bowen roy argued january decided june appellees applied received benefits aid families dependent children afdc program food stamp program refused however comply federal statutory requirements participants programs furnish state welfare agencies administer programs social security numbers member household condition receiving benefits state agency utilize numbers administering programs appellees contended obtaining social security number daughter violate native american religious beliefs thereafter pennsylvania department public welfare terminated afdc benefits payable appellees child behalf instituted proceedings reduce level food stamps appellees household receiving appellees filed action federal district claiming free exercise clause first amendment entitled exemption social security number requirements requesting injunctive relief following trial disclosed child fact assigned social security number held public interest maintaining efficient system met without requiring social security number child enjoined secretary health human services using disseminating social security number issued child name also enjoined federal state defendants denying appellees benefits child birthday refusal provide social security number held judgment vacated case remanded supp vacated remanded chief justice burger delivered opinion respect parts ii concluding statutory requirement state agency utilize social security numbers administering programs question violate free exercise clause clause affords individual protection certain forms governmental compulsion afford individual right dictate conduct government internal procedures government use social security number appellees child impair appellees freedom exercise religion pp chief justice burger joined justice powell justice rehnquist concluded part iii statutory requirement applicants provide social security number condition eligibility benefits question violate free exercise clause requirement facially neutral religious terms applies applicants benefits involved clearly promotes legitimate important public interest preventing fraud benefit programs important goal social security number requirement reasonable means promoting goal government regulation indirectly incidentally calls choice securing governmental benefit adherence religious beliefs wholly different governmental action legislation criminalizes religiously inspired activity compels conduct find objectionable religious reasons pp deputy solicitor general geller argued cause appellants briefs solicitor general fried acting assistant attorney general willard kathryn oberly peter maier gary gildin argued cause appellees brief franklin miles stefan presser charles sims briefs amici curiae urging affirmance filed catholic league religious civil rights steven frederick mcdowell national congress american indians et al steven moore rutherford institute et al charles bundren guy farley john whitehead james knicely thomas kotouc wendell bird william hollberg chief justice burger announced judgment delivered opinion respect parts ii opinion respect part iii justice powell justice rehnquist join question presented whether free exercise clause first amendment compels government accommodate religiously based objection statutory requirements social security number provided applicant seeking receive certain welfare benefits use numbers administering benefit programs appellees stephen roy karen miller applied received benefits aid families dependent children program food stamp program refused comply however requirement contained participants programs furnish state welfare agencies social security numbers members household condition receiving benefits appellees contended obtaining social security number daughter little bird snow violate native american religious beliefs pennsylvania department public welfare thereafter terminated afdc medical benefits payable appellees child behalf instituted proceedings reduce level food stamps appellees household receiving appellees filed action secretary pennsylvania department public welfare secretary health human services secretary agriculture arguing free exercise clause entitled exemption social security number requirement complaint appellees stated sole basis denial welfare benefits roy refusal obtain social security number little bird snow thus requested injunctive relief damages benefits statement undisputed facts parties agreed little bird snow social security number trial roy testified recently developed religious objection obtaining social security number little bird snow roy native american descended abenaki tribe asserts religious belief control one life essential spiritual purity indispensable becoming holy person based recent conversations abenaki chief roy believes technology robbing spirit man order prepare daughter greater spiritual power therefore roy testified belief must keep person spirit unique uniqueness social security number identifier coupled uses number control serve rob spirit daughter prevent attaining greater spiritual power purposes determining breadth roy religious concerns trial judge raised possibility using phonetics daughter name derive social security number although roy saw lot good suggestion stated violate religious beliefs special number still apply uniquely identify roy also testified religious objection satisfied even social security administration appended daughter full tribal name social security number roy testimony emphasized evil flow simply obtaining number last day trial however federal officer inquired whether little bird snow already social security number learned number assigned first name little middle name bird snow last name roy government point suggested case become moot roy beliefs little bird snow spirit already robbed roy however recalled stand testified spirit robbed use number since known use number yet made roy expressed belief spirit damaged district concluded case moot roy beliefs regarding use number see roy cohen supp md finding fact roy believes establishment social security number little bird snow without robbed spirit widespread use social