rational basis

[/ˈræʃənəl ˈbeɪsɪs/]
nounpl: rational bases
base racional
1. In law, the lowest level of judicial scrutiny used to evaluate whether a law or government action is constitutional; a law passes this test if it is rationally related to a legitimate government interest
The court applied the rational basis test to determine if the statute violated equal protection rights.
O tribunal aplicou o teste de base racional para determinar se a lei violava direitos de proteção igualitária.
2. A logical foundation or reasonable ground upon which something is based or justified
There is no rational basis for dismissing the candidate solely on their appearance.
Não há base racional para descartar o candidato apenas pela sua aparência.
This is primarily a legal and academic term, essential in American constitutional law discourse. In the US, it's part of the three-tier system of constitutional scrutiny (rational basis being the most lenient). In Brazil, the equivalent concept exists in constitutional law but may be expressed differently. The term is formal and rarely used in casual conversation.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
rational foundationlogical basisreasonable groundsound reason
Antonyms / Antônimos
irrational basisarbitrary foundationcapricious ground

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
base racional
Standard legal terminology in Brazil
Portugal
base racional
Also used in Portuguese legal contexts, sometimes 'fundamento racional'
USA Legal English
rational basis test
More commonly used as a complete legal term in American constitutional law

Related Words

strict scrutinyintermediate scrutinyconstitutional lawequal protection clausejudicial review

Related Idioms & Phrases

pass the rational basis test
fail the rational basis test
satisfy the rational basis standard
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