vagueness doctrine (Maryland) · Go Syfert
← Maryland issues

vagueness doctrine in Maryland

36 Maryland opinions name it 3 courts 1976–2024 2 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Maryland courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (30)

CaseFollowedCited
Bowers v. Stategreen
md · 1978 · cited in 17 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 1990–2024
2 sentences

2020Generally, a vagueness challenge to a statute “is based on the application of the statute to the ‘facts at hand.’” Galloway, 365 Md. at 616 (quoting Bowers v. State, 283 Md. 115, 122 (1978)).

2017Similarly, the Court of Appeals rejected a vagueness challenge to a criminal child-abuse statute that defined “abuse” as “physical injury sustained as result of cruel or inhumane treatment,” Bowers v. State, 283 Md. at 127-28 , 389 A.2d 341 ; and to a criminal statute that defined a “drug kingpin” as someone who occupied the position of “organizer, supervisor, financier, or manager” in a drug conspiracy.

917
Williams v. Stategreen
md · 1992 · cited in 12 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 1995–2024
2 sentences

2017“The vagueness doctrine does not require absolute precision or perfection[.]” Blaker v. State Bd. of Chiropractic Exam’rs, 123 Md.App. at 256 , 717 A.2d 964 . “ ‘Even trained lawyers may find it necessary to consult legal dictionaries, treatises, and judicial opinions before they may say with any certainty what some statutes may compel or forbid.’” Williams v. State, 329 Md. at 10 , 616 A.2d 1275 (quoting Rose v. Locke, 423 U.S. 48, 50 , 96 S.Ct. 243 , 46 L.Ed.2d 185 (1975)).

2017“The vagueness doctrine does not require absolute precision or perfection[.]” Blaker v. State Bd. of Chiropractic Exam’rs, 123 Md.App. at 256 , 717 A.2d 964 . “ ‘Even trained lawyers may find it necessary to consult legal dictionaries, treatises, and judicial opinions before they may say with any certainty what some statutes may compel or forbid.’” Williams v. State, 329 Md. at 10 , 616 A.2d 1275 (quoting Rose v. Locke, 423 U.S. 48, 50 , 96 S.Ct. 243 , 46 L.Ed.2d 185 (1975)).

512
Eanes v. Stategreen
md · 1990 · cited in 8 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 1994–2020
2 sentences

2020Because “[t]he root of the vagueness doctrine is a rough idea of fairness,” the “touchstone” of a vagueness analysis is “whether persons of common intelligence must necessarily guess at [the law’s] meaning and differ as to its application.” Id. (cleaned up).

2020Because “[t]he root of the vagueness doctrine is a rough idea of fairness,” the “touchstone” of a vagueness analysis is “whether persons of common intelligence must necessarily guess at [the law’s] meaning and differ as to its application.” Id. (cleaned up).

38
Galloway v. Stategreen
md · 2001 · cited in 12 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2005–2024
2 sentences

2024Moreover, “‘the vagueness doctrine does not require absolute precision or perfection.’” McCree v. State, 441 Md. 4, 20 (2014) (quoting Galloway, 365 Md. at 634 ).

2024Moreover, “‘the vagueness doctrine does not require absolute precision or perfection.’” McCree v. State, 441 Md. 4, 20 (2014) (quoting Galloway, 365 Md. at 634 ).

212
McCree v. Stategreen
md · 2014 · cited in 3 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2020–2024
2 sentences

2024Moreover, “‘the vagueness doctrine does not require absolute precision or perfection.’” McCree v. State, 441 Md. 4, 20 (2014) (quoting Galloway, 365 Md. at 634 ).

2024Moreover, “‘the vagueness doctrine does not require absolute precision or perfection.’” McCree v. State, 441 Md. 4, 20 (2014) (quoting Galloway, 365 Md. at 634 ).

