(a)  Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section, this chapter applies to a foreign-country judgment to the extent that the judgment:

(1)  Grants or denies recovery of a sum of money; and

(2)  Under the law of the foreign country where rendered, is final, conclusive, and enforceable.

Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 9-34-3

  • Foreign country: means a government other than:

    (i)  The United States;

    (ii)  A state, district, commonwealth, territory, or insular possession of the United States; or

    (iii)  Any other government with regard to which the decision in this state as to whether to recognize a judgment of that government's courts is initially subject to determination under the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the United States Constitution. See Rhode Island General Laws 9-34-2

  • Foreign-country judgment: means a judgment of a court of a foreign country. See Rhode Island General Laws 9-34-2

(b)  This chapter does not apply to a foreign-country judgment, even if the judgment grants or denies recovery of a sum of money, to the extent that the judgment is:

(1)  A judgment for taxes;

(2)  A fine or other penalty; or

(3)  A judgment for divorce, support, or maintenance, or other judgment rendered in connection with domestic relations.

(c)  A party seeking recognition of a foreign-country judgment has the burden of establishing that this chapter applies to the foreign-country judgment.

History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 134, § 1, effective July 3, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 156, § 1, effective July 3, 2021.