The principle of the least restrictive means requires the government, when it enacts regulations that affect constitutional freedoms, to choose the option that minimally intrudes on those freedoms while still achieving its compelling objectives. This principle ensures that the liberty interests of individuals are respected as much as possible given the state’s goals.
For example: When safeguarding public health, a vaccination mandate might be considered more restrictive than alternative measures like mask mandates or social distancing requirements if the latter sufficiently contain the spread of a disease.