23
State v. Schrivergreen
conn · 1988 · cited in 2 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2016–2020
2 sentences

2020See, e.g., Gallagher v. City of Clayton, 699 F.3d 1013, 1021 (8th Cir. 2012) (“It is well established that vagueness challenges to statutes which do not involve First Amendment freedoms must be examined in light of the facts of the case at hand.”), cert. denied, 569 U.S. 974 (2013); United States v. Other Med., 596 F.3d 677, 682 (9th Cir. 2010) (quoting United States v. Kim, 449 F.3d 933, 942 (9th Cir. 2006)) (“[V]agueness challenges to statutes that do not involve First Amendment violations must be examined as applied to the defendant.”); State v. Schriver, 542 A.2d 686, 689 (Conn. 16 Court o

2016As a result, when a vagueness challenge to a statute does not involve First Amendment interests, a facial challenge to the statute will not be considered.”) (footnote omitted); People v. Einoder, 209 Ill.2d 443, 448 , 283 Ill.Dec. 551 , 808 N.E.2d 517 (2004) ("A defendant may not challenge the facial vagueness of a statute that does not implicate first amendment freedoms unless the statute 'is incapable of any valid application.’ ”); State v. Schriver, 207 Conn. 456, 461 , 542 A.2d 686 (1988) (“For statutes that do not implicate the especially sensitive concerns embodied in the first amendment

22
Arthur Gallagher v. City of Claytongreen
ca8 · 2012 · cited in 2 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2016–2020
2 sentences

2020See, e.g., Gallagher v. City of Clayton, 699 F.3d 1013, 1021 (8th Cir. 2012) (“It is well established that vagueness challenges to statutes which do not involve First Amendment freedoms must be examined in light of the facts of the case at hand.”), cert. denied, 569 U.S. 974 (2013); United States v. Other Med., 596 F.3d 677, 682 (9th Cir. 2010) (quoting United States v. Kim, 449 F.3d 933, 942 (9th Cir. 2006)) (“[V]agueness challenges to statutes that do not involve First Amendment violations must be examined as applied to the defendant.”); State v. Schriver, 542 A.2d 686, 689 (Conn. 16 Court o

2016United States v. Klecker, 348 F.3d 69, 71 (4th Cir.2003); see also United States v. Sun, 278 F.3d 302, 309 (4th Cir.2002); Gallagher v. City of Clayton, 699 F.3d 1013, 1021 (8th Cir.2012) ("It is well established that vagueness challenges to statutes which do not involve First Amendment freedoms must be examined in light of the facts of the case at hand.”); United States v. Other Med., 596 F.3d 677, 682 (9th Cir.2010) ("[Vjagueness challenges to statutes that do not involve the First Amendment violations must be examined as applied to the defendant.”); In re Dependency of M.M., 174 Wash.App. 1

22
United States v. Other Medicinegreen
ca9 · 2010 · cited in 2 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2016–2020
2 sentences

2020See, e.g., Gallagher v. City of Clayton, 699 F.3d 1013, 1021 (8th Cir. 2012) (“It is well established that vagueness challenges to statutes which do not involve First Amendment freedoms must be examined in light of the facts of the case at hand.”), cert. denied, 569 U.S. 974 (2013); United States v. Other Med., 596 F.3d 677, 682 (9th Cir. 2010) (quoting United States v. Kim, 449 F.3d 933, 942 (9th Cir. 2006)) (“[V]agueness challenges to statutes that do not involve First Amendment violations must be examined as applied to the defendant.”); State v. Schriver, 542 A.2d 686, 689 (Conn. 16 Court o

2016United States v. Klecker, 348 F.3d 69, 71 (4th Cir.2003); see also United States v. Sun, 278 F.3d 302, 309 (4th Cir.2002); Gallagher v. City of Clayton, 699 F.3d 1013, 1021 (8th Cir.2012) ("It is well established that vagueness challenges to statutes which do not involve First Amendment freedoms must be examined in light of the facts of the case at hand.”); United States v. Other Med., 596 F.3d 677, 682 (9th Cir.2010) ("[Vjagueness challenges to statutes that do not involve the First Amendment violations must be examined as applied to the defendant.”); In re Dependency of M.M., 174 Wash.App. 1

22
Giaccio v. Pennsylvaniagreen
scotus · 1965 · cited in 2 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 1978–1986
2 sentences

1986See Giaccio v. Pennsylvania, 382 U.S. 399, 402-403 , 86 S.Ct. 518 [520-521], 15 L.Ed.2d 447 (1966).

