SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

equal protection

noun

Definition of equal protection

:a guarantee under the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that a state must treat an individual or class of individuals the same as it treats other individuals or classes in like circumstances

First Known Use of equal protection

1868

Law Dictionary

equal protection

noun

legal Definition of equal protection

:a guarantee under the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that a state must treat an individual or class of individuals the same as it treats other individuals or classes in like circumstances — called also equal protection of the law; see also rational basis test, strict scrutiny, suspect classification

Note: The equal protection requirement of the Constitution protects against legislation that affects individuals differently without a rational basis for doing so. In reviewing claims of denial of equal protection, a court will uphold legislation that has a rational basis unless the legislation affects a fundamental right or involves a suspect classification, such as race. In such a case, the court will use a strict scrutiny standard of review and will strike down legislation that does not show a compelling need for discriminating.

Learn More about equal protection

See words that rhyme with equal protection Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about equal protection

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