Michael B. Forte at a glance
- Current role
- Chief Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Rhode Island · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Michael B. Forte
Chief Judge · Rhode Island Family Court
Biography
Professional career
- The Chief Judge of the Rhode Island Family Court, appointed in 2016 by Governor Gina Raimondo, and has served on the court since 1987
- Family Court judicial service began in 1987; nominated as chief judge in 2016.
- 1987: Appointed as Associate Judge of the Rhode Island Family Court by Governor Edward D. DiPrete
Education
- He attended Cranston High School East, obtained a University of Rhode Island bachelor’s degree in 1974 and a Franklin Pierce School of Law J.D. in 1977.
- University of Rhode Island — University of Rhode Island; bio-c76cd09cbc36; user_supplied_research
Additional information
- 2016: Appointed Chief Judge by Governor Gina Raimondo, succeeding Haiganush R. Bedrosian
- Appointment in 1987 by Governor Edward DiPrete and elevation to chief judge in 2016 by Governor Gina Raimondo, succeeding Haiganush Bedrosian.
- His prior roles included Little Compton town solicitor (1984–1986), Newport County bail commissioner (1979–1987), Little Compton tax assessor (1977–1978), and Judicial Tenure and Discipline Commission membership (1985–1987).
- Listed professional affiliations include the American and Rhode Island bar associations, National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges and Sakonnet Preservation.
- Franklin Pierce Law Center — Franklin Pierce Law Center; bio-c76cd09cbc36; user_supplied_research
- Before joining the judiciary, Forte served in various public service roles, including as a member of the Rhode Island State Senate (Little Compton, Tiverton, Warren).
- He is also active in community organizations such as the North Scituate Boy Scouts and St. Rocco’s School sports programs
- Rocco’s School and volunteering with North Scituate Boy Scout Troop 1.
- Educational background includes University of Rhode Island
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Cell Phone Use
Courtwide
Rhode Island Supreme Court courthouse rules prohibit cellular telephone use in courtrooms and prohibit cell-phone camera and video use in the courthouse.
Cellular telephone use is strictly prohibited in the courtrooms. Cellular telephone camera and video is strictly prohibited in the courthouse.Supreme Court Courthouse Rules ↗
Recording and broadcasting
Courtwide
Rhode Island courthouse rules list photographic and audio-visual equipment, including cameras and audio or video recorders, as prohibited items.
No photographic or audio-visual equipment of any type, including cameras, video, or audio recorders or players.Supreme Court Courthouse Rules ↗
Sources
Identity source checked July 26, 2026.
Biography sources checked July 26, 2026.
Rhode Island Judiciary official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Rhode Island Judiciary official judicial roster ↗Calendars and Public Access to Court Hearings
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Calendars and Public Access to Court Hearings ↗Supreme Court Courthouse Rules
Statewide source · PDF · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Supreme Court Courthouse Rules ↗Supreme Court Courthouse Rules, revised February 2024
Identity source · PDF · Source checked October 3, 2026
View Supreme Court Courthouse Rules, revised February 2024 ↗rilawyersweekly.com
Biography source · HTML · Source checked October 5, 2026
View rilawyersweekly.com ↗