Duffy v. Rhode Island State Pilotage Commission

In 1973, Arthur L. Duffy, Jr. and Carl T. Ohrn, Jr. applied to the State Pilotage Commission (the commission) for licenses to pilot vessels on Rhode Island waters. The commission denied licensure because neither applicant satisfied G. L. 1956 (1970 Reenactment) §46-9-8’s requirement for residence in this state for at least 5 years *174prior to application,1 and for the additional reason that in its judgment one applicant was not “of good character.” Each applicant thereupon appealed to the Superior Court, where the cases were consolidated. After a hearing before a trial justice, judgments were…