suspect class

noun

Legal Definition of suspect class

: a class of individuals marked by immutable characteristics (as of race or national origin) and entitled to equal protection of the law by means of judicial scrutiny of a classification that discriminates against or otherwise burdens or affects them a classification that does not impact a suspect class or impinge upon a fundamental constitutional right will be upheld if it is rationally related to a legitimate government interest — Doe v. Poritz, 622 A.2d 367 (1995)

— called also protected class

— see also suspect classification

Note: Suspect class and suspect classification are often used synonymously in regard to a group of persons, but suspect class does not refer to the process of classifying itself.

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suspect class

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Cite this Entry

“Suspect class.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/suspect%20class. Accessed 16 Aug. 2022.

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