rational basis test (Arkansas) · Go Syfert
← Arkansas issues

rational basis test in Arkansas

79 Arkansas opinions name it 3 courts 1983–2025 5 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Arkansas courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (23)

CaseFollowedCited
Eady v. Lansfordgreen
ark · 2002 · cited in 16 Arkansas opinions naming this issue, 2003–2023
2 sentences

2023Eady v. Lansford, 351 Ark. 249 , 92 S.W.3d 57 (2002).

2023Eady v. Lansford, 351 Ark. 249 , 92 S.W.3d 57 (2002).

316
Massachusetts Board of Retirement v. Murgiagreen
scotus · 1976 · cited in 6 Arkansas opinions naming this issue, 1989–2024
2 sentences

2024Code Ann. § 5-73-103 (b)(2)–(3), (d)–(e) (setting out multiple paths for regaining right to carry a firearm after a felony conviction). 20 United States v. Virginia, 518 U.S. 515, 567 (1996). 21 Mass. Bd. of Ret. v. Murgia, 427 U.S. 307, 312 (1976). 22 U.S. Const. amend. 2. 23 McDonald, 561 U.S. at 778 (stating “it is clear that the Framers and ratifiers of the Fourteenth Amendment counted the right to keep and bear arms among those fundamental rights necessary to our system of ordered liberty.”); Heller, 554 U.S. at 592–94. 23 “[w]hen the Second Amendment’s plain text covers an individual’s c

1997Consequently, I agree with the majority that an equal protection analysis of the subject statute requires application of the rational-basis test, Massachusetts Board of Retirement v. Murgia, 427 U.S. 307 (1976), and that this legislation is entitled to a presumption of constitutionality.

36
Whorton v. Dixongreen
ark · 2005 · cited in 5 Arkansas opinions naming this issue, 2006–2020
2 sentences

2020Id.; see also Whorton v. Dixon, 363 Ark. 330 , 214 S.W.3d 225 (2005); Rose v. Ark.

2006Under the rational basis test, the party challenging the constitutionality of the statute must prove that the statute is not rationally related to “achieving any legitimate governmental objective under any reasonably conceivable fact situation.” See id.

35
Streight v. Raglandgreen
ark · 1983 · cited in 17 Arkansas opinions naming this issue, 1987–2009
2 sentences

2008However, under the rational basis test, Benton County still had to overcome the presumption that the act is constitutional by proving that “the act is not rationally related to achieving any legitimate objective of state government under any reasonably conceivable state of facts.” City of Siloam Springs, 350 Ark. at 158 , 85 S.W.3d at 507 (quoting Streight, supra, 280 Ark. at 214 , 655 S.W.2d at 464 ).

2008However, under the rational basis test, Benton County still had to overcome the presumption that the act is constitutional by proving that “the act is not rationally related to achieving any legitimate objective of state government under any reasonably conceivable state of facts.” City of Siloam Springs, 350 Ark. at 158 , 85 S.W.3d at 507 (quoting Streight, supra, 280 Ark. at 214 , 655 S.W.2d at 464 ).

217
Archer v. Sigma Tau Gamma Alpha Epsilon, Inc.green
ark · 2010 · cited in 3 Arkansas opinions naming this issue, 2010–2015
2 sentences

2015Archer v. Sigma Tau Gamma Alpha Epsilon, Inc., 2010 Ark. 8, at 12 , 362 S.W.3d 303, 309-10 .

2015Archer v. Sigma Tau Gamma Alpha Epsilon, Inc., 2010 Ark. 8, at 12 , 362 S.W.3d 303, 309-10 .

23
Kadrmas v. Dickinson Public Schoolsgreen
scotus · 1988 · cited in 2 Arkansas opinions naming this issue, 1996–1999
2 sentences

1999See Kadrmas v. Dickinson Public Schools, 487 U.S. 450 (1988).

1996See Kadrmas, 487 U.S. 450 ; McClelland, 294 Ark. 292 .

