Laravel Middleware: Keep Authorization Rules Out of Controllers

Middleware is useful for request-wide concerns such as authentication, throttling, and access checks that apply consistently across routes. It should complement, not replace, resource-level authorization.

A middleware can reject a request before it reaches a controller when the user is unauthenticated or lacks a broad role. For ownership and resource-specific rules, Laravel policies often make the intention clearer: can this user update this particular topic, invoice, or profile?

Apply middleware to route groups where the rule is consistent and avoid relying on hidden navigation links as a security boundary. A button being absent from the interface does not prevent a user from sending a direct HTTP request. Validate incoming data separately from authorization and use explicit allowed fields when updating models.

Test both permitted and forbidden paths, including users who are signed in but do not own the record. Keep error responses consistent with the application’s privacy requirements. Clear separation between authentication, authorization, validation, and business logic makes future route changes safer.