1986See Giaccio v. Pennsylvania, 382 U.S. 399, 402-403 , 86 S.Ct. 518 [520-521], 15 L.Ed.2d 447 (1966).

22
Colten v. Kentuckygreen
scotus · 1972 · cited in 3 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2000–2016
2 sentences

2000Indeed, the vagueness doctrine is designed to balance the need for criminal statutes "`general enough to take into account a variety of human conduct and sufficiently specific to provide fair warning that certain kinds of conduct are prohibited.'" Id. at 459, 569 A.2d 604 (quoting Colten v. Kentucky, 407 U.S. 104, 110 , 92 S.Ct. 1953, 1957 , 32 L.Ed.2d 584 (1972)).

2000Indeed, the vagueness doctrine is designed to balance the need for criminal statutes "`general enough to take into account a variety of human conduct and sufficiently specific to provide fair warning that certain kinds of conduct are prohibited.'" Id. at 459, 569 A.2d 604 (quoting Colten v. Kentucky, 407 U.S. 104, 110 , 92 S.Ct. 1953, 1957 , 32 L.Ed.2d 584 (1972)).

13
Kolender v. Lawsongreen
scotus · 1983 · cited in 3 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 1992–1995
2 sentences

1995The Supreme Court has described the legislature’s obligation to establish adequate guidelines for enforcement of the law as “the more important aspect of the vagueness doctrine .... ” Kolender v. Lawson, 461 U.S. 352, 358 , 103 S.Ct. 1855, 1858 , 75 L.Ed.2d. 903, 909 (1983).

1995The Supreme Court has described the legislature’s obligation to establish adequate guidelines for enforcement of the law as “the more important aspect of the vagueness doctrine .... ” Kolender v. Lawson, 461 U.S. 352, 358 , 103 S.Ct. 1855, 1858 , 75 L.Ed.2d. 903, 909 (1983).

13
Rose v. Lockegreen
scotus · 1975 · cited in 2 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 1992–2017
2 sentences

2017“The vagueness doctrine does not require absolute precision or perfection[.]” Blaker v. State Bd. of Chiropractic Exam’rs, 123 Md.App. at 256 , 717 A.2d 964 . “ ‘Even trained lawyers may find it necessary to consult legal dictionaries, treatises, and judicial opinions before they may say with any certainty what some statutes may compel or forbid.’” Williams v. State, 329 Md. at 10 , 616 A.2d 1275 (quoting Rose v. Locke, 423 U.S. 48, 50 , 96 S.Ct. 243 , 46 L.Ed.2d 185 (1975)).

2017“The vagueness doctrine does not require absolute precision or perfection[.]” Blaker v. State Bd. of Chiropractic Exam’rs, 123 Md.App. at 256 , 717 A.2d 964 . “ ‘Even trained lawyers may find it necessary to consult legal dictionaries, treatises, and judicial opinions before they may say with any certainty what some statutes may compel or forbid.’” Williams v. State, 329 Md. at 10 , 616 A.2d 1275 (quoting Rose v. Locke, 423 U.S. 48, 50 , 96 S.Ct. 243 , 46 L.Ed.2d 185 (1975)).

12
Grayned v. City of Rockfordgreen
scotus · 1972 · cited in 2 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 1992–2016
2 sentences

2016Cf. VNA Hospice of Maryland v. Dep’t of Health & Mental Hygiene, 406 Md. 584, 604 , 961 A.2d 557, 569 (2008) (discussing this Court’s preference “‘to decide constitutional issues only when necessary.’”) (citations omitted). -4- juries for resolution on an Ad hoc and subjective basis, with the attendant dangers of arbitrary and discriminatory application.” Id. at 121-22, 389 A.2d. at 345 (quoting Grayned v. City of Rockford, 408 U.S. 104, 108-109 , 92 S. Ct. 2294, 2299 (1972) accord, Papachristou v. City of Jacksonville, 405 U.S. 156, 170 , 92 S. Ct. 839, 843 (1972)).