security number federal state governments computer systems effect hearing testimony district denied appellees request damages benefits granted injunctive relief based testimony government experts obvious fact many people share certain names district found tilization computer system name benefit recipient alone frequently sufficient ensure proper payment benefits nevertheless concluded public interest maintaining efficient fraud resistant system met without requiring use social security number little bird snow elaborating appears harm government might suffer appellees prevailed case worst one perhaps individuals fraudulently obtain welfare benefits result obtain little bird snow attempted fraudulently obtain welfare benefits someone else attempted fraudulently obtain benefits using little bird snow name identification procedures available defendants require utilization social security number failed expose fraud possibility appears remote noted probable jurisdiction vacate remand ii appellees raise constitutional challenge two features statutory scheme object congress requirement state afdc plan must provide condition eligibility plan applicant recipient aid shall furnish state agency social security account number emphasis added also object congress requirement state agency shall utilize account numbers administration plan ibid emphasis added analyze contentions turning latter contention first cases long recognized distinction freedom individual belief absolute freedom individual conduct absolute case implicates latter concern roy objects statutory requirement state agencies shall utilize social security numbers places restriction may believe may believes use number may harm daughter spirit never knowledge interpreted first amendment require government behave ways individual believes spiritual development family free exercise clause simply understood require government conduct internal affairs ways comport religious beliefs particular citizens government may insist appellees engage set form religious observance appellees may demand government join chosen religious practices refraining using number identify daughter free exercise clause written terms government individual terms individual extract government sherbert verner douglas concurring result roy may prevail religious objection government use social security number daughter sincere religious objection size color government filing cabinets free exercise clause affords individual protection certain forms governmental compulsion afford individual right dictate conduct government internal procedures roy points eight years ago congress passed joint resolution concerning american indian religious freedom provides guidance respect case currently codified resolution provides august shall policy protect preserve american indians inherent right freedom believe express exercise traditional religions american indian eskimo aleut native hawaiians including limited access sites use possession sacred objects freedom worship ceremonials traditional rites iii roy also challenges congress requirement state afdc plan must provide condition eligibility plan applicant recipient aid shall furnish state agency social security account number emphasis added first amendment guarantee congress shall make law prohibiting free exercise religion holds important place scheme ordered liberty steadfastly maintained claims religious conviction automatically entitle person fix unilaterally conditions terms dealings government burdens religion unconstitutional see reynolds treated recently lee maintain organized society guarantees religious freedom great variety faiths requires religious practices yield common good religious beliefs accommodated point accommodation radically restrict operating latitude legislature far removed historical instances religious persecution intolerance gave concern drafted free exercise clause first amendment see generally malbin religion politics intentions authors first amendment unmindful importance many government benefits today value sincerely held religious beliefs however believe government compulsion involved ignore reality denial benefits uniformly applicable statute neutral face wholly different less intrusive nature affirmative compulsion prohibition threat penal sanctions conduct religious implications distinction clearly revealed opinions decisions rejecting religiously based challenges often recited fact mere denial governmental benefit uniformly applicable statute constitute infringement religious liberty hamilton regents university california example rejected religious challenge students military courses required part curriculum explaining fact able pay way university institution california without significance upon constitutional question involved california drafted called attend university seeking education offered state time insisting excluded prescribed course solely upon grounds religious beliefs conscientious objections war dealing compulsion students declare belief issue prejudiced previous holding state without compelling attendance extends college facilities pupils voluntarily enroll may prescribe military training part course without offense constitution held take advantage opportunities may ground conscience refuse compliance conditions hamilton regents present case attendance optional different results hamilton barnette attributable part difference strength particular state interests respective statutes designed serve far significant fact hamilton dealt voluntary attendance college young adults barnette involved compelled attendance young children elementary secondary schools distinction warrants difference constitutional results omitted conclude government regulation indirectly incidentally calls choice securing governmental benefit adherence religious beliefs wholly different governmental action legislation criminalizes religiously inspired activity inescapably compels conduct find objectionable religious reasons although denial government benefits religious objection raise serious free exercise problems two different forms government action