R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-8-23
The divisions of the district court established in § 8-8-2 shall have custody of all records, books, and papers of the district court of the several judicial districts heretofore existing within their respective geographical limits. All civil actions and criminal proceedings and processes pending in the district courts of the several judicial districts heretofore existing and all writs issued out of and returnable to those courts shall continue with the same force and effect in the district court established by this chapter, within its respective divisions; and all rights and liabilities of the parties to such civil actions and criminal proceedings and processes commenced prior to September 15, 1969, including costs of appeal, shall continue in full force and effect.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-8-23