Document: 405 U.S. 645 92 S.Ct. 1208 31 L.Ed.2d 551 Peter STANLEY, Sr., Petitioner,v.State of ILLINOIS. No. 70—5014. Argued Oct. 19, 1971. Decided April 3, 1972. Syllabus Petitioner, an unwed father whose children, on the mother's death, were declared state wards and placed in guardianship, attacked Illinois statutory scheme as violative equal protection. Under that children unmarried fathers, upon death mother, are dependents without any hearing parental fitness proof neglect, though such required before State assumes custody married or divorced parents mothers. The Supreme Court, holding petitioner could properly be separated from his mere he dead mother had not been petitioner's a was irrelevant, rejected claim. Held: 1. Due Process Clause Fourteenth Amendment entitled to parent taken him. Pp. 647—658. (a) fact can apply for adoption control does bar attack dependency proceeding. 647—649. (b) cannot, consistently with due process requirements, merely presume fathers general particular unsuitable neglectful parents. Parental unfitness must established basis individualized proof. See Bell v. Burson, 402 535, 91 1586, 29 90. 649—658. 2. denial accorded all other their is challenged by constitutes protection laws. P. 658. 45 Ill.2d 132, 256 N.E.2d 814, reversed remanded. Patrick T. Murphy, Chicago, Ill., petitioner. Morton E. Friedman, respondent. Mr. Justice WHITE delivered opinion Court. 1 Joan Stanley lived intermittently 18 years, during which time they three children.1 When died, lost only her but also children. law, become mother. Accordingly, Stanley's proceeding instituted Illinois, children2 court-appointed guardians. appealed, claiming never shown unfit since mothers deprived showing, laws guaranteed him Amendment. Court accepted own claim, single married. actual irrelevant. In re Stanley, 814 (1970). 2 presses claim here. continues respond presumed raise it unnecessary hold hearings determine whether We granted certiorari, 400 1020, 584, 27 631 (1971), this method procedure presumption allowed stand light allows fathers—whether divorced, widowed, separated—and mothers—even if unwed—the benefit fit 3 * At outset we reject suggestion need consider propriety Stanleys because might able regain guardian through proceedings. has treated differently parents, difference immaterial legally cognizable purposes This not, however, embraced proposition wrong may done undone. Cf. Sniadach Family Finance Corp. Bay View, 395 337, 89 1820, 23 349 (1969). Surely, case us, there delay between doing undoing suffers deprivation suffer uncertainty dislocation. 4 It clear, moreover, have means at hand promptly erase adverse consequences course State. first urged act adopt But under stranger gone forward exercise rights. Insofar informed, law affords no priority would burden establish suitable most who want Neither ignore proceedings action developed, 'probation officer,' see App. 17, assistant state's attorney, id., 29—30, judge charged case, 16—18, 23, made apparent impecunious is, now expect profit proceedings.3 apparently recognized some these considerations, did suggest undercut failure petition adoption. 5 Before focuses 'custody control'—the second route which, urged, authority Passing obvious issue futile burdensome father—without funds already once unfit—to custody, overlooks legal parenthood A person appointed subject removal cause neglect against parent. Ill.Rev.Stat., c. 37, § 705—8. He take out jurisdiction court's approval. report court disposition children's affairs. Obviously then, even step away control,' give control' still leave seriously prejudiced reason status. 6 therefore examine question us avoid: Is distinguishes burdens constitutionally repugnant? conclude that, matter denying extending challenged, denied II 7 two principal methods removing nondelinquent homes demonstrate surviving guardian. §§ 702—1, 702—5. show should present parent(s) provide care. 702—4. 8 State's right—indeed, duty—to protect minor judicial determination interests Rather, faced statute empowers officials circumvent theory 'parent' existing relationship considered.4 'Parents,' says State, 'means legitimate child, survivor them, natural illegitimate includes adoptive parent,' 701—14, term include fathers. 9 therefore, while them proceedings, after notice, hearing, amounts uniquely more simplistic By use proceeding, showing prove fact, law. Thus, father's qualification avoided 'irrelevant.' 