Document: 441 U.S. 347 99 S.Ct. 1742 60 L.Ed.2d 269 Curtis PARHAM, Appellant,v.Ellis Franklin HUGHES. No. 78-3. Argued Jan. 15, 1979. Decided April 24, Syllabus A Georgia statute, while permitting the mother of an illegitimate child, or father if he has legitimated child and there is no mother, to sue for wrongful death precludes a who not from so suing. Appellant, whom had was killed, along with in automobile accident, sued child's death, trial court, denying summary judgment defendant (appellee), held that statute violated both Due Process Equal Protection Clauses Fourteenth Amendment. The Supreme Court reversed, holding statutory classification rationally related three specified legitimate state interests. Held : affirmed. Pp. 351-359; 359-361. 241 Ga. 198, 243 S.E.2d 867, Mr. Justice STEWART, joined by CHIEF JUSTICE BURGER, REHNQUIST, STEVENS, concluded that: 1 1. does violate Clause. 351-358. 2 (a) If invidiously discriminatory, it entitled presumption validity will be upheld "unless varying treatment different groups persons unrelated achievement any combination purposes we can only conclude legislature's actions were irrational," Vance v. Bradley, 440 93, 97, 939, 943, 59 171. 351-352. 3 (b) rationale unjust ineffective society express its condemnation procreation outside marital relationship punishing way responsible his situation unable change it, Weber Aetna Casualty & Surety Co., 406 164, 92 1400, 31 768, inapplicable question, which impose differing burdens award benefits children but simply denies natural right death. 352-353. 4 (c) discriminate against appellant because male sex. conferral previously acted identify himself, undertake paternal responsibilities, make legitimate, reflect overbroad generalizations about men as class, rather reality unilateral action child. Reed Reed, 404 71, 251, 30 225; Frontiero Richardson, 411 677, 93 1764, 36 583; Stanton Stanton, 421 7, 95 1373, 43 688, distinguished. 353-357 5 (d) rational means dealing problem proving paternity. paternity been established before commencement wrongful-death action, may faced possibility multiple lawsuits individuals all claiming deceased father. 357-358. 6 2. Nor Clause, Stanley Illinois, 405 645, 1208, 551, 358-359. 7 POWELL gender-based distinction equal protection inasmuch substantially State's objective avoiding difficult problems after 8 Thomas E. Greer, Carrollton, Ga., appellant. 9 A. Montague Miller, Augusta, appellee. 10 STEWART announced delivered opinion, THE JUSTICE, STEVENS joined. 11 Under § 105-1307 Code (1978) (hereinafter statute),1 also mother. however, precluded maintaining action. question presented this case whether scheme violates Clause Amendment 12 * biological Lemuel Parham, minor killed collision. Cassandra Moreen, same Moreen never married each other, did could have done under law.2 did, sign birth certificate contribute support.3 took appellant's name visited on regular basis. 13 After collision, brought seeking recover allegedly complaint named appellee (the driver other involved collision) defendant, charged negligence part caused maternal grandmother, acting administratrix estate, lawsuit death.4 14 filed motion present case, asserting recovering court and, accordingly, denied favor On appeal, reversed ruling court. 867. appellate found interests: (1) interest actions; (2) promoting family unit; (3) setting standard morality according Accordingly, either We noted probable jurisdiction appeal Court. 439 815, 75, 58 106. II 15 State laws are generally attack Lockport Citizens Community Action, 430 259, 272, 97 1047, 1055, 51 313. Legislatures wide discretion passing inevitable effect treating some people differently others, legislative classifications valid unless they bear permissible objective. New York City Transit Authority Beazer, 568, 1355, 587; 171; Massachusetts Bd. Retirement Murgia, 427 307, 314, 96 2562, 2567, 49 520; Dandridge Williams, 397 471, 485, 90 1153, 1161, 25 491. 16 Not legislation, validity. when enacted legislation whose purpose create classes based upon racial criteria, since classifications, constitutional sense, inherently "suspect." McLaughlin Florida, 379 184, 85 283, 222; Brown Board Education, 483, 74 686, 98 L.Ed. 873. And undermined creating certain immutable human attributes. See, e. g., Oyama California, 332 633, 68 269, 249 (national origin); Graham 403 365, 91 1848, 29 534 (alienage); Gomez Perez, 409 535, 872, 35 56 (illegitimacy); 225 (gender). 17 In absence invidious discrimination, free aegis substitute expressed passed their popularly elected legislatures. "The Constitution presumes that, absent reason infer antipathy, even improvident decisions eventually rectified democratic process judicial intervention unwarranted matter how unwisely think political branch acted." U.S., at S.Ct., 943 (footnote omitted). threshold therefore, discriminatory. not, irrational." Ibid. III 18 relies invalidated illegitimacy gender support claim unconstitutional. Both these lines cases reflecting discrimination particular class. conclude, neither line applicable case. 19 several occasions illegitimacy—i. e., differentiate between children—violate Trimble Gordon, 762, 1459, 52 31; 768.5 basic it. As stated case: 20 status through ages society's irresponsible liaisons beyond bonds marriage. But visiting head infant illogical unjust. Moreover, imposing disabilities contrary concept our system legal should individual responsibility wrongdoing. Obviously, penalizing ineffectual—as well unjust—way deterring parent." Id., 175, 1406-1407. 