Reynolds v. the Mayor and Aldermen

This petition for a writ of certiorari is based upon several grounds, only one of which needs to be considered at present.(1) In the charter of Pawtucket is this clause: “Provided, that members of the paid police department of said city shall not be subject to removal from office at any time except for misconduct or incapacity of such character as the board of aldermen may deem a disqualification for said office, and all such removals shall be by the board of aldermen, upon charges made in writing and of which the officer complained of shall have had notice and an opportunity to be heard…