Legal Document

491 U.S. 110 109 S.Ct. 2333 105 L.Ed.2d 91 MICHAEL H. and Victoria D., Appellantsv.GERALD D. No. 87-746. Argued Oct. 11, 1988. Decided June 15, 1989. Rehearing Denied Aug. 30, See 492 937, 22. Leave to File Second Petition for April 22, 1991. --- ----, 111 1645. Syllabus In May 1981, appellant was born Carole who married to, resided with, appellee Gerald in California. Although listed as father on the birth certificate has always claimed his daughter, blood tests showed a 98.07% probability that Michael H., with whom had an adulterous affair, Victoria's father. During first three years, she her mother at times Michael, held out own, another man, Gerald, they have lived since 1984. November 1982, filed filiation action California Superior Court establish paternity right visitation. Victoria, through court-appointed guardian ad litem, cross-complaint asserting entitled maintain filial relationships both Gerald. The court ultimately granted summary judgment ground there were no triable issues of fact under Cal.Evid.Code § 621, which provides child woman living husband, is neither impotent nor sterile, presumed be marriage, this presumption may rebutted only by husband or wife, then limited circumstances. Moreover, denied Michael's motions visitation pending appeal Cal.Civ.Code 4601, may, its discretion, grant "reasonable rights . any person having interest [child's] welfare." Appeal affirmed, rejecting procedural substantive due process challenges 621 well equal protection claims. also rejected assertion continued law denies against wishes putative been prevented from establishing paternity. Held: affirmed. 191 Cal.App.3d 995, 236 Cal.Rptr. 810, Justice SCALIA, joined Chief Justice, part O'CONNOR KENNEDY, concluded that: 1. does not infringe upon man wishing wife man. Pp. 118-130. (a) contention requires he afforded opportunity demonstrate evidentiary hearing fundamentally misconceives nature 621. phrased terms presumption, expresses implements rule declaring it generally irrelevant purposes whether conceived, during into, existing marriage begotten someone other than prior relationship him, based state legislature's determination matter overriding social policy should responsible ntegrity privacy family unit impugned. Because complaint statute categorically all men circumstances their paternity, challenge accurately viewed procedural. 119-121. (b) There merit claim constitutionally protected "liberty" parental established Gerald's Carole's marital union insufficient support termination relationship. failed meet burden proving one so deeply imbedded within society's traditions fundamental right. Not seeks vindicate traditionally accorded society, but common-law legitimacy, even modern statutory decisional law, society historically protected, continues protect, sort asserts. 121-130. 2. constitutional natural is, best, obverse fails same reasons. Nor violated because, unlike father, rebut State's decision treat differently parents pursues legitimate end preventing disruption otherwise peaceful rational means allowing anyone contest legitimacy. 130-132. STEVENS, although concluding might whose cohabitating time child's conception birth, scheme, applied case, consistent Due Process Clause, did deprive fair prove "other welfare child" rights" awarded trial judge's discretion 4601. plurality's interpretation creating absolute bar such unnatural reading statute's plain language given courts below cases, which, after deciding barred nevertheless gone consider separate question would proper allow person" best interests particular case. Here, where record shows that, shaky start, between developed stability now loving harmonious home, nothing unfair exercise decide served privileges. 