Lisa Silvia v. Roland Brule

Summary

The Rhode Island Supreme Court affirmed the Superior Court’s dismissal of Silvia’s civil action for lack of prosecution under Rule 41(b)(2). The Court held that the trial justice did not abuse discretion given Silvia’s persistent failure to respond to discovery, appear at trial, and comply with court orders. The decision was based on an abuse‑of‑discretion standard and a balancing of docket‑management interests against the plaintiff’s right to a merits trial.