Legal Document

401 U.S. 532 91 Supreme Court Reporter 1017 28 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 288 Lou Bertha LABINE, Natural Tutrix of Minor Child, Rita Nell Vincent, Appellant,v.Simon VINCENT, Administrator the Succession Ezra Vincent. Number 5257. Argued Jan. 19, 1971. Decided March 29, Rehearing Denied May 17, See 402 990, 1672. James Judge Cox, Lake Charles, La., for appellant. Atlantic Leithead, appellee. Mr. Justice BLACK delivered opinion Court. 1 In this appeal guardian (tutrix) an illegitimate minor child attacks constitutionality Louisiana's laws that bar from sharing equally with legitimates in estate their father who had publicly acknowledged child, but died without a will. To understand appellant's constitutional arguments and our decision, it is necessary briefly to review facts giving rise dispute. On 15, 1962, baby girl, was born Patterson (now Labine) Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. 10, as authorized by Louisiana law, jointly executed before notary State Board Health form acknowledging Vincent 'natural father' Vincent.1 This public acknowledgment parentage did not, under give legal right share legitimate children parent's her claim support parents or heirs. The also gave capacity law be limited beneficiary father's will event he left naming her, which not do here. 2 intestate, is, will, on September 16, 1968, Rapides Louisiana, leaving substantial property within State, no direct its distribution. Appellant, petitioned state court appointment administrator estate; declaration sole heir Vincent; order directing pay maintenance child. alternative, appellant sought entitled maintenace $150 per month law.2 3 succession answered petition claiming Vincent's relatives were whole estate. He relied upon two articles Civil Code 1870: Article 206, provides: 4 'Illegitimate children, though duly acknowledged, can rights children. * *' 5 919, 6 'Natural are called inheritance natural father, has them, when descendants nor ascendants, collateral relations, surviving wife, exclusion only State.' 7 ruled his relations intestate took legitimated, illegimate court, therefore, dismissed costs mother's recognize heir. view Social Security payments $60 Veterans Administration $40 available Vincent.3 Appeal, Third Circuit, affirmed 229 So.2d 449, denied writ certiorari, 255 La. 480, 231 395. child's appealed we noted probable jurisdiction. 400 817, 79, 27 44 (1970). 8 argues statutory scheme bars constitutes invidious discrimination against cannot stand Due Process Equal Protection Clauses Constitution. Much reliance placed Court's decisions Levy versus 391 68, 88 1509, 20 436 (1968), Glona American Guarantee & Liability Insurance Co., 73, 1515, 441 (1968). For reasons set out below, find those cases misplaced, decline extend rationale where does apply. Accordingly, affirm decision below. 9 held could consistently Clause recovering wrongful death mother such recoveries authorized. cause action alleged tort. It undisputed created tort4 provided survival deceased's action,5 so large class persons injured tort recover damages compensation injury. Under circumstances totally exclude potential plaintiffs unquestionably life. say fairly read never treat differently offspring.6 10 people through legislature have carefully regulated many incident family prescribes certain formalities requisite contracting marriage.7 Once marriage contracted there, husbands obligations wives.8 Fathers children.9 Should prosper while fall hard times, obligation parents.10 further strengthen preserve ties, regulates disposition man. spouse interest deceased spouse's estate.11 Legitimate forced heirship even retrieve transferred during lifetime reduction rightful interests.12 11 complex rules regarding Children wedlock apparently take some instances, may bequeath them will.13 Illegitimate fathers children.' 