R.I. Super. Ct. R. Civ. P. 49

(a) Special Verdicts. The court

may require a jury to return only a special verdict in the form of a special written

finding upon each issue of fact. In that event the court may submit to the jury written

questions susceptible of categorical or other brief answer or may submit written

forms of the several special findings which might properly be made under the

pleadings and evidence; or it may use such other method of submitting the issues

and requiring the written findings thereon as it deems most appropriate. The court

shall give to the jury such explanation and instruction concerning the matter thus

submitted as may be necessary to enable the jury to make its findings upon each

issue. If in so doing the court omits any issue of fact raised by the pleadings or by

the evidence, each party waives the right to a trial by jury of the issue so omitted

unless before the jury retires the party demands its submission to the jury. As to an

issue omitted without such demand the court may make a finding; or, if it fails to do

so, it shall be deemed to have made a finding in accord with the judgment on the

special verdict.

(b) General Verdict Accompanied by Answer to Interrogatories. The court

may submit to the jury, together with appropriate forms for a general verdict, written

interrogatories upon one or more issues of fact the decision of which is necessary to

a verdict. The court shall give such explanation or instruction as may be necessary

to enable the jury both to make answers to the interrogatories and to render a general

verdict, and the court shall direct the jury both to make written answers and to render

a general verdict. When the general verdict and the answers are harmonious, the

appropriate judgment upon the verdict and answers shall be entered pursuant to Rule

58. When the answers are consistent with each other but one or more is inconsistent

with the general verdict, judgment may be entered pursuant to Rule 58 in accordance

with the answers, notwithstanding the general verdict, or the court may return the

jury for further consideration of its answers and verdict or may order a new trial.

When the answers are inconsistent with each other and one or more is likewise

inconsistent with the general verdict, judgment shall not be entered, but the court

shall return the jury for further consideration of its answers and verdict or shall order

a new trial.

(c) Verdicts on Multiple Counts. In cases tried by a jury on more than one (1)

count, the court may require the jury to return a separate verdict as to each count.