governed constitutional standard governmental burden religious liberty insulated review simply indirect thomas review board indiana employment security citing sherbert verner nature burden relevant standard government must meet justify burden general governmental interests involved buttress conclusion governments today grant broad range benefits inescapably time administration complex programs requires certain conditions restrictions although situations mechanism individual consideration created policy decision government wishes treat applicants alike wish become involved inquiries genuineness religious objection condition restrictions entitled substantial deference moreover legitimate interests implicated need avoid appearance favoring religious nonreligious applicants test applied cases like wisconsin yoder appropriate setting enforcement facially neutral uniformly applicable requirement administration welfare programs reaching many millions people government entitled wide latitude government put strict test applied district standard required government justify enforcement use social security number requirement least restrictive means accomplishing compelling state interest absent proof intent discriminate particular religious beliefs religion general government meets burden demonstrates challenged requirement governmental benefits neutral uniform application reasonable means promoting legitimate public interest reject appellees contention sherbert thomas compel affirmance statutory conditions issue cases provided person eligible unemployment compensation benefits without good cause quit work refused available work good cause standard created mechanism individualized exemptions state creates mechanism refusal extend exemption instance religious hardship suggests discriminatory intent thus urged thomas consider religiously motivated resignation without good cause tends exhibit hostility neutrality towards religion see brief petitioner brief american jewish congress amicus curiae thomas review board indiana employment security see also sherbert supra lee stevens concurring judgment thomas sherbert may viewed protection unequal treatment rather grant favored treatment members religious sect cases therefore appropriate require state demonstrate compelling reason denying requested exemption nothing whatever suggesting antagonism congress towards religion generally towards particular religious beliefs requirement applicants provide social security number facially neutral applies applicants benefits involved congress made provision individual exemptions requirement two statutes question indeed contrary congress specified state afdc plan must provide condition eligibility plan applicant recipient aid shall furnish state agency social security account number emphasis added tate agencies shall require condition eligibility participation food stamp program household member furnish state agency social security account number emphasis added requirements relics past congress made requirement mandatory food stamp program compare supp iv state agencies may require household member furnish social security number shall require numbers furnished congress also recently extended several aid programs mandatory requirement use social security numbers verifying eligibility benefits see deficit reduction act pub stat social security number requirement clearly promotes legitimate important public interest one doubt preventing fraud benefits programs important goal representative richmond explained support bill made social security number requirement mandatory food stamp program know however generously motivated americans may furnish resources poor enable survive understandably object believe resources abused wasted want certain food stamp program run efficiently possible want applicants recipients alike constantly aware congress tolerate refusal disclose earnings accurately underreporting welfare assistance program benefits efforts evade work requirement attempts take advantage program dollars intended completely satisfy stringent eligibility requirements set forth sections food stamp act tightened year bill cong rec social security numbers used making determination benefits programs properly paid duplication benefits failure payment utilization computer system name benefit recipient alone frequently sufficient ensure proper payment benefits importance social security number matching techniques illustrated facts case district found efficient operation matching programs requires use computer systems utilize unique numerical identifiers social security number found exempting even appellees alone requirement result one perhaps individuals fraudulently obtain ing welfare benefits prospect termed remote district assessment probability seems quite dubious event know case obligating government tolerate slight risk one perhaps individuals fraudulently obtaining benefits order satisfy religious objection requirement designed combat risk appellees may use free exercise clause demand government benefits terms particularly insistence works demonstrable disadvantage government administration programs recognized given diversity beliefs pluralistic society necessity providing governments sufficient operating latitude incidental neutral restraints free exercise religion inescapable matter legislative policy legislature might decide make religious accommodations general neutral system awarding benefits ut concern wisdom legislation constitutional limitation braunfeld brown plurality opinion conclude congress refusal grant appellees special exemption violate free exercise clause judgment district vacated case remanded ordered footnotes roy miller social security numbers also obtained social security number daughter renee time prior present dispute roy explain obtaining social security number little bird snow contrary religious beliefs native abenaki yes felt number used rob ability greater power number unique number serves unique purposes applied applied offends us try keep person unique try keep spirit unique scared use number lose control ability protect