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The fundamental liberty interest of natural parents in the care, custody, and management of their child does not
evaporate simply because they have not been model parents or have lost temporary custody of their child to the state ...
When the state moves to destroy weakened familial bonds, it must provide the parents with fundamentally fair
procedures. [Lassiter v. Department of Social Services, 452 US 18, 37 (1981)]
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The U.S. Supreme Court has consistently protected parental rights, including it among those rights
deemed fundamental. As a fundamental right, parental liberty (the parent-child relationship, rebuttable
presumption to be with your child and rear them at least 5! of the time e"en in the e"ent of parent
di"orcing, etc.# is to be protected by the highest standard of re"iew$ the compelling interest test. The
Court decisi"ely upheld and confirmed these parental rights in the recent case of Tro%el ". &ran"ille. 'n
essence, the Tro%el ". &ran"ille decision by the U.S. Supreme Court means that the go"ernment may not
infringe parents( right to direct the education and upbringing of their children unless it can show that it is
using the least restrictive means to achie"e a compelling governmental interest. )ith this decision,
parental rights ha"e reached their highest le"el of protection in o"er *5 years. The U.S. Supreme Court+s
decision in Tro%el ". &ran"ille should ser"e to maintain and protect parental rights for many years to
come.
What I want:
I) To Appeal and Sue for the immediate restoration of my Joint physical and legal custody status
of Anna my daughter, afforded to me by the Bill of Rights, Fundamental rights as a parent,
common law, and the
st
, !
th
, "
th
and !th amendments to the #onstitution$ This is an appeal to
ha%e my rights restored for the e&press purpose of re'oining and rebuilding the bonds with my
daughter Anna that I had as her primary caregi%er ( the bonds I had ha%e been strained and
bro)en in the past * months by decisions made by #obb #ounty Judge Adele +rubbs and Ad
,item Jim Friedewald$ I want all the liberties that I ha%e been depri%ed of by the Superior #ourt
of #obb #ounty for the past * months without -./ 0R1#/SS 1F ,A2 restored in full$ In the
end I want to ha%e primary physical and legal custody of Anna pursuant to 3In the child4s best
interest5 doctrine which ac)nowledges my original role as her primary caregi%er for the se%en
years, prior to Renee filing for di%orce and running off with her, as one of the most important
factors in Anna4s long term health and well6being$
II) To cause a 2rit of 0rohibition to be issued to the #ourt of #obb #ounty that prohibits the
court from carrying out in the future any of the unlawful practices gi%en below that they
practiced on me 7father8 2illiam 9$ Basinger) during my di%orce and custody proceeding 7to
pre%ent similar miscarriages of 'ustice in the future)$ For e&ample8
a) not allowing 7pre%enting by administrati%e means) temporary 'oint:shared or e;ual custody
7"<:"< shared custody) of minor children between father and mother during the pendency or
3obser%ation period5 7Judge +rubbs instructs mediators, lawyers and ad litems that temporary
'oint custody is not an option because she does not belie%e in permanent 'oint custody thus Judge
+rubbs will not appro%e temporary orders containing shared custody (this practice is gender
biased and ser%es to robs fathers of any chance to ha%e shared:'oint custody in the final),
Decisions of the United States Supreme Court Upholding Parental Rights
b) pre%enting 7dismissed case without hearing testimony or re%iewing e%idence) e%idence against
mother regarding child abuse and per'ury to be presented, not allowing adult children to testify
about fathers innocence and role as primary caregi%er in family and not allowing hard e%idence
to be submitted regarding the mother4s abuse of children in a T01 hearing and for fathers
defense in a #ontempt hearing,
c) the courts employment of terror tactics and punishments, reser%ed for criminals with
diminished constitutional rights, by Judge +rubbs and Jim Friedewald 7Ad litem) in order to get
the father to follow illegal orders in a witch hunt to find incriminating e%idence on himself after
they too) his daughter with hearsay do what they wanted 7threat of incarceration, threat of ta)ing
child permanently, threat of loss of 'ob, use fear of public humiliation, etc$) for not following
orders which are flagrant %iolations of father4s ci%il and constitutional rights,
d) %iolating the father and daughters constitutional rights and +eorgia4s statutory laws by using
Anna 7< year old daughter) and handicapped son 7left uncared for) as le%erage to force father to
submit to unconstitutional e&aminations, sei=ures, detentions, restraints and ta)ings by ta)ing
more %isitation time with Anna away from him,
e) allowing hearsay e%idence :proof presented by the plantiff and the Ad ,item which fell well
short of meeting the standard of clear and con%incing proof :e%idence as re;uired by +eorgia
State ,aw 7+S# Title ", #hapter , Section *! 7"66*!)) (a statute recently upheld by the
.S Supreme #ourt$
f) the use of criminal type punishments during di%orce proceedings 73emergency5 proceedings
that pre%ent time for preparation of a defense or opportunity to face the accuser or call witnesses
( 666ser%ed on Friday at " pm for a *8<< am )angaroo court hearing) that deny -./ 0R1#/SS
and result in the ta)ing of a child from one or both parents indefinitely$ The hearing, standards of
e%idence 7hearsay) and preparation time 7no time to file with the cler) of court) were all
compromised in the 3emergency5 hearing that resulted in my daughter being ta)en and now
permanently being withheld from me 7her father) for the ne&t eight years$
g) the use of criminal 'ustice methods by the court to try to elicit e%idence against me was
unconstitutional 7ta)ing my daughter without first ha%ing present clear and con%incing e%idence
of the father being unfit, ta)en without a fair trial or hearing, forced to participate in criminal
drug tests that ta)e place in the direct presence of law enforcement officers, forced to participate
in e&pensi%e psych$ e%aluations with orders for treatment and medication 66666threatened with
incarceration, 'ob loss, loss of care of my handicapped son 7he would suffer), continued ta)ing of
my daughter and continued loss of any and all ability to communicate with her$
h) considering that the relationship between a parent and a child is a fundamental right ( then it
is unconstitutional, that in practice, some of the most important decisions a trial 'udges ma)es is
made during the pendency of custody cases, which by design, escape re%iew by a higher court
regardless of how bad or illegal there decisions are, regardless of whether the decisions infringe
on the fundamental liberties or constitutional rights of di%orcing parents and their children ( all
because the same 'udge controls the certificate 7which only your attorney can as) for but will not
Decisions of the United States Supreme Court Upholding Parental Rights
to a%oid ma)ing the 'udge angry at him) which allows for the decisions to be sub'ected to an
interlocutory and:or final appeal for discretionary re%iew and because a higher court 'udge will
not re%iew the 'udges rulings unless child abuse is in%ol%ed 7consider if child abuse is in%ol%ed,
but the 'udge as a matter of self6preser%ation will not allow it to be heard in order to escape
re%iew of their decisions in toto)$ #ustody cases, to protect fundamental parental rights, should
ha%e an automatic re%iew if one parents rights ha%e been abriged$
i) pre%enting orders li)e the orders that resulted from my emergency hearing that were
unconstitutional6 ta)ing my daughter permanently under the guise of a temporary suspension of
parental rights , forced me to %ia illegal contempt holdings to ta)e a 3criminal li)e5 warrantless
drug test where my urine was ta)en under the watch of my pri%ates by sheriffs personnel, forced
to ta)e a >?<< psych$ e%al$ while restrained and bound by prison irons, forced to sign away
protected rights to mental health pri%acy and treatment ( all under threat of incarceration, 'ob
loss, care of my handicapped son and the ta)ing of my daughter and the ability to communicate
with her$
4) For the court, the ad litem and the plaintiff4s attorney to pay for all costs incurred by the
defendant both financially and emotionally for the past two years$
Abstracts of Binin! US "as#$a% & 'a%s of (#or!ia & )#f.
,# Santos-y ". .ramer , /55 US */5, *50 (,123#
*+is cas# in,o$,# t+# A--#$$at# .i,ision of t+# /#% 0or1 S2-r#3# "o2rt affir3in! t+# a--$ication of
t+# -r#-on#ranc# of t+# #,i#nc# stanar as -ro-#r an constit2tiona$ in r2$in! t+at t+# -ar#nt4s
ri!+ts ar# -#r3an#nt$5 t#r3inat#. *+# U.S. S2-r#3# "o2rt, +o%#,#r, ,acat# t+# $o%#r "o2rt
#cision, +o$in! t+at 2# -roc#ss as r#62ir# 2n#r t+# 14t+ A3#n3#nt in t+is cas# r#62ir# -roof
b5 c$#ar an con,incin! #,i#nc# rat+#r t+an 3#r#$5 a -r#-on#ranc# of t+# #,i#nc#.
*+# "o2rt, in r#ac+in! t+#ir #cision, 3a# it c$#ar t+at -ar#nts4 ri!+ts as o2t$in# in Pierce an Meyer
ar# f2na3#nta$ an s-#cia$$5 -rot#ct# 2n#r t+# 7o2rt##nt+ A3#n3#nt. *+# "o2rt b#!an b5
62otin! anot+#r S2-r#3# "o2rt cas#8
9n Lassiter [Lassiter v. Department of Social Services, 452 US 18, 37 (1981)], it %as :not is-2t# t+at
stat# int#r,#ntion to t#r3inat# t+# r#$ations+i- b#t%##n a -ar#nt an a c+i$ 32st b# acco3-$is+# b5
-roc#2r#s 3##tin! t+# r#62isit#s of t+# .2# ;roc#ss "$a2s#. . . *+# abs#nc# of is-2t# r#f$#ct# t+is
"o2rt4s +istorica$ r#co!nition t+at fr##o3 of -#rsona$ c+oic# in 3att#rs of fa3i$5 $if# is a f2na3#nta$
$ib#rt5 int#r#st -rot#ct# b5 t+# 14t+ A3#n3#nt ... Pierce v. Society of Sisters ... Meyer v. Nebraska.
*+# f2na3#nta$ $ib#rt5 int#r#st of nat2ra$ -ar#nts in t+# car#, c2sto5, an 3ana!#3#nt of t+#ir
c+i$ o#s not #,a-orat# si3-$5 b#ca2s# t+#5 +a,# not b##n 3o#$ -ar#nts or +a,# $ost t#3-orar5
c2sto5 of t+#ir c+i$ to t+# stat# ... <+#n t+# stat# 3o,#s to #stro5 %#a1#n# fa3i$ia$ bons, it
32st -ro,i# t+# -ar#nts %it+ f2na3#nta$$5 fair -roc#2r#s. [#3-+asis s2--$i#]
Decisions of the United States Supreme Court Upholding Parental Rights
2) ===..if a stat# s##1s to #-ri,# nat2ra$ -ar#nts of c2sto5 of t+#ir c+i$r#n, r#62irin! on$5 -roof b5
a -r#-on#ranc# of #,i#nc#== is a ,io$ation of t+# -ar#nts> .U? ;)@"?SS ri!+ts (Santosky v. Kramer,
455 U.S. 745, 1A2 S. "t. 1388, 71 '. ?. 2 599 [1982]). 7r##o3 in 3att#rs of fa3i$5 $if# is a
f2na3#nta$ $ib#rt5 int#r#st, an t+# !o,#rn3#nt cannot ta1# it a%a5 %it+ on$5 a 3o#st #,i#ntiar5
stanar. Bo%#,#r, a co2rt 3a5 2s# a -r#-on#ranc# of #,i#nc# stanar %+#n a 3ot+#r s##1s to
#stab$is+ t+at a c#rtain 3an is t+# fat+#r of +#r c+i$ (Rivera v. Minnich, 483 U.S. 574, 1A7 S. "t. 3AA1,
97 '. ?. 2 473 [1987]). Cost stat#s 2s# t+# -r#-on#ranc# of #,i#nc# stanar in t+#s# cas#s
b#ca2s# t+#5 +a,# an int#r#st in #ns2rin! t+at fat+#rs s2--ort t+#ir c+i$r#n
0# Tro%el, 50 U.S. at 2, ,3 S.Ct. 35/
DStat# action t+at $i3its a f2na3#nta$ ri!+t is !#n#ra$$5 s2bE#ct to strict scr2tin5. (*+o3as, F.,
conc2rrin! in E2!3#nt)G
Troxel v. Granville, 53A U.S. 57 (2AAA)
9n t+is cas# t+# Unit# Stat#s S2-r#3# "o2rt iss2# a $an3ar1 o-inion on -ar#nta$ $ib#rt5. *+# cas#
in,o$,# a <as+in!ton Stat# stat2t# %+ic+ -ro,i# t+at a Dco2rt 3a5 or#r ,isitation ri!+ts for an5
-#rson %+#n ,isitation 3a5 s#r,# t+# b#st int#r#sts of t+# c+i$, %+#t+#r or not t+#r# +as b##n an5
c+an!# of circ23stanc#s.D <as+. )#,. "o# 2H.1A.1HA(3). *+# U.S. S2-r#3# "o2rt r2$# t+at t+#
<as+in!ton stat2t# D2nconstit2tiona$$5 int#rf#r#s %it+ t+# f2na3#nta$ ri!+t of -ar#nts to r#ar t+#ir
c+i$r#n.D *+# "o2rt %#nt on to #Ia3in# its tr#at3#nt of -ar#nta$ ri!+ts in -r#,io2s cas#s8
9n s2bs#62#nt cas#s a$so, %# +a,# r#co!niJ# t+# f2na3#nta$ ri!+t of -ar#nts to 3a1# #cisions
conc#rnin! t+# car#, c2sto5, an contro$ of t+#ir c+i$r#n isconsin v. !o"er# $%& '.S. (%)# (*(# *( L.
+". (" ,)# -( S. .t. ,)(& /,-0(1 (D*+# +istor5 an c2$t2r# of <#st#rn ci,i$iJation r#f$#ct a stron!
traition of -ar#nta$ conc#rn for t+# n2rt2r# an 2-brin!in! of t+#ir c+i$r#n. *+is -ri3ar5 ro$# of t+#
-ar#nts in t+# 2-brin!in! of t+#ir c+i$r#n is no% #stab$is+# b#5on #bat# as an #n2rin! A3#rican
traitionD)G 23illoin v. alcott# $*$ '.S. ($&# ())# )$ L. +". (" ),,# -4 S. .t. )$- /,-041 (D<# +a,#
r#co!niJ# on n23#ro2s occasions t+at t+# r#$ations+i- b#t%##n -ar#nt an c+i$ is constit2tiona$$5
-rot#ct#D)G Parham v. 5. R.# $$( '.S. )4$# &%(# &, L. +". (" ,%,# -- S. .t. ($-* /,-0-1 (D@2r
E2ris-r2#nc# +istorica$$5 +as r#f$#ct# <#st#rn ci,i$iJation conc#-ts of t+# fa3i$5 as a 2nit %it+ broa
-ar#nta$ a2t+orit5 o,#r 3inor c+i$r#n. @2r cas#s +a,# consist#nt$5 fo$$o%# t+at co2rs#D)G Santosky v.