132-136. J., announced delivered opinion, REHNQUIST, C.J., joined, n. 6 JJ., joined. O'CONNOR, opinion concurring part, post, p. 132. judgment, BRENNAN, dissenting MARSHALL BLACKMUN, 136. WHITE, 157. Robert A.W. Boraks, Washington, D.C., appellants. Larry M. Hoffman appellee. SCALIA THE CHIEF JUSTICE joins, footnote KENNEDY join. 1 Under marriage. Ann. (West Supp.1989). legitimacy Ibid. instant presents infringes 2 * facts case are, we must hope, extraordinary. On 9, 1976, Las Vegas, Nevada, international model, top executive French oil company, married. couple home Playa del Rey, California, when country business. summer 1978, became involved affair neighbor, September 1980, conceived child, 1981. world daughter. Soon delivery however, informed believed 3 years life, remained Carole, found herself variety quasi-family units. October moved New York City pursue business interests, chose remain At month, themselves January visited St. Thomas, primary based. child. March, left returned took up residence yet Scott K. Later spring, again summer, spent City, vacation Europe. fall, 4 rebuffed attempts visit March 1983, appointed attorney litem represent interests. if more psychological de facto relationship, attendant rights, duties, obligations, both. motion judgment. period, July York. August, once instructed attorneys remove calendar. 5 For ensuing eight months, Thomas apartment Los Angeles 1984, signed stipulation next file stipulation. reconciled him York, live Vic oria two children into sought pendente lite. To assist determining psychologist evaluate Carole. recommended retain sole custody, allowed contact pursuant restricted schedule. concurred ordered provided privileges 7 19, intervened action, This "the issue cohabiting conclusively marriage." 621(a) tests, made, date either or, affidavit acknowledging wife. §§ 621(c) (d). 8 28, 1985, affidavits submitted sufficed sterile impotent, constitutionality child." 4601 It "violat[e] intention Legislature impugning integrity unit." Supp.App. Juris.Statement A-91. 9 appeal, asserted, inter alia, Court's application rights. raised statute, seeking preserve She contended, addition, allows and, least extent, mother, violates protection. Finally, asserted After submission briefs hearing, affirmed upheld statute. 810 (1987). interpreted moreover, permanent regarding implication reliance earlier Vincent B. v. Joan R., 126 619, 179 (1981), dism'd, 459 807, 103 31, 74 45 (1982), biological "determined legally impossible" Cal.App.3d, 627-628, Cal.Rptr., 13. 10 petitions rehearing, 1987, Supreme discretionary review. February 29, 1988, noted probable jurisdiction present appeal. 485 903, 108 1072, 99 232. Before us, raise challenges. We do reach claim, passed below. Bankers Life & Casualty Co. Crenshaw, 486 71, 1645, 100 62 (1988). II 11 subject litigation substance, century old. Code Civ.Proc. 1962(5), enacted 1872, "[t]he indisputably legitimate." 1955, legislature amended adding preface: "Notwithstanding provision law." 1955 Cal.Stats., ch. 948, 1835, 3. 1965, California's Evidence adopted, codified change except replacement word "indisputably" "conclusively," 1965 299, 2, pp. 1297, 1308. When adopted Uniform Parentage Act, 1975 1244, 3196-3201, 7000 et seq. 1983), replacing "legitimate" phrase "a marriage" nonsterility nonimpotence cohabitation predicate presumption. 13, 3202. provide introduce blood-test evidence rebuttal 1980 1310, 4433; 1981 opportunity, 1180, 4761. form, provisions are follows: 12 "§ Child marriage; notice 13 "(a) Except subdivision (b), 14 "(b) Notwithstanding (a), finds conclusions experts, disclosed performed Chapter (commencing Section 890) Division shall resolved accordingly. 15 "(c) later birth. 16 "(d) 17 "(e) apply coming 7005 Civil [dealing artificial insemination] consent surgical procedure." III 18 address claims Michael. outset, necessary clarify what denied. like itself, makes dual fatherhood. declared Victoria. immediate benefit evidently obtain status 1983) (parent "unless shown detrimental child"). But successful being follow—most importantly, considered parent 4600 "embrace[s] sum respect rearing including care; services earnings; direct activities; make decisions control, education, health child; right, duty, prepare additional includes teaching moral standards, religious beliefs, elements good citizenship." Family Law 60.02[1][b] (C. Markey ed. 1987) (footnotes omitted). All visitation, automatically denying While places power award nonparent, here, Appeal, 1013, 821, citing 627-628 19 raises related First, asserts requirements prevent State terminating liberty without affording hearing. believe derives misconception implementation law. declares be, circumstances, during, him. As it: 20 " 'The conclusive actually policy, certain impugned.' 