(a) Examination of Jurors. The court may permit the parties or their attorneys to conduct the examination of prospective jurors or may itself conduct the examination. In the latter event, the court shall permit the parties or their attorneys to supplement the examination by such further inquiry as it deems proper or shall itself submit to the prospective jurors such additional questions of the parties or their attorneys as it deems proper. The examination shall be conducted under oath if requested. (b) Alternate Jurors. The court may direct that one (1) or (2) two jurors in addition to the regular panel be called and impanelled to sit as alternate jurors as provided by law.R.I. Super. Ct. R. Civ. P. 47