Document: 406 U.S. 164 92 S.Ct. 1400. 31 L.Ed.2d 768 Willie Mae WEBER, Petitioner,v.AETNA CASUALTY & SURETY COMPANY et al. No. 70—5112. Argued Feb. 28, 1972. Decided April 24, Syllabus Decedent, who died as a result of injuries received during the course his employment, had maintained household with four legitimate minor children, one unacknowledged child, and petitioner, to whom he was not married. His wife been committed mental hospital. A second illegitimate child born posthumously. Under Louisiana's workmen's compensation law children are within class 'children,' but relegated lesser status 'other dependents,' may recover only if there enough surviving dependents in preceding classes exhaust maximum benefits. The were awarded allowable two nothing Louisiana courts sustained statutory scheme, holding that Levy v. Louisiana, 391 68, 88 1509, 20 436, controlling. Held: denial equal recovery rights dependent violates Equal Protection Clause Fourteenth Amendment, inferior classification these bears no significant relationship recognized purposes statutes designed serve. supra, followed; Labine Vincent, 401 532, 91 1017, 28 288, distinguished. Pp. 167—176. 257 La. 424, 242 So.2d 567, reversed. Vanue B. Lacour, Baton Rouge, La., for petitioner. W. Henson Moore, respondents. Mr. Justice POWELL delivered opinion Court. 1 question before us, on writ certiorari Supreme Court Louisiana,1 concerns right unacknowledged, under laws benefits death their natural father an footing children. We hold illegitimates Amendment. 436 (1968); Glona American Guarantee Liability Insurance Co., 73, 1515, 441 (1968). 2 On June 22, 1967, Henry Clyde Stokes employment previous day. At time resided Weber, Living marriage between Adlay Jones at Also living home Weber. Weber 3 29, Stokes' through maternal grandmother guardian, filed claim father's law.2 defendant employer its insurer impleaded appeared claimed 4 Meanwhile, brought another suit against third-party tortfeasor, which settled amount excess compensation. did share this settlement. Subsequently, initial action requested extinguishment all parties' claims by reason tort 5 trial judge declared entitlement satisfied from Consequently, dismissed claim. Judgment also offspring extent exhausted Since such entirely settlement, participated, nothing. 6 * For compensation, defines include 'only stepchildren, posthumous adopted acknowledged provisions Civil Code Articles 203, 204, 205.'3 Thus, basis. Unacknowledged however, dependents' § 1232(8) statute4 classifications Both Appeal5 divided Court6 over petitioner's constitutional objections, our decision Levy, 7 disagree. In held invalid denying protection laws, statute barred recovering wrongful mother when recoveries authorized. decided fact child's birth out wedlock bore reasonable relation purpose wrongful-death compensate mother. As said Levy: 8 'Legitimacy or illegitimacy has nature wrong allegedly inflicted These though illegitimate, her; she cared them nurtured them; they indeed hers biological spiritual sense; her suffered sense any would.' U.S., 72, S.Ct., 1511. 9 court below sought distinguish involving absolutely excluded recovery, whereas instant case recove equally 'the is denied being merely less favorable position other relatives parents . .' Aetna Casualty Surety 433—434, 570 (1970). likewise characterized where tortfeasor escaped liability fortuity potential claimant's illegitimacy, present full rendered, 'no feasor goes free because law.' Id., 434, So.2d, 570. 10 do think can be disposed finely carved distinctions. so much concerned going equality treatment scheme. Here, impermissible discrimination. An suffer loss parent later acknowledged. So far record shows, dependency affinity great those allowed recover.7 lived deceased upon him maintenance support. It inappropriate, therefore, talk relegating 'to parents.' some relative'; entitled granted 11 Respondents contend recent ruling 288 (1971), controls case. Labine, upheld, intestacy sharing estate. That reflected, major part, traditional deference State's prerogative regulate disposition property borders. 538, 1020. long afforded broad scope state discretion area.8 Yet substantial interest providing stability land titles prompt definitive determination valid ownership left decedents,' 229 449, 452 (La.App.1969), absent hand. 12 Moreover, intestate, unlike action, might easily have modified daughter's disfavored position. remarked: 13 'Ezra Vincent could one-third daughter bothered follow simple formalities executing will. He could, course, legitimated marrying inherited either intestate succession will child.' 539, 1021. 