Document: 409 U.S. 434 93 S.Ct. 631 34 L.Ed.2d 626 UNITED STATES, Appellant,v.Robert William KRAS. No. 71-749. Argued Oct. 18, 1972. Decided Jan. 10, 1973. Syllabus Appellee, an indigent who filed a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, sought discharge without payment of the fees, aggregating no more than $50, that are precondition to such proceeding. The District Court, relying primarily on Boddie v. Connecticut, 401 371, 91 780, 28 113 (where Court held State could not consistently with due process and equal protection requirements, deny access divorce courts indigents unable pay filing other fees), bankruptcy fee provisions, as applied appellee, unconstitutional denial Fifth Amendment rights process, including protection. Held: This case is controlled by Boddie, supra, For here only conceivable relief available bankrupts; filing-fee requyirement does laws, since there constitutional right obtain one's debts bankruptcy; 'fundamental' demanding compelling governmental interest regulation; rational basis for requirement. Pp. 443—450. 331 F.Supp. 1207, reversed. Edward R. Korman, New York City, appellant. Kalman Finkel, appellee. Mr. Justice BLACKMUN delivered opinion Court. 1 Bankruptcy Act one this Court's complementary Orders impose fees make those condition bankruptcy. 2 Appellee Kras, petitioner challenged grounds. Upon receiving notice issue Government moved intervene under U.S.C. § 2403 Rule 24(a) Federal Rules Civil Procedure. Leave was granted. provisions be Kras. 1207 (EDNY 1971). It reached conclusion face earlier contrary holding unanimous First Circuit. In re Garland, 428 F.2d 1185 (1 Cir. 1970), cert. denied, 402 966, 1624, 29 130 (1971). Pursuant 1252, appealed. We noted probable jurisdiction. 405 915, 92 955, 30 784 (1972). 3 * Section 14(b)(2) Act, 11 32(b)(2), provides that, upon expiration time fixed court objections, 'the shall bankrupt if objection has been required paid title have full.' 14(c), 32(c), similarly 'shall grant unless satisfied . (8) failed 59(g), 95(g), relates dismissal states 'in failure costs,' creditors required. Three separate sections thus contemplate imposition fees. 4 charges imposed: $37 referee's salary expense fund, $10 compensation trustee,1 $3 clerk's services. §§ 40(c) (1), 48(c), 52(a), 68(c)(1), 76(c), 80(a). These total $50.2 payable petition. however, contains proviso cases all 'may installments, so authorized General Order Supreme United States.' 5 35(4), amended June 23, 1947, 873, 876—877, U.S.C.App., p. 2210, complements 40(c)(1) proper showing bankrupt, may installments within six-month period, which extended exceed three months.3 II 6 Robert Kras presented his States Eastern May 28, 1971. accompanied Kras' motion leave file proceed any precedent discharge. supported affidavit containing following allegations controverted Government: 7 1. resides 1/2-room apartment wife, two children, ages years 8 months, mother, mother's 6-year-old dauthter. His younger child suffers from cystic fibrosis undergoing treatment medical center. 2. unemployed 1969 except odd jobs producing about $300 like amount 1970. last steady job insurance agent Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. He discharged when premiums he had collected were stolen home up employer. Metropolitan's claim against him increased over $1,000 listed diligently employment but, because unfavorable references Metropolitan, unsuccessful. Mrs. employed until March 1970, she forced stop pregnancy. All her attention now will devoted caring coming out hospital soon. 9 3. household subsists entirely $210 per month public assistance received own family $156 mother daughter. benefis expended rent day-to-day necessities. $102 month. owns automobile asset non-exempt law. receives unemployment or disability benefit. sole assets wearing apparel $50 worth essential houselhold goods exempt 24, Practice Laws 5205 (1963). couch negligible value storage $6 monthly. 10 4. Because poverty, wholly promise even small installments. borrow money. City Department Social Services refuses allot money prospect immediate employment. 5. seeks $6,428.69 indebtedness order relieve himself distress financial insolvency creditor harassment new start life. especially important debt soon 'because cleared continue falsely charge me fraud give bad prevent my getting employment.' 