vagueness
Defined in 4 dictionaries — Case Law, Cyclopedic (1922), Ballentine's (1916), Bouvier (1914)
Definitions from Case Law
From 344 U.S. 174 - United States v. Cardiff · 1952Most cited · 323 citing opinions
The vice of vagueness in criminal statutes is the treachery they conceal either in determining what persons are included or what acts are prohibited. Words which are vague and fluid may be as much of a trap for the innocent as the ancient laws of Caligula.
The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary
Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922
Uncertainty. Certainty is required in contracts, wills, pleadings, judgments, and, indeed, in all the acts on which courts have to give a judgment, and if they be vague so as not to be understood, they are, in general, invalid. 5 Barn. & C. 583; 1 Russ. & M. 116; 1 Chit. Prac. 123. A charge of frequent intemperance and habitual indolence is vague and too general. 2 Mart. (La.; N. S.) 530. See "Certainty." VAILLER (L. Fr.) To be worth; to be of the value.
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916
Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia
John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914
Uncertainty. acts on which courts have to give a judgment, and if they be vague so as not to be understood, they are, in general, invalid; 5 B. & C. 583. A charge of frequent intemperance and habitual indolence is vague and too general; State v. Winthrop, 2 Mart. N. S. (La.) 530. See 36 Ch. Div. 348; Certainty; Nonsense; Uncertainty.