evil number might used app also raise statutory argument government denial benefits constitutes illegal discrimination basis religion national origin see find claims without merit food stamp program restrictions appellees challenge contain restrictions virtually identical afdc program quoted text see roy religious views may accept distinction individual governmental conduct see supra clear however free exercise clause constitution generally recognize distinction adjudication constitutional claim constitution rather individual religion must supply frame reference issue clearly moot light discussion part ii contrary suggestion two concurrences justice stevens asserts nothing record suggest government pay benefits dispute soon district injunction use number vacated post mind statement true fundamentally misperceives nature appellees suit appellees seek government pay benefits dispute soon district injunction use number vacated payment entail use little bird snow social security number use appellees filed suit prevent justice blackmun similarly believes remand possible government welcome display reasonableness decide since already social security number little bird snow insist appellees resupply post reading record occurrence mere possibility justice stevens cites federal regulations provide government assist households reason unable furnish social security number see post moreover government brief reports advised social security administration agency assigns social security numbers persons required federal law one decline complete application religious reasons individual requiring social security number wish receive social security card agency accommodate request similarly applicant refuses sign application social security number religious grounds social security administration personnel may sign lieu applicant brief appellants emphasis added citations omitted thus government undoubtedly happy supply number appellees fill number applications wanted appellees desire assistance government instead filed suit seeking ruling excluding operation portion statutory scheme involving social security numbers continue press claim reasons advanced claim ultimately lacks merit certainly moot also view analysis case relevant facts proceedings district produce information change result case ripe decision cf cantwell connecticut cf follett town mccormick murdock pennsylvania cf kedroff nicholas cathedral cf nlrb catholic bishop chicago cf prince massachusetts cox new hampshire pierce society sisters reynolds lee wisconsin yoder gillette west virginia bd ed barnette jacobson massachusetts concurring mcgowan maryland justice frankfurter viewed important challenged statutes make criminal place onus civil criminal disability act prescribed duties jewish religions braunfeld brown plurality opinion emphasized fully recognizing alternatives open appellants others similarly situated may result financial sacrifice order observe religious beliefs still option wholly different legislation attempts make religious practice unlawful wisconsin yoder supra similarly relied fact impact law respondents practice amish religion severe inescapable wisconsin law affirmatively compels threat criminal sanction perform acts undeniably odds fundamental tenets religious beliefs justice partial dissent asserts holding basis precedent post contrary history advanced dissenting opinions revisionist dissent characterizes prior cases holding denial benefit constitutional purposes imposition criminal sanction bob jones university however upheld denial tax benefits school prohibited interracial dating observing school remained wholly free observ religious tenets denying governmental benefits imposing criminal sanctions free exercise clause prevent government ordering bob jones university pain criminal penalty violate religious beliefs permit interracial dating campus difficult question still open one since constitution may compel toleration private discrimination circumstances norwood harrison readily apparent virtually every action government takes matter innocuous might appear potentially susceptible free exercise objection example someone might raise religious objection based norse mythology filing tax return wednesday woden day accordingly dissent interpretation free exercise clause taken seriously government unable enforce generally applicable rule unless satisfy federal compelling government interest libertarians anarchists doubt applaud result hard imagine framers intended district assessment appears turned part belief unlikely little bird snow parents attempt fraudulently obtain welfare benefits without way questioning conclusion appellees citizens believe district misperceived nature government interest government interest ensuring system event fraudulent application made appellees misunderstanding government interest probably accounts district conclusion government interest preventing fraud satisfied without requiring social security number little bird snow event conclusionary statement certainly odds district specific statement quoted text regarding prospects one perhaps individuals fraudulently obtain ing welfare benefits indeed partial dissent appears concede position might result one perhaps individuals fraudulently receiving benefits exemption adopted congress accommodate religious beliefs appellees violate first amendment establishment clause see sherbert verner justice blackmun concurring part join parts ii opinion written chief justice august appellees stephen roy karen miller sued prevent government requiring provide social security number daughter little bird snow condition obtaining food stamps welfare benefits child object social security number requirement sincere religious conviction government widespread use unique numerical identifier daughter deprive spiritual power developed trial government already social security number little bird snow district enjoined government denying benefits based parents failure provide social security number also using disseminating number already government possession child birthday app juris statement agree district