In Jane Doe v SC 2017, which constitutional concept was used to strike down the 'household member' definition in domestic violence protection?

In Jane Doe v SC 2017, which constitutional concept was used to strike down the 'household member' definition in domestic violence protection?

• A. Free Speech
• B. Equal Protection Clause
• C. Fourth Amendment
• D. Commerce Clause

Answer: (B)

Equal protection under the law requires that people in similar situations be treated alike. Limiting domestic violence protections to only those who are household members creates a line based on living arrangement or relationship status rather than the actual risk of harm, so it’s a classification that can be unjustified. In Jane Doe v SC 2017, the court applied this principle and struck down the household member definition because it denied protection to victims who were in intimate-partner situations but not living together, without a sufficiently compelling or rational justification tied to a legitimate state interest. The result is that protections should extend beyond just household members to ensure equal safety for all who face domestic violence. The other options relate to rights or powers that don’t address how laws must treat people equally in this context.

Equal protection under the law requires that people in similar situations be treated alike. Limiting domestic violence protections to only those who are household members creates a line based on living arrangement or relationship status rather than the actual risk of harm, so it’s a classification that can be unjustified. In Jane Doe v SC 2017, the court applied this principle and struck down the household member definition because it denied protection to victims who were in intimate-partner situations but not living together, without a sufficiently compelling or rational justification tied to a legitimate state interest. The result is that protections should extend beyond just household members to ensure equal safety for all who face domestic violence. The other options relate to rights or powers that don’t address how laws must treat people equally in this context.