R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-48.1: Powers of chief judge in jury trials.

The chief judge of the family court, in the selection of petit jurors for family court service, shall be empowered to exercise all powers which the presiding judge of the superior court has in the selection of petit jurors in criminal cases to be tried before the superior court. All agencies of state government shall provide the necessary services as requested by the chief judge of the family court.