If it shall appear to the court in which the action is pending that notice has been given as provided in § 10-13-16, the court shall examine the defendant on his or her oath concerning his or her estate and effects and the disposal thereof and may also receive any other evidence offered by the defendant or by the plaintiff, and upon the examination the court may, in its discretion, administer to the defendant the oath.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 10-13-17
Examination of defendant and administration of oath
G.L. 1896, ch. 260, § 15; C.P.A. 1905, § 1234; G.L. 1909, ch. 326, § 15; G.L. 1923, ch. 377, § 15; G.L. 1938, ch. 563, § 15; G.L. 1956, § 10-13-17; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 34.
Official source: Rhode Island General Assembly. Reproduced from public-domain Rhode Island statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.