Final answer:
Affirmative action is subject to the strict scrutiny standard, with the burden of proof on the government to demonstrate the necessity of racial discrimination. The Supreme Court has ruled on affirmative action, permitting the consideration of race as one factor in admissions decisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Affirmative action is generally subject to the strict scrutiny standard in legal cases because it involves redressing discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity. Under strict scrutiny, the government has the burden of proof to demonstrate that racial discrimination is necessary to achieve a compelling governmental interest. The Supreme Court has ruled on several affirmative action cases, such as Bakke v. California and Grutter v. Bollinger, which affirmed the consideration of race or ethnicity as one factor in admissions decisions but prohibited the establishment of racial quotas.