Opinion ID: 2310896
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Age-Based Distinctions and Equal Protection

Text: Abrams argues that 11 Del.C. § 841(c) (section 841) violates the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution [3] because it classifies theft of less than $1,000.00 as a misdemeanor, unless the victim is 60 years old or older, in which case the theft is a felony. He contends that the statute treats him differently from similarly situated offenders based on an arbitrary and unreasonable distinction, viz., the age of his victim. According to Abrams, it is not proper to assume that most or even many persons over 60 are vulnerable or that they have decreasing physical or mental ability. He therefore submits that the proper way to account for the age of the victim in a statute such as section 841 is through consideration of the victim's age as an aggravating factor on a case-by-case basis. Abrams relies on an incorrect analysis of the rational basis standard of judicial scrutiny to arrive at his conclusions. Therefore, his contention is without merit. Distinctions based on age involve neither a suspect class nor a fundamental right. [4] Therefore this Court reviews age-based distinctions using rational basis scrutiny. [5] Under rational basis review, if the age-based distinction in the statutory provision is neither irrational nor arbitrary, the provision will stand. [6] This Court said as much in Hughes v. State: [7] In determining whether a statutory classification, not involving a suspect class or fundamental right, violates the equal protection [or due process] clause, we presume that the distinctions so created are valid. `A statutory discrimination or classification will not be set aside if any state of facts reasonably may be conceived to justify it.' The facts of the case sub judice present a prime example of the type of harm the legislature sought to redress by visiting harsher penalties upon those who prey on the elderly: a forgetful, absentminded man in his eighties, living alone, has his wallet snatched by the son of a neighbor. Because protecting the elderly is neither an arbitrary nor irrational basis upon which to make an age-based distinction under section 841, this provision does not violate the Equal Protection Clause. Moreover, Abrams argues incorrectly that the statute treats him differently from similarly situated offenders. Section 841 subjects all offenders whose victims are above a certain age to the same felony classification. Age-based classifications are made in other provisions of the code in a similar manner. For example, 11 Del.C. § 773(2) [8] subjects all offenders whose victims are below a certain age to the same felony classification. Again, since the age-based distinction in each provision bears a rational relationship to a legitimate state interest, and since all individuals who commit offenses governed by these provisions are treated in the same manner, these provisions do not violate the Equal Protection Clause.