Bradford Associates v. Rhode Island Division of Purchases

OPINION

WILLIAMS, Chief Justice.

This consolidated appeal comes before us on the appeal of the State of Rhode Island Division of Purchases (State), contesting an order of the Superior Court declaring that the State is constitutionally required to conduct an adjudicatory hearing before finalizing the suspension of a government contractor. Because the Superior Court lacked jurisdiction to make that determination, we vacate the decision of the motion justice. In doing so, we reject the plaintiffs’ argument that there is a protected liberty interest in avoiding reputational damage that potentially…