Intermediate Scrutiny

/ˌɪntərˈmiːdiət ˈskruːtəni/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A standard of judicial review used to evaluate laws that classify based on protected characteristics, requiring the law to further an important government interest in a way substantially related to that interest.
    The court applied intermediate scrutiny to determine whether the state's gender-based statute was constitutional.

Commentary

Intermediate scrutiny is stricter than rational basis review but less demanding than strict scrutiny, often applied in cases involving gender and legitimacy.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

Draft confidently with Amicus

Create, negotiate, and sign agreements in one secure workspace—invite collaborators, track revisions, and keep audit-ready records automatically.

Open the Amicus app