1005, 816, quoting supra, 623, 10. 21 Of course furthers it, excluding inquiries destructive privacy.1 22 struck down illegitimate "irrebuttable presumptions." See, e.g., Stanley Illinois, 405 645, 92 1208, 31 551 (1972); Vlandis Kline, 412 441, 93 2230, 37 63 (1973); Cleveland Board Education LaFleur, 414 632, 94 791, 39 52 (1974). Those holdings not, rest process. A does, course, foreclose invoked demonstrating, particularized proceeding, applying will further lawful governmental designed effectuate. can said legal establishes general classifications, framed not. difference says irrebuttably recognized Both rules deny situation whether, olicies giving Thus, many commentators observed, see, Bezanson, Some Thoughts Emerging Irrebuttable Presumption Doctrine, Ind.L.Rev. 644 (1974); Nowak, Realigning Standards Review Equal Protection Guarantee Prohibited, Neutral, Permissive Classifications, Geo. L.J. 1071, 1102-1106 Note, Presumptions: An Illusory Analysis, 27 Stan.L.Rev. 449 (1975); Doctrine Court, 87 Harv.L.Rev. 1534 (1974), our presumption" cases analyzed calling adequacy procedures but—like involving classifications terms, Craig Boren, 429 190, 97 451, 50 397 (1976); Carrington Rash, 380 89, 85 775, 675 (1965)—the "fit" classification serves. U.S., 652, S.Ct., 802 (Powell, result); Vlandis, 456-459, 2238-2240 (WHITE, concurring), 466-469, 2243-2245 (REHNQUIST, dissenting); Weinberger Salfi, 422 749, 95 2457, 522 (1975). therefore reject proceed claim. 23 contends because argument predicated 24 jurisprudence term Clause extends beyond freedom physical restraint. Pierce Society Sisters, 268 510, 571, 69 L.Ed. 1070 (1925); Meyer Nebraska, 262 390, 43 625, 67 1042 (1923). Without core textual meaning limitation, defining scope "has treacherous field Court," "reason concern lest limits judicial intervention become predilections those happen Members Court." Moore East Cleveland, 431 494, 502, 1932, 1937, 531 (1977). need restraint cogently expressed WHITE: "That ample precedent creation new lead repeat will. Judiciary, most vulnerable comes nearest illegitimacy deals judge-made little cognizable roots design Constitution. Realizing construction represents major gloss anticipation Framers ., extremely reluctant breathe still content strike legislation city promote welfare. Whenever Judiciary so, unavoidably pre-empts itself governance express authority." Moore, 544, 1958 (dissenting opinion). 25 attempt limit guide insisted merely denominated "fundamental" (a concept isolation, hard objectify), society.2 put affords protections "s rooted conscience people ranked fundamental." Snyder Massachusetts, 291 97, 105, 54 330, 332, 78 674 (1934) (Cardozo, J.). Our reflect "continual insistence teachings history [and] solid recognition basic values underlie society. ." Griswold Connecticut, 381 479, 501, 1678, 1690, 510 (1965) (Harlan, judgment). 26 tradition evident, elsewhere, according reads landmark (1972), subsequent Quilloin Walcott, 434 246, 98 549, 511 (1978), Caban Mohammed, 441 380, 1760, 60 297 (1979), Lehr Robertson, 463 248, 2985, 77 614 (1983), created fatherhood plus relationship—factors exist well. think distorts rationale cases. view them, isolated factors historic respect—indeed, sanctity too strong term—traditionally develop unitary family.3 Stanley, 651, 1212; Quilloin, 254-255, 554-555; Caban, 389, 1766; Lehr, 261, 2993. example, forbade destruction when, death custody supported them years. Powell stated plurality 503, 1938: "Our Constitution protects precisely institution Nation's tradition." reduces persons treated practices basis special impossible find has. fact, quite contrary, (Gerald, acknowledge theirs) asserts.4 28 principle common Nicholas, Adulturine Bastardy (1836). Traditionally, could proof incapable procreation access relevant period. Id., 9-10 (citing Bracton, De Legibus Consuetudinibus Angliae, bk. i, 6; ii, 63, 32, 70 (1569)). explained Blackstone, nonaccess proved "if kingdom England (or, somewhat loosely phrases extra quatuor maria [beyond four seas] ) above nine months. Blackstone's Commentaries 456 (J. Chitty 