Court Opinion

ID: 7284404
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-07-25 20:24:08.240639+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T16:19:06.081778
License: Public Domain

Ebancis, J.
(concurring). I concur in the result decided upon, hut in doing so I cannot escape a sense of unfinished business. Defendant, not being a licensed pharmacist or having such a licensed person in his food market, was charged with operating a pharmacy or drugstore in violation of B. 8. 45:14^-32, N. J. 8. A. in that he sold a certain drug, i. e., a bottle of citrate of magnesia, to a retail customer. He points out, however, that the statute does not apply to the sale of “nonpoisonous patent or proprietary medicines,” B. 8. 45:14-29, N. J. 8. A., and since citrate of magnesia is within the exception, he cannot be found guilty. On the other hand, the Board of Pharmacy contends that citrate of magnesia is not a nonpoisonous patent or proprietary medicine, and therefore a violation has been shown. The trial court agreed with the Board.
The statute does not define “patent or proprietary” medicine. “Poisonous” medicines or drugs or compounds are described with considerable specificity. R. S. 45:14-18 to 22, N. J. S. A. Everyone recognizes that legislation, which is penal in character, imposing substantial sanctions for violation of its mandates, must be construed strictly in favor of the alleged violator. But how can the command of the Legislature be construed or enforced if it is not actually defined, or expressed in terms which are reasonably susceptible of definition? Obviously a state cannot issue commands to its citizens in language so vague and undefined as to afford no fair warning to what conduct might transgress them. Raley v. Ohio, 360 U. S. 423, 79 S. Ct. 1257, 3 L. Ed. 2d 1344 (1959) ; Lanzetta v. New Jersey, 306 U. S. 451, 59 S. Ct. 618, 83 L. Ed. 888 (1939).
I do not believe vagueness of such extreme degree exists here. The judicial branch of the government is charged with the duty of interpreting and administering the statutory law in accordance with what appears reasonably to be the legislative will. We do not have the final word in this area. If, perchance, we misinterpret or overdraw the meaning, the *43lawmakers will quickly invoke their undoubted right to give further expression to their intention.
It is common knowledge that pre-packaged or bottled and fully compounded drugs and medicinal preparations are sold to the public by reference to a trade or manufacturer’s name. Such products are labeled with the name which is brought to public attention by advertising media, and the label or an accompanying wrapper or insert contains directions for their use and the conditions for which they are specifics. There is nothing about them which calls into use any skill or science of the person who sells them. Anyone who can read the label and make change is capable of complying with the request of the purchaser. No physician’s prescription is needed. The druggist does not perform any professional function when he sells them. He is relieved of responsibility for the efficacy or safety of such products which are regulated and controlled by federal and state food and drug legislation. Gf. Note, “State Regulation of Drugs,” 63 Tale L. J. 550 (1954).
Under the circumstances, in my judgment, “patent or proprietary” medicine within the contemplation of the statute in question signifies:
Any non-prescription medicine or drug which is pre-packaged, fully prepared by the manufacturer or producer for use by the consumer, and is accompanied by adequate directions for use.
Citrate of magnesia is clearly a patent or proprietary medicine within that definition. Accordingly, defendant’s conviction is justifiably reversed.
Ekancis and Schettino, JJ., concurring in result.
For reversal — Chief Justice Weintkaub, and Justices Jacobs, Ebancis, Pkoctoe,, Hall, Schettino and Hane-MAN-7.
For affirmance — None.