'to They bequeathed extent either one-third one-fourth then if survived heirs.14 Finally, legitimated adopted, case they any other 12 These reflect intent particular parents. Many think unfortunate rigid. Others differently. But choices reflected statute power make. Federal Constitution overturn State's choice guise interpretation because Justices believe provide better rules. Of course, said adopted Legislature 'discriminate' illegitimates. discriminate opposed descendants. Other determining based status favor wives 'concubines.'15 dissent attempts distinguish these 'discriminations' ground biological social basis. There difference between wife concubine require there assert protect claims analogous One relationships socially sanctioned, legally recognized, gives various duties. illicit beyond recognition law. Similarly, need distinguishing ascendants Some discriminatory perhaps more closely connected conceptions justice ways most dying men wish dispose than governing possible 'rational' inherent categories make establish, protect, life well regulate man committed State. Absent specific guarantee, legislature, life-tenured judges Court, select among laws.16 We policy provides perfect desirable solution one would problem children.17 Neither distribution 13 emphasize case, like Levy, insurmountable barrier slightest suggestion barred inheriting father. daughter bothered follow simple executing could, marrying inherited awarded benefit same terms simply stating paternity desire little girl. Bergeron Miller, 230 417 (La.App.1970). 14 short, conclude presented nothing vague generalities empowers nullify deliberate elected representatives 15 Affirmed. 16 HARLAN, concurring. 17 joining N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions add few words, prompted, say, dissenting opinion, my evinces extravagant notions what denial 'equal protection' sense. 18 surely entirely reasonable entered into marital relationship thereby undertakes resulting offspring owes products casual liaison, whether admits fact fatherhood latter case.* With respect portion man's estate, greater stemming imposed provision making remainder absolute, conditional disposing ways. all Brethren, deem short frivolous contention prohibits enforcement obligations, mandatory suppletive form. Haw. Hawai‘i KFH45 A2 M. Hart Sacks, Legal Process: Basic Problems Making Application Law 35—36, 251—256 (tent. ed. 1958). 19 addition imposing testamentary dispositions one's Even Brethren prepared hold rule unconstitutional, affect outcome case. First, 'natural' rather 'illegitimate'; second, desired after death, manifest appropriate way. BRENNAN, whom DOUGLAS, WHITE, MARSHALL join, dissenting. 21 view, laws, insofar whose plainly violate Fourteenth Amendment. today effectively concedes this, reach result, resorts startling measure excluding protection Clause, uphold untenable discredited moral prejudice bygone centuries vindictively punished illegitimates' parents, hapless, innocent, Based premise, today's pretend principled decision. surprising heretofore vigorously decried decisionmaking rested personal predilections, borrow 'life-tenured Court.' Ante, at 539. respectfully dissent. 22 1961, 69 years old 41. unmarried adults living rural, southwest outside town Charles. Soon meeting each Mrs. moved Although marry, 1962. birth certificate identified name. Within months, appeared form, accordance A later, changed name,1 she always been known since By became obligated her.2 continued live together raise until 1968. 23 As tutrix Nell's brought suit behalf seeking declared Applying law,3 trial relations—his brothers sisters—to heirs.4 appealed, arguing equal due process. intermediate appellate respects, upholding provisions attack, '(h)owever unfair punish innocent fault parents.' 