1826). And, "neither [could] witness nonaccess." J. Schouler, Domestic Relations 225, 306 (3d 1882); R. Graveson F. Crane, Century Law: 1857-1957, 158 (1957). underlying law's severe restrictions appears aversion illegitimate, see 306-307; Grossberg, Governing Hearth 201 (1985), thereby depriving inheritance succession, Kent, American Law* 175, likely making wards state. secondary promoting "peace tranquillity States families," 304, Boullenois, Traite des Status, 1, 62, goal obviously impaired facilitating suits illegitimate. Even though, bastardy laws less harsh, "[j]udges [England United States] gradually widened acceptable range offered spouses, placed restraints 'four seas rule' [,] retained bias ruling women illegitimate." 202. 29 older sources, addressing specifically assert over woman's Since (at child) embedded lack alone defeat times—when, noted, rigid respects bee relaxed—the ability position acknowledged. 1957 annotation subject: "Who dispute wedlock," 53 A.L.R.2d 572, (including California) statutes limiting standing descendants, (Louisiana) (Florida Texas) (Illinois York) mother. single set forth "express indications nonexistence limitation" "in few jurisdictions." 579. 30 clear possesses, possessed, earlier, here entitlement pronouncement conceivable denial decline declare unless some consequence hinges requested declaration. What himself prerogatives.5 establish, therefore, them. entire declaration advance irrelevant, current attitudes towards alleged asserts, number father—including child—the theoretical Rebutting Marital Presumption: Developed Relationship Test, 88 Colum.L.Rev. 369, 373 counts within, extant embrace aware old new, done so. stuff qualifying made.6 father's block adoption unwed mother's observed significance connection offers male possesses offspring," 262, 2993, assumed require id., 262-265, 2993-2995. Where, family, unique conflicts similarly unconstitutional give categorical preference latter. quoted approvingly Stewart's dissent 397, 1770, effect '[i]n actual suffice create comparable father,' 'the absence tie appropriately place whatever exist.' 260, 16, 16. accord traditions, imposed circumstance wish offspring union.7 legislative parenthood desiring rebutted. 32 accept BRENNAN's criticism result "squashes" consists conform." Post, 141. seems us reflects erroneous side controversy—that disposition expand sorts contracting equivalent side. Such happy choice rarely available. vice versa. If "freedom conform" (whatever means), equivalently One pay price "freedom"—Michael unable act adulterously begotten, preserv traditional established. choose these "freedoms," leaves approach chooses imperative, apparent unconventional preferred. IV 33 never occasion interest, symmetrical parent, maintaining assuming exists, fail. anything, weaker Michael's. Her erred stand Rather, merits discussion, for, litem's belief arrangement great recognize multiple country. construe forwarding lesser proposition vis-a-vis 34 addition wholly merit. reject, suggestion assessed standard strict scrutiny discriminating illegitimacy. Gomez Perez, 409 535, 538, 872, 875, 35 56 (1973). Illegitimacy construct, trait. manner children: parents. apply, ordinary "rational relationship" test challenge. 621's limitation undermine union. contests already shaken. contrast, pressed child—or, accurately, litem—may disrupt means, 36 Affirmed. 38 part. I concur SCALIA's opinion. sketches mode historical analysis used identifying Fourteenth Amendment inconsistent past area. (1965); Eisenstadt Baird, 438, 1029, 349 (1972). characterized protecting levels generality specific level" Ante, 127-128, n 6. Loving Virginia, 388 12, 1817, 1823, 1010 (1967); Turner Safley, 482 78, 94, 107 2254, 2265, 96 64 (1987); cf. 483 669, 709, 3054, 3065, 550 (1987) (O'CONNOR, part). unanticipated imposition analysis. Poe Ullman, 367 497, 542, 81 1752, 1776, 1777, 989 (1961) dissenting). 40 41 understand different questions about validity scheme. Supp.1989) prevents obtaining father—even affected determination? Second, appellants granting rights? 42 agree Federal imposes obligation "declare declaration." 