Boddie v. Connecticut
United States Supreme Court
401 U.S. 371 (1971)
- Written by Megan Petersen, JD
Facts
Gladys Boddie (plaintiff) was a married resident of Connecticut receiving welfare benefits. Boddie and other similarly situated residents brought suit in federal district court against the State of Connecticut (defendant) on the grounds that Connecticut’s requirement of the payment of fees to commence certain court actions prevented them from filing for and obtaining divorces. The approximate cost of obtaining a divorce in Connecticut was sixty dollars. Boddie et. al. were indigent and could not pay this fee. Boddie argued that the Connecticut law violated her due process rights. The district court upheld the fee structure, and Boddie appealed to the United States Supreme Court.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Harlan, J.)
Concurrence (Brennan, J.)
Concurrence (Douglas, J.)
Dissent (Black, J.)
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