Which term describes a statute that invalidates laws that cover both protected and criminal activity?

Which term describes a statute that invalidates laws that cover both protected and criminal activity?

• A. Overbreadth
• B. Double jeopardy
• C. Stop and frisk
• D. Reasonable suspicion

Answer: (A)

Overbreadth describes a statute that sweeps in both protected activity and criminal conduct, making it invalid on its face. When a law punishes a broad range of behavior, including constitutionally protected speech or actions, it goes beyond what the Constitution allows, so courts strike it down under the overbreadth doctrine. The other terms don’t capture this issue: double jeopardy is about being tried twice for the same offense; stop and frisk concerns police detentions based on reasonable suspicion; reasonable suspicion is the standard justifying a brief stop.

Overbreadth describes a statute that sweeps in both protected activity and criminal conduct, making it invalid on its face. When a law punishes a broad range of behavior, including constitutionally protected speech or actions, it goes beyond what the Constitution allows, so courts strike it down under the overbreadth doctrine. The other terms don’t capture this issue: double jeopardy is about being tried twice for the same offense; stop and frisk concerns police detentions based on reasonable suspicion; reasonable suspicion is the standard justifying a brief stop.