michael gerald argued october decided june may appellant victoria born carole married resided appellee gerald california although gerald listed father birth certificate always claimed victoria daughter blood tests showed probability appellant michael carole adulterous affair victoria father victoria first three years mother resided times michael held times another man times gerald lived since june november michael filed filiation action california superior establish paternity right visitation victoria guardian ad litem filed asserting entitled maintain filial relationships michael gerald ultimately granted gerald summary judgment ground triable issues fact paternity cal evid code provides child born married woman living husband neither impotent sterile presumed child marriage presumption may rebutted husband wife limited circumstances moreover denied michael victoria motions visitation pending appeal cal civ code provides may discretion grant reasonable visitation rights person interest child welfare california appeal affirmed rejecting michael procedural substantive due process challenges well victoria due process equal protection claims also rejected victoria assertion right continued visitation michael ground california law denies visitation wishes mother putative father prevented establishing paternity held judgment affirmed cal app cal rptr affirmed justice scalia joined chief justice part justice justice kennedy concluded presumption infringe upon due process rights man wishing establish paternity child born wife another man pp michael contention procedural due process requires afforded opportunity demonstrate paternity evidentiary hearing fundamentally misconceives nature although phrased terms presumption expresses implements substantive rule law declaring generally irrelevant paternity purposes whether child conceived born existing marriage begotten someone husband prior relationship based state legislature determination matter overriding social policy husband held responsible child integrity privacy family unit impugned michael complaint statute categorically denies men circumstances opportunity establish paternity challenge accurately viewed procedural pp merit michael substantive due process claim constitutionally protected liberty interest parental relationship established victoria protection gerald carole marital union insufficient state interest support termination relationship michael failed meet burden proving claimed liberty interest one deeply imbedded within society traditions fundamental right failed demonstrate interest seeks vindicate traditionally accorded protection society presumption legitimacy even modern statutory decisional law demonstrate society historically protected continues protect marital family sort claim michael asserts pp presumption infringe upon constitutional right child maintain relationship natural father victoria assertion due process right maintain filial relationships michael gerald best obverse michael claim fails reasons merit claim equal protection rights violated unlike mother presumed father opportunity rebut presumption legitimacy since state decision treat differently parents pursues legitimate end preventing disruption otherwise peaceful union rational means allowing anyone husband wife contest legitimacy pp justice stevens although concluding natural father might constitutionally protected interest relationship child whose mother married cohabiting another man time child conception birth also concluded california statutory scheme applied case consistent due process clause since deprive michael fair opportunity prove person interest welfare child reasonable visitation rights may awarded trial judge discretion plurality interpretation creating absolute bar determination unnatural reading statute plain language also consistent reading given courts california courts cases deciding presumption barred natural father proving paternity nevertheless gone consider separate question whether proper allow natural father visitation person based best interests child circumstances particular case record shows shaky start marriage carole gerald developed stability provides victoria loving harmonious family home nothing fundamentally unfair trial judge exercise discretion allow mother decide whether child best interests served allowing natural father visitation privileges pp robert boraks argued cause appellants briefs appellant michael george kaufmann ronald henry paul taskier joel aaronson leslie ellen shear filed briefs appellant victoria larry hoffman argued cause appellee brief glen schwartz michael oddenino filed brief national council children rights amicus curiae urging reversal paul hoffman joan howarth john powell helen hershkoff steven shapiro isabelle katz pinzler filed brief american civil liberties union foundation et al amici curiae justice scalia announced judgment delivered opinion chief justice joins justice justice kennedy join california law child born married woman living husband presumed child marriage cal evid code ann west supp presumption legitimacy may rebutted husband wife limited circumstances ibid instant appeal presents claim presumption infringes upon due process rights man wishes establish paternity child born wife another man claim infringes upon constitutional right child maintain relationship natural father facts case must hope extraordinary may las vegas nevada carole international model gerald top executive french oil company married couple established home playa del rey california resided husband wife one country business summer carole became involved adulterous affair neighbor michael september conceived child victoria born may gerald listed father birth certificate always held victoria world daughter soon delivery child however carole informed michael believed might father first three years life victoria remained always carole found within variety units october gerald moved new york city pursue business interests carole chose remain california end month carole michael blood tests victoria showed probability michael victoria father january carole visited michael thomas primary business interests based michael held victoria child march however carole left michael returned california took residence yet another man scott later spring summer carole victoria spent time gerald new york city well vacation europe fall returned scott california november rebuffed attempts visit victoria michael filed filiation action california superior establish paternity right visitation march appointed attorney guardian ad litem represent victoria interests victoria filed asserting one psychological de facto father entitled maintain filial relationship attendant rights duties obligations may carole filed motion summary judgment period march july carole living gerald new york august however returned california became involved michael instructed attorneys remove summary judgment motion calendar ensuing eight months michael thomas lived carole victoria carole apartment los angeles held victoria daughter april carole michael signed stipulation michael victoria natural father carole left michael next month however instructed attorneys file stipulation june carole reconciled gerald joined new york live victoria two children since born marriage may michael victoria guardian ad litem sought visitation rights michael pendente lite assist determining whether visitation victoria best interests superior appointed psychologist evaluate victoria gerald michael carole psychologist recommended carole retain sole custody michael allowed continued contact victoria pursuant restricted visitation schedule concurred ordered michael provided limited visitation privileges pendente lite october gerald intervened action moved summary judgment ground cal evid code triable issues fact victoria paternity law provides issue wife cohabiting husband impotent sterile conclusively presumed child marriage cal evid code ann west supp presumption may rebutted blood tests motion tests made within two years date child birth either husband natural father filed affidavit acknowledging paternity wife january found affidavits submitted carole gerald sufficed demonstrate two cohabiting conception birth gerald neither sterile impotent superior granted gerald motion summary judgment rejecting michael victoria challenges constitutionality also denied motions continued visitation pending appeal cal civ code provides may discretion grant reasonable visitation rights person interest welfare child cal civ code ann west supp found allowing visitation violat intention legislature impugning integrity family unit supp app juris statement appeal michael asserted inter alia superior application violated procedural substantive due process rights victoria also raised due process challenge statute seeking preserve de facto relationship michael well gerald contended addition allows husband least limited extent mother child