Credibility

Defendant appealed the decision of the Pawtucket Municipal Court sustaining the violation of R.I.G.L. 1956 § 31-20-9 (obedience to stop signs). The defendant argued that the trial judge was clearly erroneous in crediting the officer’s testimony over hers. The Appeals Panel held that crediting the testimony of the officer over the defendant’s was within the judge’s discretion because only the finder of fact may assess the credibility of the witnesses. Accordingly, the Court affirmed the trial magistrate.

City of Pawtucket v. Christine Nation C.A. No. M09-0001 (August 17, 2009).pdf