erred enjoining government internal use little bird snow social security number easy understand rationale part district injunction appellees argue plausibly government threat put social security number active use apply benefits daughter requires choose child physical sustenance dictates faith dilemma created government initial requirement appellees supply social security number little bird snow cf sherbert verner claim absent compelling state interest government refrain acting ways appellees believe religious grounds harm daughter spiritual development although argument facial appeal conclude reasons stated part ii opinion stretches free exercise clause far consequently agree portion district judgment enjoins government using disseminating social security number already assigned little bird snow must vacated also vacate remainder judgment remand case proceedings injunction use dissemination set aside unclear record presently us whether justiciable controversy remains respect rest relief ordered district roy miller evidently objected social security number requirement primarily want government able use unique numerical identifier little bird snow injury redressed today holds government enjoined using number possible however appellees still independent religious objection forced cooperate actively government providing daughter social security number benefit applications cf lee thomas review board indiana employment security view record ambiguous score rejecting government argument existence number rendered case moot district found roy feels compelled religious belief avoid use number end refused provide number defendants order receive welfare benefits little bird snow roy cohen supp md unclear whether use district referred included use roy miller extensive use number government even meant refer use government clear appellees also independent religious objection requirement provide social security number daughter hand even appellees objection vacating district injunction governmental use dissemination number may moot case ways regardless whether roy miller required provide daughter social security number applications benefits may simply unwilling apply benefits without assurance application trigger use number conversely possible government welcome display reasonableness decide since already social security number little bird snow insist appellees resupply since proceedings remand might well render unnecessary discussion whether appellees constitutionally may required provide social security number little bird snow order obtain government assistance behalf question said properly us nonetheless address partly rest seen fit partly think kind difficult constitutional question refrain deciding except absolutely necessary indeed reasons expressed justice see post think question requires nothing straightforward application sherbert thomas wisconsin yoder proves necessary reach issue remand agree justice facts determined district government may deny assistance little bird snow solely parents religious convictions prevent supplying government social security number daughter unfortunately agree flexibility government part assured either government earlier argument district case dismissed moot regulations providing special assistance handicapped applicants applicants read write english cf ante opinion burger post stevens concurring part concurring result government concedes unreasonable construction statutes issue case conclude satisfied government ability use social security numbers already possession case little bird snow government ability assign use number person refuses apply one brief appellants emphasis added government say fact adopt construction appear followed past worth recalling government response appellees refusal supply social security number daughter assign number unilaterally offer rather cut benefits child given chief justice contrary view government undoubtedly insist appellees provide social security number little bird snow see ante loss understand chief justice believes still live controversy share justice stevens narrow view sherbert thomas compare post goldman weinberger blackmun dissenting consequently occasion consider separately hypothetical questions post arise government refused grant religious objectors exemption social security number requirement simultaneously offering comparable exemptions special assistance applicants prevented ways completing required application forms see post justice stevens concurring part concurring result members abenaki indian tribe unquestionably entitled constitutional protection governmental action prohibiting free exercise religion adherents faiths respect sincerity religious beliefs however relieve us duty identify precise character two quite different claims parents little bird snow advanced claim first entitled injunction preventing government making use social security number assigned little bird snow second entitled receive full allowance food stamps cash assistance little bird snow without providing social security number holds part ii opinion join first claim must fail free exercise clause give individual right dictate government method recordkeeping second claim submit either moot ripe decision order understand precise nature current posture appellees claims necessary emphasize extremely unusual feature case outset litigation parties assumed indeed stipulated critical fact discovered inaccurate last day trial although parties believed little bird snow social security number district found parties agree social security number since birth contrary belief central parties perception litigation requested relief thus also central state record find state agency administrative hearing threatened withdrawal certain benefits issue framed whether affirm decision determining appellant daughter little bird snow ineligible public assistance medical assistance appellant apply social security number complaint little bird parents alleged sole basis denial welfare benefits roy refusal obtain social security number little bird snow thus requested injunctive relief damages benefits