Kramer# $)) '.S. 0$)# 0)*# 0, L. +". (" )--# ,%( S. .t. ,*44 /,-4(1 (isc2ssin! Dt+# f2na3#nta$ $ib#rt5
int#r#st of nat2ra$ -ar#nts in t+# car#, c2sto5, an 3ana!#3#nt of t+#ir c+i$D)G Gl3cksber6# s3pra, at
72A (D9n a $on! $in# of cas#s, %# +a,# +#$ t+at, in aition to t+# s-#cific fr##o3s -rot#ct# b5 t+#
Bi$$ of )i!+ts, t+# >$ib#rt5> s-#cia$$5 -rot#ct# b5 t+# .2# ;roc#ss "$a2s# inc$2#s t+# ri!+t ... to ir#ct
t+# #2cation an 2-brin!in! of on#>s c+i$r#nD (citin! Meyer an Pierce)). 9n $i!+t of t+is #It#nsi,#
-r#c##nt, it cannot no% b# o2bt# t+at t+# .2# ;roc#ss "$a2s# of t+# 7o2rt##nt+ A3#n3#nt
-rot#cts t+# f2na3#nta$ ri!+t of -ar#nts to 3a1# #cisions conc#rnin! t+# car#, c2sto5, an contro$
of t+#ir c+i$r#n. [#3-+asis s2--$i#]
*+is cas# c$#ar$5 2-+o$s -ar#nta$ ri!+ts. 9n #ss#nc#, t+is #cision 3#ans t+at t+# !o,#rn3#nt 3a5 not
infrin!# -ar#nts> ri!+t to ir#ct t+# #2cation an 2-brin!in! of t+#ir c+i$r#n 2n$#ss it can s+o% t+at it
is 2sin! t+# $#ast r#stricti,# 3#ans to ac+i#,# a co3-#$$in! !o,#rn3#nta$ int#r#st.
"onc$2sion
Decisions of the United States Supreme Court Upholding Parental Rights
*+# U.S. S2-r#3# "o2rt +as consist#nt$5 -rot#ct# -ar#nta$ ri!+ts, inc$2in! it a3on! t+os# ri!+ts
##3# f2na3#nta$. ;ar#nta$ ri!+ts +a,# r#ac+# t+#ir +i!+#st $#,#$ of -rot#ction in o,#r 75 5#ars. As
a f2na3#nta$ ri!+t, -ar#nta$ $ib#rt5 is to b# -rot#ct# b5 t+# +i!+#st stanar of r#,i#%8 t+#
co3-#$$in! int#r#st t#st. *+# "o2rt #cisi,#$5 2-+#$ an confir3# t+#s# -ar#nta$ ri!+ts in t+# r#c#nt
cas# of Troxel v. Granville. 9n #ss#nc#, t+# Troxel v. Granville #cision b5 t+# U.S. S2-r#3# "o2rt
3#ans t+at t+# !o,#rn3#nt 3a5 not infrin!# -ar#nts> ri!+t to ir#ct t+# #2cation an 2-brin!in! of
t+#ir c+i$r#n 2n$#ss it can s+o% t+at it is 2sin! t+# $#ast r#stricti,# 3#ans to ac+i#,# a co3-#$$in!
!o,#rn3#nta$ int#r#st. *+# U.S. S2-r#3# "o2rt4s #cision s+o2$ s#r,# to 3aintain an -rot#ct
-ar#nta$ ri!+ts for 3an5 5#ars to co3#.
/# Clar- ". 4eter, /25 U.S. /55, /5,, ,2 S.Ct. ,1,, , 6.7d.3d /55 (,122#
(D["]$assifications aff#ctin! f2na3#nta$ ri!+ts ... ar# !i,#n t+# 3ost #Iactin! scr2tin5.D). Strict
scr2tin5 !#n#ra$$5 r#62ir#s t+at t+# stat# s+o% a co3-#$$in! int#r#st, a,anc# b5 t+# $#ast r#stricti,#
3#ans.
Graham v. Richardson, 403 U.S. 365, 375, 91 S.t. 1!4!, "9 #.$d."d 534 %1971&
(D9t is #no2!+ to sa5 t+at t+# c$assification in,o$,# in S+a-iro [,. *+o3-son, 394 U.S. H18, 89 S."t.
1322, 22 '.?.2 HAA (19H9),] %as s2bE#ct# to strict scr2tin5 2n#r t+# co3-#$$in! stat# int#r#st
t#st ... b#ca2s# it i3-in!# 2-on t+# f2na3#nta$ ri!+t of int#rstat# 3o,#3#nt.D).
5) IN THE INTEREST ! "# E# C# et al#$ children# %&'%(&)'# *Termination of parental rights+
(253 (a. A--. 82) (558 S?2 5H) (2AA1)
?''9/(*@/, F2!#.
*#r3ination of -ar#nta$ ri!+ts. 72$ton F2,#ni$# "o2rt. B#for# F2!# Bic1son.
*+# 3ot+#r of t+r## 3inor c+i$r#n a--#a$s fro3 t+# 72$ton "o2nt5 F2,#ni$# "o2rt>s #cision to
t#r3inat# +#r -ar#nta$ ri!+ts. B#ca2s# %# fin t+# #cision %as s2--ort# b5 c$#ar an con,incin!
#,i#nc#, %# affir3.
9n fi,# #n23#rations, t+# 3ot+#r cont#ns t+#r# %as ins2ffici#nt #,i#nc# for t+# tria$ co2rt to fin
t+at +#r -ar#nta$ ri!+ts s+o2$ b# t#r3inat# -2rs2ant to @"(A 15K11K94. D*+# stanar of r#,i#% of a
E2,#ni$# co2rt>s #cision to t#r3inat# -ar#nta$ ri!+ts is %+#t+#r aft#r r#,i#%in! t+# #,i#nc# in t+#
$i!+t 3ost fa,orab$# to t+# a--#$$##, an5 rationa$ tri#r of fact co2$ +a,# fo2n b5 c$#ar an con,incin!
#,i#nc# t+at t+# nat2ra$ -ar#nt>s ri!+ts to c2sto5 +a,# b##n $ost.D ("itation an -2nct2ation
o3itt#.) 9n t+# 9nt#r#st of S. B., 251 (a. A--. 555 (1) (553 S?2 849) (2AA1). D<# #f#r to t+# tria$
co2rt>s factfinin! an affir3 2n$#ss t+# a--#$$at# stanar is not 3#t.D ("itation an -2nct2ation
o3itt#.) 9n t+# 9nt#r#st of A. S. @., 243 (a. A--. 1 (1) (53A S?2 2H1) (2AAA).
Un#r @"(A 15K11K94 (a) (for3#r$5 @"(A 15K11K81), t+# consi#rations for t#r3inatin! -ar#nta$ ri!+ts
in,o$,# a t%oKst#- -roc#ss. *+# tria$ co2rt 32st first #t#r3in# D%+#t+#r t+#r# is -r#s#nt c$#ar an
Decisions of the United States Supreme Court Upholding Parental Rights
con,incin! #,i#nc# of -ar#nta$ 3iscon2ct or inabi$it5.D @"(A 15K11K94 (a). S2c+ 3iscon2ct or
inabi$it5 3a5 b# -ro,# b5 s+o%in! (1) t+# c+i$ is #-ri,#G (2) s2c+ #-ri,ation is ca2s# b5 t+# $ac1
of -ro-#r -ar#nta$ car# or contro$ b5 t+# -ar#nt in 62#stionG (3) t+# #-ri,ation is $i1#$5 to contin2#G
an (4) t+# Dcontin2# #-ri,ation %i$$ ca2s# or is $i1#$5 to ca2s# s#rio2s -+5sica$, 3#nta$, #3otiona$,
or 3ora$ +ar3 to t+# c+i$.D @"(A 15K11K94 (b) (4) (A) (i)K(i,). 72rt+#r, in #t#r3inin! %+#t+#r t+#r# is
a $ac1 of D-ro-#r -ar#nta$ car# an contro$,D t+# co2rt 3a5 consi#r s#,#ra$ factors, inc$2in! t+# . . .
[-ast or -r#s#nt] D(-)+5sica$, 3#nta$, or #3otiona$ n#!$#ct of t+# c+i$.D @"(A 15K11K94 [(b) (4) (B)
(,)]. 9f t+# c+i$ is not in t+# c2sto5 of t+# -ar#nt in 62#stion, t+# $ac1 of -ro-#r -ar#nta$ car# an
contro$ can b# #3onstrat# b5 s+o%in! t+at t+# -ar#nt, %it+o2t E2stifiab$# ca2s#, fai$# for a -#rio
of on# 5#ar -rior to t+# fi$in! of t+# t#r3ination -#tition to D#,#$o- an 3aintain a -ar#nta$ bon
%it+ t+# c+i$ in a 3#anin!f2$, s2--orti,# 3ann#rD[G to co3-$#t# a co2rtKor#r# r#2nification -$anG]
or to s2--ort t+# c+i$ financia$$5. @"(A 15K11K94 [(b) (4) (") (i)K(iii)]. @nc# t+# tria$ co2rt #stab$is+#s a
$ac1 of -ar#nta$ car# an contro$, t+# s#con -art of t+# t#st for #t#r3inin! %+#t+#r -ar#nta$ ri!+ts
s+o2$ b# t#r3inat# is %+#t+#r s2c+ t#r3ination Dis in t+# b#st int#r#st of t+# c+i$, aft#r consi#rin!
t+# -+5sica$, 3#nta$, #3otiona$, an 3ora$ conition an n##s of t+# c+i$ %+o is t+# s2bE#ct of t+#
-roc##in!, inc$2in! t+# n## for a s#c2r# an stab$# +o3#.D @"(A 15K11K94 (a).
("itation o3itt#.) 9n t+# 9nt#r#st of S. B., 251 (a. A--. at 557 (1) (b).
Li#%# in t+# $i!+t 3ost fa,orab$# to t+# Stat#, as a--#$$##, t+# r#cor s+o%s t+at t+# 72$ton "o2nt5
.#-art3#nt of 7a3i$5 & "+i$r#n S#r,ic#s (D.7A"SD) too1 t#3-orar5 $#!a$ c2sto5 of t+# t+r## bo5s in
F2n# 1995 fo$$o%in! r#-orts of n#!$#ct an -+5sica$ ab2s# b5 t+# -ar#nts. At t+# ti3# t+#5 %#r#
r#3o,# fro3 t+# -ar#nts> +o3#, '. ?. "., Fr. %as t+r## 5#ars o$, 7. C. ". %as t%o 5#ars o$, an '. ?.
". 999 %as on# 5#ar o$. Socia$ %or1#rs %it+ A(A;?, an a!#nc5 t+at coorinat# t+# bo5s> fost#r +o3#
-$ac#3#nts, t#stifi# t+at t+# bo5s %#r# Ds#,#r#$5 n#!$#ct#,D D3#ica$$5 fra!i$#,D +a not b##n
i332niJ#, +a 2ncorr#ct# ,ision -rob$#3s, s2ff#r# #$a5s in t+#ir s-##c+ an 3#nta$ #,#$o-3#nt,
an +a ot+#r 3#ica$ an b#+a,iora$ -rob$#3s. Accorin! to t+# initia$ #-ri,ation or#r, t+# fat+#r
+a -+5sica$$5 ab2s# t+# c+i$r#n, t+# co2rt %as Dconc#rn#D t+at t+# 3ot+#r +a a$so ab2s# t+#
c+i$r#n, an t+# co2rt fo2n t+# c+i$r#n to b# #-ri,#. *+# E2,#ni$# co2rt or#r# t+# 3ot+#r to
2n#r!o a t+oro2!+ -s5c+o$o!ica$ #,a$2ation an att#n -ar#ntin! c$ass#s. 1
Conse,uentl-$ it is clear the constitutional right of a parent to direct the up.ringing and education of
his child is /rml- entrenched in the U#S# Supreme Court case histor-# !urthermore$ a higher standard of
re0ie1 applies to fundamental rights such as parental li.ert- than to other rights# 2hen confronted
1ith a con3ict .et1een parents4 rights and state regulation$ the court must appl- the 5compelling
interest test#6 Under this test$ the state must pro0e that its infringement on the parents4 li.ert- is
essential to ful/ll a compelling interest and is the least restricti0e means of ful/lling this state interest#
Simpl- pro0ing the regulation is reasona.le is not su7cient#
&1 Parham v. 5.R., 442 US 584, HA2KHAH (1979).
*+is cas# in,o$,#s -ar#nt4s ri!+ts to 3a1# 3#ica$ #cisions r#!arin! t+#ir c+i$r#n4s 3#nta$ +#a$t+.
*+# $o%#r "o2rt +a r2$# t+at (#or!ia4s stat2tor5 sc+#3# of a$$o%in! c+i$r#n to b# s2bE#ct to
tr#at3#nt in t+# stat#4s 3#nta$ +#a$t+ faci$iti#s ,io$at# t+# "onstit2tion b#ca2s# it i not a#62at#$5
-rot#ct c+i$r#n4s 2# -roc#ss ri!+ts. *+# S2-r#3# "o2rt r#,#rs# t+is #cision 2-+o$in! t+# $#!a$
-r#s23-tion t+at -ar#nts act in t+#ir c+i$r#n4s b#st int#r#st. *+# "o2rt r2$#8
Decisions of the United States Supreme Court Upholding Parental Rights
@2r E2ris-r2#nc# +istorica$$5 +as r#f$#ct# <#st#rn ci,i$iJation conc#-ts of t+# fa3i$5 as a 2nit %it+
broa -ar#nta$ a2t+orit5 o,#r 3inor c+i$r#n. @2r cas#s +a,# consist#nt$5 fo$$o%# t+at co2rs#G o2r
constit2tiona$ s5st#3 $on! a!o r#E#ct# an5 notion t+at a c+i$ is :t+# 3#r# cr#at2r# of t+# Stat# an,
on t+# contrar5, ass#rt# t+at -ar#nts !#n#ra$$5 :+a,# t+# ri!+t, co2-$# %it+ t+# +i!+ 2t5, to
r#co!niJ# an -r#-ar# [t+#ir c+i$r#n] for aitiona$ ob$i!ations. Pierce v. Society of Sisters, 2H8 U.S.
51A, 535 (1925) ... [ot+#r citations o3itt#] . . . *+# $a%4s conc#-t of t+# fa3i$5 r#sts on a
-r#s23-tion t+at -ar#nts -oss#ss %+at a c+i$ $ac1s in 3at2rit5, #I-#ri#nc#, an ca-acit5 for E2!3#nt
r#62ir# for 3a1in! $if#4s iffic2$t #cisions. Cor# i3-ortant, +istorica$$5 it +as b##n r#co!niJ# t+at
nat2ra$ bons of aff#ction $#a -ar#nts to act in t+# b#st int#r#sts of t+#ir c+i$r#n. 1 <. B$ac1ston#,
"o33#ntari#s 447G 2 F. M#nt, "o33#ntari#s on A3#rican 'a% 19A.