22
Bakalekos v. Furlowgreen
ark · 2011 · cited in 3 Arkansas opinions naming this issue, 2013–2024
2 sentences

2024Bakalekos v. Furlow, 2011 Ark. 505, at 12 , 410 S.W.3d 564, 573 .

2024Bakalekos v. Furlow, 2011 Ark. 505, at 12 , 410 S.W.3d 564, 573 .

13
Talbert v. Stategreen
ark · 2006 · cited in 3 Arkansas opinions naming this issue, 2011–2024
2 sentences

2024Under the rational-basis test, the party challenging the constitutionality of the statute must prove that the statute is not rationally related to “achieving any legitimate governmental 16 objective under any reasonably conceivable fact situation.” Talbert v. State, 367 Ark. 262, 270 , 239 S.W.3d 504, 511 (2006).

2024Under the rational-basis test, the party challenging the constitutionality of the statute must prove that the statute is not rationally related to “achieving any legitimate governmental 16 objective under any reasonably conceivable fact situation.” Talbert v. State, 367 Ark. 262, 270 , 239 S.W.3d 504, 511 (2006).

13
Bakalekos v. Furlowgreen
ark · 2011 · cited in 3 Arkansas opinions naming this issue, 2013–2024
2 sentences

2024Bakalekos v. Furlow, 2011 Ark. 505, at 12 , 410 S.W.3d 564, 573 .

2024Bakalekos v. Furlow, 2011 Ark. 505, at 12 , 410 S.W.3d 564, 573 .

13
Medlock v. Leathersgreen
ark · 1992 · cited in 3 Arkansas opinions naming this issue, 1993–1998
2 sentences

1996Cf. Medlock v. Leathers, 311 Ark. 175 , 842 S.W.2d 428 (1992), reh. denied, 1993; Streight v. Ragland, 280 Ark. 206 , 655 S.W.2d 459 (1983) (applying the rational basis test to a statute creating a tax exemption that directly affected the real value of retirement benefits); City of Piggott v. Woodard, 261 Ark. 406 , 549 S.W.2d 278 (1977) (applying the rational basis test to statutes having the effect of granting greater benefits at retirement to police officers than to other municipal employees).

1996Cf. Medlock v. Leathers, 311 Ark. 175 , 842 S.W.2d 428 (1992), reh. denied, 1993; Streight v. Ragland, 280 Ark. 206 , 655 S.W.2d 459 (1983) (applying the rational basis test to a statute creating a tax exemption that directly affected the real value of retirement benefits); City of Piggott v. Woodard, 261 Ark. 406 , 549 S.W.2d 278 (1977) (applying the rational basis test to statutes having the effect of granting greater benefits at retirement to police officers than to other municipal employees).

13
Hall v. Tuckergreen
ark · 1999 · cited in 2 Arkansas opinions naming this issue, 2005–2007
2 sentences

2005As the court noted in Hall v. Tucker, 336 Ark. 112 , 118 , 983 S.W.2d 432 (1999): The rational-basis standard presumes the rationality of the statute, which when applied to social and economic legislation can only be overcome by a clear showing of arbitrariness.

2005As the court noted in Hall v. Tucker, 336 Ark. 112 , 118 , 983 S.W.2d 432 (1999): The rational-basis standard presumes the rationality of the statute, which when applied to social and economic legislation can only be overcome by a clear showing of arbitrariness.

12
Arkansas Hospital Ass'n v. Arkansas State Board of Pharmacygreen
ark · 1989 · cited in 2 Arkansas opinions naming this issue, 1995–1999
2 sentences

1999Ass’n. v. Arkansas State Bd. of Pharmacy, 297 Ark. 454 , 763 S.W2d 73 (1989).

1999Ass’n. v. Arkansas State Bd. of Pharmacy, 297 Ark. 454 , 763 S.W2d 73 (1989).