12 order, F.Supp., at 1215, granting prepayment adjudged September 13, Later, referee, consent parties, entered allowing conduct necessary proceedings but referee stayed pending disposition appeal. III 13 first statutory argument—and, alternatively, based common law—that entitled 1915(a).4 forma pauperis statute its origin July 20, 1892, c. 209, 27 Stat. 252. See also 832—836 (1940 ed.). 14 rejected argument despite seeming facial application 1915(a) proceeding well other. result noting 51(2) originally adopted 1898, 558, provided waiver inability pay; passage Referees' Salary Bill 1946, 60 326, petitions abolished, H.R.Rep. 1037, 79th Cong., 1st Sess., (1945); S.Rep. 959, 2d (1946); 1946 statute, being later having positive specific provision postponement indigency, overrode general 1915(a). 1209 s1210. To same effect F.2d, 1186—1187, Smith, 323 1082, 1084—1085 (Colo.1971), reasoning adopted. So 341 1297, 1298 (ND Ill.1972). 15 appellee abandoned Tr. Oral Arg. 44—45. event, we agree, reasons stated Garland Smith cases, W. Collier, 51.01, pp. 1873—1874 (14th ed. Neither do perceive common-law Congress, course, sometime might conclude should made applicable legislate accordingly. 16 went hold, 1210—1215, prescribed discharge, served 'his protection.' Id., 1212. 'fundamental interest' denied 'compelling government demonstrated. noted, id., 1213, survival, beyond bankrupt's obligation rested decision (1971), came down after Circuit's supra. A number district referees result.5 17 contends falls squarely Boddie. Government, hand, stresses differences between (with concerned) claims controlling requirements constitute reasonable exercise Congress' plenary power IV 18 challenge welfare recipients certain Connecticut procedures, costs, allegedly restricted their divorce. plaintiffs, simply reason bring actions. reversed judgment limit 'which effectively bar persons commencing actions therein.' 286 986, 972. Harlan, writing stressed state monopolization means legally dissolving marriage identified would-be plaintiff action's impoverished defendant into institution lawsuit him. declared 'a meaningful opportunity heard' firmly imbedded our jurisprudence, U.S., 377, S.Ct., 785, protected laws operate jeopardize it particular individuals, 379—380, 786—787. then concluded Connecticut's refusal admit these good-faith plaintiffs equated heard and, absence sufficient countervailing justification State's action, 380—381, 787 19 But emphasized 'we go further dispose before us.' 382, 788. 20 'We decide individuals is, circumstances, guaranteed Due Process Clause Fourteenth placed reach individual, for, already us exclusive adjustment fundamental human relationship. requirement appellants resort judicial state-created matter. Thus hold not, consistent obligations imposed Amendment, pre-empt dissolve legal relationship affording citizens doing so.' 382—383, 788—789. 21 Douglas, concurring result, rather process. 'I see length road must follow accept Brother Harlan's invitation.' 383, 385, 790. Brennan concurred part, discerned distinction 'any arising federal law' he, also, found 386, 387, 791. Black dissented, 389, 792, feeling costs barred neither nor Equal Protection Amendment. 22 Just months decided, certiorari Garland. 130. Black, seven then-pending 954, L.Ed. 124, dissented would eight 'or reverse them outright Boddie.' 1625. need seem(ed) person's seek divorce.' 958, 1626. And Douglas four 'obtaining fresh life through (seemingly come(s) within) Clause.' 960, 961, 1627. 23 Thus, although normally carries implication inference, Chessman Teets, 354 156, 164 n. 77 1127, 1131, 1253 (1957); Brown Allen, 344 443, 73 397, 97 469 (1953), pointed dissents join dissenters, surely some significance attitude principle V 24 agree control reliance misplaced. 25 A. notion cannot access, 'judicial (that is) effective resolving dispute hand.' 376, 785. Throughout constant recurring reference Connecicut's establishment, enforcement, dissolution marital 'marriage involves interests basic importance society,' ibid., spoke 'state relationship,' 374, 784. '(R)esort (was) avenue marriages,' 'not paramount dispute-settlement technique, fact, one,' achknowledged knew 'of instance where consenting adults mutually liberate themselves constraints marriage, fundamentally prohibition remarriage, invoking machinery,' light this, 'no realistic sense called defend court' resolved principles enunciated decisions delimit defendants compelled litigate forum,' 376 26 B. other, stand materially different postures. forum touched directly, associational