What does "void for vagueness" mean in legal terms?

The term "void for vagueness" refers to a legal doctrine that holds that a law is invalid if it is not clear enough for a person of ordinary intelligence to understand what conduct is prohibited or regulated. This principle ensures that laws are sufficiently precise to give individuals the ability to conform their behavior to the law. If a law is vague, it fails to provide the necessary guidance, leading to arbitrary enforcement and potentially resulting in unfairness toward individuals who may violate the law unknowingly.

When laws lack clarity and specificity, they can be challenged in court as unconstitutional. As a result, the requirement for laws to be clear and specific is a foundational aspect of due process. This principle serves to protect individuals from being held accountable for actions that may not clearly fall within the contours of the law. Therefore, the assertion that laws should be clear and specific to be upheld correctly captures the essence of what "void for vagueness" means in legal terms.