As %it+ so 3an5 ot+#r $#!a$ -r#s23-tions, #I-#ri#nc# an r#a$it5 3a5 r#b2t %+at t+# $a% acc#-ts as a
startin! -ointG t+# inci#nc# of c+i$ n#!$#ct an ab2s# cas#s att#sts to t+is. *+at so3# -ar#nts :3a5
at ti3#s b# actin! a!ainst t+# int#r#sts of t+#ir c+i$r#n ... cr#at#s a basis for ca2tion, b2t it is +ar$5
a r#ason to iscar %+o$#sa$# t+os# -a!#s of +23an #I-#ri#nc# t+at t#ac+ t+at -ar#nts !#n#ra$$5 o
act in t+# c+i$4s b#st int#r#st ... *+# statist notion t+at !o,#rn3#nta$ -o%#r s+o2$ s2-#rs##
-ar#nta$ a2t+orit5 in a$$ cas#s b#ca2s# so3# -ar#nts ab2s# an n#!$#ct c+i$r#n is r#-2!nant to
A3#rican traition. [#3-+asis s2--$i#]
;ar#nta$ ri!+ts ar# c$#ar$5 2-+#$ in t+is #cision r#co!niJin! t+# ri!+ts of -ar#nts to 3a1# +#a$t+
#cisions for t+#ir c+i$r#n. *+# "o2rt contin2#s b5 #I-$ainin! t+# ba$ancin! t+at 32st ta1# -$ac#8
/on#t+#$#ss, %# +a,# r#co!niJ# t+at a stat# is not %it+o2t constit2tiona$ contro$ o,#r -ar#nta$
iscr#tion in #a$in! %it+ c+i$r#n %+#n t+#ir -+5sica$ or 3#nta$ +#a$t+ is E#o-ariJ# (S## isconsin
v. !o"er7 Prince v. Massach3setts). Cor#o,#r, t+# "o2rt r#c#nt$5 #c$ar# 2nconstit2tiona$ a stat#
stat2t# t+at !rant# -ar#nts an abso$2t# ,#to o,#r a 3inor c+i$4s #cisions to +a,# an abortion,
Planne" Parenthoo" of .entral Misso3ri v. Danforth, 428 US 52 (197H), A--#$$##s 2r!# t+at t+#s#
-r#c##nts $i3itin! t+# traitiona$ ri!+ts of -ar#nts, if ,i#%# in t+# cont#It of a $ib#rt5 int#r#st of t+#
c+i$ an t+# $i1#$i+oo of -ar#nta$ ab2s#, r#62ir# 2s to +o$ t+at -ar#nt4s #cision to +a,# a c+i$
a3itt# to a 3#nta$ +os-ita$ 32st b# s2bE#ct# to an #Iactin! constit2tiona$ scr2tin5, inc$2in! a
for3a$, a,#rsar5, -r#Ka3ission +#arin!.
A--#$$##s4 ar!23#nt, +o%#,#r, s%##-s too broa$5. Si3-$5 b#ca2s# t+# #cision of a -ar#nt is not
a!r##ab$# to a c+i$, or b#ca2s# it in,o$,#s ris1s o#s not a2to3atica$$5 transf#r -o%#r to 3a1# t+at
#cision fro3 t+# -ar#nts to so3# a!#nc5 or offic#r of t+# stat#. *+# sa3# c+aract#riJations can b#
3a# for a tonsi$$#cto35, a--#n#cto35, or ot+#r 3#ica$ -roc#2r#. Cost c+i$r#n, #,#n in
ao$#sc#nc#, si3-$5 ar# not ab$# to 3a1# so2n E2!#3#nts conc#rnin! 3an5 #cisions, inc$2in! t+#ir
n## for 3#ica$ car# or tr#at3#nt. ;ar#nts can an 32st 3a1# t+os# E2!#3#nts ... %# cannot
ass23# t+at t+# r#s2$t in Meyer v. Nebraska, s2-ra, an Pierce v. Society of Sisters, s2-ra, %o2$ +a,#
b##n iff#r#nt if t+# c+i$r#n t+#r# +a anno2nc# a -r#f#r#nc# to $#arn on$5 ?n!$is+ or -r#f#r#nc# to
!o to a -2b$ic, rat+#r t+at a c+2rc+ sc+oo$. *+# fact t+at a c+i$ 3a5 ba$1 at +os-ita$iJation or
co3-$ain abo2t a -ar#nta$ r#f2sa$ to -ro,i# cos3#tic s2r!#r5 o#s not i3inis+ t+# -ar#nt4s a2t+orit5
to #ci# %+at is b#st for t+# c+i$ (S## !#n#ra$$5 (o$st#in, Me"ical .ase for the .hil" at Risk8 on
State S3pervention of Parental 93tonomy, 8H 0a$# 'F H45, HH4KHH8 (1977)G B#nn#tt, 9llocation of .hil"
Me"ical .are Decision : Makin6 93thority8 9 S366este" ;nterest 9nalyses, H2 La ') #, 285, 3A8 (197H).
/#it+#r stat# officia$s nor f##ra$ "o2rts ar# #62i--# to r#,i#% s2c+ -ar#nta$ #cisions. [#3-+asis
s2--$i#]
Decisions of the United States Supreme Court Upholding Parental Rights
*+#r#for#, it is c$#ar t+at t+# "o2rt is r#co!niJin! -ar#nts as +a,in! t+# ri!+t to 3a1# E2!3#nts
conc#rnin! t+#ir c+i$r#n %+o ar# not ab$# to 3a1# so2n #cisions, inc$2in! t+#ir n## for 3#ica$
car#. A -ar#nt4s a2t+orit5 to #ci# %+at is b#st for t+# c+i$ in t+# ar#as of 3#ica$ tr#at3#nt cannot
b# i3inis+# si3-$5 b#ca2s# a c+i$ isa!r##s. A -ar#nt4s ri!+t 32st b# -rot#ct# an not si3-$5
transf#rr# to so3# stat# a!#nc5.
7) (#or!ia Stat# "o# *it$# 15, "+a-t#r 11, S#ction 94 (15K11K94) [t#r3ination of -ar#nta$ ri!+ts]
(a) 9n consi#rin! t+# t#r3ination of -ar#nta$ ri!+ts , t+# co2rt s+a$$ first #t#r3in# %+#t+#r
t+#r# is -r#s#nt c$#ar an con,incin! #,i#nc# of -ar#nta$ 3iscon2ct or inabi$it5 as -ro,i#
in s2bs#ction (b) of t+is "o# s#ction. 9f t+#r# is c$#ar an con,incin! #,i#nc# of s2c+ -ar#nta$
3iscon2ct or inabi$it5, t+# co2rt s+a$$ t+#n consi#r %+#t+#r t#r3ination of -ar#nta$ ri!+ts is in t+#
b#st int#r#st of t+# c+i$, aft#r consi#rin! t+# -+5sica$, 3#nta$, #3otiona$, an 3ora$ conition an
n##s of t+# c+i$ %+o is t+# s2bE#ct of t+# -roc##in!, inc$2in! t+# n## for a s#c2r# an stab$#
+o3#.
(b) ?Ic#-t as -ro,i# in s2bs#ctions (#) t+ro2!+ (+) of "o# S#ction 15K11K9H, t+# co2rt b5 or#r 3a5
t#r3inat# t+# -ar#nta$ ri!+ts of a -ar#nt %it+ r#s-#ct to t+# -ar#nt>s c+i$ if8
(1) *+# %ritt#n cons#nt of t+# -ar#nt, ac1no%$#!# b#for# t+# co2rt, +as b##n !i,#nG -ro,i#,
+o%#,#r, t+at ac1no%$#!3#nt b#for# t+# co2rt is not n#c#ssar5 %+#r# t+# -ar#nt or -ar#nts
,o$2ntari$5 s2rr#n#r t+# c+i$ for ao-tion as -ro,i# b5 s2bs#ction (#) of "o# S#ction 19K8K4, 19K8K
5, 19K8KH, or 19K8K7G
(2) A #cr## +as b##n #nt#r# b5 a co2rt of co3-#t#nt E2risiction of t+is or an5 ot+#r stat# or#rin!
t+# -ar#nt, !2arian, or ot+#r c2stoian to s2--ort t+# c+i$, an t+# -ar#nt, !2arian, or ot+#r
c2stoian +as %anton$5 an %i$$f2$$5 fai$# to co3-$5 %it+ t+# or#r for a -#rio of 12 3ont+s or
$on!#rG
(3) *+# -ar#nt +as abanon# t+# c+i$ or t+# c+i$ %as $#ft 2n#r circ23stanc#s t+at t+# i#ntit5 of
t+# -ar#nt is 2n1no%n an cannot b# asc#rtain# #s-it# i$i!#nt s#arc+in!, an t+# -ar#nt +as not
co3# for%ar to c$ai3 t+# c+i$ %it+in t+r## 3ont+s fo$$o%in! t+# finin! of t+# c+i$G or
(4)(A) *+# co2rt #t#r3in#s -ar#nta$ 3iscon2ct or inabi$it5 b5 finin! t+at8
(i) *+# c+i$ is a #-ri,# c+i$, as s2c+ t#r3 is #fin# in "o# S#ction 15K11K2G
(ii) *+# $ac1 of -ro-#r -ar#nta$ car# or contro$ b5 t+# -ar#nt in 62#stion is t+# ca2s# of t+# c+i$>s
stat2s as #-ri,#G
(iii) S2c+ ca2s# of #-ri,ation is $i1#$5 to contin2# or %i$$ not $i1#$5 b# r#3#i#G an
(i,) *+# contin2# #-ri,ation %i$$ ca2s# or is $i1#$5 to ca2s# s#rio2s -+5sica$, 3#nta$, #3otiona$, or
3ora$ +ar3 to t+# c+i$.
(B) 9n #t#r3inin! %+#t+#r t+# c+i$ is %it+o2t -ro-#r -ar#nta$ car# an contro$, t+# co2rt s+a$$
consi#r, %it+o2t b#in! $i3it# to, t+# fo$$o%in!8
(i) A 3#ica$$5 ,#rifiab$# #fici#nc5 of t+# -ar#nt>s -+5sica$, 3#nta$, or #3otiona$ +#a$t+ of s2c+
2ration or nat2r# as to r#n#r t+# -ar#nt 2nab$# to -ro,i# a#62at#$5 for t+# -+5sica$, 3#nta$,
Decisions of the United States Supreme Court Upholding Parental Rights
#3otiona$, or 3ora$ conition an n##s of t+# c+i$G (ii) ?Ic#ssi,# 2s# of or +istor5 of c+ronic
2nr#+abi$itat# ab2s# of intoIicatin! $i62ors or narcotic or an!#ro2s r2!s or contro$$# s2bstanc#s
%it+ t+# #ff#ct of r#n#rin! t+# -ar#nt inca-ab$# of -ro,iin! a#62at#$5 for t+# -+5sica$, 3#nta$,
#3otiona$, or 3ora$ conition an n##s of t+# c+i$G
(iii) "on,iction of t+# -ar#nt of a f#$on5 an i3-rison3#nt t+#r#for %+ic+ +as a #3onstrab$# n#!ati,#
#ff#ct on t+# 62a$it5 of t+# -ar#ntKc+i$ r#$ations+i-G
(i,) ?!r#!io2s con2ct or #,i#nc# of -ast #!r#!io2s con2ct of t+# -ar#nt to%ar t+# c+i$ or to%ar
anot+#r c+i$ of a -+5sica$$5, #3otiona$$5, or s#I2a$$5 cr2#$ or ab2si,# nat2r#G
(,) ;+5sica$, 3#nta$, or #3otiona$ n#!$#ct of t+# c+i$ or #,i#nc# of -ast -+5sica$, 3#nta$, or
#3otiona$ n#!$#ct of t+# c+i$ or of anot+#r c+i$ b5 t+# -ar#ntG an
(,i) 9nE2r5 or #at+ of a sib$in! 2n#r circ23stanc#s %+ic+ constit2t# s2bstantia$ #,i#nc# t+at s2c+
inE2r5 or #at+ r#s2$t# fro3 -ar#nta$ n#!$#ct or ab2s#.
(") 9n aition to t+# consi#rations in s2b-ara!ra-+ (B) of t+is -ara!ra-+, %+#r# t+# c+i$ is not in t+#
c2sto5 of t+# -ar#nt %+o is t+# s2bE#ct of t+# -roc##in!s, in #t#r3inin! %+#t+#r t+# c+i$ is
%it+o2t -ro-#r -ar#nta$ car# an contro$, t+# co2rt s+a$$ consi#r, %it+o2t b#in! $i3it# to, %+#t+#r
t+# -ar#nt %it+o2t E2stifiab$# ca2s# +as fai$# si!nificant$5 for a -#rio of on# 5#ar or $on!#r -rior to
t+# fi$in! of t+# -#tition for t#r3ination of -ar#nta$ ri!+ts8
(i) *o #,#$o- an 3aintain a -ar#nta$ bon %it+ t+# c+i$ in a 3#anin!f2$, s2--orti,# 3ann#rG
(ii) *o -ro,i# for t+# car# an s2--ort of t+# c+i$ as r#62ir# b5 $a% or E2icia$ #cr##G an
(iii) *o co3-$5 %it+ a co2rt or#r# -$an #si!n# to r#2nit# t+# c+i$ %it+ t+# -ar#nt or -ar#nts.
(c) 9f t+# co2rt o#s not 3a1# an or#r of t#r3ination of -ar#nta$ ri!+ts, it 3a5 !rant an or#r 2n#r
"o# S#ction 15K11K55 if t+# co2rt fins fro3 c$#ar an con,incin! #,i#nc# t+at t+# c+i$ is a #-ri,#
c+i$.
=========================================================================================
The fundamental liberty interest of natural parents in the care, custody, and management of
their child does not evaporate simply because they have not been model parents or have lost
temporary custody of their child to the state ... When the state moves to destroy weakened
familial bonds, it must provide the parents with fundamentally fair procedures. [emphasis
supplied]
"$#ar an con,incin! -roofN#,i#nc#8 3#ans t+at t+# #,i#nc# -r#s#nt# b5 a -art5 2rin! t+# tria$
32st b# +i!+$5 an s2bstantia$$5 3or# -robab$# to b# tr2# t+an not an t+# tri#r of fact 32st +a,# a
fir3 b#$i#f or con,iction in its fact2a$it5. 9n t+is stanar, a !r#at#r #!r## of b#$i#,abi$it5 32st b# 3#t
t+an t+# co33on stanar of -roof in ci,i$ actions, D;r#-on#ranc# of t+# ?,i#nc#D, %+ic+ r#62ir#s
t+at t+# facts as a t+r#s+o$ b# 3or# $i1#$5 t+an not to -ro,# t+# iss2# for %+ic+ t+#5 ar# ass#rt#.
Some credible evidence
@n# of t+# $#ast r#$iab$# stanars of -roof, t+is ass#ss3#nt is oft#n 2s# in "+i$ ;rot#cti,# S#r,ic#s
(";S) -roc##in!sG t+# DSo3# "r#ib$# ?,i#nc#D stanar is 2s# as a $#!a$ -$ac#K+o$#r to brin! so3#
Decisions of the United States Supreme Court Upholding Parental Rights
contro,#rs5 b#for# a tri#r of fact or F2!#, an !#t it into a $#!a$ -roc#ss. 9t is on t+# or#r of t+#
fact2a$ stanar of -roof n### to ac+i#,# a finin! of D;robab$# "a2s#D 2s# in #I -art# t+r#s+o$
#t#r3inations n### b#for# a co2rt %i$$ iss2# or#r. 9t is a $o%#r stanar of -roof t+an t+#
D;r#-on#ranc# of t+# ?,i#nc#D stanar. *+# DSo3# "r#ib$# ?,i#nc#D stanar o#s not r#62ir# t+#
factKfin#r to %#i!+ conf$ictin! #,i#nc#, 3#r#$5 r#62irin! t+# in,#sti!ator or -ros#c2tor to -r#s#nt
t+# bar# 3ini323 of 3at#ria$ cr#ib$# #,i#nc# to s2--ort t+# a$$#!ations a!ainst t+# s2bE#ct, or in
s2--ort of t+# a$$#!ationG s## <almonte v. =ane# 18 7.3 992 (2n "ir. 1994). (;n some >e"eral
9ppellate .irc3it .o3rts# s3ch as the Secon" .irc3it# the ?some cre"ible evi"ence? stan"ar" has been
fo3n" constit3tionally ins3fficient to protect liberty interests of the parties in controversy at .PS
hearin6s.)
