Goldberg v. Kelly

Definition

Goldberg v. Kelly is a landmark Supreme Court case from 1970 that established the principle that individuals have a right to due process when government benefits are terminated. This decision highlighted the importance of procedural protections in the context of welfare rights, affirming that recipients of public assistance must be given notice and an opportunity for a hearing before their benefits can be revoked.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The case arose when New York City welfare officials terminated benefits without providing recipients with a prior hearing.
2. The Supreme Court ruled that terminating welfare benefits without due process violates the Fourteenth Amendment.
3. The Court emphasized the significance of a fair hearing process for individuals dependent on government assistance.
4. Goldberg v. Kelly set a precedent for ensuring procedural safeguards in administrative actions affecting public welfare.
5. This decision has had lasting implications for the rights of individuals in administrative law and the protection of social welfare programs.

Review Questions

• How did Goldberg v. Kelly shape the understanding of due process in relation to government benefits?
  • Goldberg v. Kelly fundamentally shaped the understanding of due process by establishing that individuals must receive fair treatment before government benefits are terminated. The Supreme Court's ruling emphasized that recipients are entitled to notice and an opportunity to be heard, ensuring that their rights are protected against arbitrary decisions. This case underscored the idea that due process applies not only in criminal cases but also in matters concerning welfare and social services.
• Discuss the implications of Goldberg v. Kelly for welfare rights and administrative law.
  • The implications of Goldberg v. Kelly for welfare rights were significant, as it affirmed that individuals have a legal claim to due process in their interactions with government agencies concerning benefits. This case paved the way for stronger protections for recipients of public assistance, leading to reforms in how administrative hearings are conducted. As a result, it also influenced the broader scope of administrative law by reinforcing the necessity for procedural fairness in governmental decision-making.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Goldberg v. Kelly on subsequent Supreme Court rulings related to social welfare and individual rights.
  • The long-term impact of Goldberg v. Kelly on subsequent Supreme Court rulings has been profound, as it established a critical precedent for protecting individual rights within the context of social welfare programs. By ensuring that due process is applied to administrative actions, this case has been cited in later rulings concerning various forms of government assistance, solidifying the principle that individuals must be afforded proper legal protections. This ongoing influence can be seen in cases addressing issues such as unemployment benefits and healthcare access, highlighting the continued relevance of Goldberg v. Kelly in safeguarding individual rights against governmental overreach.

Related terms

Due Process: A constitutional guarantee that ensures fair legal proceedings and protects individuals from arbitrary denial of life, liberty, or property.

Welfare Rights: The rights of individuals to receive certain social services and financial assistance from the government, particularly when in need.

Administrative Hearings: Proceedings before an administrative agency where individuals can contest decisions made by that agency, such as the termination of benefits.