Document: 400 U.S. 18 91 S.Ct. 113 27 L.Ed.2d 124 Kal W. LINESv.Kenneth Robert FREDERICK et al. No. 412. Nov. 9, 1970. PER CURIAM. 1 This case presents the question of whether a bankrupt wage earner's vacation pay, accrued but unpaid at time filing his petition, passes to trustee in bankruptcy as 'property' under § 70a(5) Bankruptcy Act, 30 Stat. 565, amended, 11 U.S.C. 110(a)(5). The facts are not dispute. Respondent Frederick, employed by large manufacturing company, had pay $137.28 he filed petition. He could collect this sum either during annual period when employer shut down plant which worked, or on final termination employment. Harris $144.14, draw conventional voluntary plan employer. In each case, referee made 'turnover order' requiring receipt all less one-half that part days prior petition (the deducted being exempt Cal.Code Civ.Proc. 690.11 (Supp.1970)). 2 District Court affirmed both cases, Appeals for Ninth Circuit reversed, holding is statute, and therefore finding it unnecessary decide such meets further statutory requirement 'transferable.' As noted, its decision was squarely conflict with Fifth Kolb v. Berlin, 356 F.2d 269. 3 Segal Rochelle, 382 375, 379, 86 511, 515, 15 428, we said '(t)he main thrust secure creditors everything value may possess alienable leviable form files To end term has been construed most generously an interest outside reach because novel contingent enjoyment must be postponed.' But pointed out "(i)t impossible give any categorical definition word 'property,' nor can attach certain relations limitations would attached others." 4 important consideration limiting breadth lies basic purpose Act debtor 'new opportunity life clear field future effort, unhampered pressure discouragement pre-existing debt. various provisions were adopted light view reasonably possible harmony so effectuate general policy act.' Local Loan Co. Hunt, 292 234, 244—245, 54 695, 699, 78 L.Ed. 1230 (citations omitted). 5 supra, loss-carryback tax refunds arising business losses immediately collected until calendar year property subject turnover order favor trustee. one, problem classification purposes resolved simply reference right payment 'vested,' definitions drawn from other areas law. looked concluded refund claim 'sufficiently rooted pre-bankruptcy past little entangled bankrupt's ability make unencumbered fresh start should regarded 70a(5).' U.S., 380, S.Ct., 515. 6 Applied set before us here, principles reflected earlier cases compel bankrupt. Segal, ceased operate task trustees marshal whatever assets left distribution creditors. claim, operations specifically precipitated failure, asset. By contrast, respondents here earners whose sole source income, after bankruptcy, their weekly earnings. function support requirements them families brief periods event layoff. Since wages, 'a specialized type presenting distinct problems our economic system.' Sniadach Family Finance Corp., 395 337, 340, 89 1820, 1822, 23 349. Where minimal survival stake, legislatures have recognized protection might unwise kinds required. See, e.g., Consumer Credit Protection 301, 82 163, 1671 (1964 ed., Supp. V). 7 wage-earning who take without forgo altogether cannot achieved (the) preexisting debt,' statute provide. 8 motion respondent proceed forma pauperis granted. Frederick dispense printing opposition certiorari granted judgment affirmed. 9 THE CHIEF JUSTICE opinion writ denied. 10 Mr. Justice HARLAN, dissenting. my another instance overcrowded docket led deal summarily issue which, if deserving attention all, full-dress treatment. Cf. United States Maryland Savings-Share Insurance 4, 16, Chicago, 8, 18, 9. Moreover, disposes despite opaqueness record uncertainty regard relevant California 12 Under terms Frederick's employment, credited him one day's month's work.1 From September 15, date December 23, beginning shutdown enforced 'vacation,' presumably became entitled over three days' pay. same amount person starting work no debts assets, paradigm 'an start.' Indeed, only permitted start; gave head start, extent half pay.2 428 (1966), (1934), tend position rather than 'compel bankrupt.' Ante, p. 20. However, muster forceful arguments support, even assumption claims creditors—a point law court below found decide. 13 tendered review close split courts appeals, I argument. While neither stipulated opinions reveal rate accrual true uncontested representation referee's order. similar, complicated fact chosen vacation. observed order, silent choice wiped nothing turn over.

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