Also known as: rational relationships · rational relation · rational relations · rational basis · rational basis review · rational basis test
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A standard of judicial review under which a law or classification is upheld if it bears a reasonable connection to a legitimate governmental interest. Courts apply this deferential test when no fundamental right or suspect classification is involved. The inquiry assumes the existence of facts supporting the legislative judgment and permits underinclusive or overinclusive measures.
President issues an order barring entry by construction workers from several majority-Muslim nations after intelligence reports flag sabotage risks at ports in State A. Raphael Rivera, a foreign architect, sues claiming religious animus. The court finds the order states a national-security purpose and the entry limits are rationally related to that purpose, so the challenge fails.
Ryan Roberts files for bankruptcy to discharge student loans before applying to the state bar. The character committee cites the filing as evidence of irresponsibility. The court upholds the denial because the inquiry into financial conduct bears a rational relationship to fitness to practice law.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Roland Rhodes lives with his son and two grandsons who are cousins. City of East Cleveland enforces an ordinance limiting occupancy to nuclear families. The court strikes the ordinance because the distinction among blood relatives lacks a rational relationship to density or traffic control.
Rita Russell, a married woman, seeks contraceptives from a licensed physician. State law criminalizes their use and distribution. The court applies heightened scrutiny because the statute burdens a fundamental liberty and cannot be sustained by mere rational relationship to health or morals.
Ravi Reddy, an illegitimate child, is barred from inheriting from his father under state intestacy law. The statute presumes only legitimate children inherit. The court holds the classification fails even rational-basis review because it bears no rational relationship to encouraging legitimate family formation.
Royal Crest Hotels owns land zoned for single-family residences. The village of Euclid prohibits apartment buildings. The court upholds the ordinance because separating residential uses bears a rational relationship to public health, safety, and general welfare.
Rational relationship review applies when a law neither burdens a fundamental right nor employs a suspect or quasi-suspect classification. Courts presume constitutionality and uphold the measure if any legitimate purpose exists and the classification is reasonably related to it.
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Yes. Under rational basis review a statute may be underinclusive or overinclusive so long as it is rationally related to a legitimate purpose. Courts defer to legislative judgments and do not require perfect fit.
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No. When the law states a legitimate purpose and is rationally related to it, courts apply deferential review even if stray statements suggest improper motive. The inquiry focuses on the text and the relationship to the stated goal.
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Congress may not use Section 5 to impose remedies that prohibit conduct valid under rational basis review. Any enforcement statute must be congruent and proportional to a documented pattern of unconstitutional state action.
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…test traditionally applied in the area of social and economic legislation is whether or not a law such as that challenged has a rational relation to a valid state objective. Williamson v. Lee Optical Co. , 348 U. S. 483, 491 (1955). The Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment undoubtedly does place a limit, albeit a broad…