434 U.S. 374 (1978)
Zablocki v. Redhail is a landmark Supreme Court case that addresses the fundamental right to marry, particularly in the context of statutory restrictions imposed on individuals with child support obligations.
Does a Wisconsin statute that prohibits individuals with unpaid child support obligations from marrying violate the constitutional right to marry under the Fourteenth Amendment?
The Supreme Court ruled that the right to marry is a fundamental right protected by the Constitution, specifically under the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Laws that impose restrictions on this right are subject to strict scrutiny, meaning that the state must demonstrate a compelling interest and that the law is narrowly tailored to achieve that interest.
The Supreme Court held that the Wisconsin statute violated the constitutional right to marry. The Court found that the law imposed an unconstitutional burden on the fundamental right to marry, as it did not adequately balance the state's interest in enforcing child support with individuals' rights to enter into marriage.
Zablocki v. Redhail is a pivotal case in the realm of constitutional law, particularly concerning the right to marry. It established a clear precedent that marriage is a fundamental right that cannot be unduly restricted by state laws. The ruling has had lasting implications for subsequent cases involving marriage rights, including those related to same-sex marriage and other personal liberties.