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LIRA@BC Law

Abstract

On January 21, 2014, in SmithKline v. Abbott, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit held that heightened scrutiny applies to classifications based on sexual orientation, and equal protection forbids striking jurors because they are gay or lesbian. The Ninth Circuit interpreted the Supreme Court’s recent analysis in United States v. Windsor as applying heightened scrutiny, rather than rational basis review that has historically been used to assess issues surrounding sexual orientation. The Ninth Circuit also reasoned that given the historical exclusion and pervasive discrimination of gays and lesbians, this group requires equal protection. This Comment argues that while this ruling in theory represents a victory for equal rights, the practical effects could prove minimal and even potentially problematic.

Files

File nameDate UploadedVisibilityFile size
08_lobo_A1b.pdf
8 Sep 2022
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384 kB

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Metadata

  • Subject
    • Civil Procedure

    • Civil Rights and Discrimination

    • Criminal Procedure

    • Juvenile Law

    • Sexuality and Sexual Orientation

  • Journal title
    • Boston College Law Review

  • Volume
    • 56

  • Issue
    • 6

  • Pagination
    • E. Supp. 106

  • Date submitted

    8 September 2022