Substantive due process protects people from arbitrary or unreasonable governmental interference…

➤ When do courts apply stricter scrutiny under substantive due process?
Courts apply heightened scrutiny under substantive due process when a law burdens a fundamental right or targets a suspect class. Strict scrutiny requires a compelling government interest and the least restrictive means. For nonfundamental interests, courts apply rational basis review, which upholds laws that are rationally related to a legitimate government purpose.