12
McDonald v. City of Chicagogreen
scotus · 2010 · cited in 1 Arkansas opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
1 sentence

2024Code Ann. § 5-73-103 (b)(2)–(3), (d)–(e) (setting out multiple paths for regaining right to carry a firearm after a felony conviction). 20 United States v. Virginia, 518 U.S. 515, 567 (1996). 21 Mass. Bd. of Ret. v. Murgia, 427 U.S. 307, 312 (1976). 22 U.S. Const. amend. 2. 23 McDonald, 561 U.S. at 778 (stating “it is clear that the Framers and ratifiers of the Fourteenth Amendment counted the right to keep and bear arms among those fundamental rights necessary to our system of ordered liberty.”); Heller, 554 U.S. at 592–94. 23 “[w]hen the Second Amendment’s plain text covers an individual’s c

11
United States v. Virginiagreen
scotus · 1996 · cited in 1 Arkansas opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
1 sentence

2024Code Ann. § 5-73-103 (b)(2)–(3), (d)–(e) (setting out multiple paths for regaining right to carry a firearm after a felony conviction). 20 United States v. Virginia, 518 U.S. 515, 567 (1996). 21 Mass. Bd. of Ret. v. Murgia, 427 U.S. 307, 312 (1976). 22 U.S. Const. amend. 2. 23 McDonald, 561 U.S. at 778 (stating “it is clear that the Framers and ratifiers of the Fourteenth Amendment counted the right to keep and bear arms among those fundamental rights necessary to our system of ordered liberty.”); Heller, 554 U.S. at 592–94. 23 “[w]hen the Second Amendment’s plain text covers an individual’s c

11
New York State Rifle & Pistol Assn., Inc. v. Bruengreen
scotus · 2022 · cited in 1 Arkansas opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
1 sentence

2024But the State contends Sagely no longer has a fundamental Second Amendment right after his involuntary commitment and the court should only apply the rational basis test. 25 Under Bruen, the burden shifts to the State to show that the statute is consistent with a clear national historical tradition of firearm regulation dating back to the ratification of the Second Amendment. 26 To prevail, the State would have to show a clear national historical 24 New York State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n, Inc. v. Bruen, 597 U.S. 1, 2, 24 (2022). 25 Although there is no Second Amendment claim, we must analyze the

11
Sims v. Stategreen
ark · 2015 · cited in 1 Arkansas opinions naming this issue, 2017–2017
2 sentences

2017See Sims, 2015 Ark. 363, at 11 , 472 S.W.3d at 116 .

2017See Sims, 2015 Ark. 363, at 11 , 472 S.W.3d at 116 .

11
Rose v. Arkansas State Plant Boardgreen
ark · 2005 · cited in 1 Arkansas opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
11
Arnold v. Stategreen
ark · 2011 · cited in 1 Arkansas opinions naming this issue, 2013–2013
11
Rainey v. Stategreen
ark · 1992 · cited in 1 Arkansas opinions naming this issue, 2009–2009
11
Johnson v. Sunray Services, Inc.green
ark · 1991 · cited in 1 Arkansas opinions naming this issue, 2007–2007
11
O'HARTIGAN v. Department of Personnelgreen
wash · 1991 · cited in 1 Arkansas opinions naming this issue, 1993–1993
11
Board of Trustees of Municipal Judges & Clerks Fund v. Beardgreen
ark · 1981 · cited in 1 Arkansas opinions naming this issue, 1983–1983
11
U-Drive-Em Corporation v. Wisemangreen
ark · 1934 · cited in 1 Arkansas opinions naming this issue, 1983–1983
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Arkansas. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (55)

CaseCitedYears
City of Cleburne v. Cleburne Living Center, Inc. green
scotus · 1985
2 sentences

2007Cleburne v. Cleburne Living Center, Inc., 473 U.S. 432 (1985).

2006Cleburne v. Cleburne Living Center, Inc., 473 U.S. 432 (1985).

52004–2007
Ester v. National Home Centers, Inc. green
ark · 1998
2 sentences

2006Eady v. Lansford, 351 Ark. 249 , 92 S.W.3d 57 (2002); Ester v. National Home Ctrs., Inc., 335 Ark. 356 , 981 S.W.2d 91 (1998); Reed v. Glover, 319 Ark. 16 , 889 S.W.2d 729 (1994); Fayetteville Sch.

