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Simple English definitions for legal terms
suspect class
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A quick definition of suspect class:
Suspect class: A group of people who are identified or defined in a way that makes them vulnerable to discrimination or unfair treatment. This group is considered "suspect" because they have historically faced discrimination and prejudice based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, religion, or gender. Laws and policies that target or disproportionately affect members of a suspect class are subject to strict scrutiny by the courts to ensure that they are not discriminatory.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: A suspect class is a group of people who have been identified or defined in a way that suggests they may be subject to discrimination or unequal treatment under the law.
For example, race, ethnicity, and national origin are all considered suspect classes because historically, people in these groups have faced discrimination and prejudice. Other examples of suspect classes include gender, religion, and sexual orientation.
When a group is classified as a suspect class, any laws or policies that treat them differently from other groups are subject to strict scrutiny by the courts. This means that the government must have a compelling reason for treating the group differently, and the law or policy must be narrowly tailored to achieve that goal.
Overall, the concept of a suspect class is important in protecting the rights of historically marginalized groups and ensuring that everyone is treated equally under the law.