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at least "to great respect." But, he states, "it is true that a
legislative declaration of facts that are material only as the
ground for enacting a rule of law o.. May not be held conclusive
by the courtso '_ Bock Vo Hirsh, 256 U.S 135, 154, 41 S. Ct. 458,
65 Lo Edo 865 (1921) (emphasis added)°
Whether the exercise of legislative power is "rational" or
"arbitrary" can only be determined in light of the evidence
(legislative facts) upon which the legislature based its
findings. These legislative facts must cast light upon the
following questions:
(a) The nature of the social problem and the extent of the
harm to be eradicated; and
(b) the actual effect of the law in contributing to an
eradication of the harm alleged.
Both factors need to be balanced against the infringement of
the individual interest which is jeopardized° Under traditional
tests of due process_ any conceivable hypothetical basis for the
legislative choice of means satisfied the minimum requirements of
V'rationality." See Ashley v. Citi%_of Hacoi!_ @9ores, 377 F.
Suppo 540 (HoDo Ga. 1974), aff_d 505 Fo2d 808 (5th Cir. 1975) o
The Supreme Court held in McGowen v. Mary_l£_nd, 366 U.S° 420, 81
S. Ct. ii01, 6 Lo Edo2d 393 (1961), that the Equal Protection
clause is offended only if the classification rests on grounds
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