surround establishment On many occasions recognized Constitution. See, example, Loving Virginia, 388 1, 87 1817, 1010 (1967); Skinner Oklahoma, 316 535, 62 1110, 86 1655 (1942); Griswold 381 479, 85 1678, 510 (1965); Eisenstadt Baird, 438, 1029, 31 349 (1972); Meyer Nebraska, 262 390, 43 625, 67 1042 (1923). appellants' marriages seriously impaired freedom pursue activities. alleged elimination burden, obtaining desired life, enactment rise level. Dandridge Williams, 397 471, 90 1153, 491 (1970); Richardson Belcher, 404 78, 254, 231 If position altered sense. Gaining gaining change respect necessities.6 gained lost depending availability C. Nor Government's nearly contrast divorce, method debtor creditors. utter exclusiveness remedy, potent factor '(w)ithout prior imprimatur, freely enter rescind commercial contracts ..' However unrealistic remedy situation, debtor, theory, often actuality, adjust negotiated agreement At times happy limitation acceptable arrangement, provide answer. role private qualitatively quantitatively marriage. Resort court, therefore, path relief. Boddie's emphasis exclusivity finds counterpart bankupt's situation. Cohen Beneficial Industrial Loan Corp., 337 541, 547—555, 69 1221, 1226—1229, 1528 (1949). D. laws. hardly akin free speech rights, come regard demand lofty they significantly regulated. Shapiro Thompson, 394 618, 638, 89 1322, 1333, 600 (1969). touch what said suspect criteria race, nationality, alienage. Graham Richardson, 403 365, 375, 1848, 1853, 534 Instead, legislation area economics social welfare. 484—485, 1161; 81, 256; Lindsey Normet, 56, 74, 862, 874, 36 Jefferson Hackney, 406 546, 1724, 1731, 32 285 so, standard, measuring propriety classification, justification. Flemming Nestor, 363 603, 611—612, 80 1367, 1372—1373, 1435 (1960); 485—486, 1161, 1162; 256. E. There Constitution, Art. I, 8, cl. 4, merely authorizes Congress 'establish uniform subject Bankruptcies throughout Although law England enacted 1542, & 35 Hen. appeared 1705, Anne, 17, reward cooperating debtors, J. MacLachlan, 20—21 (1956), known country adoption Indeed, entire period present Nation short periods 1/2 years. April 1800, 19, repealed December 1803, 6, 248. second August 1841, 9, 440, less 3, 1843, 82, 614. third 2, 1867, 176, 517; 7, 1878, 160, 99. Voluntary permitted 1841 1867 Acts. 0.03—0.05, 6—9 Professor MacLachlan development 'represents independent policy favor extricating insolvent otherwise impasse.' 88 (footnote omitted). obviously legislatively created benefit, one, benefit withheld, save periods, during 110 Nation's mere fact delegated supervision processed convert court. Then, too, responsibility administrative agency. F. readily apparent. Congressional exclusive. Kalb Feuerstein, 308 433, 438—439, 343, 345—346, 84 370 (1940). By abolished theretofore existing practices pauper compensating collected. replaced system salaried every specified percentage distributable assets. self-sustaining use tax revenues drawn large. 4—6 5—6 (1946).7 ultimately unconstitutional, payments survive continuing bankrupt. 1093; Ottman, 336 746, 748 (E.D.Wis.1972); O'Brien Trevethan, 1034 (Conn.1972). 33 Further, reasonableness structure produced, congressional concern apparent permitting fee, consequent subsequent earnings after-acquired rare exception 70(a) 110(a)) then-existing obligations. coupled ability stay enforcement thereafter commenced, 11(a) 2(a)(15), 29(a) 11(a)(15); 1A 11.03 1972); 2.62(4) 1971), enable terminate creditors, protect future property, minimum effort obligation. They serve incidental effect, promote defeat purpose making financially self-sufficient. Cf. 74—79, 874—877. G. six 35(4) permits showing, average weekly $1.92. additional permits, lowered $1.28.8 sum makes storage, price movie little cost pack cigarettes. If, alleges affidavit, afford desires, longer references,9 really needs desires much revenue able-bodied adjudication collection brought halt whatever harassment, any, sustained VI meticulously out, above, us' did individual.' stopped unlimited rule decline extend no-asset That relief, forthcoming, originate Congress. Shaeffer, Proceedings Forma Pauperis, Col.L.Rev. 1203 37 Reversed. 38 Cheif BURGER, concurring. 