What standard requires a law to be necessary to a compelling state interest?

The standard that requires a law to be necessary to a compelling state interest is known as Strict Scrutiny. This standard is applied in cases where a law or government action infringes upon fundamental rights or involves suspect classifications, such as race or national origin. Under Strict Scrutiny, the government must not only demonstrate that the law serves a compelling interest but also that the law is narrowly tailored to achieve that interest. This high level of scrutiny reflects the importance of protecting individual rights from government overreach.

In contrast, other standards like Minimum Rationality require a lower threshold for the government to justify its actions. Quasi-Strict Scrutiny involves a mixed approach and is typically applied in cases regarding gender discrimination, while Average Scrutiny is not an established legal standard. Understanding the context and purpose of these various scrutiny levels enhances comprehension of constitutional law and its applications in judicial review.