R.I. Dist. Ct. R. Crim. P. 28

(a) Expert Witnesses. The court may

on its own motion or upon the motion of a party order the defendant or the State or

both to show cause why expert witnesses should not be appointed, and may request

the parties to submit nominations. The court may appoint any expert witnesses

agreed upon by the parties, and may appoint witnesses of its own selection. An

expert witness shall not be appointed by the court unless he or she consents to act.

A witness so appointed shall be informed of his or her duties by the court in writing,

a copy of which shall be filed with the clerk, or at a conference in which the parties

shall have opportunity to participate. A witness so appointed shall advise the parties

of his or her findings, if any, and may thereafter be called to testify by the court or

by any party. The witness shall be subject to cross-examination by each party. The

court may determine the reasonable compensation of such a witness and may direct

that it be paid either by the State or by the party who moved for appointment. The

parties also may call expert witnesses of their own selection.

(b) Interpreters. The court may appoint an interpreter of its own selection and

may fix the reasonable compensation of such interpreter. Such compensation shall

be paid by the State.