- rational basis test
-
rational basis test n: a test less intensive than strict scrutiny or an intermediate review that involves a determination of whether a statutory or regulatory classification of persons (as by age or offender status) has a rational basis and does not deny equal protection under the Constitutionif the classification neither affects a fundamental right, nor creates a suspect classification, nor is based on gender, then the rational basis test is applied — Charlton v. Kimata, 815 P.2d 946 (1991) – called also rational relationship test;
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.
- rational basis test
-
n.A test applied by a court to determine whether a law challenged on constitutional grounds has a rational basis for existence, i.e., that it is intended to and does accomplish some legitimate governmental objective, that it is reasonable and not arbitrary, and that it treats all similar people the same way.
The Essential Law Dictionary. — Sphinx Publishing, An imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc. Amy Hackney Blackwell. 2008.
- rational basis test
-
A legal standard to determine the constitutionality of a statute. To determine whether a statute passes the test, a court considers whether it has a reasonable connection to achieving a legitimate objective. (See also: strict scrutiny, intermediate scrutiny)Category: Small Claims Court & Lawsuits
Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary. Gerald N. Hill, Kathleen Thompson Hill. 2009.
- rational basis test
-
n. A principle of analysis under the due process or the equal protection clause, which may be used to either uphold or void a law based upon the law's serving to reasonably attain some legitimate governmental objective. If violation of a specific right is charged, such as a restriction based upon color, religion, and so on, the law must be tested by strict scrutiny, a more stringent test.
Webster's New World Law Dictionary. Susan Ellis Wild. 2000.
- rational basis test
-
A judicial standard of review that examines whether a legislature had a reasonable and not an arbitrary basis for enacting a particular statute.
Dictionary from West's Encyclopedia of American Law. 2005.
- rational basis test
-
A judicial standard of review that examines whether a legislature had a reasonable and not an arbitrary basis for enacting a particular statute.
Short Dictionary of (mostly American) Legal Terms and Abbreviations.