rebut presumption legitimacy violates child right equal protection finally asserted right continued visitation michael submission briefs hearing california appeal affirmed judgment superior upheld constitutionality statute cal app cal rptr interpreted judgment moreover denied permanent visitation rights regarding implication superior reliance upon upon earlier california case vincent joan cal app cal rptr appeal dism held assertion biological paternity determined legally impossible visitation wishes mother denied cal app cal appeal denied michael victoria petitions rehearing july california denied discretionary review february noted probable jurisdiction present appeal us michael victoria raise equal protection due process challenges reach michael equal protection claim however neither raised passed upon see bankers life casualty crenshaw ii california statute subject litigation substance century old california code civ proc enacted provided issue wife cohabiting husband impotent indisputably presumed legitimate legislature amended statute adding preface notwithstanding provision law cal ch california evidence code adopted statute codified substantive change except replacement word indisputably conclusively cal ch pp california adopted uniform parentage act cal ch pp codified cal civ code ann et seq west amended replacing word legitimate phrase child marriage adding nonsterility nonimpotence cohabitation predicate presumption cal ch legislature amended statute provide husband opportunity introduce evidence rebuttal presumption cal ch amended provide mother opportunity cal ch present form substantive provisions statute follows child marriage notice motion blood tests except provided subdivision issue wife cohabiting husband impotent sterile conclusively presumed child marriage notwithstanding provisions subdivision finds conclusions experts disclosed evidence based upon blood tests performed pursuant chapter commencing section division husband father child question paternity husband shall resolved accordingly notice motion blood tests subdivision may raised husband later two years child date birth notice motion blood tests subdivision may raised mother child later two years child date birth child biological father filed affidavit acknowledging paternity child provisions subdivision shall apply case coming within provisions section civil code dealing artificial insemination case wife consent husband conceived means surgical procedure iii address first claims michael outset necessary clarify sought denied california law like nature makes provision dual fatherhood michael seeking declared father victoria immediate benefit evidently sought obtain status visitation rights see cal civ code ann west parent statutory right visitation unless shown visitation detrimental best interests child michael successful declared father rights follow importantly right considered parent custody cal civ code ann west status embrace sum parental rights respect rearing child including child care right child services earnings right direct child activities right make decisions regarding control education health child right well duty prepare child additional obligations includes teaching moral standards religious beliefs elements good citizenship california family law markey ed footnotes omitted parental rights including visitation automatically denied denying michael status father cal civ code ann places within discretionary power award visitation rights nonparent superior affirmed appeal held california law denies visitation wishes mother putative father prevented establishing paternity see cal app cal citing vincent joan cal app cal michael raises two related challenges constitutionality first asserts requirements procedural due process prevent state terminating liberty interest relationship child without affording opportunity demonstrate paternity evidentiary hearing believe claim derives fundamental misconception nature california statute phrased terms presumption rule evidence implementation substantive rule law california declares except limited circumstances irrelevant paternity purposes whether child conceived born existing marriage begotten someone husband prior relationship appeal phrased conclusive presumption actually substantive rule law based upon determination legislature matter overriding social policy given certain relationship husband wife husband held responsible child integrity family unit impugned cal app cal quoting vincent joan supra cal struck illegitimate certain irrebuttable presumptions see stanley illinois vlandis kline cleveland board education lafleur holdings however rest upon procedural due process conclusive presumption course foreclose person invoked demonstrating particularized proceeding applying presumption fact lawful governmental policy presumption designed effectuate said legal rule establishes general classifications whether framed terms presumption respect difference rule says marital husband shall irrebuttably presumed father rule says adulterous natural father shall recognized legal father rules deny someone michael situation hearing whether particular circumstances case california policies best served giving parental rights thus many commentators observed see bezanson thoughts emerging irrebuttable presumption doctrine ind rev nowak realigning standards review equal protection guarantee prohibited neutral permissive classifications geo note irrebuttable presumptions illusory analysis stan rev note irrebuttable presumption doctrine harv rev irrebuttable presumption cases must ultimately analyzed calling question adequacy procedures like cases involving classifications framed terms see craig boren carrington rash adequacy fit classification policy classification serves see lafleur supra powell concurring result vlandis supra white concurring rehnquist dissenting weinberger salfi therefore reject michael procedural due process challenge proceed substantive claim michael contends matter substantive due process established parental relationship victoria protection gerald carole marital union insufficient state interest support termination relationship argument course predicated assertion michael constitutionally protected liberty interest relationship victoria established part constitutional jurisprudence term liberty due process clause extends beyond freedom physical restraint see pierce society sisters meyer nebraska without core textual meaning limitation defining scope due process clause times treacherous field giving reason concern lest limits judicial intervention become predilections happen time members moore east cleveland need restraint cogently expressed justice white ample precedent creation new constitutional rights lead repeat process judiciary including vulnerable comes nearest illegitimacy deals constitutional law little cognizable roots language even design constitution realizing present construction due process clause represents major judicial gloss terms well anticipation framers extremely reluctant breathe still substantive content due process clause strike legislation adopted state city promote welfare whenever judiciary unavoidably another part governance country without express constitutional authority moore supra dissenting opinion insistence asserted liberty interest rooted history tradition evident elsewhere cases according constitutional protection certain parental rights michael reads landmark case stanley illinois subsequent cases quilloin walcott caban mohammed lehr robertson establishing liberty interest created biological fatherhood plus established parental relationship factors exist present case well think distorts rationale cases view rest upon isolated factors upon historic respect indeed sanctity strong term traditionally accorded relationships develop within unitary family see stanley supra quilloin supra caban supra lehr supra stanley example forbade destruction family upon death mother state sought remove children custody father lived supported mother years justice powell stated plurality moore east cleveland supra decisions establish constitution protects sanctity family precisely institution family deeply rooted nation history tradition thus legal issue present case reduces whether relationship persons situation michael victoria treated protected family unit historic practices society whether basis accorded special protection think impossible find fact quite contrary traditions protected marital family gerald carole child acknowledge sort claim michael asserts presumption legitimacy fundamental principle common law nicholas adulturine bastardy traditionally presumption rebutted proof husband incapable procreation access wife relevant period citing bracton de legibus et consuetudinibus angliae bk ch bk ii ch ch explained blackstone nonaccess proved husband kingdom england law somewhat loosely phrases extra quatuor maria beyond four seas nine months blackstone