21 It apparent now us. children. appellant, father, conceiving opportunity failed do so. Legitimation would removed stigma bastardy allowed inherit manner born lawful wedlock. Ga.Code 74-103 (1978). Unlike involuntary immutable, here fostering failing status. thus nor "condemnation marriage" conferring justifications sensitivity constitutionality affects fathers B 22 sex invalid 688; Craig Boren, 429 190, 451, 50 397. Underlying principle entirely differences women demean ability social affected Thus, supra, Idaho probate code provision gave mandatory preference over women, degree decedent, administration decedent's estate. "[b]y providing dissimilar similarly situated, challenged section Clause." 77, 254. Similarly, federal Armed Services benefit statutes assumption female spouses servicemen financially dependent situated servicewomen not. 690-691, 1772. constitutionally Utah provided males reach greater age than females attain majority reaching result, rejected "old notion" "destined solely home rearing family, marketplace world ideas." 14-15, 1378. See Orr Orr, 268, 1102, 306. 23 where realistically situations, Schlesinger Ballard, 419 498, 572, 42 610, example, naval officers promoted within length time subject discharge continue officers. Because restrictions officers' seagoing service, opportunities compile records entitling them promotion more restricted those counterparts. unlike administrative convenience outworn cliches, reflected "not archaic generalizations, but, instead, demonstrable fact Navy respect professional service." 508, 577 (emphasis original). 24 With principles mind, clear mothers situated. law, voluntary legitimate.6 identity rarely doubt, frequently unknown. Lalli Lalli, 518, 503.7 By coming forward Code, establish legitimate.8 Since precisely circumstances ab initio, class instead distinguishes not.9 Such quite condemned Frontiero, premised excluded members one though IV 26 Having still must determine 27 This recognized maintenance accurate efficient disposition property supra; Labine Vincent, 401 532, 1017, 28 288. Of concern existence mechanism "the often danger spurious claims intestate estates." 265, 523. 538, 874, 56. fraudulent order maintain fair orderly context uncertainty impossible settle many cases, always exist risk subsequent suit another person father.10 chosen deal allowing legitimating cannot say solution irrational one. Cf. 503.11 argues, whatever establishing generally, argument misconceives function measure created laws.12 paternity, irrelevant able prove manner. V alleges Nowhere brief oral argument, explanation implicated decision cited remotely due 551. raised hearing fitness parent taken him Illinois. interests controlling integrity interference freedom raise own one, involving asserted money damages. For reasons, 32 ordered. 33 POWELL, concurring judgment. 34 I agree protection.* write separately, arrive conclusion route somewhat STEWART. To withstand scrutiny distinctions "serve important governmental objectives objectives." 197, 457, (1976). 279, 1111, 306 (1979); 14, 1377, 688 (1975); 71 (1971). various contexts importance minimizing potential identifying Caban Mohammed, 393 n. 1769, (adoptions); 268-269, 524-525, 503 (inheritance); (1973) (child support). Indeed, sought avoid "impos[ing] systems burden" determining actions. 174, 1406, 768 (1972). issue (1978), simple, convenient eliminate questions concerning parentage. filing petition requesting legitimation. notice served enter declaring law. 37 lies father's power remove himself disability suffer. required declare intentions likely available provide evidence. hand, given appear rebut marginally burden placed severe marked difference maternity—a repeatedly. 525. 38 find others unjustified reliance classification. confronted law burdened (whether out wedlock such child) powerless burden—regardless proof 380, 1760, 297; (1977). require marriage tantamount total exclusion fathers, possible consent requirement imposed sum, reviewed prior decisions, 39 WHITE, BRENNAN, MARSHALL, BLACKMUN join, dissenting. 40 Appellant conceded alone bring Yet four Members discriminated "simply" sex, ante, 355, provides dispositive point avail process. Therefore, told, "[t]he situated," ibid. 41 There startling circularity argument. unmarried mothers, pursued legitimization procedure Seemingly, children,1 That resort dissolve requiring to.2 plurality's bootstrap rationale, men, pass course receive taxi license, limiting admission women.3 plain facts recovery discriminates fathers.4 " 'must serve objectives.' 388, 1766, quoting 456, none urged warrant reverse below. suggested legislature "promoting unit" "setting morality." 200, 869-870 actual far too tenuous justify involved. 1464, 44 Unmarried remain presumably defy unit."5 event, untenable parents die further Glona American Guarantee Liability Ins. 391 73, 88 1515, (1968), mother's attempt her suits Even mother—like case—had whereby she unilaterally thereby become eligible death,6 impermissible prevent recover. What said applies equally fathers: 45 "[W]e see basis . assuming cause served. would, indeed, farfetched assume compensated damages death." 