statement undisputed facts parties stipulated little bird snow social security number district opinion denying summary judgment began opinion observing roy miller refused obtain social security number daughter little bird snow ground contrary native abenaki indian religious beliefs trial roy counsel introduced case emphasizing little bird snow unlike members family social security number thus exposed evil number represents roy testimony emphasized evil flow obtaining number last day trial however response questions federal official inquired recess whether little bird snow already social security number discovered assigned social security number birth discovery dramatic impact litigation judgment review longer apparent basis dispute government suggested case become moot roy however responded discovery changing request relief asking cancellation existing number concluding discovery moot case district denied request damages benefits granted injunctive relief injunction judgment considering contains two basic components first secretary health human services permanently restrained making use social security number issued name little bird snow roy disseminating number agency individual business entity third party second federal state defendants enjoined little bird snow birthday denying roy cash assistance medical assistance food stamps plaintiffs refusal provide social security number course injunction preventing secretary making use already existing number granted apparent impediment providing benefits previously denied case comes us first question decided whether district erred effectively canceling number already issued little bird snow established appellees eligibility benefits dispute correctly holds district err portion district injunction permanently restrained secretary making use social security number issued name little bird snow roy must vacated ante held however pause consider whether constitutional issue need addressed demonstrates objection government use social security number possible objection providing number government already pose different constitutional problems ii vacate injunction preventing government making routine use number already assigned little bird snow nothing disclosed record prevent appellees receiving payments dispute indeed since government suggested district case become moot soon learned social security number already existed obvious government perceives difficulty making requested payments future issue prevented case becoming moot claim asserted roy entitled injunction effectively canceled existing number since issue resolved nothing remains case neither roy government pointed anything record suggesting roy obligation provide social security number little bird snow even one makes unsupported assumption roy may object filing certain forms future conspicuous lack evidence findings concerning extent requirements might impose burden either roy person finds difficulty providing information pertinent forms absence information record significant current regulations suggest assistance difficulties may well available programs issue particularly mental physical linguistic handicaps prevent completion required forms required steps application process extent food stamp welfare applicants fact offered exceptions special assistance response inability provide required information seem religious inability given less deference recent free exercise cases suggest religious claims disadvantaged relation claims considerations highlight fact case moot surely ripe case litigated simply bears resemblance currently abstract question government may require seeks social security number already consistent longstanding principles constitutional adjudication decide nothing actually necessary dispose precise dispute nothing fairly presented record factual findings district made findings extent exceptions assistance available provide required information nothing record suggest government pay benefits dispute soon district injunction use number vacated concur judgment vacating remainder injunction matter interesting clear answers may appear however address hypothetical questions debated chief justice justice properly presented record case first amendment provides congress shall make law respecting establishment religion prohibiting free exercise thereof department public welfare adjudication complaint ex complaint statement undisputed facts app exception little bird snow members roy family social security numbers app sole basis actions reduction afdc medical assistance roy refusal obtain social security number little bird snow app juris statement see app roy social security number eldest daughter renee roy explain number obtained became aware perceives potential evil numbers tell number provided evil done continuing effect respect little bird snow simply roy explain obtaining social security number little bird snow contrary religious beliefs native abenaki yes felt number used rob ability greater power number unique number serves unique purposes applied applied offends us try keep person unique try keep spirit unique scared use number lose control ability protect evil number might used see argument deputy attorney general pennsylvania argument attorney dept justice record doc federal defendants motion dismiss record doc pp see roy cohen supp md finding fact roy believes establishment social security number little bird snow without robbed spirit widespread use social security number federal state governments computer systems effect app juris statement see cfr household shall advised may file incomplete application form long form contains applicant name address signed responsible member household household authorized representative see cfr households require special assistance order apply food stamps special assistance available completing monthly reports special assistance shall include authorized representatives complete monthly reports home visits telephone reporting lieu report form households may comprised blind mentally physically disabled persons persons whose reading writing skills limited complete monthly