R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-2-26: Power of justice after retirement, resignation, or elevation.

Whenever any justice of the superior court shall cease to be a justice thereof by reason of elevation to the supreme court, resignation, or retirement, he or she shall have the power to exercise the function of a justice of the superior court for the purpose of rendering a decision or completing any matter pending before him or her as justice of the superior court at the time of the elevation, resignation, or retirement. The provisions of this section shall be interpreted and construed liberally, for the purpose of accomplishing the purpose thereof.