And on the Supreme Court we have Scalia, espousing his belief that atheism favors the devil's desires.

Yes, the Supreme Court Justice believes in Satan.

And his "widow" Robin, opposes the court reversing the death ruling, because she does not want to have to repay the Social Security benefits. Couldn't they deduct his overdue child support from this?

Imagine if one of the other Justices announced a belief in Zeus, or Isis, or one of those other 2,000 or so gods.

I don't know what all is involved in the "legally declared dead" process. I know you have to wait a number of years without hearing from someone before you have the declaration made. But I would think with today's technology and private investigators, it would be very difficult for the average person to stay hidden forever. I'd like to think that any court would demand to see proof that all efforts to locate the person have been exhausted before saying someone is dead, particularly if the widow stands to get some money out of it.

Because he is wanting to re-use his SSN I have to sort of agree.

I could see the judge issuing a decree that his drivers license can be renewed without a new testing, but under a new license number.

The problem is that the death benefits paid to his children is probably more than used up what he paid in before he was declared dead.

So at this point he should just apply for a new SSN and see what he can accumulate until he's 65.

I don't know what the judge is thinking. Probably that he can't overrule the word of law.

But, Amy, if he responded the way you suggested, the judge would probably find him in contempt, and then he could retort, "But I'm dead."

Obvious solution go rob a bank, if the government wont allow you, as legally dead, to participate in the benefits of society then it can not punish you either

I wonder if being dead will exempt him from the ACA individual mandate and other taxes.

Lujlp wrote what I was thinking...

Dwatney - I am glad I finished my drink or else I would be cleaning my screen.

"Well, clearly you're brain dead, but they still let you come to work and don the robes."

That response would have been one sure fire way to be declared "alive and ready for inprisonment."

Insult a cop or a judge or any other government worker and see how quickly the rules can be bent.

Did no one notice that the Judge stated that this was ridiculous, but legally he could not do otherwise?

John A.; Yes, I think we all did read that; however, I do find it hard to believe that there is no "work around."

What I do suspect is that this is really about money. If the man is declared "not dead" does the wife have to repay the state? Does the man? Does anybody?

Nope, I'm not buying that there is no "undo" in declaring someone dead - especially since there was no body found!

I bet if he committed a major crime he'd find his status updated right quick.