Legal Definitions - rational-purpose test

Rational-Purpose Test

The rational-purpose test is a criterion used by courts to analyze a statute that does not involve a fundamental right or a suspect classification under the Due Process or Equal Protection Clause. The court will uphold a law if it has a reasonable relationship to achieving a legitimate government objective. This is the most lenient standard of review used in due-process and equal-protection analysis.

• A city ordinance that requires all dogs to be on a leash when in public places. The legitimate government objective is to ensure public safety and prevent dog attacks. The ordinance has a reasonable relationship to achieving this objective, so it would pass the rational-purpose test.
• A state law that requires all individuals to obtain a license before operating a motor vehicle. The legitimate government objective is to ensure that drivers are qualified and competent to operate a vehicle. The law has a reasonable relationship to achieving this objective, so it would pass the rational-purpose test.

These examples illustrate how the rational-purpose test is used to determine whether a law is constitutional. If a law has a legitimate government objective and a reasonable relationship to achieving that objective, it will likely be upheld by the court.