Richardson v. Belcher

United States Supreme Court

404 U.S. 78

Richardson, Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare  v.  Belcher

Appeal from the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia

No. 70-53  Argued: October 13, 1971 --- Decided: November 22, 1971

Section 224 of the Social Security Act, which requires a reduction in social security benefits to reflect workmen's compensation payments, has a rational basis and does not violate the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment.

317 F. Supp. 1294, reversed.

STEWART, J., delivered the opinion of the Court, in which BURGER, C.J., and WHITE and BLACKMUN, JJ., joined. DOUGLAS, J., filed a dissenting opinion, post, p. 84. MARSHALL, J., filed a dissenting opinion, in which BRENNAN, J., joined, post, p. 88.

Richard B. Stone argued the cause for appellant. With him on the brief were Solicitor General Griswold, Assistant Attorney General Gray, and Kathryn H. Baldwin.

John Charles Harris argued the cause and filed a brief for appellee.

William E. Miller and Richard A. Whiting filed a brief for the American Mutual Insurance Alliance et al. as amici curiae urging reversal.

Briefs of amici curiae urging affirmance were filed by Edward J. Kionka for the American Trial Lawyers Association, and by Edward L. Carey, Harrison Combs, and M.E. Boiarsky for United Mine Workers of America.

Notes