2016Cf. VNA Hospice of Maryland v. Dep’t of Health & Mental Hygiene, 406 Md. 584, 604 , 961 A.2d 557, 569 (2008) (discussing this Court’s preference “‘to decide constitutional issues only when necessary.’”) (citations omitted). -4- juries for resolution on an Ad hoc and subjective basis, with the attendant dangers of arbitrary and discriminatory application.” Id. at 121-22, 389 A.2d. at 345 (quoting Grayned v. City of Rockford, 408 U.S. 104, 108-109 , 92 S. Ct. 2294, 2299 (1972) accord, Papachristou v. City of Jacksonville, 405 U.S. 156, 170 , 92 S. Ct. 839, 843 (1972)).

12
United States v. Powellgreen
scotus · 1975 · cited in 2 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 1992–2001
2 sentences

2001In other words, “the vagueness doctrine does not require absolute precision or perfection.” Williams, 329 Md. at 13 , 616 A.2d at 1280 -81 (citing United States v. Powell, 423 U.S. 87, 94 , 96 S.Ct. 316, 321 , 46 L.Ed.2d 228 (1975)).

2001In other words, “the vagueness doctrine does not require absolute precision or perfection.” Williams, 329 Md. at 13 , 616 A.2d at 1280 -81 (citing United States v. Powell, 423 U.S. 87, 94 , 96 S.Ct. 316, 321 , 46 L.Ed.2d 228 (1975)).

12
Moore v. Williamsburg Cnty. Sch. Dist.green
scotus · 2013 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2020–2020
1 sentence

2020See, e.g., Gallagher v. City of Clayton, 699 F.3d 1013, 1021 (8th Cir. 2012) (“It is well established that vagueness challenges to statutes which do not involve First Amendment freedoms must be examined in light of the facts of the case at hand.”), cert. denied, 569 U.S. 974 (2013); United States v. Other Med., 596 F.3d 677, 682 (9th Cir. 2010) (quoting United States v. Kim, 449 F.3d 933, 942 (9th Cir. 2006)) (“[V]agueness challenges to statutes that do not involve First Amendment violations must be examined as applied to the defendant.”); State v. Schriver, 542 A.2d 686, 689 (Conn. 16 Court o

11
United States v. Jae Gab Kimgreen
ca9 · 2006 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2020–2020
1 sentence

2020See, e.g., Gallagher v. City of Clayton, 699 F.3d 1013, 1021 (8th Cir. 2012) (“It is well established that vagueness challenges to statutes which do not involve First Amendment freedoms must be examined in light of the facts of the case at hand.”), cert. denied, 569 U.S. 974 (2013); United States v. Other Med., 596 F.3d 677, 682 (9th Cir. 2010) (quoting United States v. Kim, 449 F.3d 933, 942 (9th Cir. 2006)) (“[V]agueness challenges to statutes that do not involve First Amendment violations must be examined as applied to the defendant.”); State v. Schriver, 542 A.2d 686, 689 (Conn. 16 Court o

11
People v. Einodergreen
ill · 2004 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
11
VNA Hospice of Md. v. DEPT. OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENEgreen
md · 2008 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
11
United States v. Bing Sun Patte Sun All Ports, Incorporatedgreen
ca4 · 2002 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
2 sentences

2016United States v. Klecker, 348 F.3d 69, 71 (4th Cir.2003); see also United States v. Sun, 278 F.3d 302, 309 (4th Cir.2002); Gallagher v. City of Clayton, 699 F.3d 1013, 1021 (8th Cir.2012) ("It is well established that vagueness challenges to statutes which do not involve First Amendment freedoms must be examined in light of the facts of the case at hand.”); United States v. Other Med., 596 F.3d 677, 682 (9th Cir.2010) ("[Vjagueness challenges to statutes that do not involve the First Amendment violations must be examined as applied to the defendant.”); In re Dependency of M.M., 174 Wash.App. 1

