Mottola v. Cirello

OPINION

GOLDBERG, Justice.

This case came before the Supreme Court on December 12, 2001, on petitions for writ of certiorari by both parties to review sua sponte orders of the Superior Court. These orders directed defense counsel, in connection with the substitution of the state as the party defendant pursuant to G.L. 1956 § 9-31-12(b), to withdraw his appearance and further ordered the Attorney General to enter an appearance on behalf of the State of Rhode Island. We also granted certiorari on behalf of the plaintiff to review a sua sponte order that declared that plaintiff was no longer…