Which statement about strict scrutiny is incorrect?

Which statement about strict scrutiny is incorrect?

• A. It requires a compelling government interest and narrowly tailored means.
• B. It applies to classifications based on race.
• C. It is the highest level of scrutiny used by courts.
• D. It is not the default standard for most economic regulations.

Answer: (D)

Strict scrutiny is the most demanding form of judicial review used when a law or policy burdens a fundamental right or targets a suspect class such as race. To pass strict scrutiny, the government must show a compelling interest and that the means are narrowly tailored to achieve that interest, using no broader approach than necessary. This standard clearly applies to classifications based on race (and also to related concerns like national origin and other fundamental rights), making it the highest level of scrutiny courts employ. It is not the default standard for most economic regulations, where the usual approach is rational basis review; strict scrutiny kicks in only in those particular contexts involving fundamental rights or suspect classifications. Given these points, all statements align with how strict scrutiny actually operates, so there isn’t an incorrect statement among them as stated. The question’s key may be miskeyed, since the described facts about strict scrutiny are consistent and none of the claims are false.

Strict scrutiny is the most demanding form of judicial review used when a law or policy burdens a fundamental right or targets a suspect class such as race. To pass strict scrutiny, the government must show a compelling interest and that the means are narrowly tailored to achieve that interest, using no broader approach than necessary. This standard clearly applies to classifications based on race (and also to related concerns like national origin and other fundamental rights), making it the highest level of scrutiny courts employ. It is not the default standard for most economic regulations, where the usual approach is rational basis review; strict scrutiny kicks in only in those particular contexts involving fundamental rights or suspect classifications. Given these points, all statements align with how strict scrutiny actually operates, so there isn’t an incorrect statement among them as stated. The question’s key may be miskeyed, since the described facts about strict scrutiny are consistent and none of the claims are false.