• In today’s constitutional jurisprudence, equal protection means that legislation that discriminates must have a rational basis for doing so. And if the legislation affects a fundamental right (such as the right to vote) or involves a suspect classification (such as race), it is unconstitutional unless it can withstand strict scrutiny.
— Also termed equal protection of the laws; equal protection under the law. See RATIONAL-BASIS TEST T; STRICT SCRUTINY. [Cases: Constitutional Law 209–250.5.C.J.S. Constitutional Law §§ 700–773, 775–912, 916–917, 919–944; Zoning and Land Planning § 23.]
