Intermediate scrutiny is a standard of judicial review used by courts to evaluate laws or government actions that classify individuals based on characteristics such as gender or legitimacy. Under this standard, the government must show that the law serves an important governmental interest and that the means used to achieve that interest are substantially related to it. This level of scrutiny is less rigorous than strict scrutiny, which applies to classifications based on race or fundamental rights, but more demanding than rational basis review, which is used for most other types of legislation. Intermediate scrutiny aims to balance individual rights with the government's interests.