commentaries chitty ed common law england neither husband wife witness prove access nonaccess schouler law domestic relations ed graveson crane century family law primary policy rationale underlying common law severe restrictions rebuttal presumption appears aversion declaring children illegitimate see schouler supra grossberg governing hearth thereby depriving rights inheritance succession kent commentaries american law likely making wards state secondary policy concern interest promoting peace tranquillity families schouler supra quoting boullenois traite des status bk goal obviously impaired facilitating suits husband wife asserting children illegitimate even though bastardy laws became less harsh udges england gradually widened acceptable range evidence offered spouses placed restraints four seas rule law retained strong bias ruling children married women illegitimate grossberg supra found nothing older sources older cases addressing specifically power natural father assert parental rights child born woman existing marriage another man since michael burden establish power least natural father established relationship child deeply embedded within traditions fundamental right lack evidence alone might defeat case evidence shows even modern times noted rigid protection marital family respects relaxed ability person michael position claim paternity generally acknowledged example annotation subject may dispute presumption legitimacy child conceived born wedlock shows three including california statutes limiting standing husband wife descendants one state louisiana statute limiting husband two florida texas judicial decisions limiting standing husband two illinois new york judicial decisions denying standing even mother single decision set forth specifically according standing natural father express indications nonexistence limitation upon standing found jurisdictions moreover even clear one michael position generally possesses generally always possessed standing challenge marital child legitimacy still establish michael case noted earlier issue entitlement state pronouncement victoria begotten michael conceivable denial constitutional right state decline declare facts unless legal consequence hinges upon requested declaration michael asserts right declared natural father thereby obtain parental prerogatives must establish therefore society traditionally allowed natural father circumstances establish paternity traditionally accorded father parental rights least traditionally denied even law always entire world challenge marital presumption obtain declaration natural father advance michael claim thus ultimately irrelevant even purposes determining current social attitudes towards alleged substantive right michael asserts present law number appears allow natural father including natural father established relationship child theoretical power rebut marital presumption see note rebutting marital presumption developed relationship test counts whether fact award substantive parental rights natural father child conceived within born extant marital union wishes embrace child aware single case old new done stuff fundamental rights qualifying liberty interests made lehr robertson case involving natural father attempt block child adoption unwed mother new husband observed significance biological connection offers natural father opportunity male possesses develop relationship offspring assumed constitution might require protection opportunity however child born extant marital family natural father unique opportunity conflicts similarly unique opportunity husband marriage unconstitutional state give categorical preference latter lehr quoted approvingly justice stewart dissent caban mohammed effect although circumstances actual relationship father child may suffice create unwed father parental interests comparable married father absence legal tie mother may circumstances appropriately place limit whatever substantive constitutional claims might otherwise exist accord traditions limit also imposed circumstance mother time child conception birth married cohabitating another man wish raise child offspring union question legislative policy constitutional law whether california allow presumed parenthood couple desiring retain child conceived within born marriage rebutted accept justice brennan criticism result squashes liberty consists freedom conform post seems us reflects erroneous view one side controversy one disposition expand liberty sorts without contracting equivalent liberty side happy choice rarely available provide protection adulterous natural father deny protection marital father vice versa michael freedom conform whatever means gerald must equivalently freedom conform one pay price asserting freedom michael unable act father child adulterously begotten gerald unable preserve integrity traditional family unit victoria established disposition choose two freedoms leaves people california justice brennan approach chooses one constitutional imperative apparent basis except unconventional preferred iv never occasion decide whether child liberty interest symmetrical parent maintaining filial relationship need even assuming right exists victoria claim must fail victoria due process challenge anything weaker michael basic claim california erred preventing establishing michael gerald stand legal father rather claims due process right maintain filial relationships michael gerald assertion merits little discussion whatever merits guardian ad litem belief arrangement great psychological benefit child claim state must recognize multiple fatherhood support history traditions country moreover even construe victoria argument forwarding lesser proposition whatever status gerald liberty interest maintaining filial relationship natural father michael find best claim obverse michael fails reasons victoria claims addition equal protection rights violated unlike mother presumed father opportunity rebut presumption legitimacy find argument wholly without merit reject outset victoria suggestion equal protection challenge must assessed standard strict scrutiny denying right maintain filial relationship michael state discriminating basis illegitimacy see gomez perez illegitimacy legal construct natural trait california law victoria illegitimate treated manner legitimate children entitled maintain filial relationship legal parents apply therefore ordinary rational relationship test victoria equal protection challenge primary rationale underlying limitation may rebut presumption legitimacy concern allowing persons husband wife may undermine integrity marital union husband wife contests legitimacy child stability marriage already shaken contrast allowing claim illegitimacy pressed child accurately guardian ad litem may well disrupt otherwise peaceful union since pursues legitimate end rational means california decision treat victoria differently parents denial equal protection judgment california appeal affirmed footnotes understand justice brennan mind interest society traditionally thought important without protecting post protection need take form explicit constitutional provision statutory guarantee must least exclude necessary decide present case societal tradition enacting laws denying interest understand practice limiting due process clause traditionally protected interests turns clause redundancy post purpose prevent future generations lightly casting aside important traditional values enable invent new ones justice brennan asserts pinched conception family exclude michael carole victoria protection post disagree family unit accorded traditional respect society referred unitary family typified course marital family also includes household unmarried parents children perhaps concept expanded even beyond bear resemblance traditionally respected relationships thus cease constitutional significance stretched far include relationship established married woman lover child sojourn thomas subsequent period happened los angeles stayed child justice brennan insists determining whether liberty interest exists must look michael relationship victoria isolation without reference circumstance victoria mother married someone else child conceived woman husband wish raise child see post imagine compels strange procedure looking act assertedly subject liberty interest isolation effect upon people rather like inquiring whether liberty interest firing gun case hand happens involve discharge another person body logic justice brennan position leads conclusion michael begotten victoria rape fact way affect possession liberty interest relationship according justice brennan michael claim order prevail need claim substantive right maintain parental relationship victoria merely right hearing issue paternity post michael challenge depend told ability ultimately obtain visitation rights post sure depend upon ability ultimately obtain rights surely depends upon asserting claim