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Valid Classification Equal Protection

The equal protection clause allows for legislation based on reasonable classification. For a classification to be considered reasonable it must: (1) be based on substantial distinctions, (2) be relevant to the purpose of the law, (3) not be limited to existing conditions only, and (4) apply equally to all members of the class. There are three levels of scrutiny courts use to review the validity of classifications: rational basis for most issues, intermediate scrutiny for classifications like race or religion, and strict scrutiny for classifications that interfere with fundamental rights or disadvantage suspect classes.

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26 views

Valid Classification Equal Protection

The equal protection clause allows for legislation based on reasonable classification. For a classification to be considered reasonable it must: (1) be based on substantial distinctions, (2) be relevant to the purpose of the law, (3) not be limited to existing conditions only, and (4) apply equally to all members of the class. There are three levels of scrutiny courts use to review the validity of classifications: rational basis for most issues, intermediate scrutiny for classifications like race or religion, and strict scrutiny for classifications that interfere with fundamental rights or disadvantage suspect classes.

Uploaded by

RenCha
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Equal protection clause, valid classification

It is an established principle of constitutional law that the guaranty of the equal protection of the laws is
not violated by a legislation based on reasonable classification. And the classification, to be reasonable,
(1) must rest on substantial distinctions;
(2) must be germane to the purposes of the law;
(3) must not be limited to existing conditions only; and
(4) must apply equally to all members of the same class. [People vs. Cayat (1939)]
Tests for Valid Classification (Judicial Standards for Review):
1. Deferential or Rational Basis Test - The challenged classification needs only be shown to be rationally
related to serving a legitimate state interest. The most liberal test. This is often applied to all subjects
other than those listed below.
2. Intermediate Scrutiny Test - The government must show that the challenged classification serves an
important state interest and that the classification is at least substantially related to serving that interest.
Often used in cases involving classification based on race, national origin, religion, alienage, denial of
the right to vote, interstate migration, access to courts and other rights recognized as fundamental.
3. Strict Judicial Scrutiny - A classification which impermissibly interferes with the exercise of a
fundamental right or operates to the peculiar disadvantage of a suspect class is presumed
unconstitutional, and the burden is upon the government to prove that the classification is necessary to
achieve a compelling state interest and that it is the least restrictive means to protect such interest.
Applied traditionally to suspect classifications like gender or illegitimacy.

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