fundamental right

noun

Legal Definition of fundamental right

: a right that is considered by a court (as the U.S. Supreme Court) to be explicitly or implicitly expressed in a constitution (as the U.S. Constitution)

Note: A court must review a law that infringes on a fundamental right under a standard of strict scrutiny. A fundamental right can be limited by a law only if there is a compelling state interest.

Learn More About fundamental right

Dictionary Entries Near fundamental right

fundamental fairness

fundamental right

fungible

Cite this Entry

“Fundamental right.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/fundamental%20right. Accessed 20 May. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA