Equal Protection: Levels of Scrutiny

Suspect classes trigger strict scrutiny, quasi-suspect intermediate scrutiny, and all others rational basis review.

Related Equal Protection rules

• Race-Based ClassificationsRacial classifications require strict scrutiny whether burdensome or beneficial.
• Gender-Based ClassificationsGender classifications require intermediate scrutiny with an “exceedingly persuasive justification.”
• Alienage ClassificationsAlienage classifications generally receive strict scrutiny unless related to core governmental functions.
• Nonmarital ChildrenClassifications disadvantaging nonmarital children receive intermediate scrutiny.
• Rational Basis ClassificationsAll other classifications are upheld if rationally related to a legitimate government purpose.

Part of Constitutional Law on Core Legal Rules — foundational MBE-tested principles with primary-source citations.