 On September 25–26, 1786, the Superior Court of Judicature of Rhode Island (Rhode Island Supreme Court)
heard the case in Newport, Rhode Island with a decision by David Howell.In May 1786, the Rhode Island General Assembly passed legislation allowing paper money as legal tender, and in June 1786 the Court created penalties for anyone refusing to accept such currency.In August 1786, the Assembly passed further legislation providing that trial of
offenders should take place "without any jury," by a majority of the judges and no appeal was allowed.