2006Eady v. Lansford, 351 Ark. 249 , 92 S.W.3d 57 (2002); Ester v. National Home Ctrs., Inc., 335 Ark. 356 , 981 S.W.2d 91 (1998); Reed v. Glover, 319 Ark. 16 , 889 S.W.2d 729 (1994); Fayetteville Sch.

52003–2006
Reed v. Glover green
ark · 1994
2 sentences

2006Eady v. Lansford, 351 Ark. 249 , 92 S.W.3d 57 (2002); Ester v. National Home Ctrs., Inc., 335 Ark. 356 , 981 S.W.2d 91 (1998); Reed v. Glover, 319 Ark. 16 , 889 S.W.2d 729 (1994); Fayetteville Sch.

2006Eady v. Lansford, 351 Ark. 249 , 92 S.W.3d 57 (2002); Ester v. National Home Ctrs., Inc., 335 Ark. 356 , 981 S.W.2d 91 (1998); Reed v. Glover, 319 Ark. 16 , 889 S.W.2d 729 (1994); Fayetteville Sch.

52003–2006
City of Piggott v. Woodard green
ark · 1977
2 sentences

1996Cf. Medlock v. Leathers, 311 Ark. 175 , 842 S.W.2d 428 (1992), reh. denied, 1993; Streight v. Ragland, 280 Ark. 206 , 655 S.W.2d 459 (1983) (applying the rational basis test to a statute creating a tax exemption that directly affected the real value of retirement benefits); City of Piggott v. Woodard, 261 Ark. 406 , 549 S.W.2d 278 (1977) (applying the rational basis test to statutes having the effect of granting greater benefits at retirement to police officers than to other municipal employees).

1996Cf. Medlock v. Leathers, 311 Ark. 175 , 842 S.W.2d 428 (1992), reh. denied, 1993; Streight v. Ragland, 280 Ark. 206 , 655 S.W.2d 459 (1983) (applying the rational basis test to a statute creating a tax exemption that directly affected the real value of retirement benefits); City of Piggott v. Woodard, 261 Ark. 406 , 549 S.W.2d 278 (1977) (applying the rational basis test to statutes having the effect of granting greater benefits at retirement to police officers than to other municipal employees).

31995–1996
Adams v. Arthur green
ark · 1998
2 sentences

1999Mr. Skelton correctly cites the rational basis test for an equal protection challenge to a statute, as established in Adams v. Arthur, 333 Ark. 53 , 969 S.W.2d 598 (1998) and Arkansas Hosp.

1999Mr. Skelton correctly cites the rational basis test for an equal protection challenge to a statute, as established in Adams v. Arthur, 333 Ark. 53 , 969 S.W.2d 598 (1998) and Arkansas Hosp.

21999–2012
Hall v. Board of Trustees of Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System neutral
ca8 · 1982
2 sentences

1995Retirement Sys., 671 F.2d 269 (8th Cir. 1982), cert. den., 459 U.S. 822 (1982); cf. Streight v. Ragland, 280 Ark. 206 , 655 S.W.2d 459 (1983) (applying the rational basis test to a statute creating a tax exemption that directly affected the real value of retirement benefits), and City of Piggott v. Woodard, 261 Ark. 406 , 549 S.W.2d 278 (1977) (applying the rational basis test to statutes having the effect of granting greater benefits at retirement to police officers than to other municipal employees).

1995Retirement Sys., 671 F.2d 269 (8th Cir. 1982), cert. denied, 459 U.S. 822 (1982); cf. Streight v. Ragland, 280 Ark. 206 , 655 S.W.2d 459 (1983) (applying the rational basis test to a statute creating a tax exemption that directly affected the real value of retirement benefits), and City of Piggott v. Woodard, 261 Ark. 406 , 549 S.W.2d 278 (1977) (applying the rational basis test to statutes having the effect of granting greater benefits at retirement to police officers than to other municipal employees).