2016United States v. Klecker, 348 F.3d 69, 71 (4th Cir. 2003); see also United States v. Sun, 278 F.3d 302, 309 (4th Cir. 2002); Gallagher v. City of Clayton, 699 F.3d 1013, 1021 (8th Cir. 2012) (‘It is well established that vagueness challenges to statutes which do not involve First Amendment freedoms must be examined in light of the facts of the case at hand.”); United States v. Other Med., 596 F.3d 677, 682 (9th Cir. 2010) (“[V]agueness challenges to statutes that do not involve the First Amendment violations must be examined as applied to the defendant.”); In re Dependency of M.M., 174 Wash. A

11
United States v. Richard Lester Kleckergreen
ca4 · 2003 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
2 sentences

2016United States v. Klecker, 348 F.3d 69, 71 (4th Cir.2003); see also United States v. Sun, 278 F.3d 302, 309 (4th Cir.2002); Gallagher v. City of Clayton, 699 F.3d 1013, 1021 (8th Cir.2012) ("It is well established that vagueness challenges to statutes which do not involve First Amendment freedoms must be examined in light of the facts of the case at hand.”); United States v. Other Med., 596 F.3d 677, 682 (9th Cir.2010) ("[Vjagueness challenges to statutes that do not involve the First Amendment violations must be examined as applied to the defendant.”); In re Dependency of M.M., 174 Wash.App. 1

2016United States v. Klecker, 348 F.3d 69, 71 (4th Cir. 2003); see also United States v. Sun, 278 F.3d 302, 309 (4th Cir. 2002); Gallagher v. City of Clayton, 699 F.3d 1013, 1021 (8th Cir. 2012) (‘It is well established that vagueness challenges to statutes which do not involve First Amendment freedoms must be examined in light of the facts of the case at hand.”); United States v. Other Med., 596 F.3d 677, 682 (9th Cir. 2010) (“[V]agueness challenges to statutes that do not involve the First Amendment violations must be examined as applied to the defendant.”); In re Dependency of M.M., 174 Wash. A

11
Papachristou v. City of Jacksonvillegreen
scotus · 1972 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
2 sentences

2016Cf. VNA Hospice of Maryland v. Dep’t of Health & Mental Hygiene, 406 Md. 584, 604 , 961 A.2d 557, 569 (2008) (discussing this Court’s preference “‘to decide constitutional issues only when necessary.’”) (citations omitted). -4- juries for resolution on an Ad hoc and subjective basis, with the attendant dangers of arbitrary and discriminatory application.” Id. at 121-22, 389 A.2d. at 345 (quoting Grayned v. City of Rockford, 408 U.S. 104, 108-109 , 92 S. Ct. 2294, 2299 (1972) accord, Papachristou v. City of Jacksonville, 405 U.S. 156, 170 , 92 S. Ct. 839, 843 (1972)).

2016Cf. VNA Hospice of Maryland v. Dep’t of Health & Mental Hygiene, 406 Md. 584, 604 , 961 A.2d 557, 569 (2008) (discussing this Court’s preference “‘to decide constitutional issues only when necessary.’”) (citations omitted). -4- juries for resolution on an Ad hoc and subjective basis, with the attendant dangers of arbitrary and discriminatory application.” Id. at 121-22, 389 A.2d. at 345 (quoting Grayned v. City of Rockford, 408 U.S. 104, 108-109 , 92 S. Ct. 2294, 2299 (1972) accord, Papachristou v. City of Jacksonville, 405 U.S. 156, 170 , 92 S. Ct. 839, 843 (1972)).