126. "The actions judges sever genetic bonds." (1983). second He possibility ever married, enduring "family" settings. this. Indeed, am willing assume purpose enough try convince judge satisfied, gave opportunity. 44 Annotated provides: "[R]easonable [shall awarded] court, reasonable (Emphasis added.) 46 sentence "parent." face, plainly authority rights." 47 my colleagues "parent" "any sentence. ante, 116, 119; 148-151 (BRENNAN, That language, courts' T went 4601: 48 "Finally, Frank Z.'s section gives 'any child.' obvious court-ordered Appellant's visiting determined impossible. appellant. Confusion, uncertainty, embarrassment order appellant, (Petitioner Respondent 430 A.2d 1075, 1080 [(Del.Supr.1981) ].)" (emphasis added). 49 Supporting court's contrary "unlike fathers [v. (1972),] [In re] Lisa [, Cal.3d 636, 119 475, 532 P.2d 123 (1975) ], 626, 12. Similarly, applicable, separately expressly "that, time, Plaintiff believes existence (2) 'fathers' figures confuse counter-productive interests." A-90—A-91. "is 4601," 821 (1987), excerpt read cannot 4601; rather, indicates outcome depends largely th[e] case."* 51 before show her, hand, rather home. end, visita ion convinced hear plea warranted, satisfied scheme Amendment. affirmance. BLACKMUN join, dissenting. yielded opinions one, fruitful begin emphasizing shared majority Court. Five refuse birth." 133 (STEVENS, judgment), infra, 141-147; 157 Justices flaw inhering terminates whatsoever one. 153; 163 132 Four 143; dissenting), assumes 55 Member fully endorses method analyzing arising Clause. 113; Nevertheless, opinion's exclusively portends significant unfortunate departure sound decisionmaking, devote substantial portion discussion it. Once encompasses bodily restraint, today's emphasizes, cut loose meaning. innovation paved way, hints, substitute own preferences elected officials. Dissatisfied supposedly unbridled uncertain affairs, casts liberty. 57 "tradition." Apparently oblivious malleable elusive pretends discernible border around pretense seductive; comforting search "tradition" involves idiosyncratic complicated poring dusty volumes history. Yet, WHITE 1961, (1977): "What arguable." wherever look "deeply country's traditions," thing certain: stop (as plurality) Reports conducting search. disagree definition "liberty," objective boundary seeks. 58 agree, forced identify point becomes firm moment obsolete longer. supplies determinations. soon sees signs bases (the paternity) crumbling, shifts tradition, all. "[W]hat here," canvassing suits, Michael." last-minute dramatically illustrates subjectivity 59 ironic utterly dependent indifferent precedents. Citing barely handful numerous acts though English treatises source principles. They Just notions longer define "property" protects, Goldberg Kelly, 254, 90 1011, 287 (1970), circumscribe guarantees. '[l]iberty' 'property' broad majestic terms. among '[g]reat [constitutional] concepts purposely gather experience. [T]hey relate whole domain economic statesmen founded Nation knew stagnant remains unchanged.' Regents Colleges Roth, 408 564, 2701, 2706, 548 Na- tional Ins. Tidewater Co., 337 582, 646, 1173, 1209, 1556 (1949) (Frankfurter, decisions. Throughout decisionmaking important area runs theme practices—freedom childbearing, childrearing, others—form "liberty." solicitude partly seem empty promise protect importance concrete consideration impermissibly impinges generalized 61 Today's plurality, ask received attention protection; answer dispute. Instead, asks consideration—a man—has enjoyed looked specificity reached result. Surely use contraceptives unmarried couples, corporal punishment schools, Ingraham Wright, 1401, 711 (1977); arbitrary transfer prison psychiatric institution, Vitek Jones, 445 480, 1254, 552 (1980); one's childre , "interest[s] society," 122, asked, Eisenstadt, Griswold,Ingraham, Vitek, resounding "no." highlights novelty interpretive employs today. novel; misguided. ignores reasons role interpreting Constitution's deliberately capacious language. universe, take original virtually shadow doubt sired plays burdensome stigmatizing did. Nor, world, full pointing conventional changed Supp.1989);1 instead, task simply true reflection undergirding it—has often recently call embodying describing decisive "traditionally added), thought (with it), suggesting function "discern views," 128, confirm States. Transforming redundancy mocks who, care purpose, wrote construing offer shelter practice, kind exists. assimilative, homogeneous facilitative, pluralistic abide else's unfamiliar repellent practice tolerant impulse idiosyncracies. "parenthood" absurd pretend do. community ours, include conform. today squashes requiring approval anything name 65 document construes me. charter taken Constitution; instead stagnant, archaic, hidebound steeped prejudices superstitions long past. change, sometimes outlives foundations. violence bound oath uphold. 66 reworking troubling unnecessary. face "new" confront interest—that each other—that acknowledged Constitution, 399, (1923); Skinner Oklahoma, 316 541, 1110, 1113, 86 1655 (1942); Prince 321 158, 166, 442, 645 (1944), safe saying doubts wisdom Where parent-child ask, again, protects. describe protection," 124, reinvent wheel. better approach—indeed, commanded sense—is close deemed aspect "level generality" 127, 6, sufficiently qualify 68 occasions, children. (1978); (1979); Though factual produced unifying theme: link guarantee stake combined so.2 "When demonstrates commitment responsibilities 'com[ing] forward participate child,' personal acquires 'act[s] toward children.' 392, 7, 1768, 1766, 7. why Mr. won; lost; prevail almost certainly D.'s contributed support, beginning strengthen her. Claiming intent "unitary family," 123, waves aside. evaluating dismissal precedents, essential family." If, al. ibid., meant kinds together (formally informally) vision correct. message. pays lipservice idea crucial 3, mean says. undisputed family; household, called "Daddy," eager continue Yet view, whereas compose family. sets relationships, indeed, recognizes critical Victoria: fewer six times, refers "adulterous father" added) like. 120; 129, 7; 130. 124 (referring "marital family" Victoria) added); 129 (plurality's holding situations "an family").3 However, very premise following answering consideration. These all, involve fathers. remember, demands disrupted defines it; adopt objections Significantly, way relied Hence defined surprising indeed. 71 exclusive inclusive step pinched jarring light statuses fit government's narrow From Virgi ia, (1967), Levy Louisiana, 391 68, 1509, 436 (1968), Glona Liability 73, 1515, (1973), (1977), declined notion, manifested allocation burdens, be. rhapsody tune 72 focus misdirected reason. conflates exists terminate curtail coincidence disrupt, preserve, play According framework claiming recognizes; extent attend deprivation interest. Logan Zimmerman Brush 455 422, 428, 102 1148, 1153, 265 (1982). By stressing "unitaryfamily" focusing just "situation" well, takes steps once. 73 premature evident careful union." 127 (describing "substantive [of] "). highlighted suggests wished dead other.4 say varies recognizing family—and bad day reason conclude wedged rock place. together, necessarily account "liberty"; dissolved, rely deprived 75 confusion examines shift emphasis prerogatives. announcing matters rights," turns upside down. depend rights; strange indeed if, required merits. litigant chance prevailing, ensure outcome. success cases; large, individual guarantee, failure claimant's suit.5 76 decides other, bringing effect. obvious, refusal hold properly instruct curtailing accompanying minute comparison justify A. challenged statute: stubbornly insists showing percent Michael.6 wants taking advantage best-interest embodied Code, directs Supp.1989).7 courts, deprives benefits standard; own. When, "nonparent" (1982); 116. STEVENS' 134-135, mere wishful thinking. afford meaningful children, fastens words case" 627, 134-135. His conducted individualized assessment 79 appellate reading, reasoning applies began objected visits Vincent. every falling Granting on, cause "confusion, embarrassment." 628, Again, notion unacceptable awarding equally applicable lost cited Petitioner Delaware Delawar Emphasizing "permanent stigma distress" decided "guard[ing] assaults unit[,] [t]he practically cases." A.2d, B.'s sends signal issuing "rough justice" prevailed far cry STEVENS demand. 