The Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment prohibits states from denying any person within their jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. However, not all classifications are treated the same. Strict scrutiny is the highest standard of review used by courts when a law discriminates against a suspect class (like race or national origin) or infringes upon a fundamental right (like voting). To pass strict scrutiny, the law must be narrowly tailored to serve a compelling government interest. This means the law must be the least restrictive means of achieving that interest.
In essence, strict scrutiny ensures that the government has a very good reason and uses the least intrusive method when it treats people differently based on suspect classifications or when fundamental rights are at stake. It's a high bar to clear, reflecting the importance of these rights and classifications.
Match the term with its definition:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1. Strict Scrutiny | A. A classification based on race, national origin, or alienage. |
| 2. Equal Protection Clause | B. The government's reason for enacting a law. |
| 3. Suspect Class | C. A standard of review used when a law infringes on fundamental rights. |
| 4. Compelling Interest | D. A right explicitly or implicitly guaranteed by the Constitution. |
| 5. Fundamental Right | E. Prohibits states from denying any person the equal protection of the laws. |
Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the list: narrowly tailored, compelling, Fourteenth Amendment, strict scrutiny, fundamental rights.
The Equal Protection Clause of the _______________ ensures that all individuals are treated equally under the law. When a law discriminates against a suspect class or infringes upon _______________, courts apply _______________. To pass this test, the law must be _______________ to serve a _______________ government interest.
Imagine a state law that prohibits individuals of a specific race from owning property. How would a court likely evaluate this law under the Equal Protection Clause? Explain the standard of review the court would use and why.
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