Goldberg v. Kelly

Definition

Goldberg v. Kelly was a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 1970 that established the right to due process for individuals receiving public assistance, specifically welfare benefits. This ruling emphasized the necessity of a hearing before welfare benefits could be terminated, reinforcing the principle that individuals are entitled to fair treatment and legal protections when it comes to government aid.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The case arose when New York City welfare officials terminated benefits without providing recipients an opportunity for a hearing.
2. The Supreme Court ruled that due process requires a pre-termination hearing for welfare benefits, emphasizing the need for fairness in administrative procedures.
3. This decision led to significant changes in how states administer welfare programs, requiring them to provide notice and a chance to contest benefit terminations.
4. The ruling is considered a critical moment in the expansion of civil rights, particularly for low-income individuals reliant on government assistance.
5. Goldberg v. Kelly set a precedent that influenced subsequent cases related to social welfare and due process rights across various governmental programs.

Review Questions

• How did Goldberg v. Kelly change the landscape of welfare rights and due process for public assistance recipients?
  • Goldberg v. Kelly significantly transformed the landscape of welfare rights by establishing that individuals receiving public assistance have a right to due process before their benefits can be terminated. The Supreme Court's ruling mandated that recipients must be given notice and an opportunity to contest the termination of their benefits in a hearing. This landmark decision not only reinforced the legal protections for welfare recipients but also set a precedent for how administrative procedures should be conducted in relation to government assistance programs.
• Discuss the implications of Goldberg v. Kelly on subsequent welfare reform initiatives in the United States.
  • The implications of Goldberg v. Kelly on subsequent welfare reform initiatives were profound, as it required states to incorporate due process protections into their welfare systems. Following this ruling, many states had to revise their procedures for benefit termination, ensuring that recipients were informed of their rights and had access to hearings. This case became a cornerstone for advocates seeking to ensure fairness in welfare administration, shaping discussions around reforms aimed at reducing dependency while maintaining essential protections for vulnerable populations.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Goldberg v. Kelly on civil rights litigation related to public assistance programs.
  • The long-term effects of Goldberg v. Kelly on civil rights litigation have been significant, as it laid the groundwork for broader interpretations of due process within social welfare contexts. By affirming that welfare recipients are entitled to fair hearings, the case empowered advocates to challenge unjust practices across various public assistance programs. This precedent has influenced numerous court cases and legislation over the years, leading to ongoing debates about the balance between administrative efficiency and individual rights, ultimately contributing to a more just legal framework for those relying on government support.

Related terms

Due Process: A constitutional guarantee that a person will receive fair legal procedures before being deprived of life, liberty, or property.

Welfare Reform: Legislation aimed at changing the welfare system to reduce dependency and encourage employment among recipients of government assistance.

Administrative Procedure Act: A federal statute that governs the way administrative agencies may propose and establish regulations, ensuring public participation and transparency.