What standard of review requires a law to be substantially related to an important government interest?

The standard of review that requires a law to be substantially related to an important government interest is known as intermediate scrutiny. This standard is generally applied to cases involving discrimination based on gender or illegitimacy, among other classifications. Under intermediate scrutiny, the government must show that its law or policy serves an important governmental objective and is substantially related to achieving that objective.

In contrast, strict scrutiny applies to laws that impinge upon fundamental rights or involve suspect classifications, such as race or religion, where the government must demonstrate a compelling governmental interest and that the law is narrowly tailored to achieve that interest. Rational basis review, on the other hand, is the lowest standard of review, requiring only that a law be rationally related to a legitimate governmental interest. Specific scrutiny is not a recognized standard of review in constitutional law.

Therefore, the correct understanding of the intermediate scrutiny standard highlights its role in balancing the government's interests against individual rights, ensuring that measures taken are appropriately justifiable in relation to significant governmental goals.