135.8 80 Likewise, finding interests," Juris. Statement A-90—A-91, evaluation restatement policies itself. precluding reading" provision, 134, means. construed thus cuts off Victoria—a Clause—without bit words, interest—the preoccupation fairness caused condemn. 770-772, 2469-2470, 82 turn blind eye protesting 119. facile observation save presumptions sense, law; belongs category presumes class litigation, feature renders suspect differently, form "no X's Y's," typically accompanied as, ". Y's driver's license." (There something hinged presumed.) Ignoring fix 621—only rights—and strategy 83 effort claims—and agrees, 119—that whethe State. Brief Appellee 14. surmise, avoid implications condemning made decision. Bell Burson, 402 1586, (1971). patently false. cares much Supp.1989); share 623-624, 11; Cal. Evid.Code currently structured, choosing State, selective it.9 More fundamentally, purported indifference case—where apart wife—is 84 goes argue 120-121. identified lines social-welfare legislation: attacked. Salfi former 772, 2470. classifies invoking considers stake. Its several review commentaries, concurrences dissent, disturbing infirm foundations defect suffer one: relevant, controlling, litigants fact. correct.10 B powerful justifies "Many controversies raged cryptic abstract minimum property adjudication preceded appropriate case." Mullane Central Hanover Bank Trust 339 306, 313, 656, 865 (1950). streamlining relevant. Mathews Eldridge, 424 319, 335, 893, 902, (1976). abbreviated reduce tenured professors payroll. explanation hostile underlying, stem primarily antagonism desire streamline procedures. explains promotes maintains matrimonial 24. principle, stable implicated gets father; seeks, issue. objectives stresses, preservation promoted partially. generous proportions "their sexual habits outside finances, thoughts, concerning Victoria." 25. invalidation suggests, public private matters. finances dynamics child—and stressed, touching couple's sex life. there, intermediate inquiry relations, "cohabitation" roof together; bed. (1981). Admittedly, husband's fertility virility—matters ordinarily age, asking intimate detailed decidedly anachronistic. Who earth certainty fuss? thu measure other.11 89 Make mistake: ultimate affairs people, able this, elementary prediction procedures.12 atmosphere surrounding make-believe. Beginning confronting corner country, 113, moving details passing finally cramped lets Michael—whom father—is awakes reality, expects. BRENNAN describes 119, tells "irrelevant husband" original). accept, me highly otherwise, dissent. Like MARSHALL, conclusion "have Prior none indicate enunciated demonstrated sufficient personal, financial, custodial child.1 faced while occasions fitness removed custody. treatment "not stranger children." 648, 1211. 255, 554, burdened "best standard. invalidated grounds man's consent. 261-262, 2993-2994, clearly participated raising suggested stepparent objections, criterion 266-267, 2996-2997. There, custodial, financial support. unwilling parent. providing contrast begun point. (albeit intermittently, itinerant lifestyle). emotional grew "Daddy." daughter (Even concedes "made greater efforts father-child Lehr. 6.) denied, admitted, father.2 emphasized "difference potential [Lehr ]." Clause." satisfy criteria, focused "mere enough, vicissitudes, done? meets mark discussed supra. protection, refusing demonstrable fiction father.3 Unlike notice. has, definitely, real heard. Supp. 989), blessing relying (defined Gerald) balancing away lacks repudiate, "stigma illegitimacy" harks back ancient ascertain "by nature" Judicial refused wedlock positive. impotency. authoritative allegations Little Streater, 452 6-7, 101 2202, 2205-2206, 627 debate multilingual explorations "spousal nonaccess" concerns behind laws. extramarital "bastard" literal sense word, compelling context especially hardly rare divorce remarriage "father" professed concern. sure, intrusion outsider disruptive least. liaison eliminates chances succeeding serve deterrent eliminate threat. Further, preserved sway challenging paternity.4 'process.' 