# Ri. Const. art. I, § 7: Requirement of presentment or indictment — Information by attorney-general — Grand juries — Double jeopardy

> Rhode Island · Constitutions · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S7

## Section

- **Citation:** Ri. Const. art. I, § 7
- **Heading:** Requirement of presentment or indictment — Information by attorney-general — Grand juries — Double jeopardy
- **Jurisdiction:** Rhode Island
- **Kind:** Constitutions
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Article I / Section 7

## Text

Except in cases of impeachment, or in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia when in actual service in time of war or public danger, no person shall be held to answer for any offense which is punishable by death or by imprisonment for life unless on presentment or indictment by a grand jury, and no person shall be held to answer for any other felony unless on presentment or indictment by a grand jury or on information in writing signed by the attorney-general or one of the attorney-general’s designated assistants, as the general assembly may provide and in accordance with procedures enacted by the general assembly. The general assembly may authorize the impaneling of grand juries with authority to indict for offenses committed any place within the state and it may provide that more than one grand jury may sit simultaneously within a county. No person shall be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy. Nothing contained in this article shall be construed as in any wise impairing the inherent common law powers of the grand jury.

## Nearby sections

- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 1 Right to make and alter Constitution — Constitution obligatory upon all.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S1.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 2 Laws for good of whole — Burdens to be equally distributed — Due process — Equal protection — Discrimination — No right to abortion granted.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S2.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 3 Freedom of religion.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S3.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 4 Slavery prohibited.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S4.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 5 Entitlement to remedies for injuries and wrongs — Right to justice.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S5.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 6 Search and seizure.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S6.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 7 Requirement of presentment or indictment — Information by attorney-general — Grand juries — Double jeopardy.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S7.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 8 Bail, fines and punishments.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S8.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 9 Right to bail — Habeas corpus.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S9.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 10 Rights of accused persons in criminal proceedings.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S10.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 11 Relief of debtors from prison.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S11.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 12 Ex post facto laws — Laws impairing obligation of contract.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S12.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 13 Self-crimination.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S13.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 14 Presumption of innocence — Securing accused persons.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S14.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S7. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.