R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-4-18: Powers of assistants in Providence and Bristol counties.

Each of the assistant clerks for the counties of Providence and Bristol shall aid his principal in the discharge of his duties and any act done by him or her, under direction of the clerk, in the line of duty of the clerk, shall have the same force and effect as though done by the clerk; he or she shall have authority to administer oaths to parties, witnesses, and others as required in the conduct of the proceedings of the court.