21995–1995
Gerber v. Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania green
scotus · 1982
2 sentences

1995Retirement Sys., 671 F.2d 269 (8th Cir. 1982), cert. den., 459 U.S. 822 (1982); cf. Streight v. Ragland, 280 Ark. 206 , 655 S.W.2d 459 (1983) (applying the rational basis test to a statute creating a tax exemption that directly affected the real value of retirement benefits), and City of Piggott v. Woodard, 261 Ark. 406 , 549 S.W.2d 278 (1977) (applying the rational basis test to statutes having the effect of granting greater benefits at retirement to police officers than to other municipal employees).

1995Retirement Sys., 671 F.2d 269 (8th Cir. 1982), cert. denied, 459 U.S. 822 (1982); cf. Streight v. Ragland, 280 Ark. 206 , 655 S.W.2d 459 (1983) (applying the rational basis test to a statute creating a tax exemption that directly affected the real value of retirement benefits), and City of Piggott v. Woodard, 261 Ark. 406 , 549 S.W.2d 278 (1977) (applying the rational basis test to statutes having the effect of granting greater benefits at retirement to police officers than to other municipal employees).

21995–1995
Pollard v. State green
ark · 2009
1 sentence

2025Id. at 10, 336 S.W.3d at 871 .

12025–2025
District of Columbia v. Heller green
scotus · 2008
1 sentence

2024Code Ann. § 5-73-103 (b)(2)–(3), (d)–(e) (setting out multiple paths for regaining right to carry a firearm after a felony conviction). 20 United States v. Virginia, 518 U.S. 515, 567 (1996). 21 Mass. Bd. of Ret. v. Murgia, 427 U.S. 307, 312 (1976). 22 U.S. Const. amend. 2. 23 McDonald, 561 U.S. at 778 (stating “it is clear that the Framers and ratifiers of the Fourteenth Amendment counted the right to keep and bear arms among those fundamental rights necessary to our system of ordered liberty.”); Heller, 554 U.S. at 592–94. 23 “[w]hen the Second Amendment’s plain text covers an individual’s c

12024–2024
Brown v. State green
ark · 2015
1 sentence

2020Id.

12020–2020
Lee v. State green
ark · 2006
1 sentence

2019McLane S., Inc. v. Davis , 366 Ark. 164 , 167, 233 S.W.3d 674 , 677 (2006).

12019–2019
McLane Southern, Inc. v. Davis green
ark · 2006
1 sentence

2019McLane S., Inc. v. Davis , 366 Ark. 164 , 167, 233 S.W.3d 674 , 677 (2006).

12019–2019
Jegley v. Picado green
ark · 2002
2 sentences

2019Brennan contends that Arkansas law requires that "legislation must bear a real or substantial relationship to the protection of public health, safety and welfare, in order that personal rights and property rights not be subjected to arbitrary or oppressive, rather than reasonable invasion." Brennan likens this case to Jegley v. Picado , 349 Ark. 600 , 80 S.W.3d 332 (2002), in which our supreme court struck down the sodomy statute as unconstitutional and held that by burdening certain sexual conduct between members of same sex, the statute infringed on the fundamental right to privacy guarantee

2019Brennan contends that Arkansas law requires that "legislation must bear a real or substantial relationship to the protection of public health, safety and welfare, in order that personal rights and property rights not be subjected to arbitrary or oppressive, rather than reasonable invasion." Brennan likens this case to Jegley v. Picado , 349 Ark. 600 , 80 S.W.3d 332 (2002), in which our supreme court struck down the sodomy statute as unconstitutional and held that by burdening certain sexual conduct between members of same sex, the statute infringed on the fundamental right to privacy guarantee

12019–2019
Landers v. Stone green
ark · 2016
1 sentence

2016Applying the rational-basis test and recognizing that physical ability 11 Cite as 2016 Ark. 272 generally declines with age, the Court concluded that the state had a legitimate interest in seeking to protect the public by assuring the physical preparedness of its uniformed police officers.