9n ci,i$ $a% cas#s, t+# Db2r#n of -roofD r#62ir#s t+# -$aintiff to con,inc# t+# tri#r of fact (%+#t+#r
E2!# or E2r5) of t+# -$aintiff>s #ntit$#3#nt to t+# r#$i#f so2!+t. *+is 3#ans t+at t+# -$aintiff 32st
-ro,# #ac+ #$#3#nt of t+# c$ai3, or ca2s# of action, in or#r to r#co,#r. Bo%#,#r, in cas#s of -ro,in!
$oss of f2t2r# #arnin! ca-acit5, t+# -$aintiff 32st -ro,# t+#r# is a r#a$ or s2bstantia$ -ossibi$it5 of s2c+
a $oss occ2rrin!. *+# b2r#n of -roof 32st b# istin!2is+# fro3 t+# Db2r#n of !oin! for%ar,D %+ic+
si3-$5 r#f#rs to t+# s#62#nc# of -roof, as b#t%##n t+# -$aintiff an #f#nant. *+# t%o conc#-ts ar#
oft#n conf2s#.
8888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
888888888888888888888888888888
9)The fundamental right of parents in %merican :urisprudence#
;t is clear the .onstit3tional ri6ht of a parent to "irect the 3pbrin6in6 an" e"3cation of his chil" that
is firmly entrenche" in the '.S. S3preme .o3rt case history /see cases belo@1A @e see that repeate"ly
the .o3rt has 3phel" a hi6her stan"ar" of revie@ as applie" to f3n"amental ri6hts s3ch as parental
liberty than to other ri6hts. The 'S S3preme .o3rt has 3phel" that @hen confronte" @ith a conflict
bet@een parentsB ri6hts an" state re63lation# the co3rt m3st apply the Ccompellin6 interest test.D
'n"er this test# the state m3st prove that its infrin6ement on the parentsB liberty is essential to
f3lfill a compellin6 interest an" is the least restrictive means of f3lfillin6 this state interest. Simply
provin6 the re63lation is reasonable is not s3fficient.
Santos-y ". .ramer, 455 US 745, 753 %19!"&
*+is cas# in,o$,# t+# A--#$$at# .i,ision of t+# /#% 0or1 S2-r#3# "o2rt affir3in! t+# a--$ication of
t+# -r#-on#ranc# of t+# #,i#nc# stanar as -ro-#r an constit2tiona$ in r2$in! t+at t+# -ar#nt4s
ri!+ts ar# -#r3an#nt$5 t#r3inat#. *+# U.S. S2-r#3# "o2rt, +o%#,#r, ,acat# t+# $o%#r "o2rt
#cision, +o$in! t+at 2# -roc#ss as r#62ir# 2n#r t+# 14t+ A3#n3#nt in t+is cas# r#62ir# -roof
b5 c$#ar an con,incin! #,i#nc# rat+#r t+an 3#r#$5 a -r#-on#ranc# of t+# #,i#nc#. *+# "o2rt, in
r#ac+in! t+#ir #cision, 3a# it c$#ar t+at -ar#nts4 ri!+ts as o2t$in# in Pierce an Meyer ar#
f2na3#nta$ an s-#cia$$5 -rot#ct# 2n#r t+# 7o2rt##nt+ A3#n3#nt. *+# "o2rt b#!an b5 62otin!
anot+#r S2-r#3# "o2rt cas#8
9n Lassiter [Lassiter v. Department of Social Services, 452 US 18, 37 (1981), it was not disputed that
state intervention to terminate the relationship between a parent and a child must be
accomplished by procedures meeting the re!uisites of the "ue #rocess $lause%. . . The absence of
dispute reflected this $ourt&s historical recognition that freedom of personal choice in matters of
family life is a fundamental liberty interest protected by the '(th )mendment ... Pierce v. Society
of Sisters ... eyer v. !ebraska.
Decisions of the United States Supreme Court Upholding Parental Rights
$lear and convincing evidence is a higher level of burden of persuasion than a *#reponderance of
the +vidence.% This standard is used in many types of e!uity cases, including paternity, #,-S,
.uvenile delin!uency, child custody, the probate of both wills and living wills, petitions to remove
a person from life support /*right to die* cases), and many similar cases. -either the seriousness of
the allegation nor the seriousness of the conse!uences should make any difference to the standard
of proof to be applied in determining the facts. The inherent probabilities are simply something to
be taken into account, where relevant, in deciding where the truth lies.*
"$#ar an con,incin! -roof 3#ans t+at t+# #,i#nc# -r#s#nt# b5 a -art5 2rin! t+# tria$ 32st b#
+i!+$5 an s2bstantia$$5 3or# -robab$# to b# tr2# t+an not an t+# tri#r of fact 32st +a,# a fir3 b#$i#f
or con,iction in its fact2a$it5. 9n t+is stanar, a !r#at#r #!r## of b#$i#,abi$it5 32st b# 3#t t+an t+#
co33on stanar of -roof in ci,i$ actions, D;r#-on#ranc# of t+# ?,i#nc#D, %+ic+ r#62ir#s t+at t+#
facts as a t+r#s+o$ b# 3or# $i1#$5 t+an not to -ro,# t+# iss2# for %+ic+ t+#5 ar# ass#rt#. *+is
stanar is a$so 1no%n as D"$#ar an "on,incin! ?,i#nc#DG D"$#ar, "on,incin!, an Satisfactor5
?,i#nc#DG D"$#ar, "o!niJant, an "on,incin! ?,i#nc#DG an D"$#ar, Un#62i,oca$, Satisfactor5, an
"on,incin! ?,i#nc#D, an is a--$i# in cas#s or sit2ations in,o$,in! an #62itab$# r#3#5 or %+#r# a
-r#s23-ti,# ci,i$ $ib#rt5 int#r#st #Iists.
DStat# action t+at $i3its a f2na3#nta$ ri!+t is !#n#ra$$5 s2bE#ct to strict scr2tin5. *roI#$, 53A U.S. at
8A, 12A S."t. 2A54 (*+o3as, F., conc2rrin! in E2!3#nt)G "$ar1 ,. F#t#r, 48H U.S. 45H, 4H1, 1A8 S."t.
191A, 1AA '.?.2 4H5 (1988) (D["]$assifications aff#ctin! f2na3#nta$ ri!+ts ... ar# !i,#n t+# 3ost
#Iactin! scr2tin5.D). Strict scr2tin5 !#n#ra$$5 r#62ir#s t+at t+# stat# s+o% a co3-#$$in! int#r#st,
a,anc# b5 t+# $#ast r#stricti,# 3#ans. (ra+a3 ,. )ic+arson, 4A3 U.S. 3H5, 375, 91 S."t. 1848, 29
'.?.2 534 (1971) (D9t is #no2!+ to sa5 t+at t+# c$assification in,o$,# in S+a-iro [,. *+o3-son, 394
U.S. H18, 89 S."t. 1322, 22 '.?.2 HAA (19H9),] %as H5HOH5H s2bE#ct# to strict scr2tin5 2n#r t+#
co3-#$$in! stat# int#r#st t#st ... b#ca2s# it i3-in!# 2-on t+# f2na3#nta$ ri!+t of int#rstat#
3o,#3#nt.D).
D*+# ri!+ts of -ar#nts %#r# r#affir3# in Stan$#5 ,. 9$$inois, 4A5 U.S. H45, H51, 92 S."t. 12A8, 31
'.?.2 551 (1972) (notin! t+at -ar#nta$ ri!+ts D2n#niab$5 %arrant[] #f#r#nc# an, abs#nt a -o%#rf2$
co2nt#r,ai$in! int#r#st, -rot#ctionD), an Santos15 ,. Mra3#r, 455 U.S. 745, 753, 1A2 S."t. 1388, 71
'.?.2 599 (1982) (2-+o$in! D[t]+# f2na3#nta$ $ib#rt5 int#r#st of nat2ra$ -ar#nts in t+# car#,
c2sto5, an 3ana!#3#nt of t+#ir c+i$D).
*+# ri!+t of -ar#nts to ir#ct t+# 2-brin!in! of t+#ir c+i$r#n %as first ar#ss# b5...D...t+# Unit#
Stat#s S2-r#3# "o2rt in C#5#r ,. /#bras1a, 2H2 U.S. 39A, 43 S."t. H25, H7 '.?. 1A42 (1923).
*+# S2-r#3# "o2rt conc$2# in C#5#r t+at t+# ri!+t of t+# -ar#nts to +a,# t+#ir c+i$r#n ta2!+t
$an!2a!#s ot+#r t+an ?n!$is+ %as D%it+in t+# $ib#rt5 of t+# [7o2rt##nt+] a3#n3#nt.D 2H2 U.S. at 4AA,
43 S."t. H25. B5 #nactin! a $a% -ro+ibitin! t+# t#ac+in! of $an!2a!#s ot+#r t+an ?n!$is+ to c+i$r#n
b#for# t+#5 !ra2at# fro3 t+# #i!+t+ !ra#, t+# /#bras1a D'#!is$at2r# +a[] att#3-t# 3at#ria$$5 to
int#rf#r# ... %it+ t+# -o%#r of -ar#nts to contro$ t+# #2cation of t+#ir o%n.D 2H2 U.S. at 4A1, 43 S."t.
H25. B#ca2s# D[n]o #3#r!#nc5 +a[] aris#n %+ic+ r#n#r[#] 1no%$#!# b5 a c+i$ of so3# $an!2a!#
ot+#r t+an ?n!$is+ so c$#ar$5 +ar3f2$ as to E2stif5 its in+ibition %it+ t+# cons#62#nt infrin!#3#nt of
Decisions of the United States Supreme Court Upholding Parental Rights
ri!+ts $on! fr##$5 #nEo5#,D t+# S2-r#3# "o2rt %as Dconstrain# to conc$2# t+at t+# stat2t# as a--$i#
[%as] arbitrar5 an %it+o2t r#asonab$# r#$ation to an5 #n %it+in t+# co3-#t#nc5 of t+# stat#.D 2H2
U.S. at 4A3, 43 S."t. H25.
D;ar#nta$ ri!+ts a$so for3# t+# basis for t+# S2-r#3# "o2rt>s #cision in ;i#rc# ,. Soci#t5 of Sist#rs,
2H8 U.S. 51A, 45 S."t. 571, H9 '.?. 1A7A (1925), %+ic+ ar#ss# an #2cation stat2t# t+at $i3it# a
c+i$>s sc+oo$in! to -2b$ic sc+oo$s, t+#r#b5 3a1in! it i3-ossib$# for -ar#nts to c+oos# to -$ac# t+#ir
c+i$r#n in -ri,at# sc+oo$s $i1# t+# sc+oo$ r2n b5 t+# Soci#t5 of Sist#rs. "itin! C#5#r, t+# S2-r#3# "o2rt
conc$2# t+at Dit [%as] #ntir#$5 -$ain t+at t+# [$a%] 2nr#asonab$5 int#rf#r#[] %it+ t+# $ib#rt5 of
-ar#nts an !2arians to ir#ct t+# 2-brin!in! an #2cation of c+i$r#n 2n#r t+#ir contro$,D 2H8 U.S.
at 534K35, 45 S."t. 571, an %as t+#r#for# 2nconstit2tiona$.
D<isconsin ,. 0o#r, 4AH U.S. 2A5, 92 S."t. 152H, 32 '.?.2 15 (1972), a$t+o2!+ -ri3ari$5 #ci# on
0irst )mendment religious1freedom grounds, also made reference to parental rights. 2ecause of
the 0ree +3ercise $lause in the 0irst )mendment, as applied to the states by the 0ourteenth
)mendment, Wisconsin4s compulsory1education statute could not constitutionally punish )mish
parents who, in keeping with their religious beliefs, did not send their children to high school. (56
7.S. at 89:, ;8 S.$t. ':86. The Supreme $ourt also noted the overlap of the parents4 religious
freedom and their parental rights<
*=This case involves the fundamental interest of parents, as contrasted with that of the State, to
guide the religious future and education of their children. The history and culture of Western
civili>ation reflect a strong tradition of parental concern for the nurture and upbringing of their
children. This primary role of the parents in the upbringing of their children is now established
beyond debate as an enduring )merican tradition.*
4AH U.S. at 232, 92 S."t. 152H. D?,#n b#for# C#5#r an ;i#rc#, t+is "o2rt +a r#co!niJ# t+# ri!+ts of
-ar#nts. 9n Cont!o3#r5 ,. B2!+#s, 4 A$a. A--. 245, 247, 58 So. 113, 113K14 (1911), t+is "o2rt %rot#
t+at D[t]+# $a%s of nat2r# t#ac+ 2s t+at t+# r#$ation of -ar#nt an c+i$ is sacr#D an t+at Dt+# -ar#nt
is #ntit$# to t+# car# an c2sto5 of +is c+i$, 2n$#ss so3# !oo ca2s# is s+o%n %+5 +# s+o2$ not
+a,# s2c+ car# an c2sto5.D[12] 7o2r #ca#s $at#r, t+is "o2rt cit# a--ro,in!$5 a #cision of t+#
"a$ifornia S2-r#3# "o2rt, %+ic+ in t2rn 62ot# ;i#rc# an s#,#ra$ ot+#r cas#s affir3in! -ar#nta$
ri!+ts8
DP*+is is in $in# %it+ t+# -rinci-$# t+at D*+# #ss#nc# of c2sto5 is t+# co3-anions+i- of t+# c+i$ an
t+# ri!+t to 3a1# #cisions r#!arin! +is car# an contro$, #2cation, +#a$t+, an r#$i!ionD, '#rn#r ,.
S2-#rior "o2rt, 38 "a$.2 H7H, H81, 242 ;.2 321, 323 [ (1952) ], an D9t is carina$ %it+ 2s t+at t+#
c2sto5, car# an n2rt2r# of t+# c+i$ r#si# first in t+# -ar#nts, %+os# -ri3ar5 f2nction an fr##o3
inc$2# -r#-aration for ob$i!ations t+# stat# can n#it+#r s2--$5 nor +in#r. ;i#rc# ,. Soci#t5 of Sist#rs,
2H8 U.S. 51A, 45 S."t. 571, H9 '.?. 1A7A [(1925) ], s2-ra. An it is in r#co!nition of t+is t+at t+#s#
#cisions +a,# r#s-#ct# t+# -ri,at# r#a$3 of fa3i$5 $if# %+ic+ t+# stat# cannot #nt#rD, ;rinc# ,. ["o3.
of] Cassac+2s#tts, 321 U.S. 158, 1HH, H4 S."t. 438, 442, 88 '.?. H45 [(1944)]....>D
Decisions of the United States Supreme Court Upholding Parental Rights
D(ri!!s ,. Barn#s, 2H2 A$a. 357, 3H3, 78 So.2 91A, 91H (1955) (62otin! 9n r# (2arians+i- of S3it+
(Bo%#s ,. "o+#n), 255 ;.2 7H1, 7H2 ("a$.1953)). S## a$so ).F... ,. La2!+an "$inic, ;."., 572 So.2
1225, 1227K28 (A$a.199A) (D*+# co33on $a% ##3s -ar#nta$ car# for c+i$r#n not on$5 an ob$i!ation,
b2t a f2na3#nta$ ri!+t8 P.... The will of the parents is controlling, e3cept in those e3treme
instances where the state takes over to rescue the child from parental neglect or to save its life.>D
(62otin! 59 A3.F2r.2 ;ar#nt an "+i$ Q 48 at 194 (1987))).
As t+is "o2rt sai in ?I -art# S2$$i,an, 4A7 So.2 559, 5H3KH4 (1981)8 *+# $a% r#co!niJ#s t+at a +i!+#r
a2t+orit5 orains nat2ra$ -ar#nt+oo, an a fa$$ib$# E2!# s+o2$ ist2rb t+# r#$ations+i- t+2s
#stab$is+# on$5 %+#r# circ23stanc#s co3-#$ +23an int#r,#ntion.D
D*+# co2rts of t+is Stat# [A$aba3a] +a,# not a$%a5s r#s-#ct# t+is f2na3#nta$ ri!+t. A statist
-+i$oso-+5 t+at a--#ar# bri#f$5 an s-oraica$$5 in A3#rican E2ris-r2#nc# in t+# #ar$5 2At+ c#nt2r5
2rin! t+# !ro%t+, %or$%i#, of nationa$ socia$is3 r#-r#s#nt# an ab#rration fro3 o2r fo2nin!
-rinci-$#s an %as 62ic1$5 r#E#ct#. S## B2rns ,. S+a-$#5, 1H A$a.A--. 297, 77 So. 447 (1917)8
D*+# t+#or5 2-on %+ic+ t+# co2rt -roc##s in s2c+ cas#s is t+at t+# c2sto5 an contro$ of t+# -ar#nt
o,#r +is 3inor c+i$r#n is a tr2st co33itt# to +i3 b5 t+# stat#, an t+is tr2st is o3inat# b5 t+#
s2-r#3# !2arians+i- of t+# stat# as -ar#ns -atria# of a$$ infants %it+in its bor#r, an %+#n t+#
-ar#nt ab2s#s t+# tr2st so as to #nan!#r t+# %#$far# of t+# c+i$, in s2c+ sort as to +a3-#r or r#tar
its #,#$o-3#nt into a !oo citiJ#n, t+# int#r#st of soci#t5 r#62ir#s t+# stat# to ass#rt its s2-r#3#
!2arians+i- an -rot#ct its %ar.
9t +as b##n sai8 DPCinors ar# t+# %ars of t+# nation, an #,#n t+# contro$ b5 t+# -ar#nt is s2bE#ct to
t+# 2n$i3it# s2-#r,isor5 contro$ of t+# stat#> an t+at Pt+# s2-r#3# ri!+t of t+# stat# to t+#
!2arians+i- of c+i$r#n contro$s t+# nat2ra$ ri!+ts of t+# -ar#nt %+#n t+# %#$far# of soci#t5 or of t+#
c+i$r#n t+#3s#$,#s conf$icts %it+ -ar#nta$ ri!+ts.>D
D1H A$a.A--. at 299, 77 So. at 449 (citations o3itt#). *+# -+i$oso-+5 #I-r#ss# b5 t+# "o2rt of
A--#a$s in B2rns ir#ct$5 2n#r3in# t+# r#$ations+i- b#t%##n -ar#nts an c+i$r#nG 2n#r t+at
-+i$oso-+5, rat+#r t+an b#in! Dorain#D b5 a D+i!+#r a2t+orit5,D S2$$i,an, s2-ra, t+at r#$ations+i-
#Iist# on$5 as a cr#ation of t+# stat#. *+at ,i#% %as r#E#ct# b5 t+is "o2rt in (ri!!s, s2-ra, an b5
t+# Unit# Stat#s S2-r#3# "o2rt in C#5#r an ;i#rc#, s2-ra, #ci# in t+# #ca# fo$$o%in! B2rns.D
*+# abo,# %as %ritt#n b5 F2stic# *o3 ;ar1#r in ?I -art# ?.).(. of t+# A$aba3a S2-r#3# "o2rt in F2n#
2A11.
9) "ecisions of the 7nited States Supreme $ourt 7pholding #arental ?ights as 0undamental%
*+# S2-r#3# "o2rt of t+# Unit# Stat#s +as traitiona$$5 an contin2o2s$5 2-+#$ t+# -rinci-$# t+at
-ar#nts +a,# t+# f2na3#nta$ ri!+t to ir#ct t+# #2cation an 2-brin!in! of t+#ir c+i$r#n. A r#,i#%
of cas#s ta1in! 2- t+# iss2# s+o%s t+at t+# S2-r#3# "o2rt +as 2n%a,#rin!$5 !i,#n -ar#nta$ ri!+ts t+#
+i!+#st r#s-#ct an -rot#ction -ossib$#. <+at fo$$o%s ar# so3# of t+# #Ia3-$#s of t+# "o2rt4s -ast
-rot#ction of -ar#nta$ ri!+ts.
9n Meyer v. Nebraska,
1
t+# "o2rt in,a$iat# a stat# $a% %+ic+ -ro+ibit# for#i!n $an!2a!# instr2ction
for sc+oo$ c+i$r#n b#ca2s# t+# $a% i not :-ro3ot# #2cation b2t rat+#r :arbitrari$5 an
2nr#asonab$5 int#rf#r# %it+ :t+# nat2ra$ 2t5 of t+# -ar#nt to !i,# +is c+i$r#n #2cation s2itab$# to
t+#ir station in $if#...
2
*+# co2rt c+ast#n# t+# $#!is$at2r# for att#3-tin! :3at#ria$$5 to int#rf#r#
Decisions of the United States Supreme Court Upholding Parental Rights
%it+ t+# -o%#r of -ar#nts to contro$ t+# #2cation of t+#ir o%n.
3
*+is #cision c$#ar$5 affir3# t+at
t+# "onstit2tion -rot#cts t+# -r#f#r#nc#s of t+# -ar#nt in #2cation o,#r t+os# of t+# Stat#. 9n t+#
sa3# #cision, t+# S2-r#3# "o2rt a$so r#co!niJ# t+at t+# ri!+t of t+# -ar#nts to #$#!at# t+#ir
a2t+orit5 to a t#ac+#r in or#r to instr2ct t+#ir c+i$r#n %as -rot#ct# %it+in t+# $ib#rt5 of t+#
7o2rt##nt+ A3#n3#nt.
4

0urthermore, the $ourt emphasi>ed, The 0ourteenth )mendment guarantees the right of the
individual ... to establish a home and bring up children, to worship @od according to his own
conscience.%
:
9n 1925, t+# S2-r#3# "o2rt #ci# t+# Pierce v. Society of Sisters
H
cas#, t+#r#b5 s2--ortin! MeyerBs
r#co!nition of t+# -ar#nts4 ri!+t to ir#ct t+# r#$i!io2s 2-brin!in! of t+#ir c+i$r#n an to contro$ t+#
-roc#ss of t+#ir #2cation. 9n Pierce, t+# S2-r#3# "o2rt str2c1 o%n an @r#!on co3-2$sor5 #2cation
$a% %+ic+, in #ff#ct, r#62ir# att#nanc# of a$$ c+i$r#n b#t%##n a!#s #i!+t an siIt##n at p3blic
sc+oo$s. *+# "o2rt #c$ar#,
Un#r t+# octrin# of Meyer v. Nebraska, %# t+in1 it #ntir#$5 -$ain t+at t+# Act of 1922 2nr#asonab$5
int#rf#r#s %it+ t+# $ib#rt5 of -ar#nts an !2arians to ir#ct t+# 2-brin!in! an #2cation of c+i$r#n.
7
[#3-+asis s2--$i#]
,n addition to upholding the right of parents to direct the upbringing and the education of their
children, Pierce also asserts the parents& fundamental right to keep their children free from
government standardi>ation.
The fundamental theory of liberty upon which all governments in this 7nion repose e3cluded any
general power of the state to standardi>e its children by forcing them to accept instruction from
public teachers only. The child is not the mere creature of the stateA those who nurture him and
direct his destiny have the right and the high duty, to recogni>e and prepare him for additional
obligations.
B
=emphasis supplied
*+# S2-r#3# "o2rt 2s#s stron! $an!2a!# in ass#rtin! t+at c+i$r#n ar# not :t+# 3#r# cr#at2r# of t+#
Stat#. *+# +o$in! in Pierce, t+#r#for#, -r#s#r,#s i,#rsit5 of -roc#ss of #2cation b5 forbiin! t+#
Stat# to stanariJ# t+# #2cation of c+i$r#n t+ro2!+ forcin! t+#3 to on$5 acc#-t instr2ction fro3
-2b$ic sc+oo$s.
9n >arrin6ton v. Tok3shi6e, t+# "o2rt a!ain 2-+#$ -ar#nta$ $ib#rt5 b5 stri1in! o%n $#!is$ation %+ic+
t+# "o2rt a3itt# %o2$ +a,# #stro5# 3ost, if not a$$ -ri,at# sc+oo$s.
9
*+# "o2rt not# t+at t+#
-ar#nt +as t+# ri!+t to ir#ct t+# #2cation of +is o%n c+i$ %it+o2t 2nr#asonab$# r#strictions.
1A
9n
s2--ort of t+is ass#rtion t+# "o2rt #I-$ain#,
*+# ca-acit5 to i3-art instr2ction to ot+#rs is !i,#n b5 t+# A$3i!+t5 for b#n#fic#nt -2r-os#s an its
2s# 3a5 not b# forbi#n or int#rf#r# %it+ b5 !o,#rn3#nt R c#rtain$5 not, 2n$#ss s2c+ instr2ction is,
in its nat2r#, +ar3f2$ to t+# -2b$ic 3ora$s or i3-#ri$s t+# -2b$ic saf#t5.
11
The parents& right to instruct their children clearly takes precedence over the state&s regulatory
interest unless the public safety is endangered.
Decisions of the United States Supreme Court Upholding Parental Rights
Si3i$ar$5, in Prince v. Massach3setts#
12
t+# S2-r#3# "o2rt a3itt# t+# +i!+ r#s-onsibi$it5 an ri!+t of
-ar#nts to contro$ t+# 2-brin!in! of t+#ir c+i$r#n a!ainst t+at of t+# Stat#.
,t is cardinal with us that the custody, care, and nurture of the child reside first in the parents,
whose primary function and freedom include preparation for obligations the State can neither
supply nor hinder.
'9
=emphasis supplied
Twenty1one years later, the Supreme $ourt, in "riswold v. #onnecticut, emphasi>ed that the state
cannot interfere with the right of a parent to control his child&s education.
'(
The $ourt stated that
the right to educate one&s child as one chooses is guaranteed in the 2ill of ?ights and applicable to
the States by the 0irst and 0ourteenth )mendments.
':

7ort5K#i!+t 5#ars aft#r Pierce, t+# U.S. S2-r#3# "o2rt onc# a!ain 2-+#$ Pierce as :t+# c+art#r of t+#
ri!+ts of -ar#nts to ir#ct t+# 2-brin!in! of t+#ir c+i$r#n.
1H
9n a!r##3#nt %it+ Pierce, "+i#f F2stic#
B2r!#r stat# in t+# o-inion of isconsin v. !o"er in 19728
*+is cas# in,o$,#s t+# f2na3#nta$ int#r#st of -ar#nts, as contrast# %it+ t+at of t+# stat#, to !2i#
t+# r#$i!io2s f2t2r# an #2cation of t+#ir c+i$r#n. *+# +istor5 an c2$t2r# of <#st#rn ci,i$iJation
r#f$#ct a stron! traition of -ar#nta$ conc#rn for t+# n2rt2r# an 2-brin!in! of t+#ir c+i$r#n. *+is
-ri3ar5 ro$# of t+# -ar#nts in t+# 2-brin!in! of t+#ir c+i$r#n is no% #stab$is+# b#5on #bat# as an
#n2rin! traition.
17
[#3-+asis s2--$i#]
*+is cas# in,o$,# a fa3i$5 of t+# A3is+ r#$i!ion %+o %ant# to b# #I#3-t aft#r #i!+t+ !ra# fro3 t+#
-2b$ic sc+oo$s to b# instr2ct# at +o3#. 9n its o-inion t+# U.S. S2-r#3# "o2rt f2rt+#r #3-+asiJ# t+at8
Thus a state&s interest in universal education, however highly we rank it, is not totally free from a
balancing process when it impinges on fundamental rights and interests, such as those specifically
protected by the 0ree +3ercise $lause of the 0irst )mendment, and the traditional interest of
parents with respect to the religious upbringing of their children . . . This case involves the
fundamental and religious future and education of their children.
'B
=emphasis supplied
$onse!uently, it is clear the constitutional right of a parent to direct the upbringing and education
of his child is firmly entrenched in the 7.S. Supreme $ourt case history. 0urthermore, a higher
standard of review applies to fundamental rights such as parental liberty than to other rights.
When confronted with a conflict between parents& rights and state regulation, the court must
apply the compelling interest test.% 7nder this test, the state must prove that its infringement on
the parents& liberty is essential to fulfill a compelling interest and is the least restrictive means of
fulfilling this state interest. Simply proving the regulation is reasonable is not sufficient.
Decisions of the United States Supreme Court Upholding Parental Rights
2elow are e3cerpts from over a do>en 7nited States Supreme $ourt cases where,
primarily in dicta, the $ourt has declared parental rights to be fundamental rights
which re!uire a higher standard of review /i.e. the compelling interest test%).
1. Paris 9"3lt Theater v. Slaton, 413 US 49, H5 (1973)
9n t+is cas#, t+# "o2rt inc$2#s t+# ri!+t of -ar#nts to r#ar c+i$r#n a3on! ri!+ts :##3#
f2na3#nta$.
@2r -rior #cisions r#co!niJin! a ri!+t to -ri,ac5 !2arant## b5 t+# 14t+ A3#n3#nt inc$2# on$5
-#rsona$ ri!+ts t+at can b# ##3# f2na3#nta$ or i3-$icit in t+# conc#-t of or#r# $ib#rt5 . . . *+is
-ri,ac5 ri!+t #nco3-ass#s an -rot#cts t+# -#rsona$ inti3aci#s of t+# +o3#, t+# fa3i$5, 3arria!#,
3ot+#r+oo, -rocr#ation, an c+i$ r#arin! . . . cf . . . Pierce v. Society of Sisters7 Meyer v.
Nebraska . . . not+in!, +o%#,#r, in t+is "o2rt4s #cisions inti3at#s t+at t+#r# is an5 f2na3#nta$
-ri,ac5 ri!+t i3-$icit in t+# conc#-t of or#r# $ib#rt5 to %atc+ obsc#n# 3o,i#s in -$ac#s of -2b$ic
acco33oation. [#3-+asis s2--$i#]
2. .arey v. Pop3lation Services ;nternational, 431 US H78, H84KH8H (1977)
@nc# a!ain, t+# "o2rt inc$2#s t+# ri!+t of -ar#nts in t+# ar#a of :c+i$ r#arin! an #2cation to b# a
$ib#rt5 int#r#st -rot#ct# b5 t+# 7o2rt##nt+ A3#n3#nt, r#62irin! an a--$ication of t+# :co3-#$$in!
int#r#st t#st.
A$t+o2!+ t+# "onstit2tion o#s not #I-$icit$5 3#ntion an5 ri!+t of -ri,ac5, t+# "o2rt +as r#co!niJ#
t+at on# as-#ct of t+# $ib#rt5 -rot#ct# b5 t+# .2# ;roc#ss "$a2s# of t+# 14t+ A3#n3#nt is a :ri!+t
of -#rsona$ -ri,ac5 or a !2arant## of c#rtain ar#as or Jon#s of -ri,ac5 . . . *+is ri!+t of -#rsona$
-ri,ac5 inc$2#s t+# int#r#st an in#-#n#nc# in 3a1in! c#rtain 1ins of i3-ortant #cisions . . .
<+i$# t+# o2t#r $i3its of t+is as-#ct of -ri,ac5 +a,# not b##n 3ar1# b5 t+# "o2rt, it is c$#ar t+at
a3on! t+# #cisions t+at an ini,i2a$ 3a5 3a1# %it+o2t 2nE2stifi# !o,#rn3#nt int#rf#r#nc# ar#
-#rsona$ #cisions r#$atin! to 3arria!# . . . fa3i$5 r#$ations+i-s, Prince v. Massach3setts, 321 US 158
(1944)G an c+i$ r#arin! an #2cation, Pierce v. Society of Sisters, 2H8 US 51A (1925)G Meyer v.
Nebraska, 2H2 US 39A (1923).4 [#3-+asis s2--$i#]
*+# "o2rt contin2# b5 #I-$ainin! t+at t+#s# ri!+ts ar# not abso$2t# an,
c#rtain stat# int#r#sts . . . 3a5 at so3# -oint b#co3# s2ffici#nt$5 co3-#$$in! to s2stain r#!2$ation of
t+# factors t+at !o,#rn t+# abortion #cision . . . "o3-#$$in! is, of co2rs#, t+# 1#5 %orG %+#r#
#cisions as f2na3#nta$ as %+#t+#r to b#ar or b#!#t a c+i$ is in,o$,#, r#!2$ations i3-osin! a b2r#n
on it 3a5 b# E2stifi# on$5 b5 a co3-#$$in! stat# int#r#st, an 32st b# narro%$5 ra%n to #I-r#ss on$5
t+os# int#r#sts. [#3-+asis s2--$i#]
Decisions of the United States Supreme Court Upholding Parental Rights
3. Maher v. Roe, 432 US 4H4, 47HK479 (1977)
<# conc$2# t+at t+# "onn#ctic2t r#!2$ation o#s not i3-in!# on t+# f2na3#nta$ ri!+t r#co!niJ# in
Roe ...
*+#r# is a basic iff#r#nc# b#t%##n ir#ct stat# int#rf#r#nc# %it+ a -rot#ct# acti,it5 an stat#
#nco2ra!#3#nt of an a$t#rnati,# acti,it5 consonant %it+ $#!is$ati,# -o$ic5 ...
*+is istinction is i3-$icit in t%o cas#s cit# in Roe in s2--ort of t+# -r#!nant %o3an4s ri!+t 2n#r t+#
14t+ A3#n3#nt. 9n Meyer v. Nebraska. . . t+# "o2rt +#$ t+at t+# t#ac+#r4s ri!+t t+2s to t#ac+ an
t+# ri!+t of -ar#nts to #n!a!# in so to instr2ct t+#ir c+i$r#n %#r# %it+in t+# $ib#rt5 of t+# 14t+
A3#n3#nt . . . 9n Pierce v. Society of Sisters . . . t+# "o2rt r#$i# on Meyer . . . r#asonin! t+at t+#
14t+ A3#n3#nt4s conc#-t of $ib#rt5 #Ic$2#s an5 !#n#ra$ -o%#r of t+# stat# to stanariJ# its
c+i$r#n b5 forcin! t+#3 to acc#-t instr2ction fro3 -2b$ic t#ac+#rs on$5. *+# "o2rt +#$ t+at t+# $a%
2nr#asonab$5 int#rf#r# %it+ t+# $ib#rt5 of -ar#nts an !2arians to ir#ct t+# 2-brin!in! an
#2cation of t+# c+i$r#n 2n#r t+#ir contro$ ...
Bot+ cas#s in,a$iat# s2bstantia$ r#strictions of constit2tiona$$5 -rot#ct# $ib#rt5 int#r#sts8 in Meyer,
t+# -ar#nt4s ri!+t to +a,# +is c+i$ ta2!+t a -artic2$ar for#i!n $an!2a!#G in Pierce, t+# -ar#nt4s ri!+t to
c+oos# -ri,at# rat+#r t+an -2b$ic sc+oo$ #2cation. B2t n#it+#r cas# #ni# to a stat# t+# -o$ic5 c+oic#
of #nco2ra!in! t+# -r#f#rr# co2rs# of action ... ;i#rc# casts no s+ao% o,#r a stat#4s -o%#r to fa,or
-2b$ic #2cation b5 f2nin! it R a -o$ic5 c+oic# -2rs2# in so3# Stat#s for 3or# t+an a c#nt2r5 ...
9n## in Nor@oo" v. Earrison, 413 US 455, 4H2, (1973), %# #I-$icit$5 r#E#ct# t+# ar!23#nt t+at
Pierce #stab$is+# a :ri!+t of -ri,at# or -aroc+ia$ sc+oo$s to s+ar# %it+ t+# -2b$ic sc+oo$s in stat#
$ar!#ss#, notin! t+at :9t is on# t+in! to sa5 t+at a stat# 3a5 not -ro+ibit t+# 3aint#nanc# of -ri,at#
sc+oo$s an 62it# anot+#r to sa5 t+at s2c+ sc+oo$s 32st as a 3att#r of #62a$ -rot#ction r#c#i,# stat#
ai ... <# t+in1 it ab2nant$5 c$#ar t+at a stat# is not r#62ir# to s+o% a co3-#$$in! int#r#st for its
-o$ic5 c+oic# to fa,or a nor3a$ c+i$birt+ an53or# t+an a stat# 32st so E2stif5 its #$#ction to f2n
-2b$ic, b2t not -ri,at# #2cation. [#3-+asis s2--$i#]
A$t+o2!+ t+# Ca+#r #cision 2n62#stionab$5 r#co!niJ#s -ar#nts4 ri!+ts as f2na3#nta$ ri!+ts, t+# "o2rt
+as c$#ar$5 inicat# t+at -ri,at# sc+oo$s o not +a,# a f2na3#nta$ ri!+t to stat# ai, nor 32st a
stat# satisf5 t+# co3-#$$in! int#r#st t#st if it c+oos#s not to !i,# -ri,at# sc+oo$s stat# ai. *+# ;ar#nta$
)i!+ts an )#s-onsibi$iti#s Act si3-$5 r#affir3s t+# ri!+t of -ar#nts to c+oos# -ri,at# #2cation as
f2na3#nta$, b2t it o#s not 3a1# t+# ri!+t to r#c#i,# -2b$ic f2ns a f2na3#nta$ ri!+t. *+# ;))A,
t+#r#for#, o#s not in an5 %a5 -ro3ot# or str#n!t+#n t+# conc#-t of #2cationa$ ,o2c+#rs.
4. Parham v. 5.R., 442 US 584, HA2KHAH (1979).
*+is cas# in,o$,#s -ar#nt4s ri!+ts to 3a1# 3#ica$ #cisions r#!arin! t+#ir c+i$r#n4s 3#nta$ +#a$t+.
*+# $o%#r "o2rt +a r2$# t+at (#or!ia4s stat2tor5 sc+#3# of a$$o%in! c+i$r#n to b# s2bE#ct to
tr#at3#nt in t+# stat#4s 3#nta$ +#a$t+ faci$iti#s ,io$at# t+# "onstit2tion b#ca2s# it i not a#62at#$5
-rot#ct c+i$r#n4s 2# -roc#ss ri!+ts. *+# S2-r#3# "o2rt r#,#rs# t+is #cision 2-+o$in! t+# $#!a$
-r#s23-tion t+at -ar#nts act in t+#ir c+i$r#n4s b#st int#r#st. *+# "o2rt r2$#8
@2r E2ris-r2#nc# +istorica$$5 +as r#f$#ct# <#st#rn ci,i$iJation conc#-ts of t+# fa3i$5 as a 2nit %it+
broa -ar#nta$ a2t+orit5 o,#r 3inor c+i$r#n. @2r cas#s +a,# consist#nt$5 fo$$o%# t+at co2rs#G o2r
constit2tiona$ s5st#3 $on! a!o r#E#ct# an5 notion t+at a c+i$ is :t+# 3#r# cr#at2r# of t+# Stat# an,
Decisions of the United States Supreme Court Upholding Parental Rights
on t+# contrar5, ass#rt# t+at -ar#nts !#n#ra$$5 :+a,# t+# ri!+t, co2-$# %it+ t+# +i!+ 2t5, to
r#co!niJ# an -r#-ar# [t+#ir c+i$r#n] for aitiona$ ob$i!ations. Pierce v. Society of Sisters, 2H8 U.S.
51A, 535 (1925) ... [ot+#r citations o3itt#] . . . *+# $a%4s conc#-t of t+# fa3i$5 r#sts on a
-r#s23-tion t+at -ar#nts -oss#ss %+at a c+i$ $ac1s in 3at2rit5, #I-#ri#nc#, an ca-acit5 for E2!3#nt
r#62ir# for 3a1in! $if#4s iffic2$t #cisions. Cor# i3-ortant, +istorica$$5 it +as b##n r#co!niJ# t+at
nat2ra$ bons of aff#ction $#a -ar#nts to act in t+# b#st int#r#sts of t+#ir c+i$r#n. 1 <. B$ac1ston#,
"o33#ntari#s 447G 2 F. M#nt, "o33#ntari#s on A3#rican 'a% 19A.
As %it+ so 3an5 ot+#r $#!a$ -r#s23-tions, #I-#ri#nc# an r#a$it5 3a5 r#b2t %+at t+# $a% acc#-ts as a
startin! -ointG t+# inci#nc# of c+i$ n#!$#ct an ab2s# cas#s att#sts to t+is. *+at so3# -ar#nts :3a5
at ti3#s b# actin! a!ainst t+# int#r#sts of t+#ir c+i$r#n ... cr#at#s a basis for ca2tion, b2t it is +ar$5
a r#ason to iscar %+o$#sa$# t+os# -a!#s of +23an #I-#ri#nc# t+at t#ac+ t+at -ar#nts !#n#ra$$5 o
act in t+# c+i$4s b#st int#r#st ... *+# statist notion t+at !o,#rn3#nta$ -o%#r s+o2$ s2-#rs##
-ar#nta$ a2t+orit5 in a$$ cas#s b#ca2s# so3# -ar#nts ab2s# an n#!$#ct c+i$r#n is r#-2!nant to
A3#rican traition. [#3-+asis s2--$i#]
;ar#nta$ ri!+ts ar# c$#ar$5 2-+#$ in t+is #cision r#co!niJin! t+# ri!+ts of -ar#nts to 3a1# +#a$t+
#cisions for t+#ir c+i$r#n. *+# "o2rt contin2#s b5 #I-$ainin! t+# ba$ancin! t+at 32st ta1# -$ac#8
/on#t+#$#ss, %# +a,# r#co!niJ# t+at a stat# is not %it+o2t constit2tiona$ contro$ o,#r -ar#nta$
iscr#tion in #a$in! %it+ c+i$r#n %+#n t+#ir -+5sica$ or 3#nta$ +#a$t+ is E#o-ariJ# (S## isconsin
v. !o"er7 Prince v. Massach3setts). Cor#o,#r, t+# "o2rt r#c#nt$5 #c$ar# 2nconstit2tiona$ a stat#
stat2t# t+at !rant# -ar#nts an abso$2t# ,#to o,#r a 3inor c+i$4s #cisions to +a,# an abortion,
Planne" Parenthoo" of .entral Misso3ri v. Danforth, 428 US 52 (197H), A--#$$##s 2r!# t+at t+#s#
-r#c##nts $i3itin! t+# traitiona$ ri!+ts of -ar#nts, if ,i#%# in t+# cont#It of a $ib#rt5 int#r#st of t+#
c+i$ an t+# $i1#$i+oo of -ar#nta$ ab2s#, r#62ir# 2s to +o$ t+at -ar#nt4s #cision to +a,# a c+i$
a3itt# to a 3#nta$ +os-ita$ 32st b# s2bE#ct# to an #Iactin! constit2tiona$ scr2tin5, inc$2in! a
for3a$, a,#rsar5, -r#Ka3ission +#arin!.
A--#$$##s4 ar!23#nt, +o%#,#r, s%##-s too broa$5. Si3-$5 b#ca2s# t+# #cision of a -ar#nt is not
a!r##ab$# to a c+i$, or b#ca2s# it in,o$,#s ris1s o#s not a2to3atica$$5 transf#r -o%#r to 3a1# t+at
#cision fro3 t+# -ar#nts to so3# a!#nc5 or offic#r of t+# stat#. *+# sa3# c+aract#riJations can b#
3a# for a tonsi$$#cto35, a--#n#cto35, or ot+#r 3#ica$ -roc#2r#. Cost c+i$r#n, #,#n in
ao$#sc#nc#, si3-$5 ar# not ab$# to 3a1# so2n E2!#3#nts conc#rnin! 3an5 #cisions, inc$2in! t+#ir
n## for 3#ica$ car# or tr#at3#nt. ;ar#nts can an 32st 3a1# t+os# E2!#3#nts ... %# cannot
ass23# t+at t+# r#s2$t in Meyer v. Nebraska, s2-ra, an Pierce v. Society of Sisters, s2-ra, %o2$ +a,#
b##n iff#r#nt if t+# c+i$r#n t+#r# +a anno2nc# a -r#f#r#nc# to $#arn on$5 ?n!$is+ or -r#f#r#nc# to
!o to a -2b$ic, rat+#r t+at a c+2rc+ sc+oo$. *+# fact t+at a c+i$ 3a5 ba$1 at +os-ita$iJation or
co3-$ain abo2t a -ar#nta$ r#f2sa$ to -ro,i# cos3#tic s2r!#r5 o#s not i3inis+ t+# -ar#nt4s a2t+orit5
to #ci# %+at is b#st for t+# c+i$ (S## !#n#ra$$5 (o$st#in, Me"ical .ase for the .hil" at Risk8 on
State S3pervention of Parental 93tonomy, 8H 0a$# 'F H45, HH4KHH8 (1977)G B#nn#tt, 9llocation of .hil"
Me"ical .are Decision : Makin6 93thority8 9 S366este" ;nterest 9nalyses, H2 La ') #, 285, 3A8 (197H).
/#it+#r stat# officia$s nor f##ra$ "o2rts ar# #62i--# to r#,i#% s2c+ -ar#nta$ #cisions. [#3-+asis
s2--$i#]
*+#r#for#, it is c$#ar t+at t+# "o2rt is r#co!niJin! -ar#nts as +a,in! t+# ri!+t to 3a1# E2!3#nts
conc#rnin! t+#ir c+i$r#n %+o ar# not ab$# to 3a1# so2n #cisions, inc$2in!t+#ir n## for 3#ica$
car#. A -ar#nt4s a2t+orit5 to #ci# %+at is b#st for t+# c+i$ in t+# ar#as of 3#ica$ tr#at3#nt cannot
Decisions of the United States Supreme Court Upholding Parental Rights
b# i3inis+# si3-$5 b#ca2s# a c+i$ isa!r##s. A -ar#nt4s ri!+t 32st b# -rot#ct# an not si3-$5
transf#rr# to so3# stat# a!#nc5.
