Rhode Island General Laws Title 9. Courts and Civil Procedure--Procedure Generally § 9-1-2.1. Civil liability for stalking

(1) “ Course of conduct” means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, evidencing a continuity of purpose. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of “ course of conduct.”

(2) “ Harasses” means following a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person which seriously alarms, annoys, or bothers the person, and which serves no legitimate purpose. The course of conduct must be of a kind that would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, or be in fear of bodily injury.