Document: 427 U.S. 307 96 S.Ct. 2562 49 L.Ed.2d 520 MASSACHUSETTS BOARD OF RETIREMENT et al., Appellants,v.Robert D. MURGIA. No. 74-1044. June 25, 1976. [Syllabus intentionally left blank] PER CURIAM. 1 This case presents the question whether provision of Mass.Gen.Laws Ann. c. 32, § 26(3)(a) (1969), that a uniformed state police officer "shall be retired . upon his attaining age fifty," denies appellee equal protection laws in violation Fourteenth Amendment.1 [Amicus Curiae omitted] 2 Appellee Robert Murgia was an Uniformed Branch Massachusetts State Police. The Board Retirement him 50th birthday. brought this civil action United States District Court for Massachusetts, alleging operation denied and requesting convening three-judge court under 28 U.S.C. §§ 2281, 2284.2 Judge dismissed appellee's complaint on ground did not allege substantial constitutional question. D.C.Mass., 345 F.Supp. 1140 (1972). On appeal, Appeals First Circuit, unreported memorandum, set aside judgment remanded with direction to convene court. Upon record consisting depositions, affidavits, other documentary material submitted by parties, filed opinion declared unconstitutional "a classification based 50 alone lacks rational basis furthering any interest," enjoined enforcement statute. 376 753, 754 (Mass.1974). We noted probable jurisdiction, 421 974, 95 1973, 44 466 (1975), now reverse. 3 primary function Police is protect persons property maintain law order. Specifically, officers participate controlling prison disorders, respond emergencies natural disasters, patrol highways marked cruisers, investigate crime, apprehend criminal suspects, provide backup support local personnel. As observed, "service branch is, or can be, arduous." F.Supp., at 754. "(H) igh versatility required, few, if any, backwaters available partially superannuated." Ibid. Thus, "even (appellee's) experts concede there general relationship between advancing decreasing physical ability demands job." Id., 755. 4 These considerations prompt requirement pass comprehensive examination biennially until 40. After that, mandatory retirement 50, must annually more rigorous examination, including electrocardiogram tests gastro-intestinal bleeding. had passed such four months before he retired, no dispute when excellent mental health still rendered capable performing duties officer. 5 includes testimony three physicians: Surgeon, who testified physiological psychological involved performance functions; associate professor medicine, generally aging perform stress; surgeon, also safely functions. clearly established risk failure, particularly cardiovascular system, increases age, number individuals given group incapable stress functions group. App. 77-78, 174-176. recognized particular over could officers. witness appellee, further evaluating failure individual would require detailed studies. 77-78. 6 In assessing claim, found it unnecessary apply strict-scrutiny test, see Shapiro v. Thompson, 394 618, 89 1322, 22 600 determined statutory scheme event withstand test rationality, Dandridge Williams, 397 471, 90 1153, 25 491 (1970). Since been showing reaching forecasts even "imminent change" officer's condition, held compulsory irrational assessed capabilities individually means annual examinations. agree rationality proper standard which violates protection. disagree, however, Court's determination rationally related legitimate interest. 7 * need only briefly our reasons agreeing strict scrutiny determining San Antonio School Rodriguez, 411 1, 16, 93 1278, 1287, 36 16 (1973), reaffirmed analysis requires legislative impermissibly interferes exercise fundamental right3 operates peculiar disadvantage suspect class.4 Mandatory statute involves neither situation. 8 decisions give proposition right governmental employment Per se fundamental. See supra; Lindsey Normet, 405 56, 73, 92 862, 874, 31 (1972); supra, 485, 1162. Accordingly, we have expressly stated less than "has consistently applied legislation restricting availability opportunities." 9 Nor does class constitute purposes analysis. 28, 1294, observed one "saddled disabilities, subjected history purposeful unequal treatment, relegated position political powerlessness as command extraordinary from majoritarian process." While treatment aged Nation has wholly free discrimination, persons, unlike, say, those discriminated against race national origin, experienced "history treatment" unique disabilities stereotyped characteristics truly indicative their abilities. subject feature consists 50. It cannot said discriminate elderly. Rather, draws line certain middle life. But old define "discrete insular" group, Carolene Products Co., 304 144, 152-153, n. 4, 58 778, 783, 82 L.Ed. 1234 (1938), "extraordinary Instead, marks stage each us will reach live out normal span. Even impose penalty defined aged, distinction sufficiently akin classifications call judicial scrutiny. 