R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-30-5: Application for appointment.

(a) Application. Any individual desiring to be appointed a justice of the peace shall make written application to the governor over his or her own signature.

(b) Qualifications of applicants:(1) The person qualified for a justice of the peace commission shall be at least eighteen (18) years of age and reside legally within Rhode Island; and

(2) The applicant for appointment to the office of justice of the peace can speak, read, and write the English language and has sufficient knowledge of the powers and duties pertaining to that office.

(c) Attorneys and accountants. A member of the Rhode Island bar, and certified public accountants under § 5-3.1-5, shall, regardless of residence, be appointed a justice of the peace upon application and presentment of a certified copy of their certificate of admission to the bar or certificate of public accountancy.

(d) Any person making written application to be appointed a justice of the peace shall, at the time of application, pay to the secretary of state the sum of eighty dollars ($80.00).