10 considering Clause, recognize, cases, require 'in every conceivable government impairment private interest.' Cafeteria Restaurant Workers Union etc. McElroy, 367 886, 894, 81 1743, 1748, 1230 (1961). That explained '(t)he very nature negates concept inflexible procedures universally applicable imaginable situation' firmly 'what given set circumstances begin precise function involved well interest affected governmental action.' Id., 895, S.Ct., 1748; Goldberg Kelly, 397 254, 263, 90 1011, 1018, 25 287 11 here, man sired raised, undeniably warrants deference and, absent powerful countervailing interest, plain companionship, care, management 'come(s) momentum respect lacking when appeal liberties derive shifting economic arrangements.' Kovacs Cooper, 336 77, 95, 69 448, 458, 93 L.Ed. 513 (1949) (Frankfurter, J., concurring). 12 frequently emphasized importance family. rights conceive one's deemed 'essential,' Meyer Nebraska, 262 390, 399, 43 625, 626, 67 1042 (1923), 'basic civil man,' Skinner Oklahoma, 316 541, 62 1110, 1113, 86 1655 (1942), '(r)ights far precious . than property rights,' May Anderson, 345 528, 533, 73 840, 843, 97 1221 (1953). 'It cardinal care nurture child reside primary freedom preparation obligations neither supply nor hinder.' Prince Massachusetts, 321 158, 166, 64 438, 442, 88 (1944). integrity family unit found Amendment, supra, Equal Protection U.S., Ninth Griswold Connecticut, 381 479, 496, 85 1678, 14 510 (1965) (Goldberg, 13 Nor refused recognize those relationships unlegitimized marriage ceremony. unconstitutional natural, illegitimate, wrongful-death emphasizing cannot right familial bonds cases often warm, enduring, important arising within formally organized unit. Levy Louisiana, 391 68, 71—72, 1509, 1511, 20 436 (1968). 'To say test 'legal' rather biological avoid issue. For necessarily limits draw lines chooses.' Glona American Guarantee & Liability Ins. Co., 73, 75—76, 1515, 1516, 441 These authorities make clear least, retaining substantial. 15 its part, quite plain: aim Juvenile Act 'the moral, emotional, mental, physical welfare best community' 'strengthen minor's ties whenever possible, safety public adequately safeguarded .' 701—2. interests, power implement. do assertion 16 here asked evaluate legitimacy ends, rather, used achieve ends defensible. What separating designed disputed case? observe registers gain towards goals separates Indeed, father, spites articulated needlessly 17 repugnant driver license reference factor (there fault driving, parent) itself fundamental scheme. self-contradiction rendered Georgia suspension system invalid arguing reasonably unqualified children.5 be, insists, parents.6 hands. category; wholly suited children.7 much readily concedes, nothing record indicates cared Given opportunity seen deserving offspring. Had so, policy furthered leaving 19 Carrington Rash, 380 89, 775, 675 (1965), dealt similar situation. There Texas restricting electorate bona fide residents. servicemen stationed intention remaining State; vote tolerate blanket exclusion depriving vote, clearly residents 'more tests,' 779, available distinguish members latter group. 'By forbidding soldier ever controvert nonresidence,' 96, 780, said, unjustifiably effected substantial deprivation. viewed people one-dimensionally (as servicemen) finer perception achieved assessing serviceman's residency basis. 'We special problems determining actually acquired new domicile franchise purposes. emphasize free reasonable adequate steps, States, applicants fulfill requirements residence. (the challenged) provision goes beyond rules. 21 '(T)he created definitely conclusive—incapable being overcome positive character." 780. 22 'All induction,' concluded, 'come provision's sweep. Not one Texas, matter' what individual qualifications. Ibid. situation Clause. Despite Carrington, argued so seldom undergo administrative inconvenience inquiry including Stanley's. establishment prompt efficacious proper worthy cognizance constitutional adjudication. Constitution recognizes higher values speed efficiency.8 fairly Bill Rights general, particular, fragile vulnerable citizenry overbearing concern efficiency efficacy characterize praiseworthy less, perhaps more, mediocre ones. 24 Procedure always cheaper easier determination. when, forecloses determinative issues competence explicitly disdains realities past formalities, risks running roughshod over both child. stand.9 Burson held purporting concerned suspending driver's license, deprive citizen assess fault. Absent fault, attenuated convenience insufficient excuse where evidence considered. drivers accidents, statistical matter, likely partially foreclose specific licenses suspended. 