Rational Basis Review
What does "Rational Basis Review" mean in law?
Rational basis review is the most deferential standard of judicial scrutiny, applied to economic and social legislation that does not involve a suspect classification or fundamental right. The law will be upheld if it is rationally related to a legitimate governmental interest. The challenger bears the burden of proof, and any conceivable rational basis — even one not articulated by the legislature — suffices. Laws subject to rational basis review are almost always upheld.
Definition
Rational basis review is the most deferential standard of judicial scrutiny, applied to economic and social legislation that does not involve a suspect classification or fundamental right. The law will be upheld if it is rationally related to a legitimate governmental interest. The challenger bears the burden of proof, and any conceivable rational basis — even one not articulated by the legislature — suffices. Laws subject to rational basis review are almost always upheld.
Example
A city zoning ordinance separates residential and industrial areas. This economic regulation receives rational basis review and is upheld if it has any rational connection to a legitimate public purpose.