39 I concur fully opinion. painstaking precise delineation Harlan involved ought ignored dissenting opinions do. Moreover, far cry degree relations creditor, out. government, overseer administrator process; absolute controller Like descent distribution property statutes probate courts, mode orderly creditors; debtors work binding adjustments 40 Surely strong arguments, matter policy, view asserts. yet seen fit declare dissenters find 1970 tripartite commission review laws.1 engaged task likely problem escape consideration.2 Constitution source reform, needed system. 41 STEWART, whom DOUGLAS, BRENNAN, MARSHALL join, dissenting. 42 1971, accompanying described economic plight. resided young child. eight-month-old son Pub.L. 91—354, 468. commission's mandate requires 'study, analyze, evaluate, recommend changes' reflect adequately meet demands technical, financial, study include consideration philosophy causes possible alternatives administration, applicability advanced management techniques achieve economies administration matters Commission deem relevant.' Of relevance preamble creating commission, recites part technical aspects interwoven rapid expansion credit proportions anything previously experienced report submitted 30, 92—251, 63. treatment. Unemployed 1969, jobs, allotment $366 month—all consumed most necessities consisted clothing goods.1 44 $6,000 debts, particularly former employer contended hampered efforts permanent job: earnestly myself When get want able spend wages support care son, instead paying forcing remain dependent welfare.' 45 indicated lump sum,2 filed.3 him,4 fee. 46 doctrine 113, prepaid violate 1212.5 ordered directed survival appellee's jurisdiction would, affirm judgment. 47 requiring $60 prerequisite action reasoned protections traditionally viewed safeguards defendant, point invokes hand defendant's full raises grave problems legitimacy.' party remains serious State, removed bond. that: 48 '(A)lthough assert think plight, marriages, faced exclusion empowered settle disputes. both groups one.' 376—377, 49 violation seems equally clear case. undisputed attempt indigent. As true 'welfare income barely suffices daily essentials includes budgeted gain 372—373, 783.6 50 Similarly, married Biddie, contract voluntarily. nevertheless continues enforce obligation, 'legal system' machinery collect it. precisely stands ready exact garnishment, attachment, panoply remedies. can pursued harassed enforceable debts. 51 unique situation ever Government-imposed 'recognized, alternatives,' While desire compromise settlement, possibility foreclosed truly With funds $1.28, assetless absolutely nothing offer reduce debts; hope eventually enough attach. Unless totally hopeless himself. pre-empted lifetime burden debt.7 52 justified self-supporting.8 'pay you go' argument, finding insufficient excluding poor persuasive here. tolerate achievement goal self-support system, domestic denying poor. Naron, 334 1150, 1151; 1088.9 53 view, case, require 'that individual did, ., 789. 54 relieves honest weight oppressive indebtedness, (permits) afresh responsibilities business misfortunes,' Williams Fidelity Guaranty Co., 236 549, 554—555, 289, 290, 59 713. holds field effort, unhampered pressure discouragement pre-existing debt.' Local Co. Hunt, 292 234, 244, 695, 699, 78 1230. Yet today denies most, day live face-to-face abject poverty—who spare $1.28 week. 55 say too agree. 56 DOUGLAS 57 STEWART'S explicit statement reasons. Bolling Sharpe, 347 497, 499, 74 693, 694, 98 884, segregation students Columbia violated Amendment: 58 'The Columbia, contain clause applies states. concepts stemming American ideal fairness, 'equal laws' safeguard prohibited unfairness 'due law,' imply always interchangeable phrases. But, recognized, discrimination unjustifiable violative process.' invidious 'invidious' wealth race. MARSHALL, 61 dissent joined, majority's distinguish add comments extraordinary route majority reaches conclusion. notes each week $1.28. says 'this reach.' Ante, 449. 63 claimed 'unable installments.' App. detailed statements condition. unchallenged below, Judge properly accepted factual true. e.g., Poller Broadcasting System, 368 464, 82 486, 458 (1962); National Bank Arizona Cities Service 391 253, 1575, 569 (1968); 35B C.J.S. Procedure 1197 (1960). believe restrained traditional judges unchallenged, credible affidavits true, disregards inferences necessarily them. treat cavalierly.1 64 Even mistake, mistaken saying directly impugn good faith statement. interim says, 65 easy desperately $1.92 course months. Census 800,000 families annual incomes $19.23 Bureau Census, Current Population Reports, series P—60, 80; Statistical