Unconstitutional refers to anything that transgresses or is antithetical to a constitution, especially the United States Constitution. In the context of the U.S. legal system, if a law, policy, or action is deemed unconstitutional, it means...
constitutional law
undue burden
The undue burden test established by Planned Parenthood v Casey (1992), was overruled and made moot by Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization, in 2022.
Establishment of the Undue Burden Test under CaseyThe undue...
unincorporated
Unincorporated generally describes an entity or organization that has not been formally established as a legal corporation. This term can also refer to something not mixed or combined with another entity.
In constitutional...
Unitary Executive Theory (UET)
The Unitary Executive Theory (UET) is a Constitutional law theory that states the President of the United States possesses sole authority over the Executive Branch. UET supporters believe the theory originated during the Constitutional...
United States v. Darby
United States v. Darby is a Supreme Court of the United States case that revolves around the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 and issues of federalism. Congress set out federal standards for employment conditions, specifically...
unreasonable
The term “unreasonable” refers to any action or result that exceeds a reasonable expectation, or refers to anything beyond what would be considered “common sense.” In criminal cases, the prosecutor should explain the evidence so clearly that...
vagrancy
Vagrancy is defined as roaming from place to place without a permanent job, home, or material resources. Many criminal statutes targeting vagrancy have been declared invalid for being unconstitutionally vague, which is a violation of due...
vagrant
The term vagrant is used to describe a person who moves from place to place without a permanent job, home, or material resources. In some states, vagrancy is considered a criminal offense. However, some laws criminalizing vagrancy have been...
vague
Vague means hazy, uncertain, or imprecise. The term vague is used in reference to language - especially sentences and paragraphs - that are not clearly expressed. A criminal statute is void for vagueness if it is so vague that it fails to...
vagueness doctrine
The vagueness doctrine is a Constitutional requirement criminal laws must explicitly state and define what conduct is prohibited and punishable. Under the vagueness doctrine, a criminal law cannot be too obscure for the average American...