rights precisely justice brennan denies grasp concept right hearing part person claims substantive entitlement hearing assertedly vindicate justice brennan criticized methodology using historical traditions specifically relating rights adulterous natural father rather inquiring generally whether parenthood interest historically received attention protection post seems us basis contention methodology nove post example bowers hardwick noted time fourteenth amendment ratified criminal sodomy laws laws prior district columbia continued concluded record regarding specific aspect sexual conduct claim right engage conduct deeply rooted nation history tradition implicit concept ordered liberty best facetious roe wade spent fifth opinion negating proposition longstanding tradition laws proscribing abortion understand rejected focus upon societal tradition regarding natural father rights child whose mother married another man justice brennan choose focus instead upon parenthood relevant category even general perhaps family relationships personal relationships even emotional attachments general though dissent basis level generality select refer specific level relevant tradition protecting denying protection asserted right identified example societal tradition either way regarding rights natural father child adulterously conceived consult possible reason traditions regarding natural fathers general specific tradition unqualifiedly denies protection parent one think justice brennan appreciate value consulting specific tradition available since acknowledges ven agree family parenthood part good life absurd assume agree content terms destructive pretend post general traditions provide imprecise guidance permit judges dictate rather discern society views need arbitrary decisionmaking avoided adopt specific tradition point reference least announce justice brennan declines criterion selecting among innumerable relevant traditions consulted well enough exemplified fact present case justice brennan opinion justice opinion post disapproves appeal tradition basis tradition select reach opposite results although assuredly virtue leaving judges free decide think best unanticipated occurs rule law binds neither text particular identifiable tradition rule law finally may note analysis inconsistent result cases griswold connecticut eisenstadt baird none cases acknowledged longstanding still extant societal tradition withholding right pronounced subject liberty interest rejected justice brennan must case existence tradition continuing present day refutes possible contention alleged right rooted traditions conscience people ranked fundamental snyder massachusetts alr implicit concept ordered liberty palko connecticut justice brennan chides us thus limiting holding situations husband wife wish raise child jointly dissent believes without limitation unable rely state asserted interest protecting unitary family denying michael victoria deprived liberty post sought make clear however dissent elsewhere seems understand see post rest decision upon independent balancing interests upon absence constitutionally protected right legal parentage part adulterous natural father michael situation evidenced long tradition tradition reflects balancing already made society limit pronouncement relevant facts case least possible traditions lead different conclusion regard adulterous fathering child marital parents wish raise seems unfair disagree holding include among criticisms extended holding broadly justice justice kennedy joins concurring part concur justice scalia opinion sketches mode historical analysis used identifying liberty interests protected due process clause fourteenth amendment may somewhat inconsistent past decisions area see griswold connecticut eisenstadt baird occasion characterized relevant traditions protecting asserted rights levels generality might specific level available ante see loving virginia turner safley cf stanley concurring part dissenting part foreclose unanticipated prior imposition single mode historical analysis poe ullman harlan dissenting justice stevens concurring judgment understand case raises two different questions validity california statutory scheme first cal evid code ann west supp unconstitutional prevents michael victoria obtaining judicial determination biological father even legal rights affected determination second california statute deny appellants fair opportunity prove victoria best interests served granting michael visitation rights first issue agree justice scalia federal constitution imposes obligation upon state declare facts unless legal consequence hinges upon requested declaration ante actions judges neither create sever genetic bonds lehr robertson second issue agree justice scalia analysis seems reject possibility natural father might ever constitutionally protected interest relationship child whose mother married cohabiting another man time child conception birth think cases like stanley illinois caban mohammed demonstrate enduring family relationships may develop unconventional settings therefore foreclose possibility constitutionally protected relationship natural father child might exist case like indeed willing assume purpose deciding case michael relationship victoria strong enough give constitutional right try convince trial judge victoria best interest served granting visitation rights satisfied however california statute applied case gave opportunity section california civil code annotated west supp provides easonable visitation rights shall awarded parent unless shown visitation detrimental best interests child discretion reasonable visitation rights may granted person interest welfare child emphasis added recognize colleagues interpreted creating absolute bar prevent california trial judge regarding natural father either parent within meaning first sentence person within meaning second sentence see ante post brennan dissenting unnatural reading statute plain language also consistent california courts reading statute thus vincent joan cal app cal rptr appeal dism california appeal deciding presumption barred natural father proving paternity went consider separate question whether proper allow visitation pursuant second sentence finally appellant contends even frank conclusively presumed father appellant allowed visitation rights since civil code section gives discretion grant visitation rights person interest welfare child think obvious circumstances case visitation detrimental best interests child appellant interest visiting child based claim appellant father claim determined legally impossible mother wish child visited appellant confusion uncertainty embarrassment child likely result order appellant claims biological father entitled visitation wishes mother petitioner respondent supra cal app cal emphasis added similarly case trial judge found conclusive presumption applicable also separately considered effect expressly found present time best interests child plaintiff visitation believes existence two fathers male authority figures confuse child best interests supp app juris statement opinion appeal also concluded michael entitled rights visitation section see cal app cal rptr quoted excerpt opinion vincent joan read opinion support view natural father person within meaning rather indicates outcome depends largely circumstances th case circumstances case us michael given fair opportunity show victoria natural father developed relationship interests served granting visitation rights hand record also shows rather shaky start marriage carole gerald developed stability provides victoria loving harmonious family home circumstances case find nothing fundamentally unfair exercise judge discretion end allows mother decide whether child best interests served allowing natural father visitation privileges convinced trial judge authority state law hear michael plea visitation rights grant rights victoria best interests warranted satisfied california statutory scheme consistent due process clause fourteenth amendment therefore concur judgment affirmance cases showing california courts willingness decide cases basis see michelle ronald cal app dism lisa cal cert denied sub nom porzuczek towner justice brennan justice marshall justice blackmun join dissenting case yielded many opinions one fruitful begin emphasizing common ground shared majority five members refuse foreclose possibility natural father might ever constitutionally protected interest relationship child whose mother married cohabiting another man time child conception birth ante stevens concurring judgment see infra post white dissenting five justices agree flaw inhering conclusive presumption terminates constitutionally protected interest without hearing whatsoever procedural one see infra post white dissenting ante stevens concurring judgment four members agree michael liberty interest relationship victoria see infra post white dissenting one assumes purposes case see ante stevens concurring judgment contrast one member fully endorses justice scalia view proper method analyzing questions arising due process clause see ante ante concurring part nevertheless plurality opinion exclusively historical analysis portends significant unfortunate departure prior cases sound constitutional decisionmaking devote substantial portion discussion recognized liberty protected due process clause fourteenth amendment encompasses freedom bodily restraint today plurality opinion emphasizes concept cut loose one natural limitation meaning innovation paved way plurality hints judges substitute preferences elected officials dissatisfied supposedly unbridled uncertain state affairs plurality casts another limitation concept liberty finds limitation tradition apparently oblivious fact concept malleable elusive liberty plurality pretends tradition places discernible border around constitution pretense seductive comforting believe search tradition involves nothing idiosyncratic complicated poring dusty volumes american history yet justice white observed dissent moore east cleveland deeply rooted traditions country arguable indeed wherever begin look interest deeply rooted country traditions one thing certain stop plurality bracton blackstone kent even american law reports conducting search reasonable people disagree content particular traditions disagree even traditions relevant definition liberty plurality found objective boundary seeks even agree moreover content significance particular traditions still forced identify point tradition becomes firm enough relevant definition liberty moment becomes obsolete relevant longer plurality supplies objective means might make determinations indeed soon plurality sees signs tradition upon bases decision laws denying putative fathers like michael standing assert paternity crumbling shifts ground says case nothing tradition hat issue plurality asserts canvassing law paternity suits entitlement state pronouncement victoria begotten michael ante precisely issue plurality denial fact dramatically illustrates subjectivity analysis ironic approach utterly dependent tradition indifferent precedents citing barely handful numerous decisions defining scope liberty protected due process clause support reliance tradition plurality acts though english legal treatises american law reports always provided sole source constitutional principles notions longer define property constitution protects see goldberg kelly neither circumscribe liberty guarantees contrary iberty property broad majestic terms among reat constitutional concepts purposely left gather meaning experience hey relate whole domain social economic fact statesmen founded nation knew well stagnant society remains unchanged board regents state colleges roth quoting national ins tidewater frankfurter dissenting tradition irrelevant prior decisions throughout decisionmaking important area runs theme certain interests practices freedom physical restraint marriage childbearing childrearing others form core definition liberty solicitude interests partly result fact due process clause seem empty promise protect partly result historical traditional importance interests society deciding cases arising due process clause therefore considered whether concrete limitation consideration impermissibly impinges upon one generalized interests today plurality however ask whether parenthood interest historically received attention protection answer question clear dispute instead plurality asks whether specific variety parenthood consideration natural father relationship child whose mother married another man enjoyed protection looked tradition specificity past cases many decision reached different result surely use contraceptives unmarried couples eisenstadt baird even married couples griswold connecticut freedom corporal punishment schools ingraham wright freedom arbitrary transfer prison psychiatric institution vitek jones even right raise one natural illegitimate children stanley illinois interest traditionally protected society ante time consideration asked therefore eisenstadt griswold ingraham vitek stanley whether specific interest consideration traditionally protected answer resounding ask question cases highlights novelty interpretive method plurality opinion employs today plurality interpretive method novel misguided ignores good reasons limiting role tradition interpreting constitution deliberately capacious language plurality constitutional universe may take notice fact original reasons conclusive presumption paternity place world blood tests prove virtually beyond shadow doubt sired particular child fact illegitimacy longer plays burdensome stigmatizing role plurality world may deny tradition full scope pointing rationale conventional rule changed years rationale cal evid code ann west supp instead task simply identify rule denying asserted interest ask whether basis rule true reflection values undergirding changed often recently call rule embodying rationale tradition moreover describing decisive question whether michael victoria interest one traditionally protected society ante emphasis added rather one society traditionally thought important without protecting suggesting sole function discern society views ante emphasis added plurality acts purpose due process clause confirm importance interests already protected majority transforming protection afforded due process clause redundancy mocks care purpose wrote fourteenth amendment construing fourteenth amendment offer shelter interests specifically protected historical practice moreover plurality ignores kind society constitution exists assimilative homogeneous society facilitative pluralistic one must willing abide someone else unfamiliar even repellent practice tolerant impulse protects idiosyncracies even agree therefore family parenthood part good life absurd assume agree content terms destructive pretend community liberty must include freedom conform plurality today squashes freedom requiring specific approval history protecting anything name liberty document plurality construes today unfamiliar living charter taken constitution instead stagnant archaic hidebound document steeped prejudices superstitions time long past constitution recognize times change see sometimes practice rule outlives foundations accept interpretive method violence charter bound oath uphold ii plurality reworking interpretive approach troubling unnecessary case face new kind interest one requires us consider first time whether constitution protects contrary confront interest parent child relationship among first acknowledged cases defining liberty protected constitution see meyer nebraska skinner oklahoma prince massachusetts think safe saying one doubts wisdom validity decisions interest consideration relationship need ask whether interest one society traditionally protects thus describe issue case whether relationship existing michael victoria treated protected family unit historic practices society whether basis accorded special protection ante reinvent wheel better approach indeed one commanded prior cases common sense ask whether specific relationship consideration close enough interests already protected deemed aspect liberty well facts us therefore question level generality used describe relationship michael victoria see ante whether relationship consideration sufficiently substantial qualify liberty interest prior cases four prior occasions considered whether unwed fathers constitutionally protected interest relationships children see stanley illinois quilloin walcott caban mohammed lehr robertson though different factual legal circumstances cases produced unifying theme although unwed father biological link child guarantee constitutional stake relationship child link combined substantial relationship unwed father demonstrates full commitment responsibilities parenthood com ing forward participate rearing child interest personal contact child acquires substantial protection due process clause point may said act father toward children lehr robertson supra quoting caban mohammed supra commitment stanley caban quilloin lehr lost michael prevail today michael almost certainly victoria natural father lived father contributed support beginning sought strengthen maintain relationship claiming intent cases protect unitary family ante plurality waves stanley quilloin caban lehr aside evaluating plurality dismissal precedents essential identify conception unitary family acknowledging stanley et al sought protect relationships develop within unitary family plurality meant describe kinds relationships develop parents children live together formally informally family plurality vision cases correct plurality message though pays lipservice idea marriage crucial fact denying constitutional protection relationship michael victoria ante plurality mean says evidence undisputed michael victoria carole live together family shared household victoria called michael daddy michael contributed victoria support eager continue relationship yet plurality view unitary family whereas gerald carole victoria compose family difference two sets relationships however fact marriage plurality indeed expressly recognizes marriage critical fact denying michael constitutionally protected stake relationship victoria fewer six times plurality refers michael adulterous natural father emphasis added like ante see also ante referring marital family gerald carole victoria emphasis added ante plurality holding limited situations extant marital family however premise stanley cases following marriage decisive answering question whether constitution protects parental relationship consideration cases important precisely involve rights unwed fathers important remember moreover quilloin caban lehr putative father demands disrupted unitary family plurality defines case husband child mother sought adopt child objections natural father significantly decisions cases way relied need protect marital family hence plurality claim stanley quilloin caban lehr unitary family family defined today plurality surprising indeed plurality exclusive rather inclusive definition unitary family step decisions well pinched conception family crucial rejecting michael victoria claims liberty interest jarring light many cases preventing denying important interests statuses whose situations fit government narrow view family loving virginia levy louisiana glona american guarantee liability ins gomez perez moore east cleveland declined respect state notion manifested allocation privileges burdens family today rhapsody unitary family tune decisions plurality focus unitary family misdirected another reason conflates question whether liberty interest exists question procedures may used terminate curtail coincidence never looked relationship unwed father seeks disrupt rather one seeks preserve determining whether liberty interest relationship child otherwise allow state interest terminating relationship play role defining liberty protected constitution according established framework due process clause however first ask whether person claiming constitutional protection interest constitution recognizes find next consider state interest limiting extent procedures attend deprivation interest see logan zimmerman brush stressing need preserve unitary family focusing relationship michael victoria situation well ante today plurality opinion takes steps plurality premature consideration california interests evident careful limitation holding cases mother time child conception birth married cohabitating another man wish raise child offspring union ante emphasis added see also ante describing michael liberty interest substantive parental rights natural father child conceived within born extant marital union wishes embrace child highlighted language suggests carole gerald alone wished raise victoria dead state wished raise michael victoria might found liberty interest relationship say whether michael victoria liberty interest varies state interest recognizing interest state interest protecting marital family michael victoria interest relationship varies status carole gerald relationship bad day due process state interest terminating relationship reason conclude relationship part liberty protected fourteenth amendment plurality wedged rock hard place limits holding situations wife husband wish raise child together necessarily takes state interest account defining liberty yet extends approach circumstances marital union already dissolved may longer rely state asserted interest protecting unitary family denying michael victoria deprived liberty plurality confusion proper analysis claims involving procedural due process also becomes obvious one examines plurality shift emphasis putative father standing ability obtain parental prerogatives see ante announcing matters father ability claim paternity ability obtain substantive parental rights ante plurality turns procedural due process upside michael challenge depend ability ultimately obtain visitation rights strange indeed one granted hearing one required prove one prevail merits point procedural due process give litigant fair chance prevailing ensure particular substantive outcome michael challenge depend success fathers like obtaining parental rights past cases procedural due process large individual guarantee one depend success failure prior cases little nothing claimant suit iii plurality decides michael victoria liberty interest relationship need consider neither effect relationship state interest bringing effect obvious however effect terminate relationship michael victoria affording hearing whatsoever issue whether michael victoria father refusal hold hearing properly analyzed procedural due process cases instruct us consider state interest curtailing procedures accompanying termination constitutionally protected interest california interest minute comparison father interest relationship child justify refusal hear michael claim victoria father must first understand nature challenged statute law stubbornly insists gerald victoria father face evidence showing percent probability father michael michael wants chance show victoria father depriving opportunity california prevents michael taking advantage standard embodied california civil code directs parents given visitation rights unless visitation detrimental best interests child cal civ code ann west supp interpreted california courts however deprives michael benefits standard also deprives chance maintaining relationship child claims result putative father may establish paternity neither may obtain discretionary visitation rights nonparent see vincent joan cal app cal rptr appeal dism see also ante justice stevens assertion contrary ante mere wishful thinking concluding california courts afford putative fathers like michael meaningful opportunity show visitation rights best interests children fastens upon words circumstances case vincent joan supra cal ante suggestion case conducted individualized assessment effect child granting visitation rights vincent california appellate decision support justice stevens reading reasoning applies putative fathers denied opportunity show paternity vincent began stressing fact child mother objected visits vincent circumstance present every single case falling conclusive presumption granting visitation rights person claimed child father went also cause confusion uncertainty embarrassment cal app cal notion unacceptable confusion result awarding visitation person claims child father equally applicable case nonparent lost finally vincent approvingly cited petitioner respondent delaware rejected putative father argument delaware conclusive presumption paternity violated equal protection clause federal constitution cal app cal emphasizing permanent stigma distress result granting parental rights putative father whose child born wife another man delaware decided given state interest guard ing assaults upon family unit application presumption legitimacy child born married woman child interest practically cases emphasis added vincent reliance petitioner sends clear signal california issuing ruling applicable case fit conclusive presumption rough justice prevailed also suffice kind determination far cry individualized assessment justice stevens seem demand ante likewise case us finding existence two fathers male authority figures confuse child best interests supp app juris statement evaluation relationship michael victoria restatement policies underlying may well california courts interpretation precluding visitation rights putative father unnatural reading provision ante us decide california statute means section construed california courts thus cuts relationship michael victoria liberty interest protected due process clause without affording least bit process case words involves conclusive presumption used terminate constitutionally protected interest kind rule preoccupation procedural fairness caused us condemn see vlandis kline cleveland board education lafleur weinberger salfi gerald plurality turn blind eye true nature protesting instead conclusive presumption substantive rule law ante facile observation save may conclusive presumptions sense substantive rules law belongs special category substantive rules presumes fact relevant certain class litigation feature renders suspect prior cases put point differently conclusive presumption takes form typically accompanied rule may obtain driver license need presumption unless something hinged fact presumed ignoring fact takes form gerald plurality fix upon rule following may assert parental rights call substantive rule law strategy ignores form effect effort show conclusive presumption gerald claims plurality agrees see ante whether man biological father child whose family situation places