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.]

---

词条贡献者

法律翻译Julie，毕业于一所培养最顶级翻译人才的语言学院，专注翻译各类与欧洲通信法规有关的法律文件。