452 (1969). declined review, II 24 rationality treatment analyzed background proper understanding automatic inherit parents.5 generally disinherited.6 Property given away taking account decedent's disposed donations inter vivos mortis causa sharply person's children.7 Actually protects benefits children.8 25 enshrinement constitution symbolizes extensive ordering familial affairs. regulation covers merely devolution member, virtually every aspect duties owed member another, authority, particularly over members.9 reflects derivation traditions French, Spanish, Roman civil law; roots English common law: 26 'Countries received another traditionally ordered citizens institutions, obligation. (T)he formed Romanist grounded both institutions. His determined established status, turn, qualified family. (A) position passed modern significant qualification forming private relationships.' Tucker, Sources Persons: Blackstone, Domat, French Codes, Tul.L.Rev. 264, 275—276 (1970) (emphasis added).10 Thus distinguishes throughout law's affairs.11 But, purposes discuss portions bear rights. 178 full: 'Children legitimate, illegitimate, legitimated.' Not however—only lawfully married time conception, later marry legitimated.12 An becomes formally acknowledges him. However, 206 that, '(i)llegitimate Thus, primary consequence flows inherits descendants, spouse, escheats State.13 capable all, sucession, 'the allowing mere alimony.' La.Civ.Code Ann., 920 (1952).14 III absolute disinherited 'forced heirship' words however contrary might own desires. Similarly present daughter, wished result places behind relations—indeed relations—in line succession. 29 clear obvious.15 Ordinarily, economic regulation, inquire, Amendment, 'reasonable basis' statute, invidious. E.g., Morey Doud, 354 457, 77 1344, 1485 (1957); Williamson Lee Optical 348 483, 75 461, 99 L.Ed. 563 (1955); Yick Wo Hopkins, 118 356, 1064, 30 220 (1886). Such inquiry question regulate; rather, focuses exclusively legislated forbidden articulated, refuses consider reason basis whatever, accords illegitimates Rather, asserts 538. questions pass Surely saying Amendment's inapplicable subjects regulable States—that extraordinary proposition reverse century adjudication Clauses. precisely subjected Amendment restraints. least, bewildering decades wrestled nuances concept 'state action' ascertain holds here, action, insulated 31 Putting aside repeated emphasis succession—something questioned wholly irrelevant issue-only passages attempt argument result. tells us favors classes classes. That certainly true, nowhere suggests bearing discriminations illegitimate. answering complaint Negro school separate lavatories white students situation different boys girls, elementary high students. rational irrational. relevance challenged light throw, any, discrimination. conclusion appears draw itemization needs justification distinctions draws. reasoning flies face very notion 32 hint appear purported distinction (1968): 'We child.' implications statement: (1) recovery; (2) falls 'insurmountable barrier' analysis, permissible. first, involved unacknowledged permitted mother, act, acknowledged. recovery permitted. My Brother Harlan's emphasized argued rely specified formalities. Plainly involve barrier.' 33 second implication—that permissible—is propositions statement refutation. pointed out, squarely specifically context And numerous establish general 'merely' disadvantage businesses subject command sense absolute.17 34 analyzed, analyze, requirements Amendment.18 Since still prohibit denying person laws,' must therefore undertake analysis determine, minimum, discrimination, classification bears intelligible consequences flow it.19 See, e.g., Dandridge Williams, 397 471, 90 1153, 491 (1970); McLaughlin Florida, 379 184, 190—191, 85 283, 287—288, 222 (1964); supra; Gulf, C. S.F.R. company Ellis, 165 150, 155, 255, 256—257, 41 666 (1897). 35 Certainly, distinction. related him biologically exactly way been. Indeed, identity 'in spiritual sense,' U.S., 72, S.Ct., 1511, identical 'intimate, relationship,' id., 71, 1511 treated alike. 36 thought requiring go eliminate complicated proof opportunity error fraud argument, focal point leave aside, moment, holdings indicate consideration insufficient justify dispute parentage. explicitly recognized regard fully satisfied formal acknowledgment. 