Document: 411 U.S. 619 93 S.Ct. 1700 36 L.Ed.2d 543 NEW JERSEY WELFARE RIGHTS ORGANIZATION et al.,v.William T. CAHILL, etc., al. No. 72—6258. May 7, 1973. On appeal from the United States District Court for of New Jersey. PER CURIAM. 1 This case presents question constitutionality under Equal Protection Clause Fourteenth Amendment Jersey 'Assistance to Families Working Poor' program, N.J.Stat.Ann. § 44:13—1 seq., that allegedly discriminates against illegitimate children in provision financial assistance and other services. Specifically, appellants challenge aspect program limits benefits only those otherwise qualified families 'which consist a household composed two adults opposite sex ceremonially married each who have at least one minor child . both, natural adopted by other, or both ..' 44:13—3(a). Appellants do not statute's 'household' requirement. Rather, they argue although challenged classification turns upon marital status parents as well parent-child relationship, practical effect it operates almost invariably deny while granting are legitimate. Although apparently conceding correctness this position, Jersey, sitting three-judge court,* upheld statutory scheme on ground was designed 'to preserve strengthen traditional family life.' 349 F.Supp. 491, 496 (1972). 2 Confronted with similar arguments past, we specifically declared that: 3 'The illegitimacy has expressed through ages society's condemnation irresponsible liaisons beyond bonds marriage. But visiting head an infant is illogical unjust. Moreover, imposing disabilities contrary basic concept our system legal burdens should bear some relationship individual responsibility wrongdoing. Obviously, no responsible his birth penalizing ineffectual—as unjust—way deterring parent.' Weber v. Aetna Casualty & Surety Co., 406 164, 175, 92 1400, 1406, 31 768 4 Thus, held State may exclude sharing equally recovery workmen's compensation death their parent. Similarly, Levy Louisiana, 391 68, 88 1509, 20 436 (1968), create right action favor wrongful parent benefit such right. And Term, Gomez Perez, 409 535, 872, 35 56 (1973), once posits judicially enforceable behalf needed support father, there constitutionally sufficient justification denying essential children. See also Davis Richardson, 342 588 (D.C.Conn.), aff'd 1069, 678, 34 659 (1972); Griffin 346 1226 (D.C.Md.), aff'd, 689, 660 5 Those decisions compel conclusion appellants' claim denial equal protection must be sustained, can doubt extended indispensable health well-being Accordingly, grant motion leave proceed forma pauperis, reverse judgment Court, remand further proceedings consistent opinion. 6 Reversed remanded. 7 THE CHIEF JUSTICE concurs result. 8 Mr. Justice REHNQUIST, dissenting. 9 The Legislature enacted statute entitled Poor,' which provide grants supplement income discrete class when independent sources inadequate unit. completely financed State, therefore need conform any strictures Social Security Act. working poor does classes such, various federal plans. Instead, provides units. holds because limited both,' legislative violates Amendment. 10 relies (1972), where Louisiana denied invalidated. very language quotes shows how different that. There disability visited solely child. Here distinguishes among types families. While undoubtedly results 'families' consisting mother father living children, whatever makes imposed 11 determined special given units meet definition 'working poor.' It seem me irrational establishing condition receipt sort ceremonial marriage could quite reasonably found ingredient unit trying protect dissolution due economic vicissitudes modern life. Constitution require legislature help 'communes' well. 12 In area economics social welfare prohibit taking step time attempting overcome ill, provided classifications made rational. based particular type unit, of, if the, core system. being rational basis classification, law governed Dandridge Williams, 397 471, 90 1153, 25 491 (1970), rather than Weber. 13 I would affirm Court. * prior case, single judge unreported opinion, petition convene court substantial constitutional presented, dismissed complaint. appeal, Appeals Third Circuit had been presented remanded directions court. 448 F.2d 1247, 1248 (1971).

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