12016–2016
Mathis v. State green
ark · 2014
12015–2015
Leach v. State green
ark · 2015
12015–2015
Davidson v. Riley green
ca2 · 1995
12014–2014
Latiolais v. Whitley green
ca5 · 1996
12014–2014
Desclos v. Southern New Hampshire Medical Center green
nh · 2006
12014–2014
Davis v. Parham green
ark · 2005
12012–2012
LaFont v. Mixon green
ark · 2010
12011–2011
Marek v. Chesny green
scotus · 1985
12010–2010
City of Siloam Springs v. Benton County green
ark · 2002
12008–2008
Jech v. Burch green
hid · 1979
12006–2006
O'BRIEN v. Tilson green
nced · 1981
12006–2006
Simpson v. Fuller neutral
ark · 1984
12005–2005
Fayetteville School District No. 1 v. Arkansas State Board of Education green
ark · 1993
12005–2005
Quinn v. Millsap green
scotus · 1989
12003–2003
Turner v. Fouche green
scotus · 1970
12003–2003
Associated Enterprises, Inc. v. Toltec Watershed Improvement District green
scotus · 1973
12003–2003
Chappelle v. Greater Baton Rouge Airport District green
scotus · 1977
12003–2003
Salyer Land Co. v. Tulare Lake Basin Water Storage District green
scotus · 1973
12003–2003
Ball v. James green
scotus · 1981
12003–2003
Owen v. Dalton green
ark · 1988
12002–2002
Mullins v. State green
ark · 1990
11999–1999
Carmichael v. State green
ark · 1988
11999–1999
Goldman & Co. v. City of North Little Rock neutral
ark · 1952
11998–1998
Piggott State Bank v. State Banking Board green
ark · 1967
11998–1998
Vickers v. State green
ark · 1993
11997–1997
McClelland v. Paris Public Schools green
ark · 1988
11996–1996

Statutes the citing opinions construe

AR § Ark. Code Ann. § 13 (11) AR § Ark. Code Ann. § 18 (6) AR § Ark. Code Ann. § 16 (5) AR § Ark. Code Ann. § 11 (4) AR § Ark. Code Ann. § 20 (4) AR § Ark. Code Ann. § 16-114-201 (3) AR § Ark. Code Ann. § 17 (3) AR § Ark. Code Ann. § 19 (3) AR § Ark. Code Ann. § 24-11-101 (3) AR § Ark. Code Ann. § 3-3-218 (3) AR § Ark. Code Ann. § 5-1-110 (3) AR § Ark. Code Ann. § 5-10-104 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

IL 630 (1980–2026) CA 364 (1976–2026) WA 223 (1973–2025) OH 222 (1975–2026) PA 209 (1973–2026) TX 197 (1975–2025) IA 185 (1977–2026) NY 173 (1973–2025) MI 147 (1959–2026) NJ 142 (1974–2026) CO 133 (1981–2026) FL 125 (1977–2025) MN 121 (1978–2024) KS 114 (1983–2026) AZ 97 (1978–2025) WI 97 (1979–2025) CT 88 (1980–2026) AR 79 (1983–2025) MD 77 (1973–2022) TN 75 (1976–2025) ID 60 (1980–2022) NH 60 (1975–2025) MA 59 (1977–2025) IN 57 (1974–2024) ND 52 (1979–2025) MO 51 (1978–2025) AK 50 (1973–2020) NM 50 (1983–2025) KY 50 (1992–2026) GA 48 (1980–2023) NC 46 (1974–2025) HI 45 (1972–2024) MT 44 (1981–2024) ME 39 (1978–2026) SC 37 (1990–2026) OK 33 (1984–2024) AL 29 (1980–2025) VA 28 (1984–2025) UT 27 (1978–2026) RI 24 (1979–2020) MS 22 (1994–2025) VT 21 (1980–2023) WV 20 (1977–2025) NE 18 (1986–2025) SD 17 (1987–2026) OR 17 (1988–2025) WY 17 (1982–2026) DC 16 (1977–2024) LA 16 (1984–2024) NV 15 (1975–2021) DE 15 (1978–2024) VI 6 (1987–2017) MP 2 (1989–2024)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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