11
State v. Randolgreen
kan · 1979 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2014–2014
11
Sarah B. Kline v. 1500 Massachusetts Avenue Apartment Corporationgreen
cadc · 1970 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2003–2003
11
State v. Saundersgreen
njsuperctappdiv · 1997 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
11
Schochet v. Stategreen
md · 1990 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
11
Commonwealth v. Hendricksongreen
pa · 1999 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
11
United States v. Smithgreen
dc · 1996 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
11
Smith v. Goguengreen
scotus · 1974 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
11
In Re Charges of Unprofessional Conduct Against N.P.green
minn · 1985 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 1990–1990
11
Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission v. Mayor of Rockvillegreen
md · 1974 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 1976–1976
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Maryland. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (43)

CaseCitedYears
State v. Phillips green
mdctspecapp · 2013
2 sentences

2020Phillips, 210 Md.

2014Phillips, 210 Md.App. at 266 , 63 A.3d 51 .

22014–2020
Livingston v. State green
mdctspecapp · 2010
2 sentences

2020App. at 568, 995 A.2d 812 (quoting Eanes v. State, 318 Md. 436 , 458–59, 569 A.2d 604 (1990)).

2014As this Court recently explained criminal statutes must “provide legally fixed standards and adequate guidelines for police, judicial officers, triers of fact and others whose obligation it is to enforce, apply and administer the penal laws.” [Livingston, 192 Md.App. at 569 , 995 A.2d 812 .] “[A] statute is not unconstitutionally vague merely because it allows for the exercise of some discretion on the part of law enforcement and judicial officials.” Galloway, 365 Md. at 616 [ 781 A.2d 851 ].

22014–2020
United States v. Petrillo green
scotus · 1947
2 sentences

1990In United States v. Petrillo, 332 U.S. 1 , 67 S.Ct. 1538 , 91 L.Ed. 1877 (1947), the Court rejected a vagueness challenge to a criminal provision of the Communications Act of 1934 prohibiting intimidating tactics to coerce a licensee to employ “any person or persons in excess of the number of employees needed by such licensee to perform actual services.” DR 2-106 is much more precise.

1990In United States v. Petrillo, 332 U.S. 1 , 67 S.Ct. 1538 , 91 L.Ed. 1877 (1947), the Court rejected a vagueness challenge to a criminal provision of the Communications Act of 1934 prohibiting intimidating tactics to coerce a licensee to employ “any person or persons in excess of the number of employees needed by such licensee to perform actual services.” DR 2-106 is much more precise.

21990–2009
Connally v. General Construction Co. green
scotus · 1926
2 sentences

1989A vagueness inquiry focuses on whether a law states its requirements in terms so vague that persons of reasonable intelligence “ ‘must necessarily guess at its meaning.’ ” Broadrick v. Oklahoma, 413 U.S. 601, 607 , 93 S.Ct. 2908, 2913 , 37 L.Ed.2d 830 (1973), quoting Connally v. General Construction Co., 269 U.S. 385, 391 , 46 S.Ct. 126, 127 , 70 L.Ed. 322 (1926).

1989A vagueness inquiry focuses on whether a law states its requirements in terms so vague that persons of reasonable intelligence “ ‘must necessarily guess at its meaning.’ ” Broadrick v. Oklahoma, 413 U.S. 601, 607 , 93 S.Ct. 2908, 2913 , 37 L.Ed.2d 830 (1973), quoting Connally v. General Construction Co., 269 U.S. 385, 391 , 46 S.Ct. 126, 127 , 70 L.Ed. 322 (1926).

21989–2001
Sapia v. Charter Marketing Co. green
scotus · 1990
2 sentences

2001See supra p. 855. [7] See Williams v. State, 329 Md. 1, 8 , 616 A.2d 1275, 1278 (1992) (stating that the vagueness doctrine is "rooted in the fourteenth amendment's guarantee of procedural due process"); Eanes v. State, 318 Md. 436, 459 , 569 A.2d 604, 615 (1990) (discussing how vagueness is "based on fourteenth amendment due process or fairness concerns"), cert. denied, 496 U.S. 938 , 110 S.Ct. 3218 , 110 L.Ed.2d 665 ; see also LAURENCE H.