10 Under circumstances, State's resolution competing interests degree critical cases Equal Protection Clause recently characterized "strict scrutiny." II 11 turn then examine rational-basis standard. inquiry employs relatively relaxed reflecting awareness drawing lines create distinctions peculiarly task unavoidable one. Perfection making necessary possible nor necessary. U.S., S.Ct., Such legislature presumed valid.5 12 case, meets requirements Clause, furthers purpose identified State:6 Through seeks public assuring preparedness its police.7 declines serves remove service whose fitness work presumptively diminished age. objective.8 There indication effect excluding so few are fact unqualified render criterion unrelated objective statute.9 13 That chooses determine precisely through individualized testing after say furthered maximum-age limitation. regard interest all concerned, perhaps chosen best accomplish purpose.10 where "does violate merely because made imperfect." 1161. 14 do make light economic effects premature individual; denigrate elderly citizens continue contribute society. problems well documented beyond serious dispute.11 "(w)e decide today (Massachusetts statute) wise, fulfills relevant social objectives (Massachusetts) might ideally espouse, just humane system revised." 487, enacted Legislature deny laws. 15 reversed. Mr. Justice STEVENS took part consideration decision case. 17 MARSHALL, dissenting. 18 Today holds permissible Commonwealth declare members force proved medically fit nonetheless legislatively unfit policemen terminated involuntarily "retired" they reached Although called "of very essence personal freedom opportunity (Fourteenth) Amendment secure," Truax Raich, 239 33, 41, 7, 10, 60 131 (1915), finds right. And, while "the discrimination," Ante, 313, class. undertakes mandated bottom tier two-tier framework, challenged "wholly unrelated" objective, holds, therefore, survives attack. I respectfully dissent. 19 signs grasp weakening, rigid model sway articulated description test. Again, object perpetuation. model's two fixed modes analysis, mere simply describe undertaken should undertake cases. much sophisticated admit much. focused character question, relative importance benefits receive, asserted classification. Marshall States, 414 417, 432-433, 94 700, 709, 38 618 (1974) (Marshall, J., dissenting); 98-110, 1330, (1973) Richardson Belcher, 404 78, 90-91, 254, 262, 30 231 (1971) 519-530, 1178, (1970) dissenting). City Charlotte Firefighters, 426 283, 286, 2036, 2038, 48 636 (1976); Memorial Hospital Maricopa County, 415 250, 253-254, 1076, 1080, 39 306 (1974); Dunn Blumstein, 330, 335, 995, 999, 274 Kramer Union Dist., 395 621, 626, 1886, 1889, 23 583 (1969); Williams Rhodes, 393 23, 30, 5, 21 24 (1968). 20 outwardly adheres model, apparently lost recognizing "fundamental" rights "suspect" classes. supra (rejecting education right); Frontiero Richardson, 677, 1764, (declining treat women class). my view, result consequence limitations traditional If invades discriminates class, scrutiny, always, nearly Korematsu States,1 323 214, 65 193, 194 (1944), struck down. Quite obviously, invoked all. surprise, then, hesitant expand categories classes expansion invalidation virtually every bearing newly covered category. however understandable hesitancy invoke remaining drop into tier, measured For too, articulated, leaves little doubt about outcome; always upheld. New Orleans Dukes, 297, 2513, 511 (1976) (overruling Morey Doud, 354 457, 77 1344, 1485 (1957), modern down irrational). gainsaid remain rights, classified "fundamental," vital flourishing society, classes, "suspect," unfairly burdened invidious discrimination worth members. Whatever these forgo discriminatory them, but rare instances choice termed irrelevant" goal. McGowan Maryland, 366 420, 425, 81 1101, 1104, (1961). articulation suggest abdication, happily deeds matched words. Time again, met touching prized acted reasonably probing look goals means, significance invaded. Stanton Stanton, 1373, 43 688 (1975); Weinberger Wiesenfeld, 420 636, 1225, 514 Dept. Agriculture Moreno, 413 528, 2821, 37 782 (1973); 691, 1772 (Powell, concurring judgment); James Strange, 407 128, 2027, 32 Weber Aetna Casualty & Surety 406 164, 1400, 768 Eisenstadt Baird, 438, 1029, 349 Reed Reed, 71, 251, 225 (1971). 