Willner v. Committee on Character and Fitness, Appellate Div. of Supreme Court of NY, First Judicial Dept.

Opinion of the Court by

Mr. Justice Douglas, announced by Mr. Justice Black.

Petitioner passed the New York bar éxaminatións in 1936 but has not yet been admitted to practice. The present case is the latest in a long series of proceedings whereby he seeks admission.

Under New York law the Appellate Division of-the' State Supreme Court of each of the four Judicial Departments *98has power to admit applicants to the Bar. Once the State Board of Bar' Examiners certifies that an applicant has passed the examination (or that an examinátion has been dispensed with), the Appellate Division shall admit him…