Missouri
How City of Cleburne v. Cleburne Living Center, Inc. applies in Missouri: state-specific rules, key cases, and bar exam notes for Constitutional Law (Equal Protection).
Missouri follows the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment but often applies its own state constitution principles in analyzing discrimination claims. The state courts have adopted a stricter scrutiny when it comes to classifications involving disabilities or mental impairments.
In Missouri, laws that discriminate against individuals based on mental disability must demonstrate a compelling state interest and be narrowly tailored, consistent with the principles established in City of Cleburne.
The court ruled that the retirement system’s policy disproportionately impacted disabled individuals and required a justification that the policy served a legitimate governmental interest.
Held that the state's classification based on mental illness must withstand heightened scrutiny, requiring evidence that such classification serves a significant governmental purpose.
Determined that excluding mentally disabled persons from certain housing opportunities violates equal protection guarantees under both the Missouri and United States Constitutions.
Missouri's approach to equal protection claims is slightly more protective than the federal standard as identified in City of Cleburne. While the federal government employs a rational basis test for most classifications, Missouri courts may impose a higher burden of proof on the state when it involves classifications due to disability.
Expect questions related to the application of equal protection principles in cases involving discrimination against individuals with disabilities, particularly relating to Missouri’s strict scrutiny standard.