1516. 46 173, 1405, 47 Another Court, today finds pervasive, "forestalling paternity," S.E.2d, 869. Whatever evidentiary associated parenthood mother,7 involved, am sure conceivably simplifying determination liability outright 48 shown undoubted effecting sound inheritance unduly tie up assets deceased, including real transmission utilization heirs upcoming generation.8 Formal documentation entitlement significant unending litigation inimical interest. comparable protecting tortfeasor having litigated determined usual way. tort litigation, plaintiff challenged.9 merely rule competency evidence10 absolute prerequisite barring capable parenthood, fathers. denigrates process, foreclosing discriminations, hold erroneous determinations unknown number few, sufficient forbid natural, committed.11 Much true lame suggestion keeping protect wrongdoers insurance companies recoveries. claimed hazards personal injury very doubtful exacerbated stricken down. Assuming might few recoveries threatened, steps proceeding, just quiet title estate need reopened every turn. risks be, many, like little doubt indeed.12 fourth final "more marry pursuant proper proceedings suffers loss 870. previous hypothesized interests, last least plausible issue. conception unacceptable blanket parents,13 close mothers. 297, struck down adoption rejecting assertion "broad, universal relations phase development." 389, 1767.14 presumed lack affection aware children.15 Particularly signed certificate, continuously contributed financial support, maintained daily contact him16—it unrealistic presume (or mothers17) suffering palpable will, general rule, procedure. Only Term, indicated acceptable surrogate child.18 proceed considered determination, however unjustified, suffer die. Rather, pervasive absolutely prohibited bringing alive, desire separated divorced. incredible lose extreme version underlying less deserving 53 prefer amount mental anguish future income suffered dies—rather "full value life child," provides19—it amend statute. categorically deems uninjured undeserving. Section provides: "A or, homicide sui juris, shall leave wife, husband full bar recovery." (Emphasis added.) order. render petitioning superior county residence, forth name, age, mother; desires changed, stating new praying legitimation application notice. Upon application, filed, inheriting wedlock, known." 74-202 until reaches 18, marries, becomes self-supporting, whichever occurs first. 105-1309 "In foregoing provisions Chapter [the Chapter], administrator executor decedent recovered next kin. decedent." affecting illegitimates structured sufficiently adequate interest, statutes. 503; Mathews Lucas, 495, 2755, 651; plurality "That woman prove. Proof contrast, formal unit. putative goes unconscious conscious, totally unconcerned ties Indeed know pregnancy." (Citations omitted.) 441, Louisiana allow perceived existed claims. Part IV, infra. excludes adopted "a middle ground extremes complete case-by-case paternity." 771, 1465, 31. supra. decide completely opposed 2, decided today. enables status, method supra ; children's similar evident traditional unit morality. seriously argued itself "fundamental" right. themselves—and therefore differs Although petition, At parent, both, La.Civ.Code Ann., Art. 203 (West 1952). fails examine bears address anomalous, least, assert invisible tied without subjecting appropriate level scrutiny. Men "similarly situated." obviously opinion Stewart shunts aside readily Georgia's stressing made fortuitous event makes legitimacy relevant. children, alive; "if [there is] mother." infra, 368. 523, 769, 1, 79 1516 (Harlan, J., dissenting). cf. 76, 1517 ("Opening courts [by child] temptation motherhood fraudulently"). therein. Where triggering heightened alleged, deference statutorily entitlements, see, Weinberger Wiesenfeld, 420 636, 1225, 514 (1973); Griffin 1069, 689, 660 summarily aff'g 346 F.Supp. 1226 (D.C.Md.1972); (1972), recovery; Glona, Levy Louisiana, 68, 1509, 436 (1968). Weber, per expressly analogized deciding workmen's compensation, latter substantial intestacy succession, 170-172, 1404-1405. ("That [of motherhood] concerns "). evidence challenge capacity sue, unable—particularly when, here, dead—to offer convince factfinder 651 (1976) (upholding denial survivors' Social Security Act show ways, written acknowledgment U.S.C. 402(d)(3)). Certainly, solicitude plaintiff. 875 (holding entitle illegitimate, support: "We recognize lurking Those lightly brushed aside, into impenetrable barrier works shield otherwise discrimination"). 254, (1971) ("Clearly reducing workload eliminating contests legitimacy. [W]hatever positive values intrafamily controversy, choice lawfully mandated sex"). 1977, 15.5% 51.7% black United States parents. Dept. HEW, National Center Health Statistics, Vital Statistics Report, 11, p. (1979). anything approaching "suffe[r] death" incredible. 1769 establishes Family N.Y. §§ 511 571 (McKinney 1975 Supp. 1978-1979) object adoption, refusal objection "sho[w] child." explained, 364-366, insufficient also, presently suit. certainly intimate failure suffice relations. 199, 869 text 6, Quilloin Walcott, 434 246, 549, 554, 54 105-1307, 105-1308 ("The evidence, deduction necessary expenses lived").

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