Legal Definitions - mid-level scrutiny

Definition: Mid-level scrutiny is a legal standard used by courts to evaluate laws that may discriminate against certain groups of people. It is also known as intermediate scrutiny. This standard requires the government to show that the law serves an important government interest and is substantially related to achieving that interest.

Example: One example of a law that would be subject to mid-level scrutiny is a state law that requires all firefighters to be at least 6 feet tall. This law may discriminate against women and people of certain ethnicities who are typically shorter in stature. To pass mid-level scrutiny, the government would need to show that the height requirement is necessary for the job and that there are no alternative ways to ensure public safety.

Another example of a law that would be subject to mid-level scrutiny is a state law that prohibits same-sex couples from adopting children. This law may discriminate against LGBTQ+ individuals. To pass mid-level scrutiny, the government would need to show that the law serves an important government interest, such as promoting the best interests of children, and that the prohibition on same-sex adoption is substantially related to achieving that interest.

These examples illustrate how mid-level scrutiny requires the government to justify laws that may discriminate against certain groups of people. The government must show that the law serves an important government interest and that there are no less discriminatory alternatives to achieving that interest.