14 Such options, realistically open Stokes. even desired so.9 burdens already weighty, become doubly neither nor legally lighten them. 15 involve statecreated schemes, provide close means often abrupt accidental death. codes represent outgrowths modifications basic law. former alleviated harsh common-law rule person inherit personal tortious body';10 latter removed difficult obstacles workrelated offering more certain, generally remunerative, case, lieu identical issue Levy.11 Given similarities origins statutes, similarity pattern discrimination rights, it would require disregard precedent principles stare decisis control facts us. makes difference broadly here Levy; remains apparent. II 16 Having determined applicable we briefly reaffirm reasoning produced result. tests determine validity variously expressed, requires, minimum, bear rational purpose. Morey Doud, 354 457, 77 1344, 1485 (1957); Williamson Lee Optical 348 483, 75 461, 99 L.Ed. 563 (1955); Gulf, Colorado Santa Fe R. Co. Ellis, 165 150, 17 255, 41 666 (1897); Yick Wo Hopkins, 118 356, 1064, 30 220 (1886). Though latitude given economic social regulation necessarily broad, approach sensitive fundamental exercises stricter scrutiny, Brown Board Education, 347 74 686, 98 873 (1954); Harper Virginia State Elections, 383 663, 86 1079, 169 (1966). essential inquiry foregoing cases is, inevitably dual one: What does promote? endanger? emphasized strongly protecting 'legitimate family relationships,' 433, 570, unit venerable concern. importance interest; what how challenged promote it. Glona: 18 '(W)e see possible basis assuming cause served. would, indeed, farfetched assume women compensated damages death.' 75, 1516. 19 Nor thought persons shun illicit relations day reap perhaps distinctions reflect closer relationships care supported him. argument runs, thus made eligible inheritances reserved likely ambit familial affection. Whatever merits elsewhere contention, compelling scheme prerequisite anyone's acknowledgment necessary unlikely occur impossible effectuate nourished loved. 21 Finally, mindful States frequently drawn arbitrary lines wrongfuldeath facilitate potentially problems proof. Nothing impose systems greater burden regard. By limiting deceased, substantially lessens locating determining uncertain parenthood.12 Our fully respects choice matter. expand claimants beyond direct blood avoids altogether diffuse questions affection pose probative problems. requires genuineness whose event required determine. 22 served statute; minimizing proof significantly disturbed decision. bears, instance, commendably 23 expressed ages society's condemnation irresponsible liaisons bonds marriage. But visiting head infant illogical unjust.13 imposing disabilities contrary concept system legal should individual responsibility wrongdoing. Obviously, responsible penalizing ineffectual—as well unjust—way deterring parent. Courts powerless prevent opprobrium hapless enable us strike down discriminatory relating birth14 where—as case—the justified interest, otherwise. 24 Reversed remanded. 25 BLACKMUN, concurring 26 me, La.Civ.Code, art. provision structure proves fatal focus measurement. Article operated deny ability acknowledge qualify definition provided La.Rev.Stat. 23:1021(3). This decedent (inasmuch then married remained rest life) incapable contracting conception thereafter. bar, Court's cases, illegitimates. Cf. 1021, (1971). 27 I give primary emphasis presence Art. 204 and, believe, than If exist inapplicable, different one. While refers degree relies it, ante, 171 n. 9, seems me secondarily. read flatly granting therefore striking situation power refrains doing so. words, holds unconstitutional respect wholly apart barrier 204. Certainly, first paragraph effect. deciding need not, go far. let resolution await appropriate presentation. 29 REHNQUIST, dissenting. distinguishable (1968), way certainly regard unreasonable drawing line feel impelled dissent regarded rightly decided. must agree Harlan's dissenting opinion, described companion 'constitutional curiosities,' called method reaching 'a process brute force.' 76, 1512. holding, doctrine re-examination construction nonconstitutional issue. See Coleman Alabama, 399 1, 90 1999, 2010, 387 (1970) (Burger, C.J., dissenting); Boys Markets, Inc. Retail Clerks Union, 398 235, 259, 1583, 1597, 199 (Black, J., Burnet Coronado Oil Gas 285 393, 405 410, 52 443, 446—449, 76 815 (1932) (Brandeis, dissenting). 32 part Amendment 1868. Five years Miller amendment classic Slaughter-House Cases, Wall. 36, 394 (1873). After setting forth account adoption amendment, 'recapitulation events, almost too history, familiar all.' Wall., 71. Referring Clause, said: 33 'We doubt very whether directed negroes class, race, ever come purview provision.' 81. 34 nearly 100 subsequent adjudication concerning clause, adhered notion Cases racial 'suspect.' See, e.g., Loving Virginia, 388 87 1817, 1010 (1967). same period time, proved bad prophet nonracial classification. 35 noted field legislation, legislatures making classifications. 489, 465, (1957). test legislative Kotch River Port Pilot Comm'rs, 330 552, 556, 67 910, 912, 1093 (1947). 'State presumed acted despite that, practice, inequality. set aside reasonably conceived justify it.' McGowan Maryland, 366 420, 425 426, 81 1101, 1105, 393 (1961). test, 'discrimination founded distinction, policy,' Allied Stores Ohio, Bowers, 358 522, 528, 79 437, 411, 480 (1959), attempt weigh value drawn. Ferguson Skrupa, 372 726, 83 1028, 93 (1963). However, salutary principle departed years, pointed here, felt affected conceives 'fundamental rights.' 36 difficulty approach, devoid historical textual support language leaves apparently Justices are, Those framed ratified Constitution various amendments chose select certain particular types freedoms, guarantee impairment majority legislation protected fine lines, sanction itself found Constitution, elsewhere. unfortunately true body created judicial superstructure, awkwardly engrafted itself. 37 experience similar superstructures happy century saw evolution 'freedom contract' Amendment's requirement deprived life, liberty, without due just deserts West Coast Hotel Parrish, 300 379, 391, 57 578, 581, 703 (1937), Chief Hughes, speaking Court, 38 'The invoked clause governing States, Adkins (Adkins Children's Hospital, 261 525, 43 394, 785) Case governed Congress. each violation alleged attacking minimum wage deprivation freedom contract. freedom? speak speaks liberty prohibits 39 vein rights,' thereof. Two ago, Dandridge Williams, 397 471, 1153, 491 (1970), accorded both contemporary history text limited regulating business industry. There, dealing administration public welfare assistance which, noted, 'involves most needs impoverished human beings,' nonetheless quite properly applied 'rational basis' standard. 485, 1162. reaffirmed historically correct statement meaning words: 40 'In area economics welfare, violate imperfect. 'reasonable basis,' offend simply 'is mathematical nicety Practice results inequality.' Lindsley Natural Carbonic 61, 78, 337, 340, 55 369. government practical ones justify, require, rough accommodations—illogical, be, unscientific.' Metropolis Theater City Chicago, 228 69—70, 441, 730. 'A 393.' today's recognizing standards formulates hybrid standard here. two-pronged 42 'What endanger?' Surely better succinct guide sound suggested questions. They somewhat useful, guides adjudication. How 'legitimate'? And know right'? 44 today sharp departure precedents relies, extraordinary conceive intent framers import presumption constitutionality enactments. Nowhere plain implications, 'legitimate' right.' police deemed embrace measure further well-being question, subject specific prohibitions contained Federal Constitution. contains numerous guarantees trouble describing liberties,' sue among 45 right' analysis approximately shall invitation exegesis above commands values cannot possibly source instrument validate condemn countless enacted States. refusing accept breadth urged 46 'And still further, followed reversal judgments constitute perpetual censor civil own citizens, authority nullify approve consistent existed amendment.' 78. 47 Harlan clear exclusively actions matter emphatically about spite rights' endangered nowhere told involved, say 'endangered.' says while society condemned 'irresponsible marriage,' 'visiting unjust.' fair-minded man both, enactments 'logical' 'just' common terms. conceivable involved. 48 irrational distinction this, draw rather lines. example, declares priority cousins, regardless Surely, violative since fairly unarticulated decedent. Similarly, rationally presume preferred 49 Although argues decision,' 175 (emphasis added), clearly recognizes, must, additional sometimes paternity raised. particularly youngest until after father. believe desire lessen classes. 50 draws comfort acknowledged, woman raised follows irrational. contrary, element points up freely dismiss. like many wide variety encourage relationships. provision, forbidding marry (in woman), considered discourage formation Whether wise policy, effective advancing matters determination. 51 inconsistent earlier construing forbid classifications; Levy. beings' judged standard, am why govern eligibility All involves kind another. When expands judgment into search interests 'promote,' 'for 'endanger,' passing policy acts every legislature country. 567 23:1232 (1967) establishes schedule payment follows: 'Payment computed following basis: '(1) widow widower alone, thirty-two one-half per centum wages. '(2) forty-six one-quarter '(3) sixty-five '(4) wages deceased. '(5) '(6) three '(7) widow, widower, mother, percentum '(8) brother sister, eleven sister enumerated, one, all, number dependents.' relevant 202 (1967): 'Illegitimate father, children; conception, unknown, contradistinguished appellation bastards.' 203: declaration executed notary public, witnesses, them, whenever registering baptism 204: 'Such favor conception; contract other.' 2, supra. 232 328 (La.App.1969). posthumously comparable fact, alter view treated fail do. ago voiced strong powers inheritance: 'Now exercise sovereignty possesses, manner term real dominion transmitted last testament, inheritance; prescribing capable taking Mager Grima, How. 490, 493, 1168 (1850). Lyeth Hoey, 305 188, 193, 59 155, 158, 119 (1938). 3, conception. Acknowledgment other. Decedent wife—the children—until times thereby Workmen's Compensation Act. Williams Emp.Ins. 237 101, 110 541 classified benefits, defined 1512, (1968) (Harlan, Louisiana). 2315. sections defining 23:1231: 'For injury causing accident paid employee, actually earnings death, weekly sum hereinafter provided, hundred weeks. 23:1251: conclusively employee: age eighteen parent.' section qualifies dependents. 23:1252: actual whole accordance Naturally, variations coming many, consistently evidence recovery. Sandidge 522 (La.App.1947), separated order receive establish Gray Rudovsky, Acknowledges Illegitimate: U.Pa.L.Rev. (1969). comprehensive study effects thereof H. Krause, Illegitimacy: Law Social Policy (1971); reviewed Wadlington, 58 Va.L.Rev. 188 (1972). Graham Richardson, 403 365, 1848, 534 Hunter Erickson, 385, 89 557, 616 (1969); Hirabayashi United 320 81, 63 1375, 1774 (1943).

Category: 1