- Ripeness: Applies when a case is brought too early.
- RULE: In order for a case to be ripe, there must be a genuine, immediate threat of harm.
- ESSAY: look at court’s reasons to hold back and not hear the case:
- Future events will sharpen and define the legal issues --- balanced against the Plaintiff’s reasons to hear the case: “I’m going to suffer serious hardship if you deny me immediate review.