Kotch v. Board of River Port Pilot Commissioners

Louisiana law required ships entering or leaving the port of New Orleans to be navigated by state-certified pilots, who could be certified by the Board of River Port Pilot Commissioners (defendant) after meeting minimum requirements and completing a six-month apprenticeship with an experienced pilot. Kotch and other applicants (plaintiffs) sought certification but lacked that apprenticeship, and argued the incumbent pilots, who had complete discretion over selecting apprentices, almost always chose friends and relatives, resulting in nepotism that violated the Equal Protection Clause. The Louisiana Supreme Court found the pilotage system, as administered, didn't violate equal protection.