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Simple English definitions for legal terms
rational-purpose test
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A quick definition of rational-purpose test:
A rational-purpose test is a way for judges to decide if a law is fair. If a law does not affect an important right or group of people, the court will only strike it down if it has no good reason to exist. This is the easiest test for a law to pass, and it is called "rational basis." The court will only use stricter tests if the law affects important rights or groups of people.
A more thorough explanation:
Rational-Purpose Test
The rational-purpose test is a criterion used by courts to analyze a statute that does not involve a fundamental right or a suspect classification under the Due Process or Equal Protection Clause. The court will uphold a law if it has a reasonable relationship to achieving a legitimate government objective. This is the most lenient standard of review used in due-process and equal-protection analysis.
- A city ordinance that requires all dogs to be on a leash when in public places. The legitimate government objective is to ensure public safety and prevent dog attacks. The ordinance has a reasonable relationship to achieving this objective, so it would pass the rational-purpose test.
- A state law that requires all individuals to obtain a license before operating a motor vehicle. The legitimate government objective is to ensure that drivers are qualified and competent to operate a vehicle. The law has a reasonable relationship to achieving this objective, so it would pass the rational-purpose test.
These examples illustrate how the rational-purpose test is used to determine whether a law is constitutional. If a law has a legitimate government objective and a reasonable relationship to achieving that objective, it will likely be upheld by the court.