R.I. Gen. Laws
Rhode Island General Laws

R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-59-1 (2026)

Definitions

✓ current as of July 2026
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For the purpose of this chapter:

(1) “Course of conduct” means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, evidencing a continuity of purpose. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of “course of conduct.”

(2) “Harasses” means a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person with the intent to seriously alarm, annoy, or bother the person, and which serves no legitimate purpose. The course of conduct must be such as would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, or be in fear of bodily injury.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 7 cases, 1996–2012 · leading case: State v. Grayhurst, 852 A.2d 491 (R.I. 2004).
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State v. Grayhurst, 852 A.2d 491 (R.I. 2004). · cites it 6× “” Section 11-59-1(1) defines course of conduct as “a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, evidencing a continuity of purpose.”
State v. Breen, 767 A.2d 50 (R.I. 2001). · cites it 4× “Section 11-59-1, as amended by P.L. 1995, ch.”
State v. Stierhoff, 879 A.2d 425 (R.I. 2005). · cites it 6× “At the conclusion of the evidence, defendant moved to dismiss the criminal charges on the grounds that the state had failed to sustain its burden of proof under § 11-59-1 and § 11-59-2. The trial justice granted the motion in part, finding that the state had failed to present…”
Nicholson v. State, 963 N.E.2d 1096 (Ind. 2012). “1 (2011); R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-59-1 (2002); S.C.Code Ann.”
Comm'n for Lawyer Discipline v. Benton, 980 S.W.2d 425 (Tex. 1998). “1996) (quoting R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-59-1(2)); see also Luplow v.”
State v. Bryan, 910 P.2d 212 (Kan. 1996). “); R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-59-1 to -3 (1994); S.”
State v. Fonseca, 670 A.2d 1237 (R.I. 1996). “” In the statute’s definition section, § 11-59-1, the following words and phrases were defined.”
— R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-59-1(1) — 1 case
State v. Grayhurst, 852 A.2d 491 (R.I. 2004). “” Section 11-59-1(1) defines course of conduct as “a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, evidencing a continuity of purpose.”
— R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-59-1(2) — 3 cases
State v. Grayhurst, 852 A.2d 491 (R.I. 2004). “” Section 11-59-1(1) defines course of conduct as “a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, evidencing a continuity of purpose.”
State v. Stierhoff, 879 A.2d 425 (R.I. 2005). “At the conclusion of the evidence, defendant moved to dismiss the criminal charges on the grounds that the state had failed to sustain its burden of proof under § 11-59-1 and § 11-59-2. The trial justice granted the motion in part, finding that the state had failed to present…”
Comm'n for Lawyer Discipline v. Benton, 980 S.W.2d 425 (Tex. 1998). “1996) (quoting R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-59-1(2)); see also Luplow v.”
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