R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-27-5

On or before the return date specified in the order of notice issued pursuant to § 12-27-3, the author, publisher, and any person interested in the sale, exhibition, or commercial distribution of the book, print, picture, film, motion picture film, magazine, pamphlet, ballad, printed paper, written material, photograph, figment, or other material may appear and file an answer. The court shall by order permit any other person or persons, not to exceed five (5), to appear and file answers as amicus curiae. In the absence of any other answer having been filed in the court, amicus curiae may participate in hearings thereafter as a party or parties.