putative father within simply irrelevant state brief appellee surmise attempt avoid implications cases condemning presumption fact state made relevant decisive particular decision see bell burson yet claim california care factual paternity patently false california cares much factual paternity husband impotent sterile see cal evid code ann west supp cares much wife husband share home see vincent joan cal app cal cares much husband declares father see cal evid code ann west supp indeed california law currently structured paternity decisive choosing standard used granting denying custody visitation state though selective concern factual paternity certainly indifferent fundamentally california purported indifference factual paternity show conclusive presumption say california care factual paternity limited circumstances case husband neither impotent sterile living apart wife simply another way describing conclusive presumption content rest assertion fact establish conclusive presumption plurality goes argue challenge conclusive presumption must rest substantive rather procedural due process see ante simply weinberger salfi supra identified two lines cases involving challenges legislation legislative classification challenged arbitrary conclusive presumption attacked fit complaint salfi former category ground challenged law deprive anyone constitutionally protected interest today plurality contrast classifies case one invoking substantive due process considers nature interest stake support innovation includes several commentaries two concurrences judgment dissent salfi ante even disturbing plurality reliance infirm foundations failure recognize defect conclusive presumptions suffer procedural one state declared certain fact relevant indeed controlling yet denied particular class litigants hearing establish fact precisely kind flaw procedural due process designed correct question us therefore whether california interest powerful justifies granting michael hearing terminating parental rights many controversies raged cryptic abstract words due process clause doubt minimum require deprivation life liberty property adjudication preceded notice opportunity hearing appropriate nature case mullane central hanover bank trust state seeks limit procedures attend deprivation constitutionally protected interest state interest streamlining procedures relevant see mathews eldridge state may words justify abbreviated procedures ground wishes pay welfare benefits fewer people wants reduce number tenured professors payroll strange indeed state curtail procedures explanation hostile underlying constitutionally protected interest gerald gives generous proportions privacy protected asserting provision protects couple like gerald carole answering questions matters sexual habits practices outside marriage finances thoughts beliefs opinions concerning relationship victoria yet invalidation gerald suggests subject gerald carole public scrutiny private matters family finances family dynamics relevant paternity best interests child child best interests stressed issue hearing michael seeks private matter touching paternity presumed married couple sex life even interpreted california intermediate appellate courts inquiry couple sexual relations since cohabitation consists simply living roof together wife husband need even share bed see vincent joan cal app cal rptr admittedly foreclose inquiry husband fertility virility matters ordinarily thought couple private business day age however proving paternity asking intimate detailed questions couple relationship decidedly anachronistic earth choose method establishing fatherhood blood tests prove far certainty far less fuss state purported interest protecting matrimonial privacy thus measure michael victoria interest maintaining relationship make mistake say state must provide michael hearing prove paternity express opinion ultimate state affairs michael victoria carole gerald order change current situation among people michael first must convince victoria father even able denied visitation rights victoria best interests see cal civ code ann west supp elementary determination state must afford procedures terminates given right prediction end result procedures iv atmosphere surrounding today decision one beginning suggestion situation confronting us repeat every day every corner country ante moving claim tradition alone supplies details liberty constitution protects passing finally notion always recognized cramped vision family today decision lets stand california pronouncement michael blood tests show percent probability victoria father victoria father awakes reality find world different one expects see marriage sharyne stephen cal app cal rptr noting california courts initially justified conclusive presumption paternity ground biological paternity impossible prove preservation family integrity became rule paramount justification paternity tests became reliable plurality claim logic position leads conclusion michael begotten victoria rape fact way affect possession liberty interest relationship ante ignores observation mere biological connection insufficient establish liberty interest part unwed father one place plurality opinion appears suggest length time michael victoria lived together relevant question whether liberty interest relationship see ante point pursued however event unable find traditions plurality otherwise exclusively relies emphasis duration relationship putative father child note plurality presumably disapprove california courts holdings vincent joan cal app cal rptr defeated putative father interest even husband wife divorced time paternity action michelle ronald cal defeated putative father interest even mother married putative father divorced man married time conception birth suggest moreover least possible traditions lead different conclusion cases vincent michelle ante express optimism ability identify traditions microscopic precision share willingness slice society minuscule pieces based tradition endorse one need look far quilloin walcott understand unwed father might lose reasons nothing relationship child approved use best interest standard rather unfitness standard unwed father objected adoption child another man justice stevens claim michael given fair opportunity show victoria natural father ante ignores fact case us precisely california law refuses allow men like michael opportunity showing startling misunderstanding stakes case plurality characterizes issue hearing michael seeks whether particular circumstances case california policies best served giving parental rights ante hearing plurality describes merely one california courts hold response constitutional challenges lodged see michelle ronald cal hearing michael seeks end result lawsuit plurality confusion evident announcement issue entitlement state pronouncement victoria begotten michael ante emphasis added precisely issue hearing michael seeks justice stevens exhibits misunderstanding pointing michelle lisa cal evidence california courts willingness decide cases basis ante analysis result flexible interpretation courts response many constitutional challenges brought similarly michael given opportunity show developed relationship victoria ante launched constitutional attack justice stevens incorrectly suggests vincent based denial visitation rights partly lack established relationship vincent child ante fact even mention specific relationship two people coming decision see cal app cal respect plurality mistaken suggesting difference rule says marital husband shall irrebuttably presumed father rule says adulterous natural father shall recognized legal father ante latter case state made paternity predominant concern disputes told putative fathers may prove paternity recognized much caban mohammed explicitly described stanley illinois case involving procedural due process plurality bald statement holding stanley rely procedural due process therefore incorrect see ante thus concluding exclud es inquiries child paternity destructive family integrity privacy ante plurality exaggerates extent interests threatened elimination presumption hand state foremost interest protecting husband discovering may father wife children plurality suggests see ante unhelpful indeed since california law includes sharing roof bed since person need make phone call order unsettle husband certainty paternity wife children little prevent discoveries see also post white dissenting plurality failure see point causes misstate michael claim following way michael contends matter substantive due process established parental relationship victoria protection gerald carole marital union insufficient state interest support termination relationship ante michael claim state may circumstance terminate relationship victoria instead simply claims state may without affording hearing issue paternity deems vital question whether relationship may discontinued plurality