reports speaking persons residing project areas bilingual requirement apply see cfr office interview shall waived requested household unable appoint authorized representative household members able come food stamp office years age older mentally physically handicapped ibid state agency shall waive office interview basis household unable appoint authorized representative household members able come food stamp office transportation difficulties similar hardships state agency determines warrants waiver office interview hardship conditions include limited illness care household member prolonged severe weather work hours preclude interview indeed regulations suggest may limited exception social security number requirement see cfr individuals required provide ssn one state agency shall act follows individual applies state agency state agency shall complete application ssn form fed reg proposed cfr determining good cause exists failure comply requirement apply provide state agency ssn state agency shall consider information household member social security administration state agency good cause include delays due illness lack transportation temporary absences ssa makes provisions applications lieu applying person household member applying ssn unable obtain documents required ssa state agency caseworker make every effort assist individual obtaining documents thomas review bd indiana employment security sherbert verner granting religious exemption necessary prevent treatment religious claims less favorably claims see lee stevens concurring judgment thomas sherbert treatment religious objection new job requirements though tantamount physical impairment made impossible employee continue work changed circumstances viewed protection unequal treatment rather grant favored treatment members religious sect see rescue army municipal onstitutional issues affecting legislation determined broader terms required precise facts ruling applied coffman breeze pass upon constitutionality legislation necessary preserve rights parties liverpool new york philadelphia commissioners emigration bound two rules rigidly adhered one never anticipate question constitutional law advance necessity deciding never formulate rule constitutional law broader required precise facts applied see bender williamsport area school frequently recognized importance facts factfinding process constitutional adjudication minnick california dept corrections case analysis question whether federal constitutional issues may affected additional proceedings state courts affected ambiguities record england louisiana board medical examiners facts found often dictate decision federal claims townsend sain typical rare case constitutional claims turn upon resolution contested factual issues wiener versatility circumstances often mocks natural desire definitiveness hammond schappi bus line questions suggested novel far reaching importance passed upon facts essential decision definitely found lower courts upon adequate evidence curiously explaining discourse length constitutional questions chief justice justice appear rely factual assumptions compare ante burger government undoubtedly happy supply number appellees fill number applications wanted post concurring part dissenting part government still refuses concede provide welfare benefits little bird snow even though claims possess little bird snow social security number course elementary principle judicial restraint uncertainty facts prevent unnecessary constitutional disquisitions justice justice brennan justice marshall join concurring part dissenting part join parts ii chief justice opinion vacate portion injunction issued district believe appellees pursue free exercise claim based solely actions government respect use social security number already possession respect identification number government may wish assign use connection administration welfare assistance program accordingly join parts ii chief justice opinion vacate portion district judgment enjoins government using disseminating social security number already assigned little bird snow eight members believe district injunction overbroad preventing government using information already possession see ante opinion burger joined powell rehnquist jj ante stevens concurring part concurring result ante blackmun concurring part supra page logical next step facts case consider whether case moot two members believe case may moot see ante stevens concurring part concurring result stating case moot ripe ante blackmun concurring part district consider whether case moot agree chief justice ante case moot district enjoined government disseminating using social security number already possession denying plaintiff roy cash assistance medical assistance benefits little bird snow plaintiffs failure provide social security number app juris statement portion district injunction continue us live case controversy roy sought part injunction restrai ns government denying cash assistance medical assistance little bird snow failure provide social security number record doc proposed orders submitted plaintiff district granted relief app juris statement government still refuses concede provide welfare benefits little bird snow even though claims possess little bird snow social security number even though solicitor general advised social security administration agency assigns social security numbers persons required federal law one decline complete application brief appellants government contests district decision government may deny welfare benefits little bird snow despite acknowledgment appellees sincere religious objections roy may properly press suit although government properly challenges part district injunction overbroad seeks overturn rest injunction grounds district improperly applied substantive standards first amendment ii given majority believes government may use disseminate information already possession given case moot probably less remaining case meets eye interest asserted government district wholly served accommodating appellees sincere religious beliefs interests remaining vacating