80, 1514. When gone formality declaring paternity, judgment difficulty proof, error. offer one. 37 important obscure primarily signifies husband parent Analysis effort impose must, run parties others. Harlan, unlike colleagues majority, requires illegitimates, one; women below believes discourage special burdens, heirship, enter it. However be, force stems directly lack specificity. Imposition reciprocal formalized assumptions promoted pressure applied party control individuals concerned. elements lacking vis-a -vis Precisely made approvingly Chancellor Kent, early 19th century: 38 'This relaxation states, severity (discrimination illegitimates), rests principle relation exists unhappy native binding force, ought produce ordinary consanguinity.' Commentaries *213 (12th O. Holmes 1873).20 39 Intestate seek carry summary shows, hallmarks code detailed, relationship. Its matters official policy, completely negating represents legislative about wishes desires similar situations. itself eliminates possibility. affirmatively states disinheritance furtherance goals unrelated parents' intentions, So.2d, 452. viewing whole, narrow declaration, 'adulterous' prohibited compelled aid effectuation 40 being intent, stand. situations, basis21 finding persons' intentions matter. makes intend disinherit them. No pronouncement discover, Attorney General ever justified reasonably viewed encouraging legitimation encourage children; otherwise, operate sanction marriage. Moreover, logic experience suggest announces fathered claimed own. risked opprobrium, sanctions, announcement. Surely, discredit reputation refusing contribute death. All writings cited us, including Nations study report,22 commission,23 proposed Uniform Probate Code,24 variety commentary country,25 opposite conclusion. country denies children,26 four expressly father.27 legislatures allow fathers.28 Three grant regardless acknowledgment.29 question. 42 mentions central reality case: punishes misdeeds Circuit Appeal here reviews, upheld *.' unusual disadvantaged factors control. 'Distinctions solely ancestry nature odious free institutions founded doctrine equality.' Hirabayashi States, 320 81, 100, 63 1375, 1385, 87 1774 (1943). punishment marry.30 If objective, obviously attained focusing actions seeks influence. Given importance cf. Boddie Connecticut, 371, 780, 113, disinheriting 'bear flow' classification. 1514—1515 (Harlan, J., dissenting). 43 judgment, prejudice, prevalent 1825 statutes creates one, clearly invidious.31 (1957). North Dakota stated correct invalidating laws: transgressions place system government basic tenets all.' re Estate Jensen, 162 Western Reporter, 2nd 861, 878 App. 8. 240, 'Fathers mothers owe alimony 241 alimony, heirs death.' qualifies federal security veteran's virtue KF62 § 416(h)(3)(A)(i)(I) (1964 ed., Supp. V) 101(4) V). raised concerning legality relieve estates state-imposed support. 2315 (1952). Ibid. Nor majority 'curious course' sanctions illegitimacy demonstrate 'rational prohibiting son. Id., 74—75, 1515—1516. apply test promoting Arts. 90—98 119, 120 mothers, act marrying, contract supporting, maintaining, educating 227 n. 2, supra. 915 1493—1495 can, adulterine incestuous unless amount sustenance, procure occupation profession themselves.' 1488 1486 'Those lived open concubinage respectively incapable other, causa, donation immovables; movables, exceed one-tenth part value afterwards excepted rule.' 1481 'Now exercise sovereignty possesses, regulating manner term real dominion transmitted last testament, inheritance; prescribing shall it.' Mager Grima, 49 (8 How.) 490, 493, 1168 (1850). Lyeth Hoey, 305 188, 193, 59 158, 83 119 (1938). Krause, Bringing Bastard Great Society—A Proposed Act Legitimacy, Tex.L.Rev. 829 (1966). authorizes ante, 534 2. thus goes considerably adopted. rarely authorize officials bring putative threatened become charge. Kent's *215 nn. (b) (c) W. 1873). legitimated. La.Rev.Stat. 40:308 (1950). 242 Part II, infra. addition, despite uncontradicted testimony required $192 support, rejected 240—242, 243, 919 (1952), receiving $100 benefits. 