overbreadth doctrine

overbreadth doctrine. Constitutional law. The doctrine holding that if a statute is so broadly written that it deters free expression, then it can be struck down on its face because of its chilling effect — even if it also prohibits acts that may legitimately be forbidden. • The Supreme Court has used this doctrine to invalidate a number of laws, including those that would disallow peaceful picketing or require loyalty oaths. Cf. VAGUENESS DOCTRINE . [Cases: Constitutional Law 90(3). C.J.S. Constitutional Law §§ 502, 542, 546–550.]

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词条贡献者

双语律师Max，国际知名法学院法律专业，擅长翻译各类与航空航天、国防及政府服务相关的法律文件。