5. Santosky v. Kramer, 455 US 745, 753 (1982)
*+is cas# in,o$,# t+# A--#$$at# .i,ision of t+# /#% 0or1 S2-r#3# "o2rt affir3in! t+# a--$ication of
t+# -r#-on#ranc# of t+# #,i#nc# stanar as -ro-#r an constit2tiona$ in r2$in! t+at t+# -ar#nt4s
ri!+ts ar# -#r3an#nt$5 t#r3inat#. *+# U.S. S2-r#3# "o2rt, +o%#,#r, ,acat# t+# $o%#r "o2rt
#cision, +o$in! t+at 2# -roc#ss as r#62ir# 2n#r t+# 14t+ A3#n3#nt in t+is cas# r#62ir# -roof
b5 c$#ar an con,incin! #,i#nc# rat+#r t+an 3#r#$5 a -r#-on#ranc# of t+# #,i#nc#.
*+# "o2rt, in r#ac+in! t+#ir #cision, 3a# it c$#ar t+at -ar#nts4 ri!+ts as o2t$in# in Pierce an Meyer
ar# f2na3#nta$ an s-#cia$$5 -rot#ct# 2n#r t+# 7o2rt##nt+ A3#n3#nt. *+# "o2rt b#!an b5
62otin! anot+#r S2-r#3# "o2rt cas#8
9n Lassiter [Lassiter v. Department of Social Services, 452 US 18, 37 (1981)], it %as :not is-2t# t+at
stat# int#r,#ntion to t#r3inat# t+# r#$ations+i- b#t%##n a -ar#nt an a c+i$ 32st b# acco3-$is+# b5
-roc#2r#s 3##tin! t+# r#62isit#s of t+# .2# ;roc#ss "$a2s#. . . *+# abs#nc# of is-2t# r#f$#ct# t+is
"o2rt4s +istorica$ r#co!nition t+at fr##o3 of -#rsona$ c+oic# in 3att#rs of fa3i$5 $if# is a f2na3#nta$
$ib#rt5 int#r#st -rot#ct# b5 t+# 14t+ A3#n3#nt ... Pierce v. Society of Sisters ... Meyer v. Nebraska.
*+# f2na3#nta$ $ib#rt5 int#r#st of nat2ra$ -ar#nts in t+# car#, c2sto5, an 3ana!#3#nt of t+#ir
c+i$ o#s not #,a-orat# si3-$5 b#ca2s# t+#5 +a,# not b##n 3o#$ -ar#nts or +a,# $ost t#3-orar5
c2sto5 of t+#ir c+i$ to t+# stat# ... <+#n t+# stat# 3o,#s to #stro5 %#a1#n# fa3i$ia$ bons, it
32st -ro,i# t+# -ar#nts %it+ f2na3#nta$$5 fair -roc#2r#s. [#3-+asis s2--$i#]
H. .ity of 9kron v. 9kron .enter for Repro"3ctive Eealth ;nc., 4H2 US 41H, 4H1 (1983)
*+is cas# inc$2#s, in a $on! $ist of -rot#ct# $ib#rti#s an f2na3#nta$ ri!+ts, t+# -ar#nta$ ri!+ts
!2arant## 2n#r Pierce an" Meyer. *+# "o2rt inicat# a co3-#$$in! int#r#st t#st 32st b# a--$i#.
"#ntra$ a3on! t+#s# -rot#ct# $ib#rti#s is an ini,i2a$4s fr##o3 of -#rsona$ c+oic# in 3att#rs of
3arria!# an fa3i$5 $if# ... Roe ... Gris@ol" ... Pierce v. Society of Sisters ... Meyer v. Nebraska ... B2t
r#stricti,# stat# r#!2$ation of t+# ri!+t to c+oos# abortion as %it+ ot+#r f2na3#nta$ ri!+ts s2bE#ct to
s#arc+in! E2icia$ #Ia3ination, 32st b# s2--ort# b5 a co3-#$$in! stat# int#r#st. [#3-+asis s2--$i#]
7. Lehr v. Robertson, 4H3 US 248, 257K258 (1983)
9n t+is cas#, t+# U.S. S2-r#3# "o2rt 2-+#$ a #cision a!ainst a nat2ra$ fat+#r4s ri!+ts 2n#r t+# .2#
;roc#ss an ?62a$ ;rot#ction "$a2s#s sinc# +# i not +a,# an5 si!nificant c2stoia$, -#rsona$, or
financia$ r#$ations+i- %it+ t+# c+i$. *+# nat2ra$ fat+#r %as c+a$$#n!in! an ao-tion. *+# S2-r#3#
"o2rt stat#8
9n so3# cas#s, +o%#,#r, t+is "o2rt +as +#$ t+at t+# f##ra$ constit2tion s2-#rs##s stat# $a% an
-ro,i#s #,#n !r#at#r -rot#ction for c#rtain for3a$ fa3i$5 r#$ations+i-s. 9n t+os# cas#s ... t+# "o2rt
+as #3-+asiJ# t+# -ara3o2nt int#r#st in t+# %#$far# of c+i$r#n an +as not# t+at t+# ri!+ts of t+#
-ar#nts ar# a co2nt#r-art of t+# r#s-onsibi$iti#s t+#5 +a,# ass23#. *+2s, t+# $ib#rt5 of -ar#nts to
contro$ t+# #2cation of t+#ir c+i$r#n t+at %as ,inicat# in Meyer v. Nebraska ... an Pierce v.
Society of Sisters ... %as #scrib# as a :ri!+t co2-$# %it+ t+# +i!+ 2t5 to r#co!niJ# an -r#-ar# t+#
c+i$ for aitiona$ ob$i!ations ... *+# $in1a!# b#t%##n -ar#nta$ 2t5 an -ar#nta$ ri!+t %as str#ss#
Decisions of the United States Supreme Court Upholding Parental Rights
a!ain in Prince v. Massach3setts ... *+# "o2rt #c$ar# it a carina$ -rinci-$# :t+at t+# c2sto5, car#
an n2rt2r# of t+# c+i$ r#si# first in t+# -ar#nts %+os# -ri3ar5 f2nction an fr##o3 inc$2#
-r#-aration for ob$i!ations t+# stat# can n#it+#r s2--$5 nor +in#r. 9n t+#s# cas#s, t+# "o2rt +as fo2n
t+at t+# r#$ations+i- of $o,# an 2t5 in a r#co!niJ# fa3i$5 2nit is an int#r#st in $ib#rt5 #ntit$# to
"onstit2tiona$ -rot#ction ... :Stat# int#r,#ntion to t#r3inat# s2c+ a r#$ations+i- ... 32st b#
acco3-$is+# b5 -roc#2r#s 3##tin! t+# r#62isit#s of t+# .2# ;roc#ss "$a2s# Santosky v. Kramer ...
[#3-+asis s2--$i#]
9t is c$#ar b5 t+# abo,# cas# t+at -ar#nta$ ri!+ts ar# to b# tr#at# as f2na3#nta$ an cannot b# ta1#n
a%a5 %it+o2t 3##tin! t+# constit2tiona$ r#62ir#3#nt of 2# -roc#ss.
8. Thornb3r6h v. 9merican .olle6e of Fbstetricians an" Gynecolo6ists, 47H US 747 (198H)
*+# U.S. S2-r#3# "o2rt #c$ar#, :@2r cas#s $on! +a,# r#co!niJ# t+at t+# "onstit2tion #3boi#s a
-ro3is# t+at a c#rtain -ri,at# s-+#r# of ini,i2a$ $ib#rt5 %i$$ b# 1#-t $ar!#$5 b#5on t+# r#ac+ of
!o,#rn3#nt ... Gris@ol" v. .onnectic3t ... Pierce v. Society of Sisters ... Meyer v. Nebraska.
B5 citin! Pierce, t+# "o2rt inc$2# -ar#nta$ $ib#rt5 in t+at -rot#ct# s-+#r#.
9. =oar" of Directors of Rotary ;nternational v. Rotary .l3b of D3arte, 481 US 537 (1987)
9n t+is cas#, a "a$ifornian ci,i$ ri!+ts stat2t# %as +#$ not to ,io$at# t+# 7irst A3#n3#nt b5 r#62irin!
an a$$ 3a$# nonK-rofit c$2b to a3it %o3#n to 3#3b#rs+i-. *+# "o2rt conc$2# t+at -ar#nts4 ri!+ts in
c+i$ r#arin! an #2cation ar# inc$2# as f2na3#nta$ #$#3#nts of $ib#rt5 -rot#ct# b5 t+# Bi$$ of
)i!+ts.
*+# "o2rt +as r#co!niJ# t+at t+# fr##o3 to #nt#r into an carr5 on c#rtain inti3at# or -ri,at#
r#$ations+i-s is a f2na3#nta$ #$#3#nt of $ib#rt5 -rot#ct# b5 t+# Bi$$ of )i!+ts ... t+# inti3at#
r#$ations+i-s to %+ic+ %# +a,# accor# "onstit2tiona$ -rot#ction inc$2# 3arria!# ... t+# b#!#ttin!
an b#arin! of c+i$r#n, c+i$ r#arin! an #2cation. Pierce v. Society of Sisters ... [#3-+asis s2--$i#]
1A. Michael E. v. Geral", 491 U.S. 11A (1989)
9n a -at#rnit5 s2it, t+# U.S. S2-r#3# "o2rt r2$#8
9t is an #stab$is+# -art of o2r constit2tion E2ris-r2#nc# t+at t+# t#r3 $ib#rt5 in t+# .2# ;roc#ss
"$a2s# #It#ns b#5on fr##o3 fro3 -+5sica$ r#straint. S##, #.!. Pierce v. Society of Sisters ... Meyer
v. Nebraska ... 9n an att#3-t to $i3it an !2i# int#r-r#tation of t+# "$a2s#, %# +a,# insist# not
3#r#$5 t+at t+# int#r#st #no3inat# as a :$ib#rt5 b# :f2na3#nta$ (a conc#-t t+at, in iso$ation, is
+ar to obE#ctif5), b2t a$so t+at it b# an int#r#st traitiona$$5 -rot#ct# b5 o2r soci#t5. As %# +a,# -2t
it, t+# .2# ;roc#ss "$a2s# affors on$5 t+os# -rot#ctions :so root# in t+# traitions an consci#nc# of
o2r -#o-$# as to b# ran1# as f2na3#nta$ Sny"er v. Massach3setts, 291 US 97, 1A5 (1934). [#3-+asis
s2--$i#]
*+# "o2rt #I-$icit$5 inc$2# t+# -ar#nta$ ri!+ts 2n#r Pierce an Meyer as :f2na3#nta$ an
int#r#sts :traitiona$$5 -rot#ct# b5 o2r soci#t5.
11. +mployment Division of Fre6on v. Smith, 494 U.S. 872 (199A)
@n# of t+# 3or# r#c#nt #cisions %+ic+ 2-+o$s t+# ri!+t of -ar#nts is +mployment Division of Fre6on
v. Smith, %+ic+ in,o$,# t%o 9nians %+o %#r# fir# fro3 a -ri,at# r2! r#+abi$itation or!aniJation
Decisions of the United States Supreme Court Upholding Parental Rights
b#ca2s# t+#5 in!#st# :-#5ot#, a +a$$2cino!#nic r2! as -art of t+#ir r#$i!io2s b#$i#fs. <+#n t+#5
so2!+t 2n#3-$o53#nt co3-#nsation, t+#5 %#r# #ni# b#ca2s# t+#5 %#r# isc+ar!# for
:3iscon2ct.
*+# 9nians a--#a$# to t+# @r#!on "o2rt of A--#a$s %+o r#,#rs# on t+# !ro2ns t+at t+#5 +a t+#
ri!+t to fr##$5 #I#rcis# t+#ir r#$i!io2s b#$i#fs b5 ta1in! r2!s. @f co2rs#, as #I-#ct#, t+# U.S. S2-r#3#
"o2rt r#,#rs# t+# cas# an fo2n t+at t+# 7irst A3#n3#nt i not -rot#ct r2! 2s#. So %+at o#s
t+# cas# +a,# to o %it+ -ar#nta$ ri!+tsS
Aft#r t+# "o2rt r2$# a!ainst t+# 9nians, it t+#n ana$5J# t+# a--$ication of t+# 7r## ?I#rcis# "$a2s#
!#n#ra$$5. *+# "o2rt %ron!$5 #ci# to t+ro% o2t t+# 7r## ?I#rcis# "$a2s# as a #f#ns# to an5
:n#2tra$ $a% t+at 3i!+t ,io$at# an ini,i2a$4s r#$i!io2s con,ictions. 9n t+# -roc#ss of #stro5in!
r#$i!io2s fr##o3, t+# "o2rt %#nt o2t of its %a5 to sa5 t+at t+# -ar#nts4 ri!+ts to contro$ t+# #2cation
of t+#ir c+i$r#n is sti$$ a f2na3#nta$ ri!+t. *+# "o2rt #c$ar# t+at t+# :co3-#$$in! int#r#st t#st is
sti$$ a--$icab$#, not to t+# 7r## ?I#rcis# "$a2s# a$on#8
[B]2t t+# 7r## ?I#rcis# "$a2s# in conE2nction %it+ ot+#r constit2tiona$ -rot#ctions s2c+ as ... t+# ri!+t
of -ar#nts, ac1no%$#!# in Pierce v. Society of Sisters, 2H8 U.S. 51A (1925), to ir#ct t+# #2cation of
t+#ir c+i$r#n, s## isconsin v. !o"er, 4AH U.S.2A5 (1972) in,a$iatin! co3-2$sor5Katt#nanc# $a%s as
a--$i# to A3is+ -ar#nts %+o r#f2s# on r#$i!io2s !ro2ns to s#n t+#ir c+i$r#n to sc+oo$.
19
[#3-+asis
s2--$i#]
9n ot+#r %ors, 2n#r t+is -r#c##nt, -ar#nts4 ri!+ts to contro$ t+# #2cation of t+#ir c+i$r#n is
consi#r# a :constit2tiona$$5 -rot#ct# ri!+t %+ic+ r#62ir#s t+# a--$ication of t+# co3-#$$in!
int#r#st t#st. *+# "o2rt in Smith 62ot# its -r#,io2s cas# of isconsin v. !o"er8
0o#r sai t+at :*+# "o2rt4s +o$in! in Pierce stans as a c+art#r for t+# ri!+ts of -ar#nts to ir#ct t+#
r#$i!io2s 2-brin!in! of t+#ir c+i$r#n. An %+#n t+# int#r#sts of -ar#nt+oo ar# co3bin# %it+ a fr##
#I#rcis# c$ai3 ... 3or# t+an 3#r#$5 a r#asonab$# r#$ations+i- to so3# -2r-os# %it+in t+# co3-#t#nc5
of t+# Stat# is r#62ir# to s2stain t+# ,a$iit5 of t+# Stat#4s r#62ir#3#nt 2n#r t+# 7irst A3#n3#nt.
4AH U.S., at 233.