26 think mandates result caring de minimis father. insists presuming proving solely convenient prove. advantage justify refusing stake dismemberment III neglect. dependent courts afford qualifications concluded removed custody. follows like granting inescapably contrary Clause.10 28 judgment remanded inconsistent opinion. ordered. Reversed 30 POWELL REHNQUIST took part consideration decision case. DOUGLAS joins Parts I 32 Chief BURGER, whom BLACKMUN concurs, dissenting. 33 raised decided omits definition 'parents' violates certiorari resolved unanimously upheld attack. 34 No courts; court. As Douglas said Farm Mutual Automobile Co. Duel, 324 154, 160, 65 573, 577, 812 (1945), 'Since (state) pass question, so.' occasion recently deal aspect jurisdictional U.S.C. 1257 Hill California, 401 797, 1106, 484 (1971). Having Chimel 752, 2034, 685 (1969), retroactively applied invalidate Hill's conviction ground search incident arrest overly extensive scope, noted additional contention personal diary, items seized search, excluded Fifth grounds well. White, lacked contention: 35 'Counsel petitioner) conceded oral argument trial. briefed California appellate courts. (Footnote omitted.) likewise ignored it. posture although us.' 805, 1111. 36 simply suffice say, footnote 'we dispose premise below, reaching analysis court.' Ante, 658 n. 10. Court's seems strictures Justices clear: holds sua sponte requires court; then reasons 'method analysis' course, less shorthand condensation entire Constitution: deny citizens violating citizens. expandable semantic devices that. 37 today dubious reasoning dealing limitations jurisdiction, proceeds strike down 'answering' arguments nowhere brief—or indeed argument. unable, example, discover advanced 'it children.' 653. 'argu(ed) Or anyone remotely suggested 'argu(ment) Stanley's.' 656. On hand, largely Court.1 38 All persons followed progress will, expect, experience little surprise handed today. will undoubtedly surprised find prevailed judges decisions overturned And legislators attorneys familiar provisions issue, learn establishes unfit. confess my inability Act. Furthermore, Cook County unaware presumption, indicated asserted fatherhood good stead, prejudice him, guardianship short, intimations hostility toward gave 'merit points' acknowledgment paternity assumption least marginal responsibility children.2 39 regard agree violated gives full recognition father-child arise context units bound together Quite apart religious quasi-religious connotations has—and historically enjoyed—for large proportion Nation's citizens, essentially contractual relationship, parties enforceable duties, each born them. entered relationship. silent privately exchanged promises common Cartwright McGown, 121 Ill. 388, 398, N.E. 737, 739 (1887). event, common-law marriages 1905. 4. seek freely assumed 40 Where valid contract marriage, presumes husband wife marriage; duties woman, identifiable makes identity does, ways, voluntary involuntary, identified. First, marry acknowledge own; effect legitimating gaining 12, subd. 8. Second, pursuant suit initiated mother; remains adjudicated liable support until attains age adopted another. 106 3/4, 52. 41 'parents,' 701 14, (or) parent,'3 treats differently. enlarged brought here; permitted included 'parents.' 42 correctly Here, Illinois' different treatment protecting almost identifiable, generally hospital records, alternatively physicians others attending child's birth. Unwed class, traditionally easy identify locate. Many either exhibit welfare; many aware parenthood. believe fully justified concluding, human experience, role carrying nursing infant creates stronger resulting male's casual encounter. view reinforced observable offspring permanently safely adoption, rarely attentions loyalties. Centuries buttress conditions dependable protectors While these, generalizations, exceptions, nevertheless sufficient sustain classification objective penalize further fulfillment parens patriae.4 44 depicts himself somewhat unusual namely, acknowledged doubted alleges loved, for, supported birth contends consequently same Even assuming truth allegations, am unable construe requiring tailor meticulously excluding unwed, unidentified, way share professed desires. desires