Kenneth S. Rice v. State of Rhode Island

Summary

The Rhode Island Supreme Court affirmed the Superior Court’s denial of Kenneth S. Rice’s post‑conviction relief, holding that his trial counsel’s tactical decisions were reasonable and did not rise to ineffective assistance of counsel under Strickland, and that the appellate court will not disturb the hearing justice’s factual findings absent clear error. The Court applied a de novo review to the constitutional claim but gave deference to factual determinations, concluding Rice failed to meet his burden.