In re Bonez

The policy, the programs and the administration of public welfare have been greatly expanded and modified since a New York court held: “It is no part of the duty of the overseer [of the Poor] to seek him [the pauper] out and press these benefits upon him. He is not the chooser of the place and manner of his support, and must take what is to be had in the way the law confers it.” 1

On this theory the court reversed a judgment for reimbursement holding there was no obligation to compensate a person *1081who had voluntarily relieved a pauper. (Smith v. Williams, 13 Misc. 761, 762 [1895].)

The harsh and…