absolutely Shortly turned Mrs. Ness; custodian, Eventually came attention living adult obligation children; review place known juvenile connection ask else. seemed, loss payments designation guardians 46 only, face Clause; application bar. 47 Frankfurter observed, 'Invalidating legislation serious business. Morey Doud, 354 457, 474, 77 1344, 1354, 1485 (1957) (dissenting opinion). pursues business expanding read permissible contemplated Congress. invalidates critical carefully drawn governing invalidating provision, ascribes embarks novel strange boundaries yet undiscernible. Uncontradicted testimony 22. Only litigation. conclusion. said: trial comments indicate willingness future request guardianship.' 135, 816. (Italics added.) comment counsel argument: 'If today.' Tr. Oral Arg. 7. label 'legal outcome undisputed lives, brief, 21—23, relevant intervention raising served intervention. 'In effect, imposed group necessitates supervision certain defined situations. distinguishable status factual differences upbringing. usually attendant firm home identity, normally knows parent—the '. premised circumstances—a lengthy approximates other. characterization accurate it) affect validity illegitimate. reflects death. factors, exist ensure true assimilates none normal characteristics Brief ('The comparison putative involves exclusively differences. significant presence absence day-to-day relationship'), (to effect), (quoted below 6), 24—26 (physiological studies cited men naturally inclined childrearing), ('We submit based history (sic) culture real terms fulfills compelling .'). speaks disinterest children' (Brief 8) opines '(i)n instances 31. T., Mich.App. 122, 154 N.W.2d (1967). panel Michigan Appeals affirming circuit son boy, 'The appellants' presentation placing Mark inherently preferable rearing uprooting knew year half old, secretly institutionalizing later transferring strangers incontrovertibly better matter. Hardly talking about wedlock. sociological data justifying reared receive upbringing stigma illegitimacy pervasive permanent termination subsisting father.' 146, N.W.2d, 39. Reed Reed, 404 71, 76, 251, 225 'Clearly reducing workload probate eliminating class contests legitimacy. (But to) mandatory preference sex other, accomplish elimination merits, kind arbitrary legislative choice forbidden Amendment.' 780 teaches lesson. States casually individuals remote Oyama (State of) 332 633, 68 269, 249. nonresidence, imposes invidious discrimination violation note passing incremental cost offering appears minimal. If main, appear demand hearings. invalid, admittedly focused Extending desire procedural obstacle foreclosing inclined. cases. 704—1 et seq., provides service, notice certified mail, publication mail service directed unknown respondents style Concern.' complain Those retain fatherhood. Predicating finding invalidity observation bedrock some, similarly situated, contradictory our Picard Connor, 270, 509, 438 process, protection, federal were, opinion, barred reversing contravention clause referred authorities. contrast, Cardinale 394 437, 1161, 398 observed. misapprehended thrust explaining why presented basic justifications 25—26. couple born, 'signified work together' entering into contract; manifestly reasonable, responsibilities signification male female willing end rearing.' To 'to create conflicting competing child.' justification order welfare, necessary impose child), mother.' elected responsibility. ensuing colloquy bench identification seemed insuperable problem expressed participating 'Illinois won't let him.' Counsel replied contrary, encourages accept formal comparable ceremony, evidencing 'did objected someone (else) having 38, 39—40. position ambiguity. Ness, home. Ness household approved foster Through act, Nesses custodians resisted custodians; challenge suitability role, prevailed, quo obtained: continued play acted alter informal arrangement, times precisely constitutionality Stanley. purported similarity quotes legislatively aims removal.' (Emphasis 'self-contradiction' stated Act's nonrecognition contradiction. word statement purpose obviously meaning definitional dissolved divorce separation, awards considered longer together. would, consistency practice called award ascertained majority notes, ante, 646, years 'intermittently' her. argument, told oldest previously ward 'proven against' time, apparently, erroneous impression 19.

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