Legal Definitions - rational-relationship test

The rational-relationship test is a criterion used in constitutional law to analyze a statute that does not involve a fundamental right or a suspect classification under the Due Process or Equal Protection Clause. The test requires that the court uphold a law if it has a reasonable relationship to the attainment of a legitimate governmental objective.

For example, if a state passes a law requiring all drivers to wear seat belts while driving, the rational-relationship test would be used to determine if the law is constitutional. The court would consider whether the law has a legitimate objective, such as promoting public safety, and whether the requirement to wear seat belts is reasonably related to that objective.

The rational-relationship test is the most deferential of the standards of review used in due-process and equal-protection analysis. It is also known as the rational-purpose test, rational-relationship test, minimum scrutiny, or minimal scrutiny.