Strict scrutiny

Okay kiddo, when we talk about strict scrutiny, we're talking about how carefully we look at certain things to make sure they're fair and okay. Just like when we cross the street and have to be very careful to make sure there are no cars coming.

Now, sometimes the government makes rules or laws that might not be fair to everyone. So when someone thinks a rule or law is unfair, they can ask a judge to look at it really carefully using something called strict scrutiny.

This means the judge has to look at the rule or law super carefully to make sure it's really, really necessary and doesn't harm anyone unfairly. It's like when we check our work really carefully before turning it in to make sure we didn't make any mistakes.

If the judge decides the rule or law is not fair, they might get rid of it or change it. That way, everyone can be treated fairly and equally, just like we want.