term:

Balancing Test

balancing test n

: a test in which opposing rights, interests, or policies are assigned a degree or level of importance and the ruling of the court is determined by which is considered greater NOTE: Balancing tests are often used for determining the constitutionality of laws and regulations touching on constitutional rights.

Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.