Opinion ID: 845981
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: the issue whether the majority's interpretation of the statute is unconstitutional is properly preserved

Text: The issue whether the majority's interpretation of the statute is unconstitutional has been properly raised and preserved. Contrary to the majority's assertion that the constitutional issue has not been properly preserved, defendant Derror did sufficiently raise this issue. Defendant Derror's first question presented states, IS CARBOXY THC, A METABOLITE OF MARIJUANA WITH NO PHARMACO-LOGIC EFFECTS, A SCHEDULE 1 CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE? One of the reasons that defendant Derror argues 11-carboxy-THC is not a schedule 1 controlled substance is that such an interpretation would be unconstitutional. This is explicitly expressed in one of the subheadings addressing this issue, which states, The Definition Of Marijuana In MCL 333.7106 Does Not Include Carboxy THC. The Unprecedented Expansion Of This Definition, Originally Adopted By The U.S. Congress In 1937, Is Contrary To The Plain Language Of The Statute, Legislative Intent, And Renders The Statute Constitutionally Vague And Overbroad. Further, defendant Derror's second question presented states, CAN MCL 257.625(4), (5) AND (8) BE INTERPRETED TO CREATE STRICT LIABILITY CRIMES WITHOUT VIOLATING DEFENDANTS' CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO DUE PROCESS? In addressing this issue, defendant Derror further explains why classifying 11-carboxy-THC as a schedule 1 controlled substance would violate a person's due process rights. Notably, the prosecutor in Derror responded to these arguments in his brief, specifically arguing that Michigan's statute is constitutional because there is a legitimate state interest in proscribing the use of any amount of certain controlled substances. Not only was this issue briefed, but Chief Justice Taylor specifically questioned the parties about the constitutionality of the statute during oral argument, as did Justice Young and Justice Markman. Accordingly, the majority's contention that I have strongly criticized the practice of raising issues that have never been argued or briefed by the parties is an accurate statement, but it is wholly inapplicable to this case. The parties not only had the opportunity to address the constitutional issue in this case, but they indeed did so. The majority misrepresents the record in this case and quotes from a prior opinion that I wrote to try and conjure up an inconsistency in my position when indeed no such inconsistency exists. The issue of constitutionality has been properly raised and preserved, and, as such, I find the majority's interpretation of the statute to be unconstitutional.