WHY BASTARD, WHEREFORE BASE?

In: The annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Band 383, S. 58-70

Abstract

Although the modern trend is toward a measure of legal equality between legitimate & illegitimate children of the same father, many states have not kept pace with the times. Ancient prejudice still shapes much of the law that denies the person of illegitimate birth a fair legal relationship with his father in matters of support & inheritance & in various other areas. A 1968 decision of the US Supreme Court should bring substantial legal equality to the illegitimate child as a matter of constitutional law. The prospect of such a development is discussed, as well as its specific meaning for the person of illegitimate birth. Present law is presented in some detail in order to provide a frame of reference. HA.