand a jury trial of the issue, and if a demand is made, the court or the judge shall make an order referring the issue or issues to a jury in the manner provided by law for referring to a jury issues in an equity action.

(d) Whenever an immediate trial is ordered, the order shall provide that, if the court, or where a jury has been demanded, the jury, finds that a written contract providing for arbitration was made or a submission was entered into, and that there was a failure to comply with the contract, the parties shall proceed with the arbitration in accordance with the terms of the contract or submission, and the order shall provide that if the court or jury finds that there was no contract or submission or failure to comply with the contract, then the proceeding shall be dismissed.