Opinion ID: 2116780
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Vagueness Issue.

Text: In order for a penal enactment to pass vagueness scrutiny, it must (1) give a person of ordinary intelligence fair warning of what is prohibited, and (2) provide explicit standards for those who enforce it. Williams v. Osmundson, 281 N.W.2d 622, 625 (Iowa 1979). We have recognized that challengers to the constitutionality of statutes face a heavy burden: Literal exactitude or precision is not necessary. Due process requires no more than a reasonably ascertainable standard of conduct. If the statute's meaning is fairly ascertainable by reliance on generally accepted and common meaning of words used, or by reference to the dictionary, related or similar statutes, the common law, or previous judicial constructions, due process is satisfied. If vagueness can be avoided by a reasonable construction, consistent with the statute's purpose and traditional restraints against judicial legislation, we are duty bound to give [a statute] that interpretation. Id. (quoting Knight v. Iowa Dist. Court, 269 N.W.2d 430, 432 (Iowa 1978)) (citations omitted). The specificity required to uphold a statute against a vagueness challenge need not be apparent on the statute's face. State v. Anderson, 308 N.W.2d 42, 46 (Iowa 1981). We may look to prior decisions, the dictionary, and common usage. Id. Nor will the court search for intolerable lengths to which the statute might be extended. State v. Williams, 238 N.W.2d 302, 306-07 (Iowa 1976). In matters not qualifying for strict scrutiny, challengers must establish that the statute is vague in its application to the conduct with which they are charged. State v. Donner, 243 N.W.2d 850, 853 (Iowa 1976). This requires in the present case that we focus on real property contiguous to the school building and that is used for school purposes. Viewed in this light, we do not find this statute to be impermissibly vague. Section 204.401A envisions that the measurement should begin at the real property comprising the school. Black's Law Dictionary defines real property as: Land, and generally whatever is erected or growing upon or affixed to land. Black's Law Dictionary at 1096 (5th ed. 1979). We believe that the words real property comprising a school are commonly understood to include not only the school buildings but also the contiguous land surrounding the buildings. Our conclusion in this regard is consistent with the decision of a federal court interpreting the federal school yard enhancement provision, which is similar to the Iowa statute. [1] See United States v. Agilar, 779 F.2d 123, 126 (2d Cir.1985) (the 1000-foot demarcation line is sufficiently ascertainable by the average person). See generally Annotation, Validity and Construction of 21 USCS § 860 Enhancing Penalty for Drug Distribution If Offense Occurs Within 1,000 Feet of School, College, or University, 108 A.L.R.Fed. 783 (1992).