Opinion ID: 1891354
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: As a preface to our consideration of this specific subject, a review of some relevant guiding precepts is deemed appropriate.

Text: A statute is not unconstitutional on its face unless it is unconstitutional in every conceivable state of facts; it is ordinarily not unconstitutional as applied unless it is unconstitutional as applied in the specific factual situation before the court. Moorman Mfg. Co. v. Bair, 254 N.W.2d 737, 755 (Iowa 1977), McCormick, J., concurring specially. We look next to this apt observation in State v. Donner, 243 N.W.2d 850, 853 (Iowa 1976): A statute is not vague when the meaning of the words used can be fairly ascertained by reference to similar statutes, other judicial determinations, reference to the common law, to the dictionary, or if the words themselves have a common and generally accepted meaning. Furthermore, while due process of law mandates a statute be not so vague, indefinite or uncertain as to defy an understanding of consequences attendant upon failure to comply therewith, this tenet does not require more specificity than is reasonably possible under the circumstances. Jordan v. DeGeorge, 341 U.S. 223, 231, 71 S.Ct. 703, 707, 95 L.Ed. 886 (1951). See also Horn v. Burns and Roe, 536 F.2d 251, 254 (8th Cir. 1976); In re T., 9 Cal.App.3d 815, 88 Cal. Rptr. 418, 419 (1970); Matter of Ladewig, 34 Ill.App.3d 393, 340 N.E.2d 150, 153 (1975); 16 Am.Jur.2d Constitutional Law, § 552. Despite the fact § 232.41 is not a crime-related enactment, the termination of parental rights is of such a grave nature that contemporary standards attendant upon the evaluation of vagueness in so-called criminal legislation are deemed applicable. See Jordan v. DeGeorge, 341 U.S. at 231, 71 S.Ct. at 707-708. But see United States v. Powell, 423 U.S. 87, 96 S.Ct. 316, 319, 46 L.Ed.2d 228 (1975); State v. McMaster, 259 Or. 291, 486 P.2d 567, 569-570 (1971). Conceding, arguendo, § 232.41(2)(e), heretofore, quoted, might have been phrased in more precise terms such is not determinative. As previously indicated, the real test is whether the challenged enactment was so vague that men of common intelligence must have necessarily guessed at its meaning and differed as to its application. Bouie v. City of Columbia, 378 U.S. 347, 351, 84 S.Ct. 1697, 1701, 12 L.Ed.2d 894 (1964). Unquestionably, we are here called upon to balance the governmental position involved with private interests of parent and child which may be affected by official action taken. Morrissey v. Brewer, 408 U.S. 471, 481, 92 S.Ct. 2593, 2600, 33 L.Ed.2d 484 (1972). Of course, best interests of the children is of paramount but not overriding importance. In re McGlasson, 195 N.W.2d 116, 118 (Iowa 1972). It is also understood there exists a parental right to integrity of the familial relationship, unless by conduct it be forfeited. Stanley v. Illinois, 405 U.S. 645, 651, 92 S.Ct. 1208, 1212-1213, 31 L.Ed.2d 551 (1972); Long v. Long, 255 N.W.2d 140 (Iowa 1977). Furthermore, a sovereign is duty bound, as parens patriae, to assure proper treatment of all children within the State. Long v. Long, supra ; Re Interest of Morrison Children v. State, 259 Iowa 301, 311, 144 N.W.2d 97 (1966). Clearly, these are not competing but rather relative rights and interests.