1957, (1977) fail endorsed young blocked presenting court. result, foreclosed precluded, developing "A requirement heard.' Grannis Ordean, 234 385, 394 [34 779, 783, 1363 (1914) ]. manner." Armstrong Manzo, 545, 552, 1187, 1191, (1965). how heard precluded outset introducing manner. said: offspring. grasps accepts responsibility future, enjoy blessings uniquely valuable contributions development." passage addressed recants. eagerly grasped (he her; her) still, vanished. rendered applied, Amendment, respectfully woman, cohabiting, knows his, apparently mind "that it." 140. explicit exclude (all case) societal enacting "into redundancy," future generations lightly casting aside values—not enable invent ones. "pinched family' 145. disagree. referred typified, household Perhaps expanded bear resemblance respected relationships—and cease significance—if stretched lover, 3-month sojourn 8-month period happened Angeles, stayed reference else 145-146. imagine compels procedure looking assertedly isolation people—rather inquiring firing gun hand happens discharge person's body. logic leads rape, affect possession claim—and claim—a issue" 156, "Michael's depend," told, "on 147. sure surely denies. grasp "right hearing" vindicate. criticizes methodology using relating "whether protection." 139. "nove[l]," example Bowers Hardwick, 478 186, 106 2841, 140 (1986), ratified criminal sodomy laws, District Columbia them; record, conduct, "to engage conduct 'deeply tradition' 'implicit liberty' facetious." 194, 2846. Roe Wade, 410 705, 147 fifth negating longstanding proscribing abortion. 129-141, 715-721. why, "parenthood." Why general—perhaps "family relationships"; "personal "emotional attachments general"? level select, do: refer protecting, identified. consult, (if possible) from, general. unqualifiedly appreciate value consulting available, acknowledges "[e]ven 'family' 'parenthood' do." imprecise guidance, permit dictate discern views. need, avoided, reference—or announce, declines do, selecting innumerable consulted—is exemplified O'CONNOR's 132, disapproves footnote, select opposite results. assuredly virtue that) leaving free occurs, binds text particular, identifiable note (1965), None withholding pronounced here. continuing day, refutes possible "so fundamental," (1934), "implicit liberty," Palko 302 325, 149, 152, 288 (1937). chides jointly. "rely 'unitary liberty." clear, elsewhere understand, 139, 140-141, 145, 147, independent "balancing" parentage situation, evidenced tradition. regard fathering criticisms extended broadly. willingness case-by-case basis, Michelle W. Ronald W., 354, 216 748, 703 app. 474 1043, 774, 754 (1986); re cert. sub nom. Porzuczek Towner, 421 1014, 2421, 682 Marriage Sharyne Stephen B., 524, 528-531, 177 429, 431-433 (1981) (noting initially justified prove, rule's paramount justification reliable). [my] 4, place, suggest length other. pursued, event relies duration Note presumably disapprove (§ defeated divorced action), (1985) birth). suggest, "it conclusion" optimism "traditions" microscopic precision share, slice minuscule pieces, endorse. lose child: approved interest" standard, "unfitness" "Michael father," 135, refuses Showing startling misunderstanding stakes characterizes "whether, 120. response lodged Cal.3d, 363, P.2d, 93; lawsuit. announcement "what exhibits (1975), basis." "case-by-case" flexible brought "he [Victoria]," launched attack incorrectly 135. mention respect, mistaken "there father." latter predominant child-custody disputes told 1764, explicitly described bald statement incorre t. "exclud[es] privacy," 120, exaggerates threatened elimination foremost discovering wife's unhelpful sharing bed phone unsettle discoveries. 162 causes misstate way: relationship." 121. circumstance, Victoria; issue—paternity—that deems vital discontinued. easier knock turning big target. guarantees changed. 259-260, 2992-2993, distinction responsibility." "As Jessica's entry finality." 268, 2997 (footnote majority's analyze determine stressed "one 270, 2997. Whether error, demanding satisfied. concedes, 1984 114-115. resolution permitted evidence, keep proceeding. Whatever last quarter century, definitively nonetheless refute 1967, erode Jackson Jackson, Cal.2d 245, 649, 289 (1967). overcome pres mption (So illegitimacy!)

Classification Label: 3