Which of the following is an approach to Equal Protection?

Strict scrutiny is the correct approach to Equal Protection because it is the highest level of judicial review applied by courts when a law or policy is challenged for being discriminatory. Under strict scrutiny, the government must demonstrate that the law serves a compelling state interest and that the law is narrowly tailored to achieve that interest in the least restrictive way possible. This level of scrutiny is typically applied in cases involving suspect classifications, such as race and national origin, or fundamental rights, ensuring that any separate treatment of individuals is justified by a significant reason.

This rigorous standard reflects the constitutional commitment to preventing unjust discrimination and safeguarding the rights of marginalized groups. When courts apply strict scrutiny, they closely examine the government's justification for the law, making it much more difficult for the government to prevail.

The other approaches listed, such as current scrutiny, variable scrutiny, and partial scrutiny, are not recognized terms within the constitutional context of Equal Protection. This further solidifies that strict scrutiny is the established term and standard used in legal analysis concerning equal protection challenges.