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84 Mich. App. 610

270 N.W.2d 662

People v. Guy

Michigan Court of Appeals

Decided July 13, 1978

Michigan Court of Appeals · decided 1978-07-13

Applies MI 750 § 750.224

Decided 1978-07-13

Per Curiam.

¶1We agree wholeheartedly with the conclusion reached in Judge Cavanagh’s dissenting opinion that MCL 750.224; MSA 28.421 is *612unconstitutionally vague. We also agree that wherever possible an act should be construed to avoid unconstitutionality, if necessary severing unenforceable provisions.

¶2After much deliberation, however, we cannot see how the statutory provision in question can be saved in this case. For example, if a person buys a can of hairspray or deodorant, we do not believe that the question of whether or not that person is violating the statute should be left to the whim or caprice of law enforcement officials. Rather than have each prosecution effect a common-law construction of the provision, the Legislature, if it so desires, should enact a new law which would include a clearly defined "intent” element.

¶3The trial court’s order to dismiss is affirmed.

¶4Affirmed.

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