makes michael claim easier knock turning big target plurality misunderstanding michael claim also leads assertion provide protection adulterous natural father deny protection marital father ante allow michael chance prove paternity however way guarantees gerald relationship victoria changed justice white justice brennan joins dissenting california law plurality describes ante tells us except limited circumstances california declares irrelevant paternity purposes whether child conceived born existing marriage begotten someone husband emphasis original accept fact michael biological father victoria highly relevant whether rights father otherwise respect child believe michael liberty interest denied without due process law must dissent like justices brennan marshall blackmun stevens agree plurality opinion conclusion natural father never constitutionally protected interest relationship child whose mother married cohabiting another man time child conception birth ante stevens concurring judgment prior cases recognized liberty interest father relationship child none cases indicate father rights dependent marital status mother biological father basic principle enunciated unwed father cases unwed father demonstrated sufficient commitment paternity way personal financial custodial responsibilities protected liberty interest relationship child faced question biological father relationship child child born mother married another man several occasions however considered whether biological father constitutionally cognizable interest opportunity establish paternity stanley illinois recognized biological father right legal relationship illegitimate child holding due process clause fourteenth amendment entitled biological father hearing fitness illegitimate children removed custody rejected state treatment stanley parent stranger children quilloin walcott also expressly recognized due process rights biological father even holding rights impermissibly burdened state application best interests child standard caban mohammed invalidated equal protection grounds statute man children adopted natural mother husband without natural father consent lehr robertson though holding father case said clearly fathers participated raising illegitimate children developed relationship constitutionally protected parental rights indeed lehr suggested must provide biological father illegitimate child means may establish paternity may opportunity develop relationship child upheld stepparent adoption natural father objections acknowledged existence nonexistence substantial relationship parent child relevant criterion evaluating rights parent best interests child however father never established custodial personal financial relationship child lehr never lived child child mother birth child never provided financial support case us michael father unwilling assume responsibilities parent contrary father asserted interests raising providing child since time child birth contrast father lehr michael begun develop relationship daughter dispute point michael contributed child support michael victoria lived together albeit intermittently given carole itinerant lifestyle personal emotional relationship michael victoria grew calling daddy michael held victoria daughter contributed child financial support even appellee concedes michael made greater efforts success establishing relationship lehr brief appellee mother never denied indeed admitted michael victoria father lehr predicated absence substantial relationship man child emphasized difference developed relationship implicated stanley caban potential relationship involved quilloin lehr lehr supra unwed father demonstrates full commitment responsibilities parenthood com ing forward participate rearing child caban supra interest personal contact child acquires substantial protection due process clause lehr supra facts case satisfy lehr criteria focused relationship father child relationship father mother lehr mere biological relationship enough light carole vicissitudes michael done clear enough michael meets mark establishing constitutionally protected liberty interest discussed lehr recognized stanley illinois supra caban mohammed supra therefore liberty interest entitled protection due process clause fourteenth amendment ii california plainly denies michael protection refusing opportunity rebut state presumption mother husband father child california law deprives michael legal relationship daughter victoria even denies opportunity introduce evidence rebut demonstrable fiction gerald victoria father unlike lehr michael denied notice definitely however denied real opportunity heard grant summary judgment michael based conclusive presumption cal evid code ann west supp denied opportunity prove victoria biological father gives blessing relying state asserted interests integrity family defined carole gerald protecting victoria stigma illegitimacy balancing away michael interest establishing father child interest protecting child social stigma illegitimacy lacks real connection facts case father seeking establish rather repudiate paternity stigma illegitimacy argument harks back ancient common law blood tests ascertain husband laws nature child father judicial process refused declare child born wedlock illegitimate unless proof positive proof physical absence impotency clearly recognized use blood tests authoritative means evaluating allegations paternity see little streater see reason debate plurality multilingual explorations spousal nonaccess ancient policy concerns behind bastardy laws may true child conceived extramarital relationship considered bastard literal sense word whatever stigma remains today society far less compelling context child married mother especially father asserting paternity seeking relationship child hardly rare world divorce remarriage child live father mother married still relationship biological father state professed interest preservation existing marital unit significant concern sure intrusion outsider asserting father child husband believes disruptive say least facts case however gerald well aware liaison carole michael conclusive presumption evidentiary rule virtually eliminates putative father chances succeeding effort establish paternity means prevents asserting claim may serve deterrent claims eliminate threat argument conclusive presumption preserved sanctity marital unit sway time husband similarly prevented challenging paternity emphasis due process clause process moore east cleveland white dissenting fail see fairness process established state california endorsed today michael evidence demonstrates father young victoria yet blocked state presenting evidence result foreclosed establishing paternity ultimately precluded state developing relationship child fundamental requirement due process opportunity heard grannis ordean opportunity must granted meaningful time meaningful manner armstrong manzo fail see michael granted meaningful opportunity heard precluded outset introducing evidence support assertion paternity michael never afforded opportunity present case meaningful manner cal evid code ann applied held unconstitutional due process clause fourteenth amendment respectfully dissent lehr robertson emphasized distinction mere biological relationship actual relationship parental responsibility dissent lehr said jessica biological father lehr either interest protected constitution entry adoption order case deprived lehr constitutionally protected interest entitled notice opportunity heard order accorded finality omitted rejected majority approach purported analyze particular facts case order determine whether lehr constitutionally protected liberty interest stressed interest natural parent child one long recognized accorded constitutional protection whether majority lehr error facts instant case even lehr demanding standard clearly satisfied plurality concedes carole signed stipulation april acknowledging michael victoria father ante ultimate resolution michael case permitted introduce evidence might well visitation rights even custody child important keep mind question issue whether granted visitation custody simply whether take first step proceeding whatever end result michael simply asking permitted offer proof victoria father instant case likely mean introduce blood tests carole took show michael victoria father even last quarter century california law husband whose blood test definitively showed father child born wife nonetheless permitted present evidence order refute conclusive presumption paternity however california courts began erode presumption applied husband providing husband least opportunity demonstrate child father jackson jackson cal california legislature amended evidence code order permit husband opportunity overcome presumption father wife child raises notice motion blood tests later two years birth child much state interest protecting child stigma illegitimacy