Justifying Departures from Equal Treatment

The Journal of.Philosophy, Vol. 81, p. 587, 1984

7 Pages Posted: 9 Sep 2009

See all articles by Jeffrie G. Murphy

Jeffrie G. Murphy

Arizona State University College of Law

Date Written: March 1, 1984

Abstract

This article considers the fundamental axiom that we should treat like cases alike. While many theories justify this assertion, this article considers when, and more importantly why, a society would be justified in not treating like cases alike. It notes that under current Supreme Court doctrine, alleged violations of this equal protection principle are reviewed under rational basis test with minimal scrutiny applied to lower court decisions. Yet, some cases, when a fundamental right is allegedly denied, invoke the strict scrutiny standard. In those cases, government action is only permitted if there is a compelling state interest. This article lays the groundwork for discussing what could be a compelling state interest.

Keywords: Constitutional Law, Compelling State Interest, Treat Like Case Alike

Suggested Citation

Murphy, Jeffrie G., Justifying Departures from Equal Treatment (March 1, 1984). The Journal of.Philosophy, Vol. 81, p. 587, 1984, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1469729

Jeffrie G. Murphy (Contact Author)

Arizona State University College of Law ( email )

Box 877906
Tempe, AZ 85287-7906
United States
(480) 965-5856 (Phone)
(480) 965-2427 (Fax)

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