1330 dissenting).2 clear rejected, albeit Sub silentio, most deferential statements validity noneconomic legislation. deciding factors encompassed applicable standards. First, approach rudderless, affording notice interested parties standards governing giving firm guidance judges who, consequence, assess constitutionality them Ad hoc basis. Second, unrelatedly, unpredictable holding never publicly adopted. Thus danger happened here, misapplied ignored. All same; time pretense are. verbal adherence despite effective repudiation cases, demonstrated efforts here. reason why tells able-bodied officers, ready willing work, longer earn living profession years judged same minimal use business interests. Williamson Lee Optical 348 483, 75 461, 99 563 (1955). Yet, invokes level wrongly it. Analysis above denied, demonstrates error. Whether not, " 'the engage common occupations life' repeatedly falling within concept liberty guaranteed Amendment. Regents Roth, 408 564, 572, 2701, 2707, 33 548 (1972), quoting Meyer Nebraska, 262 390, 399, 625, 67 1042 (1923). long ago Butchers' Co. Crescent 111 746, 652, 585 (1884), Bradley wrote "is inalienable right; formulated phrase 'pursuit happiness' declaration independence large ingredient citizen." 762, 657 (concurring opinion). And Smith Texas, 233 630, 34 681, 1129 (1914), invalidating criminally penalized anyone served freight train conductor without having previously brakeman, thereby excluded numerous equally qualified employees position, "all men entitled themselves families." 641, 684. 26 "In far man deprived labor, restricted, capacity wages acquire lessened, affords permitted work. Liberty servitude, guaranty assurance citizen shall protected powers mind body lawful calling." 682. 27 Arnett Kennedy, 416 134, 1633, 40 Perry Sindermann, 593, 2694, 570 Bell Burson, 402 535, 91 1586, 29 (1971); Keyishian Regents, 385 589, 605-606, 87 675, 685, 629 (1967); Schware Bar Examiners, 353 232, 238-239, 752, 756, 796 (1957); Slochower Higher Education, 350 551, 76 637, 100 692 (1956); Wieman Updegraff, 344 183, 73 215, 97 216 (1952); Raich,3 10. include government, settled involved, carefully looked depriving government employee job. job significant deprivation, burdensome person older citizen. Once terminated, readily find alternative employment. lack economically damaging, emotionally physically draining. Deprived status community meaningful activity, fearful becoming dependent others support, lonely new-found isolation, susceptible emotional ailments direct enforced idleness. Ample clinical evidence supports conclusion poses threat life expectancy person,4 consequences termination e disputed appellants. loses living, but, too often, well, sad contradiction Browning's promise: "The yet be,/The last life, first made."5 Not important workers itself merits attention. repeated arbitrary Department Labor, Older American Worker: Age Discrimination Employment (1965); M. Barron, Aging 55-68 Congress passing Act 1967: "(I)n face rising productivity affluence, disadvantaged retain employment, especially regain displaced jobs(.) "(T)he setting limits regardless potential become practice, otherwise desirable practices may persons(.) incidence unemployment, long-term unemployment resultant deterioration skill, morale, employer acceptability younger ages, high among workers; numbers great growing; grave(.)" Stat. 602, 621(a) (subsection omitted). 317 11. Of course, quite suggesting exist Negroes, "quasi-suspect" illegitimates. anti-discrimination legislation, provides positive enjoyed large. Moreover, isolated pervasive centered primarily advantage flexible standard, accommodate variables. undoubtedly against, benefit conclude sustain appellants show closely tailored achieving Cf. 124-126, 1343 inquiry, ultimately, markedly different 35 Turning, appellants' arguments, legitimate, indeed compelling, assure sufficient strength jobs. chosen, forced over-inclusive fall. examination. Until 40, re-enlists and, year. Appellants conceded "(w) hen member passes re-enlistment physical, Police." 