Suspect classification
A class of individuals that have been historically subject to discrimination. Any statute that makes a distinction between individuals based on any of the suspect classifications (ie. alienage, race) will be subject to a strict scrutiny standard of review before the Supreme Court. The court also uses the terms "discrete" or "insular" to describe minorities that are suspect classes. These terms are derived from the footnote in Carolene Products - the most famous footnote in Constitutional law.
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary
In constitutional law, a group that meets certain qualifications that make the group likely subjects of discrimination. Suspect classifications include those based on race, national origin, and alienage.
Definition provided by Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary.
August 19, 2010, 5:25 pm
