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See also Void for vagueness doctrine. The Due Process Clause requires that a criminal statute define explicitly and definitely what acts are prohibited, so as to provide fair warning to an average person and to preclude arbitrary enforcement.


'Vagueness may invalidate a criminal law for either of two independent reasons. First, it may fail to provide the kind of notice that will enable ordinary people to understand what conduct it prohibits; second, it may authorize and even encourage arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement.' City of Chicago v. Morales, 527 U.S. 41, 56, 119 S.Ct. 1849, 144 L.Ed.2d 67 (1999) (plurality opinion) (citing Kolender ...