Abstract 1972, 323. straits sacrifice 5% bankruptcy.2 66 people savings $2 burden. close contact fail understand how margin are. sudden illness, destroy accumulated, eliminating security incentive future. cigarettes be, them, routine purchase luxury indulged rarely. almost never movie, activity. things have—like attempting comforts gravely ill child, perfectly disagree requires. disgraceful interpretation premised unfounded assumptions live. 68 derives solace Reliance proposition impairs vitality discretion hear. 491—492, 438 439, (1953) (opinion Frankfurter, J.). community knows, uses Perhaps believed lower consider implications Most refused 1185. ante, 453 (STEWART, J., dissenting). thought record inappropriate determine scope Or perhaps reason. discretionary writ prohibit kind speculation. dertiorari, ourselves, indicates merits serves tell today, read, thousands annually certiorari.3 70 '(t)he relationship.' sees bankruptcy.' 444, 445. turn distinctions cases,4 STEWART distinguished; standing same. 71 However, STEWART. involving right, just bankruptcy.5 person entitlement duty way whether adjudicating claim.6 Failure courts. 72 pervasive preclude resolution settlements validity right. Such questions authoritatively sense, believe, forum—and Additional trustee appropriate allowable noasset estate. 15, 305 687 (1939), 2203, appointed appointed, aggregate $40. '(4) Chapters VII clerk verified stating filing. facts necessity set forth terms peitioner proposes 'a. meeting adjournment thereof, fixing date final installment original petition; provided, cause shown 'b. ordered, dismiss 59, sub. g. Act. 'c. No babkrupt instituted 'Any authorize commencement, prosecution defense suit, proceeding, civil criminal, appeal therein, therefor, therefor. nature affiant's belief redress.' 1082 (Colo.1971) (decided Boddie); 1150 (Or.1971); 746 (ED Wis.1972); 1297 Ill.1972); Haddock Beeman, Nos. 14810 14811 (Conn.1972); Passwater, IP70—B—3697 IP70—B—3698 (SD Ind.1971); Ripley, .no. Bk 71—o—1003 (Neb.1972); Read, 71—826 (WDNY 1029 Partilla, 71—B—380 (SDNY 1971); Malevich, 29—71 (NJ N.Y. CPLR (1963); Labor Law 595 Welfare 137 (1966), 137—a (Supp.1972 1973). decade ended 1959, Referee's Expense Fund showed surpluses five fiscal deficits five. 107,481 terminated (as compared 169,500 nonbusiness filed). Administrative Office Courts, Tables Statistics Fiscal Year Ending 5, means, cases. Undue hardship achievement. $40, figures reduced $1.54 $1.03 respectively. itself issuing letter items pursuant consists referees' trustees, amounting week; cause, filed, indicate without, obtain, advance, payments. waived contention grounds expressly eliminated pauperis, substituted 68(c). intent eliminate petitions, concluded, intend allow bankrupts statute. Cir.) 1185, 1186—1187; 1084—1085. queston Other Haddock, (Conn., 22, S.Supp. 1297; (Neb., Apr. 746; 1150; (WDNY, Shropshire Ia., Mar. IP70 B—3697 Ind. relies, decided petition: 'Because am dependents family, relatives, friends. One loan wife's grandmother. 788, society.' subjective conception 'fundamentality' matter, led Boddie; rather, significant contracts, unaware covenant approval.' existence judicially enforced besets Prior while petitioners whose depended demanded S.Rep.No.959, 6—7 H.R.Rep.No.1037, (1945). Amendments 5—6. Fuentes Shevin, 407 67, 1983, 1999, 556; Bell Burson, 540—541, 1586, 1589—1590, 90; Goldberg Kelly, 261, 1011, 1016, 287; Griffin Illinois, 351 12, 76 585, 100 891. evidence substantial prospects prepayment. Any loss partly recouped misrepresents 'is storage.' Nowhere slender actually couch. 'owed mouth' storage. (emphasis added). owed $6,428.69, read mean anyone. majority, citing 'record achievement' terminating year 448 relies spectral evidence. statistics got unenlightening question know convince afforded receive affected undertook write dissent, 'pointed dissent,' suggest, again, views Members colleague's great vehicle determination issue. intrigued suggestion impinges 'associational interests,' constitutionally protected. Are interests? chooses divorces committed adultery, parties irreconcilable interest? raise suggest focus relative scheme What either remove branches enforce, it, suggests involved, nonjudicial 447. doubt statutorily finally determined agency, disappointed claimant secure review. well-off clear, right; shorthand call play fulfilled procedure substance unknown counter argument.

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