Legality and Specificity

Question 1

U.S. v. Hudson and Goodwin

Answer 1

-The Court doesn’t have the authority to decide what is criminal or illegal, only to enforce

Question 2

Rogers v. Tennessee

Answer 2

-Common law rule of “year and a day” in murder cases

Question 3

What is the Void-for-Vagueness doctrine?

Answer 3

• Legality principle that requires statutes have:
• -Fair warning
• -Not be discriminatory
• -Have clear boundaries (Specificity)

Question 4

Chicago v. Morales

Answer 4

-Statute void for vagueness

Question 5

When does a statute have Specificity?

Answer 5

• When a statute states:
• -What is required
• -What is punishable

Question 6

What is Ex Post Facto?

Answer 6

• Prior act wasn’t criminal at the time

- Contradicts statute