43. id., 52. fails immediately refused re-enlistment. automatically seriously assert 50,6 claim continued serve able jobs.7 already fitness, conceding adequate job, terminating 50; indeed, seems height irrationality. Commonwealth's stand deprivation works employees. affirm Court.8 appointed 22, 9A (Supp.1976-1977), provides: "Whenever governor deem effectively maintenance order commonwealth, authorize commissioner additional appointments division police, together administration thereof. Said commonwealth constables, except process, watchmen. No nineteenth birthday thirtieth enlisted maximum qualifica- tion enlistment woman officer." pertinent 26(3), "(a) Any section nine A chapter twenty-two performed department safety twenty years, board fifty expiration whichever occurs." "(b) attained A, rating board, inspector registered physician it, report writing mentally incapacitated duty incapacity likely permanent." new enlistees retirements delayed past years' service. presented summarily treated Cannon Guste, 423 918, 257, 46 245 aff'g 74-3211 (May 6, 1975, ED La.); Weisbrod Lynn, 940, 1319, 383 933 (DC 1974); McIlvaine Pennsylvania, 986, 1583, 884 (1974), dismissing appeal 454 Pa. 129, 309 A.2d 801 (1973). Our cursory foreclose consider fully See, E. g., Edelman Jordan, 651, 670-671, 1347, 1359, 662 (1974). Jurisdiction pursuant 1343, declaratory injunctive relief sought 2201, 2202. denial alleged 42 1983. Federal 1967, 621 Et seq. Roe Wade, 410 113, 705, 147 (right uniquely private nature); Bullock Carter, 849, (1972) vote); (1969) interstate travel); (1968) (rights Amendment); Skinner Oklahoma ex rel. Williamson, 316 62 1110, 86 1655 (1942) procreate). Graham 403 365, 1848, 534 (alienage); McLaughlin Florida, 379 184, 85 222 (1964) (race); Oyama California, 332 633, 68 269, 249 (1948) (ancestry). 40-41, 1300, Madden Kentucky, 83, 88, 406, 408, 84 590 (1940); Lindsley Natural Carbonic Gas 220 61, 78-79, 337, 340, 55 369 (1911). 17, 1288. special commission's preceding enactment age-50 stated: Division Police, virtue nature demanded members, comparatively young vigorous physique. weathers arduous extreme argument needed demonstrate usually duties." Mass.H.Doc. 1582, p. (1938). With mind, Commissioner Public Safety argued commission provisions permitting 45. response "not prepared contention Safety, (state police) forty-five eligible (for) retirement, unsound matter policy." commission, deferred problem ages study, sole recommending 45 being anticipated pension costs State, reasonableness respect qualification. 7-9. Though limitation specifically proposed ultimately Aug. 12, 1939, 503, (1939), Mass.Acts Resolves 737-738 apparent 5316, pp. 16-17 2500, 21, 23-25 implied scheme, sets higher demanding 3(2)(g), (1966 Supp.1975). suggested oral 26(3)(a), them. Tr. Oral Arg. 14, 17-18. argument, unpersuasive. sections disputed, all, state, municipal, difference underlies 21-22 Review Massachusetts' commissions proceeded principle "maximum efficiency majority retire." 7. Indeed, were existing examinations 22-23. introduction examinations, hardly defeats scheme. fact, augments since avoid posed healthiest 50-year-old implemented eliminate least healthy (1961); Cameron, Neuroses Later Maturity, Mental Disorders Life 201 (O. Kaplan, 2d ed. 1956); Senate Special Committee Developments Aging: 1971 January-March 1972, S.Rep.No.92-784, 48-53 Hearings Subcommittee Individual Aging, 90th Cong., 1st Sess., pts. 2, 36-46, 87-100, 121-127, 212-217, 464-471 (1967). Some absent compelling interest, mean imply otherwise. accomplished, stratified notions assessments rank top list categories, involving functionally equivalent advantages favor appear rather emerge dealing traditionally rights. Infra, 321-327. Gunther, Supreme Court, Term, Foreword: Search Evolving Doctrine Changing Court: Model Newer Protection, Harv.L.Rev. 587, 2714, makes claim; procedural due process afforded hearing prior termination. Medical Association, Retirement, Philosophy Approach; 76-86, sources cited Because, former AMA president bluntly put "(d)eath comes retirement," quoted 76, formally taken involuntary Amicus brief inform medical practice. R. Browning, Rabbi Ben Ezra, stanza 1. guarantee coming predictive ability. although ask hypothesize contrary supposition. 40-49, undergo yearly trend increasing rejections suggestion satisfactory manner. 756 assume suddenly studies assumption. airline pilots lose Air Line Pilots Assn., Int'l Quesada, 276 F.2d 892 (CA2 1960). point supported experience. produced study shows prescribes earliest Nation, retire 55. Brief 14. short, refuse introduced absolutely nothing position. "(a)ny activity required depending condition." 44. constitutionally valid. Here maintaining force, alert manually dexterous force. concludes legislate assumption well-being decrease significantly assumptions manual posture today.

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