overbroad portion injunction certainly difficult pursue government identified goal preventing fraud abuse welfare system goal laudable compelling district however soundly rejected government assertion provision social security number necessary prevent fraud abuse among means social security number used reduce fraud various computerized lists compared welfare rolls detect unreported income individuals claimed part one household fraudulent practices roy cohen supp md appears government social security number wants little bird snow also use even erroneous assumption district number available use found fact difficult without social security numbers file particular benefit recipient identified performed recipient full name date birth parents names entered computerized systems district generalized evaluation asserted indispensability social security number similarly undermines government claim government interest preventing little bird snow fraudulently receiving welfare benefits satisfied without requiring social security number little bird snow ibid emphasis added stated state conditions receipt important benefit upon conduct proscribed religious faith denies benefit conduct mandated religious belief thereby putting substantial pressure adherent modify behavior violate beliefs burden upon religion exists thomas review bd indiana employment security shown governmental regulation burdens free exercise religion interests highest order otherwise served overbalance legitimate claims free exercise religion wisconsin yoder consistently asked government demonstrate unbending application regulation religious objector essential accomplish overriding governmental interest lee represents least restrictive means achieving compelling state interest thomas review supra see also braunfeld brown sherbert verner supra especially important governmental interest pursued narrowly tailored means justify exacting sacrifice first amendment freedoms price equal share rights benefits privileges enjoyed citizens granting exemption little bird snow handful others expected make similar religious objection providing social security number conjunction receipt welfare benefits demonstrably diminish government ability combat welfare fraud district found governmental appellants hardly shown significant number individuals likely make claim similar issue four reported cases involving challenges social security number requirement welfare benefits based upon contention number violates sincerely held religious beliefs welfare recipient bob jones university support chief justice analysis stated case governmental interest stake compelling government fundamental overriding interest eradicating racial discrimination education discrimination prevailed official approval first years nation constitutional history governmental interest substantially outweighs whatever burden denial tax benefits places petitioners exercise religious beliefs interests asserted petitioners accommodated compelling governmental interest see lee supra less restrictive means see thomas review board indiana employment security supra available achieve governmental interest footnotes omitted hamilton regents university california also fails support chief justice construction new test decided hamilton yet applied hamilton apply free exercise clause actions cf cantwell connecticut discussion hamilton state university decision require military training therefore limited generalized analysis fourteenth amendment whether state policy deprived students life liberty property see concluded deprivation involved state ha drafted called individuals war opinions never turned slender reed whether challenged requirement merely reasonable means promoting legitimate public interest ante opinion burger chief justice appears believe added inconvenience state administering selective exemption overbalances burden individual religious exercise held administrative inconvenience alone sufficient justify burden free exercise unless creates problems substantial magnitude see sherbert verner part ii chief justice opinion makes clear essentially administrative burden imposed government case appellants rested case vague allegations administrative inconvenience harm public fisc wholly unsubstantiated record findings district simply consistent precedents distinguish case wide variety factual situations free exercise clause indisputably imposes significant constraints upon government indeed five members agree sherbert thomas government required accommodate sincere religious beliefs control outcome case extent moot see ante blackmun concurring part post white dissenting supra chief justice distinction case previous decisions free exercise claims appellees seek benefits government assert excused compliance condition binding persons seek benefits government ante directly rejected fact underlying dispute involves award benefits rather exaction penalties grant government license apply different version constitution welfare benefits matter statutory entitlement persons qualified receive termination involves state action adjudicates important rights constitutional challenge answered argument public assistance benefits privilege right shapiro thompson relevant constitutional restraints apply much withdrawal public assistance benefits disqualification unemployment compensation sherbert verner goldberg kelly omitted precedents long required government show compelling state interest served refusal grant religious exemption government clearly easily met burden showing prevention welfare fraud compelling governmental goal government meet compelling needs refusing grant religious exemption chose narrowly tailored means government prevail government failed show granting religious exemption legitimately object providing social security number harm compelling interest preventing welfare fraud merely vacate portion injunction issued district enjoins government using disseminating social security number already possession justice white dissenting view thomas review bd indiana employment security sherbert verner control case join opinion judgment