Document: 347 U.S. 334 74 S.Ct. 555 98 L.Ed. 733 THOMPSONv.LAWSON, Deputy Commissioner of United States Bureau Employees Compensation, etc., et al. No. 352. Argued March 9, 1954. Decided April 5, Mr. David Carliner, Washington, D.C., for petitioner. 1 George W. Ericksen, Tampa, Fla., respondent Gulf Florida Terminal Co., 2 Lester S. Jayson, New York City, Comm. 3 FRANKFURTER, Justice. 4 On June 15, 1951, Otis Thompson died from injuries suffered while loading a ship his employer. Two women sought death benefit under the Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, 33 U.S.C.A. § 901 seq., each claiming to be 'widow.' The denied both claims, that one woman on ground she was not lawful wife decedent, other because at time Otis' living apart him 'by reason desertion', U.S.C. 902(16), 902(16). review latter dismissal, District Court sustained Commissioner's order, Appeals Fifth Circuit affirmed. 205 F.2d 527. In doing so, court rejected contrary decisions Courts Second Ninth Circuits, Associated Operating Co. v. Lowe, 138 916, Moore Dry Dock Pillsbury, 169 988. We granted certiorari resolve this conflict. 346 921, 306. 5 made these findings. Julia were married in 1921, lived together as husband until November 1925, when deserted her. They never again, he contributed anything support or their two children, nor did ever endeavor secure such support. Meanwhile had taken up with Sallie Williams, they went through marriage ceremony 1929. Julia, turn, found another mate, Jimmy Fuller, whom 'married' 1940. Thereafter known Fuller. She formally divorced Fuller 1949. Shortly before death, asked 'take back,' but refused, having no intention again resuming relationship wife. 6 single, unentangled question us is whether, unchallenged facts, statutory 'widow,' term described by Congress Act: 'The 'widow' includes only decedent's dependent upon death; justifiable cause desertion time', agree below since her husband's within scope provision.* Whatever may have been situation prior 'marriage' 1940, it clear after date held herself out wife, severed all meaningful decedent. 7 do reach conclusion assessing marital conduct parties. That an inquiry which relevant legal issues arising State domestic relations law. Our concern proper interpretation Federal Act. might provided Act entitled compensation so long still deemed decedent law, as, example, where foreign divorce obtained without constitutional validity forum State. But so. It defined requirements every claimant must meet. Considering purpose federal legislation manner has expressed purpose, essential requirement conjugal nexus between subsisting latter's which, present purposes, means continue live latter. wholly absent here. herself, purported remarriage, bond basis right claim dependent. very practical considerations should subordinated empty abstraction once deserted, always remains matter what—the nomatter what case being wife's conscious choice terminate embarking permanent relationship. 8 judgment 9 Affirmed. 10 Justice BLACK, DOUGLAS MINTON concur, dissenting. 11 Petitioner's husband, longshoreman, killed 1951 job governed Petitioner then done children 1925. man 1940 1949 divorced. Of course invalid petitioner remained killed. now holds law petitioner's second amounts forfeiture recover widow. holding, follows Circuit.1 Circuits contrary.2 I Circuits. 12 Not word suggests widow deceased longshoreman automatically forfeits than husband. What actually does entitle vidow if either: (1) him; (2) support; (3) cause; (4) desertion. Obviously cannot decided hearing evidence determining facts. vests deputy commissioners, courts, power 'to hear determine questions respect claim.' 919(a), 919(a). And findings fact supported substantial are conclusive courts.3 13 Here there factual presented Commissioner. Was 'justifiable cause'? 'desertion'? think could fairly either way. He entered order against petitioner, admitted felt bound holdings attempted barred recovery affirms although passed whether 'justifiable' 'desertion.' treats its holding construction obscure actual effect doing. taking commissioners congressionally facts circumstances compensation. 14 would reverse directions remand determine, free judicial compulsion, fact, cause' account If favor * contended phrase 'for different desertion.' Ryan Stevedoring Henderson, 348; American Mutual Liability Ins. 141 813. affirming, 52 F.Supp. 550; Voehl Indemnity 288 162, 166, 53 380, 381, 77 676; Parker Motor Boat Sales, Inc., 314 244, 246, 62 221, 223, 86 184; O'Leary Brown-Pacific-Maxon, 340 504, 507—508, 71 470, 471—472, 95 483.

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