Constitutional Law
Rational Basis Review
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.