strict scrutiny
Toughest judicial standard
Strict scrutiny is the highest standard of judicial review in American constitutional law, applied when government action infringes on fundamental rights or involves suspect classifications like race.
Under strict scrutiny, the government must prove its action serves a compelling interest and uses the least restrictive means available.
The law was struck down because it couldn't survive strict scrutiny.
Prejudice based on ethnicity
- affirmative actionPrograms boosting marginalized representation
- voting rightsEntitlement to elect officials
- First AmendmentConstitutional free expression guarantee
- free speechProtected verbal liberty
religious liberty · national origin · alienage · right to travel · privacy rights · marriage equality · reproductive rights · desegregation
Duty to prove allegations
- judicial reviewCourts invalidating unconstitutional acts
- fundamental rightsCore legal protections guaranteed
- equal protectionUniform legal treatment
- due processGuaranteed judicial fairness
race discrimination
Prejudice based on ethnicity
- affirmative actionPrograms boosting marginalized representation
- voting rightsEntitlement to elect officials
- First AmendmentConstitutional free expression guarantee
free speech · religious liberty · national origin · alienage · right to travel · privacy rights · marriage equality · reproductive rights · desegregation · campaign finance
burden of proof
Duty to prove allegations
- judicial reviewCourts invalidating unconstitutional acts
- fundamental rightsCore legal protections guaranteed
- equal protectionUniform legal treatment
strict scrutinyleniency
Mildness in punishment
permissiveness · deference · rubber stamp · judicial restraint
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