2A
[#3-+asis s2--$i#]
9nst#a of 3#r#$5 s+o%in! t+at a r#!2$ation conf$ictin! %it+ -ar#nts4 ri!+ts is r#asonab$#, t+# stat#
32st, t+#r#for#, r#ac+ t+# +i!+#r stanar of t+# :co3-#$$in! int#r#st t#st, %+ic+ r#62ir#s t+# stat#
to -ro,# its r#!2$ation to b# t+# $#ast r#stricti,# 3#ans.
12. Eo"6son v. Minnesota, 497 U.S. 417 (199A)
9n Eo"6son t+# "o2rt fo2n t+at -ar#nta$ ri!+ts not on$5 ar# -rot#ct# 2n#r t+# 7irst an 7o2rt##nt+
A3#n3#nts as f2na3#nta$ an 3or# i3-ortant t+an -ro-#rt5 ri!+ts, b2t t+at t+#5 ar# :##3#
#ss#ntia$.
*+# fa3i$5 +as a -ri,ac5 int#r#st in t+# 2-brin!in! an #2cation of c+i$r#n an t+# inti3aci#s of t+#
3arita$ r#$ations+i- %+ic+ is -rot#ct# b5 t+# "onstit2tion a!ainst 2n2# stat# int#rf#r#nc#. S##
isconsin v !o"er, 7 4AH US 2A5 ...
*+# statist notion t+at !o,#rn3#nta$ -o%#r s+o2$ s2-#rs## -ar#nta$ a2t+orit5 in a$$ cas#s b#ca2s#
so3# -ar#nts ab2s# an n#!$#ct c+i$r#n is r#-2!nant to A3#rican traition. Parham, 442 US, at HA3,
Decisions of the United States Supreme Court Upholding Parental Rights
[ot+#r citations o3itt#]. <# +a,# $on! +#$ t+at t+#r# #Iists a :-ri,at# r#a$3 of fa3i$5 $if# %+ic+ t+#
stat# cannot #nt#r. Prince v Massach3setts ...
A nat2ra$ -ar#nt %+o +as #3onstrat# s2ffici#nt co33it3#nt to +is or +#r c+i$r#n is t+#r#aft#r
#ntit$# to rais# t+# c+i$r#n fr## fro3 2n2# stat# int#rf#r#nc#. As F2stic# <+it# #I-$ain# in +is
o-inion of t+# "o2rt in Stanley v ;llinois, 4A5 US H45 (1972) [ot+#r cit#s o3itt#]8
:*+# co2rt +as fr#62#nt$5 #3-+asiJ# t+# i3-ortanc# of t+# fa3i$5. *+# ri!+ts to conc#i,# an to rais#
on#4s c+i$r#n +a,# b##n ##3# T#ss#ntia$,4 Meyer v Nebraska, ... Tbasic ci,i$ ri!+ts of 3an,4 Skinner
v Fklahoma, 31H US 535, 541 (1942), an T[r]i!+ts far 3or# -r#cio2s ... t+an -ro-#rt5 ri!+ts,4 May v
9n"erson, 345 US 528, 533 (1953) ... *+# int#!rit5 of t+# fa3i$5 2nit +as fo2n -rot#ction in t+# .2#
;roc#ss "$a2s# of t+# 7o2rt##nt+ A3#n3#nt, Meyer v Nebraska, s2-ra. [#3-+asis s2--$i#]
*+# "o2rt $#a,#s no roo3 for o2bt as to t+# i3-ortanc# an -rot#ction of t+# ri!+ts of -ar#nts.
13. E.L. v. Matheson, 45A US 398, 41A (1991)
9n t+is cas#, t+# S2-r#3# "o2rt r#co!niJ# t+# -ar#nts4 ri!+t to 1no% abo2t t+#ir c+i$ s##1in! an
abortion. *+# "o2rt stat#8
9n aition, constit2tiona$ int#r-r#tation +as consist#nt$5 r#co!niJ# t+at t+# -ar#nts4 c$ai3 to
a2t+orit5 in t+#ir o%n +o2s#+o$ to ir#ct t+# r#arin! of t+#ir c+i$r#n is basic in t+# str2ct2r# of o2r
soci#t5.
Ginsber6 v. Ne@ !ork, 39A US H29 (19H8) ... <# +a,# r#co!niJ# on n23#ro2s occasions t+at t+#
r#$ations+i- b#t%##n t+# -ar#nt an t+# c+i$ is "onstit2tiona$$5 -rot#ct# (isconsin v. !o"er# Stanley
v. ;llinois# Meyer v. Nebraska) ... :9t is carina$ %it+ 2s t+at t+# c2sto5, car#, an n2rt2r# of t+# c+i$
r#si# first in t+# -ar#nts, %+os# -ri3ar5 f2nction an fr##o3 inc$2#s -r#-aration for ob$i!ations
t+# stat# can n#it+#r s2--$5, nor +in#r. [U2otin! Prince v. Massach3setts, 321 US 158, 1HH, (1944)].
S## a$so Parham v. 5.R.7 Pierce v. Society of Sisters ... <# +a,# r#co!niJ# t+at -ar#nts +a,# an
i3-ortant :!2iin! ro$# to -$a5 in t+# 2-brin!in! of t+#ir c+i$r#n, =ellotti ;;, 443 US H33KH39 ...
%+ic+ -r#s23-ti,#$5 inc$2#s co2ns#$in! t+#3 on i3-ortant #cisions.
*+is "o2rt c$#ar$5 2-+o$s t+# -ar#nt4s ri!+t to 1no% in t+# ar#a of 3inor c+i$r#n 3a1in! 3#ica$
#cisions.
14. <ernonia School District $05 v. 9cton, 132 '.?.2 5H4, 115 S."t. 238H (1995)
9n <ernonia t+# "o2rt str#n!t+#n# -ar#nta$ ri!+ts b5 a--roac+in! t+# iss2# fro3 a iff#r#nt -oint of
,i#%. *+#5 r#ason# t+at c+i$r#n o not +a,# 3an5 of t+# ri!+ts accor# citiJ#ns, an in $ac1
t+#r#of, -ar#nts an !2arians -oss#ss an #I#rcis# t+os# ri!+ts an a2t+oriti#s in t+# c+i$4s b#st
int#r#st8
*raitiona$$5 at co33on $a%, an sti$$ toa5, 2n#3anci-at# 3inors $ac1 so3# of t+# 3ost f2na3#nta$
ri!+ts of s#$fK#t#r3inationRinc$2in! #,#n t+# ri!+t of $ib#rt5 in its narro% s#ns#, i.#., t+# ri!+t to
co3# an !o at %i$$. *+#5 ar# s2bE#ct, #,#n as to t+#ir -+5sica$ fr##o3, to t+# contro$ of t+#ir
-ar#nts or !2arians. S## A3 F2r 2, ;ar#nt an "+i$ Q 1A (1987).
Decisions of the United States Supreme Court Upholding Parental Rights
15. Troxel v. Granville, 53A U.S. 57 (2AAA)
9n t+is cas# t+# Unit# Stat#s S2-r#3# "o2rt iss2# a $an3ar1 o-inion on -ar#nta$ $ib#rt5. *+# cas#
in,o$,# a <as+in!ton Stat# stat2t# %+ic+ -ro,i# t+at a Dco2rt 3a5 or#r ,isitation ri!+ts for an5
-#rson %+#n ,isitation 3a5 s#r,# t+# b#st int#r#sts of t+# c+i$, %+#t+#r or not t+#r# +as b##n an5
c+an!# of circ23stanc#s.D <as+. )#,. "o# 2H.1A.1HA(3). *+# U.S. S2-r#3# "o2rt r2$# t+at t+#
<as+in!ton stat2t# D2nconstit2tiona$$5 int#rf#r#s %it+ t+# f2na3#nta$ ri!+t of -ar#nts to r#ar t+#ir
c+i$r#n.D *+# "o2rt %#nt on to #Ia3in# its tr#at3#nt of -ar#nta$ ri!+ts in -r#,io2s cas#s8
9n s2bs#62#nt cas#s a$so, %# +a,# r#co!niJ# t+# f2na3#nta$ ri!+t of -ar#nts to 3a1# #cisions
conc#rnin! t+# car#, c2sto5, an contro$ of t+#ir c+i$r#n isconsin v. !o"er# $%& '.S. (%)# (*(# *( L.
+". (" ,)# -( S. .t. ,)(& /,-0(1 (D*+# +istor5 an c2$t2r# of <#st#rn ci,i$iJation r#f$#ct a stron!
traition of -ar#nta$ conc#rn for t+# n2rt2r# an 2-brin!in! of t+#ir c+i$r#n. *+is -ri3ar5 ro$# of t+#
-ar#nts in t+# 2-brin!in! of t+#ir c+i$r#n is no% #stab$is+# b#5on #bat# as an #n2rin! A3#rican
traitionD)G 23illoin v. alcott# $*$ '.S. ($&# ())# )$ L. +". (" ),,# -4 S. .t. )$- /,-041 (D<# +a,#
r#co!niJ# on n23#ro2s occasions t+at t+# r#$ations+i- b#t%##n -ar#nt an c+i$ is constit2tiona$$5
-rot#ct#D)G Parham v. 5. R.# $$( '.S. )4$# &%(# &, L. +". (" ,%,# -- S. .t. ($-* /,-0-1 (D@2r
E2ris-r2#nc# +istorica$$5 +as r#f$#ct# <#st#rn ci,i$iJation conc#-ts of t+# fa3i$5 as a 2nit %it+ broa
-ar#nta$ a2t+orit5 o,#r 3inor c+i$r#n. @2r cas#s +a,# consist#nt$5 fo$$o%# t+at co2rs#D)G Santosky v.
Kramer# $)) '.S. 0$)# 0)*# 0, L. +". (" )--# ,%( S. .t. ,*44 /,-4(1 (isc2ssin! Dt+# f2na3#nta$ $ib#rt5
int#r#st of nat2ra$ -ar#nts in t+# car#, c2sto5, an 3ana!#3#nt of t+#ir c+i$D)G Gl3cksber6# s3pra, at
72A (D9n a $on! $in# of cas#s, %# +a,# +#$ t+at, in aition to t+# s-#cific fr##o3s -rot#ct# b5 t+#
Bi$$ of )i!+ts, t+# >$ib#rt5> s-#cia$$5 -rot#ct# b5 t+# .2# ;roc#ss "$a2s# inc$2#s t+# ri!+t ... to ir#ct
t+# #2cation an 2-brin!in! of on#>s c+i$r#nD (citin! Meyer an Pierce)). 9n $i!+t of t+is #It#nsi,#
-r#c##nt, it cannot no% b# o2bt# t+at t+# .2# ;roc#ss "$a2s# of t+# 7o2rt##nt+ A3#n3#nt
-rot#cts t+# f2na3#nta$ ri!+t of -ar#nts to 3a1# #cisions conc#rnin! t+# car#, c2sto5, an contro$
of t+#ir c+i$r#n. [#3-+asis s2--$i#]
*+is cas# c$#ar$5 2-+o$s -ar#nta$ ri!+ts. 9n #ss#nc#, t+is #cision 3#ans t+at t+# !o,#rn3#nt 3a5 not
infrin!# -ar#nts> ri!+t to ir#ct t+# #2cation an 2-brin!in! of t+#ir c+i$r#n 2n$#ss it can s+o% t+at it
is 2sin! t+# $#ast r#stricti,# 3#ans to ac+i#,# a co3-#$$in! !o,#rn3#nta$ int#r#st.
"onc$2sion
*+# U.S. S2-r#3# "o2rt +as consist#nt$5 -rot#ct# -ar#nta$ ri!+ts, inc$2in! it a3on! t+os# ri!+ts
##3# f2na3#nta$. As a f2na3#nta$ ri!+t, -ar#nta$ $ib#rt5 is to b# -rot#ct# b5 t+# +i!+#st
stanar of r#,i#%8 t+# co3-#$$in! int#r#st t#st.
As can b# s##n fro3 t+# cas#s #scrib# abo,#, -ar#nta$ ri!+ts +a,# r#ac+# t+#ir +i!+#st $#,#$ of
-rot#ction in o,#r 75 5#ars. *+# "o2rt #cisi,#$5 confir3# t+#s# ri!+ts in t+# r#c#nt cas# of Troxel v.
Granville, %+ic+ s+o2$ s#r,# to 3aintain an -rot#ct -ar#nta$ ri!+ts for 3an5 5#ars to co3#.
Decisions of the United States Supreme Court Upholding Parental Rights
0ootnotes
1. 2H2 U.S. 39A (1923).
2. ;"., at 4A2.
3. ;"., at 4A1. A$so s## Bart$#s ,. 9o%a, 2H2 U.S. 4A4 (1923) %+#r# t+# "o2rt r#ac+# a si3i$ar
conc$2sion.
4. Meyer, 2H2 U.S. 39A at 4AA.
5. ;"., at 4A3.
H. Pierce, 2H8 U.S. 51A (1925)
7. ;bi" at 534.
8. Pierce, 2H8 U.S. 51A at 535.
9. >arrin6ton v. Tok3shi6e, 273 U.S. 284 (1927) at 298.
1A. ;"., at 298.
11. >arrin6ton v. Tok3shi6e, (9 cir.) 11 7.2 71A at 713 (192H), 62otin! Bar$an, F., in =erea .olle6e v.
Kent3cky 211 U.S. 45, 29 S. "t. 33, 53 '. ?. 81.
12. Prince v. Massach3ssetts, 321 U.S. 158 (1944).
13. ;bi" at 1HH.
14. Gris@ol" v. .onnectic3t, 381 U.S. 479, (19H5) at 48H.
15. ;bi".
1H. !o"er, 4AH U.S. 2A5 at 233.
17. ;bi" at 232. B2r!#r f2rt+#r a3onis+#s, :an %+#n t+# int#r#sts of -ar#nt+oo ar# co3bin# %it+ a
fr## #I#rcis# c$ai3 of t+# nat2r# r#,#a$# b5 t+is r#cor, 3or# t+an 3#r#$5 a Tr#asonab$# r#$ation to
so3# -2r-os# %it+in t+# co3-#t#nc5 of t+# Stat#4 is r#62ir# to s2stain t+# ,a$iit5 of t+# Stat#4s
r#62ir#3#nt 2n#r t+# 7irst A3#n3#nt. (!o"er, at 233).
18. ;"., at 214.
19. ;"., 881.
2A. ;"., 881, ftn. 1.
Bar+a3 ,. Ba%1, 1H5 /.". A--. 7A8, HA S.?.2 1 (2AA4)
Decisions of the United States Supreme Court Upholding Parental Rights
(,o$2ntar5 is3issa$ n2$$ifi# isco,#r5 or#r #nt#r# in cas#)G
"o$$ins ,. "o$$ins, 18 /.". A--. 45, 19H S.?.2 282 (1973)
(-art5 cannot b# +#$ in cont#3-t of t#3-orar5 or#r fo$$o%in! t#r3ination of action b5 a )2$# 41
,o$2ntar5 is3issa$).
(b) Bo%#,#r, a Vfina$ c2sto5 #t#r3ination is not aff#ct# b5 t+# fi$in! of a ,o$2ntar5 is3issa$.
Cass#5 ,. Cass#5, 121 /.". A--. 2H3, 4H5 S.?.2 313 (199H).
Decisions of the United States Supreme Court Upholding Parental Rights