1495 (1952) 'In prescribed preceding (legitimate parents), heirs, donor deprive reserved except just them.' (Emphasis original.) alleges statutorily defined 'just cause' expresses 1617—1620 1621 specifies causes' disinherison permitted: 'The causes ten number, wit: '1. hand strike parent, actually struck parent; threat sufficient. '2. guilty, towards cruelty, crime grievous '3. attempted parent. '4. accused capital crime, except, however, treason. '5. refused sustenance having means afford '6. neglected care insane. '7. ransom detained captivity. '8. used violence coercion hinder '9. means, prison. '10. son minor, marries consent prove truth Pennywell George, 164 630, 114 Southern KF135 S69 493 (1927). Disinherison favored. Reems, 134 1033, 64 898 (1914). 1493 provides, pertinent part: 'Donations two-thirds disposer, leaves, decease, child; one-half, leaves one-third, three number.' 1493—1518 La.Const., 4, (1921). 215—237 Pelletier Sonnenreich, Comparative Succession, Vill.L.Rev. 323 215—245 200 'A witnesses, intention who, article, descendants.' added.) 198 marriage, connection, subsequent whenever informally marriage.' Oppenheim, Acknowledgment Legitimation Louisiana—Louisiana 50 1944, 325, 327 (1945). Elmore, 124 91, 989 (1909). clear, conception notorial act. 12, relies allows decide class, burden affirmative disabling or, placing small group, clear. question, Congress States. indeed commits happens written Black, commit Oregon, 366 643, 649, 81 1278, 1281, 575 (1961) ('The (federal) pertains render invalid. true area normally immune Tenth Government are, delegated power.'). Hunter Erickson, 393 385, 89 557, 616 (1969); Douglas California, 372 353, 814, 811 (1963); Smith Cahoon, 283 553, 51 582, 1264 (1931). Cf. Plessy Ferguson, 163 537, 1138, 256 (1896); Brown Education, 347 74 686, 98 873 (1954). sentence footnote, says, 'Even 536 6. agree how interests explain interests. 'some standard, 'suspect' adopt showing compelling interest, fundamental involved, interest. (1968); Harper Virginia Elections, 383 663, 86 1079, 169 (1966); Skinner Oklahoma, 316 535, 62 1110, 1655 (1942). suspect discriminates individual concurring 'considerably adopted.' 540 authority concurrence describes follows: reputed chargeable bastard New York justices peace county meet; goods, chattels, seizable absconded. liable arrest imprisonment indemnify intended indemnity, borrowed several subject; regulations coerce maintain parish, states.' see Subcommission Prevention Discrimination Minorities Commission Human Rights, Economic Council, Study Persons Born Out Wedlock: Principles Equality Non-Discrimination Respect Wedlock, U.N.Doc. E/CN. Sub. 2/L 453 (Jan. 13, 1967). Stone, Report Committee Relation Persons, Mod.L.Rev. 552 (1967). National Conference Commissioners Laws, 2—109 (official text 1969). Note, Illegitimacy, Brookyln L.Rev. 45 (1959); Illegitimate, 65 Mich.L.Rev. 477 (1967); Gray Rudovsky, Acknowledges Illegitimate: U.Pa.L.Rev. Rights Illegitimates Statutes, 76 Harv.L.Rev. 337 (1962). table summarizing Brooklyn 45, 76—79 (1959). 1959, mothers. N.Y.Est., Powers Trusts 4—1.2(a)(1) (McKinney's Consol.Laws, chapter 17—b, Hawaii Rev.Laws 577—14 Ky.Rev.Stat. 391.090 (1962); Pa.Stat.Ann., Tit. 20, 1.7 Cal.Prov.Code (Supp.1971); Colo.Rev.Stat.Ann. 153 2—8 Fla.Stat. 731.29 (1965); Ga.Code Ann. 74—103 Idaho 14—104 (1947); Ind.Ann.Stat. 6—207 (1953) (adjudication required); Iowa 633.222 (1971); Kan.Stat.Ann. 59—501 Mich.Stat.Ann. 27.3178(153) (Supp.1970), M.C.L.A. 702.83; Minn.Stat. 525.172 Mont.Rev.Codes 91—404 Neb.Rev.Stat. 30—109 Nev.Rev.Stat. 134.170 N.M.Stat.Ann. 29—1—18 (1953); 4—1.2 (1967) (order filiation Okla.Stat.Ann., 84, 215 S.D. Compiled Laws 29—1—15 Utah 74—4—10 Wash.Rev.Code 11.04.081 Wis.Stat.Ann. 237.06 (Supp. 1970). Ariz.Rev.Stat.Ann. 14—206 (1956); N.D.Cent.Code 56—01 05 (Supp.1969); Ore.Rev.Stat. §§ 111.231, 109.060 serve stability land titles, avoiding disruptions uncertainties unknown easily ascertained averments variation relying formalities, supra, 552, served

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