2001See Williams v. State, 329 Md. 1, 8 , 616 A.2d 1275, 1278 (1992) (stating that the vagueness doctrine is “rooted in the fourteenth amendment's guarantee of procedural due process''); Eanes v. State, 318 Md. 436, 459 , 569 A.2d 604, 615 (1990) (discussing how vagueness is "based on fourteenth amendment due process or fairness concerns”), cert. denied, 496 U.S. 938 , 110 S.Ct. 3218 , 110 L.Ed.2d 665 ; see also Laurence H.

21994–2001
Ayers v. State green
md · 1994
1 sentence

2020The Court of Appeals has explained, however, that a facial challenge is appropriate “when a statute threatens to chill constitutionally protected conduct (particularly conduct protected by the First Amendment).” Pizza di Joey, 470 Md. 15 at 362. 4 Accord Ayers v. State, 335 Md. 602 , 624–25 (1994) (Where a “statute appears to impinge upon fundamental constitutional rights such as the First Amendment guarantees of free speech and assembly, the statute is tested for vagueness on its face because its indefiniteness may have a chilling effect on the exercise of First Amendment liberties.”), cert.

12020–2020
Pizza Di Joey, LLC v. Mayor and City Council of Baltimore green
mdctspecapp · 2019
1 sentence

2020Id. at 178-82 .

12020–2020
Motor Vehicle Administration v. Seenath green
md · 2016
1 sentence

2020Seenath, 448 Md. at 183 .

12020–2020
Kersh v. Liberty State Bank & Trust green
scotus · 1995
1 sentence

2020The Court of Appeals has explained, however, that a facial challenge is appropriate “when a statute threatens to chill constitutionally protected conduct (particularly conduct protected by the First Amendment).” Pizza di Joey, 470 Md. 15 at 362. 4 Accord Ayers v. State, 335 Md. 602 , 624–25 (1994) (Where a “statute appears to impinge upon fundamental constitutional rights such as the First Amendment guarantees of free speech and assembly, the statute is tested for vagueness on its face because its indefiniteness may have a chilling effect on the exercise of First Amendment liberties.”), cert.

12020–2020
Johnson v. United States green
scotus · 2015
2 sentences

2020Johnson concerned a vagueness challenge to the “residual clause” of the federal Armed Career Criminal Act (“ACCA”), 18 U.S.C. § 924 (e), which established a mandatory minimum sentence for offenders who have at least three prior convictions for a felony offense involving conduct “that presents a serious potential risk of physical injury to another.” To determine whether ACCA’s greater sentence applied to a particular defendant, a federal district court had to imagine an “ordinary” version of each of the defendant’s potential qualifying prior offenses and assess whether that “abstraction present

2020Because the statute “tie[d] the judicial assessment of risk to a judicially imagined ‘ordinary case’ of a crime, not to real-world facts or statutory elements,” id., it was not surprising that the Supreme Court and the lower federal courts struggled for many years – and failed – to apply ACCA consistently.

12020–2020
Blaker v. State Board of Chiropractic Examiners green
mdctspecapp · 1998
2 sentences

2017“The vagueness doctrine does not require absolute precision or perfection[.]” Blaker v. State Bd. of Chiropractic Exam’rs, 123 Md.App. at 256 , 717 A.2d 964 . “ ‘Even trained lawyers may find it necessary to consult legal dictionaries, treatises, and judicial opinions before they may say with any certainty what some statutes may compel or forbid.’” Williams v. State, 329 Md. at 10 , 616 A.2d 1275 (quoting Rose v. Locke, 423 U.S. 48, 50 , 96 S.Ct. 243 , 46 L.Ed.2d 185 (1975)).

2017“The vagueness doctrine does not require absolute precision or perfection[.]” Blaker v. State Bd. of Chiropractic Exam’rs, 123 Md.App. at 256 , 717 A.2d 964 . “ ‘Even trained lawyers may find it necessary to consult legal dictionaries, treatises, and judicial opinions before they may say with any certainty what some statutes may compel or forbid.’” Williams v. State, 329 Md. at 10 , 616 A.2d 1275 (quoting Rose v. Locke, 423 U.S. 48, 50 , 96 S.Ct. 243 , 46 L.Ed.2d 185 (1975)).

