What is required for a law to be upheld under strict scrutiny?

For a law to be upheld under strict scrutiny, it must be narrowly tailored to serve a compelling state interest. This standard is the highest level of judicial review used by courts, particularly when a law infringes on fundamental rights or involves suspect classifications. The requirement that the law be narrowly tailored means that it must be specifically designed to achieve the compelling interest without being overly broad or affecting more individuals or rights than necessary.

Having a compelling state interest is crucial as it justifies the need for the law in the first place, ensuring that the government has a significant and legitimate reason for enacting it. The narrowly tailored aspect ensures that the law is the least restrictive means of achieving that interest, thereby protecting individual rights to the greatest extent possible. This rigorous standard emphasizes the importance of balancing governmental objectives with individual rights, which is a foundational principle in constitutional law.