12017–2017
Greve v. Department of Social & Health Services neutral
washctapp · 2013
12016–2016
Skilling v. United States green
scotus · 2010
12014–2014
State v. Butler green
tenncrimapp · 1994
12014–2014
Pack Shack, Inc. v. Howard County green
md · 2003
12008–2008
McKenzie v. State neutral
mdctspecapp · 2000
12005–2005
McKENZIE AND GREEN v. State green
mdctspecapp · 2000
12005–2005
Bartley v. Sweetser green
ark · 1994
12003–2003
In Re James D. green
md · 1983
12001–2001
Wilson v. Board of Supervisors of Elections green
md · 1974
12001–2001
Thornhill v. Alabama green
scotus · 1940
12001–2001
United States v. National Dairy Products Corp. green
scotus · 1963
12001–2001
United States v. Mazurie green
scotus · 1975
12001–2001
State v. Richards green
idahoctapp · 1995
12001–2001
Michigan v. Grzegorczyk green
scotus · 1990
12001–2001
Tapp v. Frank green
scotus · 1990
12001–2001
Bakhshekooei v. United States green
scotus · 1997
12001–2001
Wilson v. Workers' Compensation Appeals Board green
scotus · 1997
12001–2001
Caldwell v. State green
mdctspecapp · 1975
12000–2000
Boyer v. State green
mdctspecapp · 1995
11998–1998
Miller v. Maloney Concrete Co. green
mdctspecapp · 1985
11995–1995
Colautti v. Franklin green
scotus · 1979
11992–1992
United States v. Jose Guadalupe Valenzuela green
ca9 · 1979
11991–1991
Peabody Coal Co. v. Missouri Public Service green
scotus · 1979
11991–1991
Hackett v. Hackett green
scotus · 1979
11991–1991
Hoke v. Board of Medical Examiners green
scotus · 1979
11991–1991
Kovacs v. Cooper green
scotus · 1949
11990–1990
Attorney Grievance Commission v. Korotki green
md · 1990
11990–1990
Libbey-Owens-Ford Co. v. Shatterproof Glass Corp. green
scotus · 1985
11990–1990
In re Matter of N. P. green
scotus · 1985
11990–1990

Statutes the citing opinions construe

MD § Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-902 (4) USC § 42u.s.c.1983 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

CA 356 (1975–2026) WA 312 (1973–2026) TX 223 (1969–2026) IL 160 (1980–2026) CT 116 (1978–2026) OH 102 (1973–2026) CO 99 (1973–2026) FL 91 (1973–2025) NY 87 (1969–2026) NJ 79 (1979–2026) PA 77 (1976–2026) OR 75 (1976–2025) MI 70 (1906–2026) WI 67 (1979–2026) GA 57 (1981–2026) IA 52 (1976–2024) MO 48 (1977–2024) IN 46 (1979–2026) AZ 45 (1978–2026) MA 44 (1958–2026) NM 44 (1971–2023) NV 37 (1987–2026) MN 37 (1973–2024) MD 36 (1976–2024) TN 35 (1973–2025) KS 30 (1978–2026) ID 29 (1985–2025) DC 29 (1972–2021) VA 29 (1975–2024) AL 28 (1982–2016) ND 24 (1975–2025) NE 21 (1897–2023) UT 20 (1988–2026) ME 19 (1981–2024) HI 18 (1919–2019) AK 17 (1972–2026) AR 14 (1987–2015) MS 13 (1985–2020) NH 13 (1974–2025) LA 13 (1985–2023) WV 13 (1982–2023) WY 12 (1979–2014) DE 11 (1978–2024) RI 11 (1978–2015) NC 10 (1981–2026) KY 10 (1985–2020) VT 10 (1999–2026) MT 9 (1994–2026) SC 6 (1990–2025) OK 5 (1978–2005) SD 5 (2003–2014)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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